SAT Vocabulary: The 1000 Most Common Words

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from A to Z found in common SAT preparation lists, providing terms, definitions, and word usage contexts.

"abase"?

To humiliate, degrade

"abate"?

To reduce, lessen

abdicate

To give up a position, usually one of leadership

abduct

To kidnap, take by force

aberration

Something that differs from the norm

abet

To aid, help, encourage

What does the verb "abhor" mean?

To hate, detest

How is the adjective "abject" defined?

Wretched, pitiful

What is the meaning of the verb "abjure"?

To reject, renounce

What does the noun "abnegation" mean?

Denial of comfort to oneself

What is the definition of the verb "abrogate"?

To abolish, usually by authority

What does the adjective "abstruse" mean?

Hard to comprehend

What is the meaning of the verb "accede"?

To agree

What does the noun "accretion" refer to?

Slow growth in size or amount

How is the adjective "acerbic" defined?

Biting, bitter in tone or taste

What does the noun "acrimony" mean?

Bitterness, discord

What is the definition of the noun "acumen"?

Keen insight

What does the adjective "adamant" mean?

Impervious, immovable, unyielding

What is the definition of the adjective "adroit"?

Skillful, dexterous

What does the verb "adumbrate" mean?

To sketch out in a vague way

How is the adjective "affable" defined?

Friendly, amiable

What does the verb "aggrandize" mean?

To increase or make greater

What is the definition of the noun "alacrity"?

Eagerness, speed

What does the adjective "ambiguous" mean?

Uncertain, variably interpretable

How is the adjective "anachronistic" defined?

Being out of correct chronological order

What is the definition of the adjective "antediluvian"?

Ancient

What does the noun "antipathy" mean?

A strong dislike, repugnance

How is the adjective "apocryphal" defined?

Fictitious, false, wrong

What does the noun "approbation" mean?

Praise

What is the definition of the adjective "assiduous"?

Hard-working, diligent

What is the meaning of the verb "atrophy"?

To wither away, decay

How is the noun "avarice" defined?

Excessive greed

What does the adjective "banal" mean?

Dull, commonplace

What is the definition of the adjective "benevolent"?

Marked by goodness or doing good

What does the verb "bilk" mean?

Cheat, defraud

How is the adjective "boisterous" defined?

Loud and full of energy

What does the adjective "bombastic" mean?

Excessively confident, pompous

What is the definition of the noun "cacophony"?

Tremendous noise, disharmonious sound

What does the noun "calumny" refer to?

An attempt to spoil someone else’s reputation by spreading lies

How is the adjective "capricious" defined?

Subject to whim, fickle

What is the meaning of the verb "capitulate"?

To surrender

What does the adjective "circumspect" mean?

Cautious

What is the definition of the adjective "cogent"?

Intellectually convincing

What does the noun "collusion" mean?

Secret agreement, conspiracy

What is the definition of the noun "compunction"?

Distress caused by feeling guilty

What does the noun "conundrum" mean?

Puzzle, problem

What is the definition of the adjective "cupidity"?

Greed, strong desire

How is the adjective "deleterious" defined?

Harmful

What does the noun "demagogue" mean?

A leader who appeals to a people’s prejudices

What is the definition of the noun "depravity"?

Wickedness

What does the verb "deride" mean?

To laugh at mockingly, scorn

How is the adjective "didactic" defined?

Intended to instruct; also overly moralistic

What does the adjective "ebullient" mean?

Extremely lively, enthusiastic

How is the adjective "egregious" defined?

Extremely bad

What is the definition of the verb "enervate"?

To weaken, exhaust

What does the adjective "ephemeral" mean?

Short-lived, fleeting

What is the definition of the noun "equanimity"?

Composure

How is the adjective "esoteric" defined?

Understood by only a select few

What does the verb "exculpate" mean?

To free from guilt or blame, exonerate

What is the meaning of the adjective "fastidious"?

Meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards

What does the adjective "garrulous" mean?

Talkative, wordy

How is the noun "grandiloquence" defined?

Lofty, pompous language

What does the adjective "hackneyed" mean?

Unoriginal, trite

What is the definition of the noun "hegemony"?

Domination over others

What does the noun "iconoclast" refer to?

One who attacks common beliefs or institutions

How is the adjective "immutable" defined?

Not changeable

What is the definition of the adjective "impecunious"?

Poor

What does the adjective "insolent" mean?

Rude, arrogant, overbearing

How is the adjective "intransigent" defined?

Refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion

What does the adjective "irascible" mean?

Easily angered

What is the definition of the adjective "laconic"?

Terse in speech or writing

What does the adjective "magnanimous" mean?

Noble, generous

How is the noun "maverick" defined?

An independent, nonconformist person

What does the adjective "mendacious" mean?

Having a lying, false character

What is the definition of the noun "nadir"?

The lowest point of something

What does the adjective "nefarious" mean?

Heinously villainous

How is the adjective "obdurate" defined?

Unyielding to persuasion or moral influences

What is the definition of the adjective "officious"?

Offering one’s services when they are neither wanted nor needed

What does the noun "panacea" mean?

A remedy for all ills or difficulties

How is the noun "pariah" defined?

An outcast

What is the definition of the adjective "pejorative"?

Derogatory, uncomplimentary

What does the adjective "pernicious" mean?

Extremely destructive or harmful

What is the definition of the noun "probity"?

Virtue, integrity

How is the adjective "pugnacious" defined?

Quarrelsome, combative

What does the noun "quagmire" mean?

A difficult situation

What is the definition of the adjective "quixotic"?

Idealistic, impractical

What does the adjective "recalcitrant" mean?

Defiant, unapologetic

What is the definition of the noun "sagacity"?

Shrewdness, soundness of perspective

How is the noun "serendipity" defined?

Luck, finding good things without looking for them

What does the noun "sycophant" mean?

One who flatters for self-gain

What is the definition of the adjective "taciturn"?

Not inclined to talk

What does the noun "temerity" mean?

Audacity, recklessness

How is the adjective "ubiquitous" defined?

Existing everywhere, widespread

What does the verb "venerate" mean?

To regard with respect or to honor

What is the definition of the noun "veracity"?

Truthfulness, accuracy

How is the noun "virtuoso" defined?

One who excels in an art; a highly skilled musical performer

What does the adjective "winsome" mean?

Charming, pleasing

What is the definition of the adjective "zealous"?

Fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something

What does the noun "zenith" refer to?

The highest point, culminating point

How is the noun "zephyr" defined?

A gentle breeze