100 High-Frequency SAT Words (copy)
1. Abstract
Definition: "Abstract" refers to ideas or concepts that don't have a physical presence—you can't touch or see them, but you know they're there. Think of emotions like love or justice; they're real but intangible.
Example Sentence: While his friends saw random shapes, Leonardo insisted his abstract drawing represented the complexities of time travel.
Your Example Sentence: The artist created abstract art to represent his perception of reality as in a simulation.
2. Acknowledge
Definition: To "acknowledge" means to admit or recognize the existence or truth of something. It's like giving a nod to something you've been ignoring.
Example Sentence: Despite the clear evidence of aliens, the government refused to acknowledge their presence in Area 51.
Your Example Sentence: The CEO acknowledged his inferior coworker for their great idea.
3. Adapt
Definition: To "adapt" means to adjust or change to suit new conditions or environments. Just like how superheroes modify their strategies to defeat new villains.
Example Sentence: When zombies took over the city, the survivors had to adapt quickly to their new reality.
Your Example Sentence: The dinosaurs adapted long necks when the vegetation grew taller.
4. Admonition
Definition: An "admonition" is a gentle warning or piece of advice aimed at correcting or guiding someone. It's like your friend's caution before you attempt that dubious life hack you saw online.
Example Sentence: Yoda's admonition to Luke—"Do or do not; there is no try"—was meant to push him toward commitment.
Your Example Sentence: His grandmother admonished him for slouching.
5. Affluent
Definition: "Affluent" describes someone who is wealthy and has a lot of material goods. Think Tony Stark before he became Iron Man.
Example Sentence: Living in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, she had a golden toilet but still preferred the simple things in life.
Your Example Sentence: Everyone in Buckingham Palace is exceptionally affluent as they can afford the most expensive of decor.
6. Agitate
Definition: To "agitate" means to disturb or upset someone, or to stir up public interest and excitement about a cause.
Example Sentence: The wizard's mysterious disappearance began to agitate the villagers, who feared dark magic was afoot.
Your Example Sentence: His movements agitated me into leaving the room.
7. Anomaly
Definition: An "anomaly" is something that deviates from the norm—it's unusual or unexpected. Like finding a vegan at a barbecue festival.
Example Sentence: The glitch in the Matrix was an anomaly that Neo couldn't ignore.
Your Example Sentence: The gamer searched for the anomaly between the two floors.
8. Antipathy
Definition: "Antipathy" is a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward someone or something.
Example Sentence: His antipathy for Mondays was rivaled only by Garfield the cat.
Your Example Sentence: He had a deep feeling of antipathy towards his math teacher because she kept calling on him only when he didn’t know the answer.
9. Arbitrary
Definition: "Arbitrary" describes something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Example Sentence: Deciding the team's captain by a coin toss seemed arbitrary, but they couldn't agree otherwise.
Your Example Sentence: The game show host encouraged the participant to make an arbitrary choice on which door to pick.
10. Ascertain
Definition: To "ascertain" means to find out something for certain through investigation or experimentation.
Example Sentence: Sherlock Holmes used his keen observation skills to ascertain the culprit's identity.
Your Example Sentence: The researches conducted a study to ascertain the fact that birds are descended from dinosaurs.
11. Aspire
Definition: To "aspire" is to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something great.
Example Sentence: She aspired to be the very best Pokémon trainer, like no one ever was.
Your Example Sentence: Ash Ketchum aspired to be the very best Pokemon trainer by catching the entire pokedex.
12. Benevolent
Definition: "Benevolent" describes someone who is kind, generous, and wants to do good for others.
Example Sentence: The benevolent billionaire decided to give away his fortune to build schools in underprivileged areas.
Your Example Sentence: The benevolent president make healthcare free for all citizens.
13. Capacity
Definition: "Capacity" refers to the maximum amount something can contain or the ability to do something.
Example Sentence: The stadium was filled to capacity when the Quidditch World Cup finals began.
Your Example Sentence: The water tank was filled to maximum capacity with apple juice so that the party would have enough.
14. Censure
Definition: To "censure" means to express strong disapproval or harsh criticism, especially in an official context.
Example Sentence: The council decided to censure the knight for his reckless actions that endangered the kingdom.
Your Example Sentence: I censured towards my Sceptile because it was too slow to beat the Swampert.
15. Coerce
Definition: To "coerce" someone is to compel them to act by force or threat, making them do something against their will.
Example Sentence: The pirate tried to coerce the map's location out of the sailor, but he remained tight-lipped.
Your Example Sentence: The slaves were coerced into working on the farm.
16. Colloquial
Definition: "Colloquial" language is informal and conversational, often specific to a region or group; it's the everyday words people use.
Example Sentence: His essay lost points because he used colloquial phrases like "gonna" and "ain't" instead of formal language.
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17. Complementary
Definition: "Complementary" describes things that go well together, enhancing each other's qualities.
Example Sentence: The dynamic duo had complementary skills—she was the brains, and he was the brawn.
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18. Consensus
Definition: A "consensus" is a general agreement among a group of people.
Example Sentence: After much debate, the Avengers reached a consensus to confront Thanos.
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19. Conventional
Definition: "Conventional" refers to something that follows traditional forms or norms; it's ordinary and unoriginal.
Example Sentence: Wearing a suit to the office is a conventional choice, but he preferred superhero costumes.
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20. Convey
Definition: To "convey" means to communicate or make an idea or feeling known; it can also mean to transport.
Example Sentence: The poet used vivid imagery to convey the depth of his love.
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21. Disparity
Definition: "Disparity" is a significant difference or inequality between two or more things.
Example Sentence: The disparity in power between the Jedi and the Sith led to an epic struggle.
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22. Diverge
Definition: To "diverge" means to separate from a main route or standard and go in a different direction.
Example Sentence: At the crossroads, Frodo and Sam decided to diverge from the Fellowship to continue their quest alone.
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23. Dubious
Definition: "Dubious" means doubtful or suspect; not to be relied upon.
Example Sentence: The salesperson's claims about the car's mileage were dubious at best.
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24. Earnest
Definition: Being "earnest" means showing sincere and intense conviction; you're serious about what you're saying or doing.
Example Sentence: His earnest plea for peace moved the hearts of both warring factions.
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25. Enhance
Definition: To "enhance" means to improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
Example Sentence: She used a filter to enhance the colors in her Instagram photo.
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26. Ephemeral
Definition: "Ephemeral" describes something that lasts for a very short time—it's fleeting and doesn't stick around for long. Think of a Snapchat message that disappears after being viewed, or a mayfly that lives for just a day.
Example Sentence: The beauty of a sunset is ephemeral, fading into night within minutes.
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27. Feeble
Definition: "Feeble" means lacking physical strength, often due to age or illness; it can also mean lacking in force or effectiveness. It's like when your Wi-Fi signal is so weak you can't even load a meme.
Example Sentence: After pulling an all-nighter studying, he felt too feeble to get out of bed for class.
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28. Incredulous
Definition: "Incredulous" describes someone who is unwilling or unable to believe something; they're skeptical or in disbelief. Imagine your friend's face when you tell them you met Beyoncé at the grocery store.
Example Sentence: She was incredulous when she heard that her shy friend had won the talent show.
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29. Indifference
Definition: "Indifference" is a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards something; you just don't care either way. It's like when your teacher announces extra homework, and you shrug because you're already over it.
Example Sentence: His indifference to the outcome of the game annoyed his teammates, who were passionately invested.
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30. Inherent
Definition: "Inherent" means existing as a natural, essential part of something; it's built-in. For example, the ability to adapt is inherent in all living creatures.
Example Sentence: The desire to communicate is inherent in human nature.
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31. Innumerable
Definition: "Innumerable" means too many to be counted; countless. Think of the stars in the night sky or the number of times you've heard "Let It Go" from Frozen.
Example Sentence: She has received innumerable compliments on her baking skills.
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32. Irk
Definition: To "irk" someone is to annoy or irritate them. It's like that feeling when someone keeps clicking their pen during a quiet exam.
Example Sentence: It really irks me when people leave dirty dishes in the sink for days.
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33. Labyrinth
Definition: A "labyrinth" is a complex maze or network of paths that's difficult to navigate. Think of the confusing hallways in a large high school on your first day.
Example Sentence: The ancient tomb was a labyrinth filled with traps and dead ends.
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34. Malice
Definition: "Malice" is the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It's like the villain's motive in a superhero movie.
Example Sentence: The prank was done without malice, meant only to surprise, not hurt.
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35. Manifest
Definition: "Manifest" means clear or obvious to the eye or mind; it can also mean to display or show a quality or feeling through actions or appearance.
Example Sentence: His nervousness was manifest in his shaky hands and quivering voice.
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36. Manipulate
Definition: To "manipulate" means to control or influence someone or something cleverly or unscrupulously. Like when a cat manipulates you into giving it treats by looking extra cute.
Example Sentence: She knew how to manipulate the game's mechanics to her advantage.
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37. Marginalize
Definition: To "marginalize" is to treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral. It's like when someone's ideas are ignored in a group project.
Example Sentence: The new policy could marginalize certain communities by limiting their access to resources.
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38. Meander
Definition: To "meander" means to wander aimlessly without a fixed direction. Imagine taking a leisurely stroll through a park without a specific destination in mind.
Example Sentence: They decided to meander through the old city, exploring whatever caught their eye.
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39. Mundane
Definition: "Mundane" describes something that is ordinary, dull, and lacking excitement; it's the opposite of extraordinary. Like doing laundry or washing dishes.
Example Sentence: Even the most mundane tasks can be fun with the right music playing.
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40. Nuance
Definition: A "nuance" is a subtle difference or distinction in meaning, expression, or sound. It's the small details that make something unique.
Example Sentence: The chef's signature dish had a nuance of spice that set it apart from the rest.
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41. Obliterate
Definition: To "obliterate" means to destroy completely; to wipe out. Think of a sandcastle being washed away by a huge wave.
Example Sentence: The demolition crew was set to obliterate the old building to make way for new development.
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42. Obstinate
Definition: "Obstinate" describes someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or course of action, despite attempts to persuade them.
Example Sentence: He remained obstinate, refusing to try any food that wasn't chicken nuggets.
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43. Panacea
Definition: A "panacea" is a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; a "cure-all." It's like the magic potion in fairy tales that fixes everything.
Example Sentence: Some believe that technology is a panacea for society's problems, but it often creates new issues.
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44. Perspective
Definition: "Perspective" refers to a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; it's your point of view.
Example Sentence: From his perspective, the challenge was an exciting opportunity, not a setback.
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45. Phenomena
Definition: "Phenomena" are observable events or facts that are remarkable or exceptional, especially those not fully understood.
Example Sentence: Meteor showers are natural phenomena that amaze stargazers.
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46. Proliferate
Definition: To "proliferate" means to increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply or spread quickly.
Example Sentence: Rumors tend to proliferate in small towns where everyone knows each other.
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47. Quarrel
Definition: A "quarrel" is an angry argument or disagreement between people who are usually on good terms.
Example Sentence: The best friends had a quarrel over a misunderstanding but made up the next day.
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48. Reluctant
Definition: Being "reluctant" means feeling or showing hesitation or unwillingness.
Example Sentence: He was reluctant to admit he was wrong, even though the evidence was clear.
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49. Reverence
Definition: "Reverence" is deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
Example Sentence: The students showed reverence for their teacher by listening attentively.
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50. Ubiquitous
Definition: "Ubiquitous" means present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Example Sentence: Fast-food chains are so ubiquitous that you can find one on almost every corner.
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51. Adhere
Definition: To "adhere" means to stick firmly to something, either literally (like glue to paper) or figuratively (like sticking to your beliefs). It's about holding on tight, whether it's to a surface or an idea.
Example Sentence: Thanks to his superpowers, Spider-Man can adhere to walls, making skyscraper climbing a breeze.
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52. Advocate
Definition: An "advocate" is someone who publicly supports a cause or policy. As a verb, it means to support or argue in favor of something. Think of a person passionately speaking up for what they believe in.
Example Sentence: Hermione Granger became an advocate for house-elf rights, founding the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W).
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53. Allude
Definition: To "allude" means to hint at or indirectly mention something. It's like giving a subtle nod to an idea without stating it outright.
Example Sentence: The movie's title, "The Lion's Roar," alludes to the main character's courageous journey, much like Simba's in "The Lion King."
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54. Ambivalence
Definition: "Ambivalence" is the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. It's when you're torn between two opposing emotions.
Example Sentence: She felt ambivalence about moving away for college—excited for new adventures but sad to leave her friends behind.
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55. Anecdote
Definition: An "anecdote" is a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person. It's that funny story you tell at parties.
Example Sentence: He shared an anecdote about the time he accidentally wore mismatched shoes to a job interview.
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56. Apprehensive
Definition: Being "apprehensive" means feeling anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen. It's that nervous feeling before taking a big test.
Example Sentence: Katniss was apprehensive about entering the Hunger Games, knowing the dangers that awaited her.
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57. Assert
Definition: To "assert" means to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. It's standing your ground and expressing yourself clearly.
Example Sentence: When asked if he was the superhero, Clark Kent had to assert that he was just an ordinary reporter.
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58. Bias
Definition: A "bias" is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered unfair.
Example Sentence: The referee was accused of bias when he consistently made calls favoring the home team.
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59. Brevity
Definition: "Brevity" means concise and exact use of words in writing or speech; it's about being brief but comprehensive.
Example Sentence: "Good things come in small packages," she said, appreciating the brevity of his heartfelt note.
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60. Buttress
Definition: As a noun, a "buttress" is a projecting support built against a wall. As a verb, it means to support or strengthen.
Example Sentence: The ancient castle's walls were buttressed to withstand attacks from dragons.
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61. Concede
Definition: To "concede" means to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it. It's like finally saying, "Okay, you were right."
Example Sentence: After hours of debate, he had to concede that pineapple might belong on pizza after all.
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62. Corroborate
Definition: To "corroborate" means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding. It's like backing up a friend's story with evidence.
Example Sentence: Watson's observations helped to corroborate Sherlock Holmes's theories.
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63. Decisive
Definition: Being "decisive" means having the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. It's about being firm and confident in your choices.
Example Sentence: Captain America's decisive leadership kept the Avengers united in battle.
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64. Deference
Definition: "Deference" is humble submission and respect toward someone. It's like politely letting your grandparents choose the restaurant.
Example Sentence: In deference to her mentor's advice, she decided to pursue a career in science.
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65. Degrade
Definition: To "degrade" means to treat or regard someone with contempt or disrespect; it can also mean to deteriorate or break down.
Example Sentence: Polluting the oceans can degrade marine ecosystems, harming sea life like Nemo and Dory.
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66. Denounce
Definition: To "denounce" means to publicly declare something or someone to be wrong or evil. It's like calling out bad behavior loudly and clearly.
Example Sentence: The hero decided to denounce the villain's actions during a live broadcast.
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67. Dispute
Definition: A "dispute" is a disagreement or argument. As a verb, it means to argue about something.
Example Sentence: The dwarves had a dispute over who would get the biggest share of the treasure.
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68. Dormant
Definition: "Dormant" describes something that is inactive or in a state of rest but has the potential to become active later.
Example Sentence: The volcano had been dormant for centuries until it suddenly erupted during the tourist season.
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69. Eloquent
Definition: Being "eloquent" means having fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech. An eloquent person expresses themselves clearly and persuasively.
Example Sentence: His eloquent speech about unity moved the crowd to tears, much like Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous addresses.
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70. Evoke
Definition: To "evoke" means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into your mind. It's like a song that takes you back to a special moment.
Example Sentence: The smell of fresh cookies can evoke childhood memories of baking with Grandma.
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71. Exert
Definition: To "exert" means to apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality). It's putting in effort or using your power.
Example Sentence: Superman had to exert all his strength to stop the speeding train.
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72. Explicit
Definition: "Explicit" means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt. It's the opposite of vague.
Example Sentence: The teacher gave explicit instructions not to use any magic outside of class.
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73. Imminent
Definition: "Imminent" describes something that is about to happen; it's looming on the horizon.
Example Sentence: The dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent, so they hurried to find shelter.
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74. Impede
Definition: To "impede" means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; to hinder progress.
Example Sentence: The traffic jam would impede their ability to reach the concert on time.
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75. Implicit
Definition: "Implicit" means implied though not plainly expressed; it's understood without being stated directly.
Example Sentence: There was an implicit agreement between the friends that they'd always have each other's backs.
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76. Impose
Definition: To "impose" means to force something unwelcome or unfamiliar to be accepted or put in place. It's like when someone makes you do something you don't want to do, or when a rule is enforced without your consent.
Example Sentence: The evil queen decided to impose a new tax on smiles, making happiness costly in the kingdom.
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77. Inevitable
Definition: "Inevitable" describes something that is certain to happen and cannot be avoided. It's like Thanos snapping his fingers—inevitable in the grand scheme of the Marvel universe.
Example Sentence: Despite their best efforts to prevent it, the team's defeat seemed inevitable against the undefeated champions.
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78. Invoke
Definition: To "invoke" means to call upon a higher power for assistance or inspiration, or to cite something as an authority. It's like summoning a spell or referencing a law to support your argument.
Example Sentence: The wizard sought to invoke ancient magic to help defeat the dark forces.
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79. Ironic
Definition: "Ironic" refers to a situation that is the opposite of what you would expect, often in a humorous or poignant way. It's like a fire station burning down—that's ironic.
Example Sentence: It's ironic that the world's best swimmer was afraid of deep water.
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80. Novel
Definition: As an adjective, "novel" means new or unusual in an interesting way. It's something original that hasn't been seen before.
Example Sentence: She came up with a novel solution to the math problem that even impressed her teacher.
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81. Obscure
Definition: "Obscure" means not well-known or hard to understand; it can also mean to conceal or make unclear. It's like that indie band only you and a handful of people have heard of.
Example Sentence: The treasure map was filled with obscure clues that only a true pirate could decipher.
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82. Obsolete
Definition: "Obsolete" describes something that is no longer produced or used; it's out of date. Think of technology like floppy disks or VHS tapes.
Example Sentence: With the rise of streaming services, DVDs are becoming increasingly obsolete.
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83. Oppressive
Definition: "Oppressive" refers to something that is unjustly harsh or tyrannical, often weighing heavily on the mind or spirits. It's like a villain's rule over a dystopian society.
Example Sentence: The oppressive heat made it impossible to enjoy the outdoor festival.
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84. Pervasive
Definition: "Pervasive" means spreading widely throughout an area or group of people. It's something that's everywhere, like the smell of popcorn at a movie theater.
Example Sentence: Social media has a pervasive influence on how we communicate.
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85. Prevalence
Definition: "Prevalence" is the fact or condition of being widespread or common. It's how frequent or popular something is.
Example Sentence: The prevalence of smartphones has changed the way we access information.
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86. Prominent
Definition: "Prominent" means important or famous; standing out so as to be easily seen. It's like a celebrity or a notable landmark.
Example Sentence: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most prominent symbols of Paris.
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87. Provoke
Definition: To "provoke" means to stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one, in someone. It's like poking a bear—not a good idea.
Example Sentence: His teasing was meant to provoke her into reacting, but she stayed calm.
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88. Reciprocate
Definition: To "reciprocate" means to respond to an action or gesture by making a corresponding one. It's like returning a favor or expressing mutual feelings.
Example Sentence: When he gave her a high-five, she reciprocated with a fist bump.
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89. Reconcile
Definition: To "reconcile" means to restore friendly relations between people or make two opposing things compatible. It's like making up after a big fight.
Example Sentence: After years of rivalry, the two superheroes decided to reconcile and join forces.
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90. Refute
Definition: To "refute" means to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to disprove. It's like debunking a myth.
Example Sentence: The scientist was able to refute the flat Earth theory with evidence from space missions.
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91. Renounce
Definition: To "renounce" means to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession. It's like giving up a throne or a title.
Example Sentence: The prince chose to renounce his royal title to live a normal life.
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92. Repression
Definition: "Repression" is the act of subduing someone or something by force; it's also the restraint or inhibition of a feeling or quality.
Example Sentence: The strict rules led to the repression of creativity among the students.
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93. Retain
Definition: To "retain" means to keep possession of something or continue to have something. It's like holding onto your old comic books because you might read them again.
Example Sentence: She tried to retain as much information as possible before the big exam.
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94. Skeptical
Definition: Being "skeptical" means not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations. It's like questioning whether unicorns really exist.
Example Sentence: He was skeptical of the infomercial's claims that the blender could also mow the lawn.
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95. Speculate
Definition: To "speculate" means to form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence. It's like guessing what will happen in the next season of your favorite show.
Example Sentence: Fans love to speculate about the hidden meanings in the latest sci-fi movie.
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96. Substantiate
Definition: To "substantiate" means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something. It's like backing up your argument with facts.
Example Sentence: The journalist needed to substantiate her article with credible sources.
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97. Subtle
Definition: "Subtle" describes something so delicate or precise that it's difficult to analyze or describe; not obvious. It's like a hint of flavor you can't quite put your finger on.
Example Sentence: There was a subtle hint of cinnamon in the chocolate cake.
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98. Supplement
Definition: A "supplement" is something that completes or enhances something else when added to it. As a verb, it means to add an extra element or amount to.
Example Sentence: He decided to supplement his income by taking on freelance work.
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99. Undermine
Definition: To "undermine" means to damage or weaken someone or something gradually. It's like eroding the foundation of a building over time.
Example Sentence: Gossip and rumors can undermine trust within a team.
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100. Validate
Definition: To "validate" means to check or prove the validity or accuracy of something; to confirm or endorse.
Example Sentence: The scientist ran multiple experiments to validate her hypothesis.