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SAT Vocabulary Words

The current digital SAT Reading and Writing section uses short passages from literature, history and social studies, the humanities, and science. Its Craft and Structure questions ask students to determine the meaning of high-utility words in context and to choose the most logical and precise word or phrase. Vocabulary also supports evidence, inference, rhetorical synthesis, transitions, and clear Standard English expression across the section.

This independently authored 800-word beta curriculum is arranged in twenty-three pages of up to thirty-five words. Pages containing words 1–500 include five cloze questions drawn only from that enhanced range; words 501–800 remain fully visible and editable while the expanded practice layer is developed. Each row includes a passage-field label and an editable word-study note about a transparent affix, compound structure, capitalization, or dictionary base form. The list is an unofficial KSSR learning resource and is not endorsed by or affiliated with College Board. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board.

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Words 106–140 of 800
#	Word	Details	Meaning	Sample sentence
106	cryptic	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: cryptic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	cryptique	The note's cryptic wording left investigators uncertain.
107	culminate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: culminate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	culminer	Months of rehearsals will culminate in a public performance.
108	cursory	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: cursory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. rapide 2. superficiel	A cursory inspection failed to reveal the small fracture.
109	dearth	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dearth is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	disette	A dearth of reliable records limits the historian's conclusions.
110	debunk	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: debunk is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. dévoiler 2. se déconsidérer 3. mettre en pièces	The experiment helped debunk a popular myth about memory.
111	deference	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.	1. déférence 2. respect	Out of deference to local experts, the team revised its plan.
112	delineate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: delineate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	décrire	The contract must delineate each partner's responsibilities.
113	denigrate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: denigrate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. dénigrer 2. médire	The article should challenge the theory without trying to denigrate its author.
114	denote	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: denote is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. dénoter 2. indiquer 3. marquer	On this map, a dashed line may denote a seasonal trail.
115	deride	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: deride is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. bafouer 2. railler	Critics began to deride the invention before testing it.
116	derivative	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.	dérivé	Reviewers found the sequel derivative despite its impressive effects.
117	despondent	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: despondent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. déprimé 2. abattu 3. découragé	The repeated rejections left the applicant despondent.
118	didactic	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: didactic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	didactique	The novel is didactic, but its characters still feel convincing.
119	diffident	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: diffident is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	timide	The diffident student spoke more freely in a small group.
120	diligent	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: diligent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. industrieux 2. diligent	A diligent researcher checks every citation against its source.
121	discerning	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discerning is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	exigeant	A discerning reader notices when evidence does not support a conclusion.
122	discredit	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discredit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	discréditer	One fabricated result can discredit an otherwise valuable study.
123	discrepancy	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discrepancy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. incohérence 2. désaccord	Auditors investigated a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment.
124	discrete	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discrete is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	distinct	The survey measures three discrete aspects of public opinion.
125	disdain	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: disdain is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. dédain 2. mépris	The narrator expresses disdain for empty displays of wealth.
126	disparate	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: disparate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	disparate	The essay connects disparate examples through one central idea.
127	dispassionate	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dispassionate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. dépassionné 2. calme 3. rationnel	A judge must offer a dispassionate evaluation of the evidence.
128	disseminate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: disseminate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	disséminer	Public agencies disseminate storm warnings through several channels.
129	diverge	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: diverge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	diverger	The researchers' interpretations diverge after the first experiment.
130	dogmatic	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dogmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	dogmatique	The essay sounds dogmatic because it ignores reasonable objections.
131	eclectic	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: eclectic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	éclectique	The exhibit presents an eclectic mix of sculpture, film, and textiles.
132	elicit	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: elicit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. causer 2. réaliser 3. obtenir	The interviewer used open questions to elicit detailed memories.
133	eloquent	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: eloquent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	éloquent	Her eloquent defense of the library changed several votes.
134	elusive	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.	1. ambigu 2. obscur	A simple explanation for the pattern remains elusive.
135	emulate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: emulate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. émuler 2. imiter	Young architects often emulate designs they admire.
136	enervate	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: enervate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	affaiblir	Weeks of extreme heat can enervate even experienced fieldworkers.
137	engender	verb Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: engender is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	1. engendrer 2. concevoir 3. donner le jour à	Transparent rules can engender trust in public institutions.
138	enigmatic	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: enigmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	énigmatique	The painting's enigmatic symbols invite several interpretations.
139	ephemeral	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: ephemeral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.	éphémère	Online fame can be ephemeral without meaningful work behind it.
140	equanimity	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.	équanimité	The pilot responded to the emergency with remarkable equanimity.

Vocabulary reading and practice

A Dispassionate Reply

Reading practice for pages 4–6. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

Online comments deride a mayor’s temporary art display, but their outrage may prove ephemeral. In a dispassionate reply, the curator explains that the empty frame is meant to denote absence, not carelessness. She maintains equanimity throughout the debate, answering criticism without either contempt or panic.

French translation

Des commentaires en ligne tournent en dérision l’exposition artistique temporaire d’un maire, mais leur indignation pourrait se révéler éphémère. Dans une réponse impartiale, la commissaire d’exposition explique que le cadre vide est destiné à représenter l’absence, et non la négligence. Elle conserve son sang-froid tout au long du débat, répondant aux critiques sans mépris ni panique.

Reading comprehension

1. Why may the outrage be ephemeral?

The outrage concerns a temporary display and may fade.

2. What does the empty frame denote?

It denotes absence.

3. How does the curator show equanimity?

She answers criticism calmly.

Vocabulary quiz

Choose the dictionary equivalent for each of 5 selected words.

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About the digital SAT

The digital SAT Reading and Writing section measures comprehension, analysis, synthesis, rhetoric, and command of language. Its Words in Context questions ask students to determine a word’s meaning or choose the most logical and precise word for a particular passage. That means SAT vocabulary study should focus on useful academic words, multiple meanings, tone, and exact usage—not on memorizing rare words in isolation.

Use this list as one part of SAT preparation. Read each example closely, compare near-synonyms, and notice how surrounding sentences control meaning. The lesson readings and questions are designed to practise the same habits of contextual reasoning, while official College Board questions remain the best guide to the test’s exact format.

College Board test overview

Sources and curriculum references

These references guide selection and calibration. Definitions, sample sentences, readings, questions, and teaching notes are independently written and reviewed.

SAT Vocabulary Words

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A Dispassionate Reply

English reading

French translation

Reading comprehension

Vocabulary quiz

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