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SAT Vocabulary Words

English Vocabulary · SAT Preparation Live Review Preview

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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Page 1: words 1–35

Vocabulary page 1
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
1abashverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abash is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

confondreThe unexpected praise seemed to abash the normally confident speaker.
2abateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abaisser 2. abattre 3. déprimerThe wind began to abate shortly after sunset.
3abdicateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abdicate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abdiquerA leader cannot abdicate responsibility when a policy fails.
4aberrationnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

aberrationThe single cold day was an aberration in an otherwise warm month.
5abhorverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abhor is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. avoir horreur de 2. abhorrer 3. avoir horreurThe reformer came to abhor laws that punished peaceful dissent.
6abjectadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abject is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abject 2. misérable 3. fangeuxThe expedition ended in abject failure after both engines stopped.
7abridgeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abridge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abrégerThe editor will abridge the memoir for younger readers.
8absolveverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: absolve is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

absoudreNew evidence may absolve the driver of responsibility for the crash.
9abstainverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abstain is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

s'abstenirTwo committee members will abstain from voting because of conflicts of interest.
10abstruseadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abstruse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abstrus 2. absconsThe article's abstruse terminology confused readers outside the field.
11abysmaladjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: abysmal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. épouvantable 2. terrible 3. exécrableThe shelter's abysmal conditions prompted an official investigation.
12accedeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: accede is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

accepterAfter months of debate, the council chose to accede to the residents' demand.
13acclaimnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: acclaim is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

acclamerThe novelist earned critical acclaim for her vivid historical research.
14accoladenoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: accolade is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

accoladeThe scientist accepted the accolade on behalf of her entire laboratory.
15accommodateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: accommodate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hébergerThe revised schedule can accommodate students in different time zones.
16acquiesceverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: acquiesce is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

acquiescerFaced with a unanimous vote, the director decided to acquiesce.
17acrimonynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: acrimony is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. acrimonie 2. âcreté 3. aigreurYears of acrimony made a calm settlement difficult.
18acumennoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: acumen is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sagacitéHer financial acumen helped the small company survive the recession.
19adamantadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: adamant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. catégorique 2. inflexibleThe physician was adamant that the trial must follow safety rules.
20adaptableadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

adaptableAn adaptable species can survive rapid environmental change.
21adeptadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: adept is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

expertThe mediator was adept at finding language both sides could accept.
22adjacentadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: adjacent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

adjacentThe museum moved the sculpture to an adjacent gallery.
23admonishverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: admonish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

admonesterThe judge had to admonish the witness for interrupting.
24adroitadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: adroit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

adroitHer adroit response redirected the tense interview toward useful facts.
25adulationnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

adulationThe actor distrusted the sudden adulation that followed one successful film.
26advocateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: advocate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

préconiserSeveral physicians advocate earlier screening for the disease.
27aestheticadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: aesthetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

esthétiqueThe architect balanced aesthetic goals with practical safety needs.
28affableadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: affable is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. aimable 2. affableThe affable professor welcomed questions after the lecture.
29affinitynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

affinitéMina felt an affinity for stories about determined explorers.
30affirmverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: affirm is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

affirmerThe ruling will affirm every citizen's right to peaceful assembly.
31agnosticadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: agnostic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

agnostiqueThe software is platform agnostic and works on several operating systems.
32alacritynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

rapiditéThe volunteers responded with alacrity when extra help was requested.
33allegeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: allege is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. prétendre 2. alléguer 3. prétexterInvestigators allege that the contractor concealed safety defects.
34alleviateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: alleviate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. adoucir 2. calmer 3. soulagerShade trees can alleviate extreme heat on city streets.
35alludeverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: allude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. alluder 2. faire allusion 3. suggérerThe poem may allude to an ancient myth without naming it.

An Unexpected Accolade

Reading practice for pages 1–3. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

The museum’s new aesthetic initially divides reviewers, but one respected advocate explains how its spare design directs attention toward the art. Public acclaim follows. At the opening, an unexpected accolade seems to abash the normally confident architect, who responds with a brief thank-you rather than a victory speech.

French translation

La nouvelle esthétique du musée divise d’abord les critiques, mais un défenseur respecté explique comment son design épuré dirige l’attention vers l’art. L’admiration du public suit. Lors de l’inauguration, un éloge inattendu semble embarrasser l’architecte, d’ordinaire sûr de lui, qui répond par un bref remerciement plutôt que par un discours de victoire.

Reading comprehension

1. What does the advocate explain?

The advocate explains how the design directs attention to the art.

2. What follows the favorable explanation?

Public acclaim follows.

3. Why does the accolade abash the architect?

The unexpected praise makes the architect self-conscious.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The novelist earned critical ___ for her vivid historical research.

Answer: acclaim

2. Several physicians ___ earlier screening for the disease.

Answer: advocate

3. The unexpected praise seemed to ___ the normally confident speaker.

Answer: abash

4. The scientist accepted the ___ on behalf of her entire laboratory.

Answer: accolade

5. The architect balanced ___ goals with practical safety needs.

Answer: aesthetic

Page 2: words 36–70

Vocabulary page 2
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
36allusionnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -sion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

allusionThe title contains an allusion to a well-known folktale.
37aloofadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: aloof is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. distant 2. dédaigneux 3. réservéHis aloof manner made cooperation seem unlikely.
38altruismnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

altruismeThe anonymous donation was an act of genuine altruism.
39ambiguousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. ambigu 2. à double sensThe ambiguous instructions produced three different results.
40ambivalentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: ambivalent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ambivalentShe felt ambivalent about leaving home for a distant university.
41ameliorateverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: ameliorate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

améliorerThe new drainage system should ameliorate flooding in the valley.
42amenableadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

conciliantThe board was amenable to a compromise supported by both groups.
43amiableadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: amiable is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. aimable 2. avenant 3. affableDespite the fierce debate, the candidates remained amiable afterward.
44amnestynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: amnesty is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

amnistierThe government offered amnesty to people who surrendered banned equipment.
45amorphousadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

amorpheThe movement remained amorphous until its members adopted shared goals.
46anachronismnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

anachronismeA digital wristwatch would be an anachronism in a film set in 1800.
47anarchynoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: anarchy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

anarchieThe collapse of local authority briefly led to anarchy.
48anecdotaladjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: anecdotal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

anecdotiqueThe claim rests on anecdotal reports, not a controlled study.
49animositynoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

animositéOld animosity between the rivals complicated the negotiations.
50anomalynoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: anomaly is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

anomalieScientists rechecked the instrument after detecting an anomaly in the data.
51antecedentnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: antecedent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

antécédentThe historian traced the law's antecedent to a colonial ordinance.
52antipathynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Prefix focus: anti- means against or opposed to.

antipathieHer antipathy toward dishonesty shaped every hiring decision.
53apathynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: apathy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apathieVoter apathy can weaken public accountability.
54aphorismnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

aphorismeThe essay opens with an aphorism about patience and power.
55appeaseverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: appease is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apaiserA minor concession did little to appease the angry residents.
56approbationnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

approbationThe proposal won the approbation of several respected researchers.
57arbitraryadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: arbitrary is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

arbitraireThe deadline seemed arbitrary because no schedule depended on it.
58arcaneadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: arcane is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

arcaneThe manual explains arcane legal terms in plain language.
59archaicadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: archaic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

archaïqueThe translator replaced each archaic expression with a modern equivalent.
60ardentadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: ardent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. ardent 2. farouche 3. ferventAn ardent conservationist, Lee spent weekends restoring wetlands.
61arduousadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

arduRestoring the storm-damaged archive was an arduous task.
62articulateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: articulate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

articulerThe witness struggled to articulate exactly what she had observed.
63asceticadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: ascetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ascèteThe monk followed an ascetic routine of simple meals and few possessions.
64assiduousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

assiduThrough assiduous research, the biographer verified every quotation.
65assimilateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: assimilate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

assimilerReaders need time to assimilate several competing explanations.
66assuageverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: assuage is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. calmer 2. apaiserClear safety data helped assuage public anxiety.
67astuteadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: astute is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. astucieux 2. avisé 3. sagaceAn astute editor recognized the argument's hidden assumption.
68audaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

audacieuxThe engineers proposed an audacious plan to move the entire lighthouse.
69augmentverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: augment is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

augmenter l'intervalleSolar panels will augment the building's existing power supply.
70austereadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: austere is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

austèreThe room's austere design reflected the order's values.

Page 2 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 2.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The anonymous donation was an act of genuine ___.

Answer: altruism

2. The historian traced the law's ___ to a colonial ordinance.

Answer: antecedent

3. Through ___ research, the biographer verified every quotation.

Answer: assiduous

4. The ___ instructions produced three different results.

Answer: ambiguous

5. Her ___ toward dishonesty shaped every hiring decision.

Answer: antipathy

Page 3: words 71–105

Vocabulary page 3
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
71autonomousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

autonomeThe region became autonomous while remaining part of the federation.
72avaricenoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: avarice is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

avariceThe novel portrays avarice as a force that destroys trust.
73aversionnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -sion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

aversionHis aversion to risk kept him from investing in the uncertain venture.
74banaladjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: banal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

banalThe critic dismissed the slogan as banal and forgettable.
75believerb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: belie is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

démentirHer calm voice seemed to belie the urgency of the situation.
76belligerentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: belligerent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

belliqueuxThe diplomat's belligerent remarks threatened the fragile truce.
77benignadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: benign is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

béninTests confirmed that the unusual growth was benign.
78bolsterverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: bolster is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. soutenir 2. renforcer 3. appuyerNew survey data may bolster the report's central claim.
79bombasticadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: bombastic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abscons 2. verbeuxThe mayor's bombastic speech offered drama but no practical plan.
80brevitynoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

1. concision 2. brièvetéThe editor praised the memo's clarity and brevity.
81candidadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: candid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sincèreHer candid assessment revealed serious flaws in the project.
82capriciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

capricieuxCapricious enforcement made the rule seem unfair.
83catalystnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: catalyst is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. catalyseur 2. ferment 3. démiurgeThe court decision became a catalyst for nationwide reform.
84causticadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: caustic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

caustiqueHis caustic review attacked the author instead of evaluating the evidence.
85censureverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: censure is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. censurer 2. décrierThe committee voted to censure the official for hiding records.
86circumspectadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: circumspect is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

circonspectThe attorney remained circumspect when discussing an unresolved case.
87circumventverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: circumvent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

contournerThe company tried to circumvent the ban by changing the product's name.
88coalesceverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: coalesce is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. se fondre 2. coalescer 3. s'amalgamerSeveral neighborhood groups began to coalesce around one proposal.
89coerceverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: coerce is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. forcer 2. contraindre 3. retenirA valid agreement cannot coerce either party into surrendering legal rights.
90cogentadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: cogent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. convaincant 2. persuasif 3. cohérentThe lawyer offered a cogent explanation supported by three records.
91collaborateverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: collaborate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

collaborerScientists from five countries will collaborate on the telescope project.
92complacentadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: complacent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

suffisantEarly success made the team complacent about quality control.
93complementverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: complement is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. compléter 2. complémenterThe photographs complement the essay's detailed description.
94comprehensiveadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. complet 2. exhaustifThe review provides a comprehensive account of existing research.
95concedeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: concede is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. concéder 2. reconnaître 3. admettreThe author must concede that the evidence remains incomplete.
96conciliatoryadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: conciliatory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. accommodant 2. conciliatoireHer conciliatory reply reopened the stalled negotiations.
97concurrentadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: concurrent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. concomitant 2. simultanéThe study tracked two concurrent changes in rainfall and crop yield.
98condoneverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: condone is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. pardonner 2. autoriser 3. cautionnerSilence may appear to condone conduct that should be challenged.
99construeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: construe is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. expliquer 2. comprendreSome readers construe the ending as hopeful, while others find it bleak.
100contentiousadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. provocateur 2. agressif 3. bagarreurHousing policy became the election's most contentious issue.
101contextualizeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

contextualiserThe introduction will contextualize the speech within the labor movement.
102contriveverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: contrive is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. combiner 2. inventerThe playwright can contrive a meeting without making it seem improbable.
103conventionaladjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: conventional is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

conventionnelThe artist rejected conventional portrait techniques.
104convergeverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: converge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

convergerThe two lines of evidence converge on the same conclusion.
105corroborateverb
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: corroborate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

corroborerPhone records corroborate the witness's timeline.

Page 3 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 3.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The diplomat's ___ remarks threatened the fragile truce.

Answer: belligerent

2. A valid agreement cannot ___ either party into surrendering legal rights.

Answer: coerce

3. The playwright can ___ a meeting without making it seem improbable.

Answer: contrive

4. Tests confirmed that the unusual growth was ___.

Answer: benign

5. The lawyer offered a ___ explanation supported by three records.

Answer: cogent

Page 4: words 106–140

Vocabulary page 4
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
106crypticadjective
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.

cryptiqueThe note's cryptic wording left investigators uncertain.
107culminateverb
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.

culminerMonths of rehearsals will culminate in a public performance.
108cursoryadjective
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. superficielA cursory inspection failed to reveal the small fracture.
109dearthnoun
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.

disetteA dearth of reliable records limits the historian's conclusions.
110debunkverb
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 piècesThe experiment helped debunk a popular myth about memory.
111deferencenoun
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. respectOut of deference to local experts, the team revised its plan.
112delineateverb
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.

décrireThe contract must delineate each partner's responsibilities.
113denigrateverb
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. médireThe article should challenge the theory without trying to denigrate its author.
114denoteverb
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. marquerOn this map, a dashed line may denote a seasonal trail.
115derideverb
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. raillerCritics began to deride the invention before testing it.
116derivativeadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

dérivéReviewers found the sequel derivative despite its impressive effects.
117despondentadjective
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. découragéThe repeated rejections left the applicant despondent.
118didacticadjective
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.

didactiqueThe novel is didactic, but its characters still feel convincing.
119diffidentadjective
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.

timideThe diffident student spoke more freely in a small group.
120diligentadjective
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. diligentA diligent researcher checks every citation against its source.
121discerningadjective
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.

exigeantA discerning reader notices when evidence does not support a conclusion.
122discreditverb
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.

discréditerOne fabricated result can discredit an otherwise valuable study.
123discrepancynoun
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. désaccordAuditors investigated a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment.
124discreteadjective
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.

distinctThe survey measures three discrete aspects of public opinion.
125disdainnoun
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. méprisThe narrator expresses disdain for empty displays of wealth.
126disparateadjective
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.

disparateThe essay connects disparate examples through one central idea.
127dispassionateadjective
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. rationnelA judge must offer a dispassionate evaluation of the evidence.
128disseminateverb
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.

disséminerPublic agencies disseminate storm warnings through several channels.
129divergeverb
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.

divergerThe researchers' interpretations diverge after the first experiment.
130dogmaticadjective
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.

dogmatiqueThe essay sounds dogmatic because it ignores reasonable objections.
131eclecticadjective
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.

éclectiqueThe exhibit presents an eclectic mix of sculpture, film, and textiles.
132elicitverb
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. obtenirThe interviewer used open questions to elicit detailed memories.
133eloquentadjective
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.

éloquentHer eloquent defense of the library changed several votes.
134elusiveadjective
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. obscurA simple explanation for the pattern remains elusive.
135emulateverb
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. imiterYoung architects often emulate designs they admire.
136enervateverb
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.

affaiblirWeeks of extreme heat can enervate even experienced fieldworkers.
137engenderverb
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 àTransparent rules can engender trust in public institutions.
138enigmaticadjective
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.

énigmatiqueThe painting's enigmatic symbols invite several interpretations.
139ephemeraladjective
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.

éphémèreOnline fame can be ephemeral without meaningful work behind it.
140equanimitynoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

équanimitéThe pilot responded to the emergency with remarkable equanimity.

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.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. Online fame can be ___ without meaningful work behind it.

Answer: ephemeral

2. On this map, a dashed line may ___ a seasonal trail.

Answer: denote

3. A judge must offer a ___ evaluation of the evidence.

Answer: dispassionate

4. The pilot responded to the emergency with remarkable ___.

Answer: equanimity

5. Critics began to ___ the invention before testing it.

Answer: deride

Page 5: words 141–175

Vocabulary page 5
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
141equivocaladjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: equivocal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. ambigu 2. équivoque 3. incertainThe spokesperson's equivocal answer satisfied neither side.
142erroneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

erronéThe article withdrew an erroneous claim about the study.
143eruditeadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: erudite is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

éruditThe historian's erudite lecture remained accessible to beginners.
144esotericadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: esoteric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ésotériqueThe journal translates esoteric research into language the public can follow.
145exacerbateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: exacerbate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. exacerber 2. aggraver 3. empirerDelaying repairs will exacerbate the damage caused by rain.
146exactingadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: exacting is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exigeantRestoring the mosaic is exacting work that may take years.
147exculpateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: exculpate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

acquitterSecurity footage may exculpate the employee who was accused.
148exemplifyverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

1. exemplifier 2. illustrerThe final scene can exemplify the novel's theme of forgiveness.
149exhaustiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

exhaustifThe committee conducted an exhaustive review of the safety records.
150extolverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: extol is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

louerThe biography tends to extol its subject while overlooking serious faults.
151extraneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

étrangerRemove extraneous details that distract from the central claim.
152fallaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

fallacieuxThe argument is fallacious because it treats coincidence as proof of cause.
153feasibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

faisableEngineers concluded that the repair was feasible within the budget.
154floridadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: florid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

décoréThe florid introduction obscured a fairly simple argument.
155forthrightadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: forthright is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. direct 2. francThe report is forthright about the program's limitations.
156frivolousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

frivoleThe court dismissed the frivolous complaint.
157germaneadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: germane is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pertinentThe editor removed a paragraph that was not germane to the argument.
158gratuitousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

gratuitThe film's gratuitous cruelty added nothing to the story.
159gregariousadjective
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

grégaireThe gregarious researcher built collaborations across several departments.
160hackneyedadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: hackneyed is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. rebattu 2. éculéThe speech relied on hackneyed phrases instead of specific proposals.
161hedgeverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: hedge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

haieCareful scientists hedge conclusions when the sample is small.
162iconoclastnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: iconoclast is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

iconoclasteThe composer became an iconoclast by rejecting every accepted form.
163idiosyncrasynoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: idiosyncrasy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

idiosyncrasieThe narrator's habit of addressing objects is an idiosyncrasy of the novel.
164impedeverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: impede is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

entraverHeavy fog may impede rescue aircraft.
165imperativeadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

impératifIt is imperative that the damaged bridge remain closed.
166inadvertentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: inadvertent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

involontaireAn inadvertent omission changed the meaning of the sentence.
167incongruousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

incongruThe modern plastic chair looked incongruous in the medieval hall.
168incontrovertibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

1. irréfutable 2. incontestableThe dated photograph provides incontrovertible proof that the building existed.
169indifferentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: indifferent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

indifférentThe narrator appears indifferent to the suffering around him.
170induceverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: induce is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

induireThe medication may induce drowsiness in some patients.
171ineffableadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

1. ineffable 2. innommableThe memoir tries to capture the ineffable grief of sudden loss.
172inherentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: inherent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. intrinsèque 2. inhérentEvery measurement contains some inherent uncertainty.
173innocuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

inoffensifThe innocuous question unexpectedly revealed a deeper disagreement.
174insularadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: insular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

insulaireThe committee's insular outlook excluded valuable outside expertise.
175integraladjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: integral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

entierReliable public transit is integral to the city's housing plan.

Page 5 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 5.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The argument is ___ because it treats coincidence as proof of cause.

Answer: fallacious

2. It is ___ that the damaged bridge remain closed.

Answer: imperative

3. Engineers concluded that the repair was ___ within the budget.

Answer: feasible

4. An ___ omission changed the meaning of the sentence.

Answer: inadvertent

5. The spokesperson's ___ answer satisfied neither side.

Answer: equivocal

Page 6: words 176–210

Vocabulary page 6
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
176intermittentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: intermittent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

intermittentIntermittent rain delayed the excavation throughout the week.
177intrinsicadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: intrinsic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. intrinsèque 2. immanent 3. inhérentCuriosity has intrinsic value beyond any reward it produces.
178intuitiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

intuitifThe map's intuitive design helps visitors navigate without instructions.
179juxtaposeverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: juxtapose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

juxtaposerThe exhibit will juxtapose ancient tools with modern devices.
180laconicadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: laconic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

laconiqueHis laconic reply revealed nothing about his intentions.
181latentadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: latent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

latentThe crisis exposed latent divisions within the coalition.
182lucidadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: lucid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. clair 2. claireA lucid diagram made the complex process manageable.
183malleableadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

malléablePublic opinion is often malleable during uncertain events.
184meticulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. méticuleux 2. soigneuxThe archivist kept meticulous records of every restored page.
185mitigateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: mitigate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. réduire 2. atténuer 3. mitigerWetlands can mitigate flooding by absorbing excess water.
186mundaneadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: mundane is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. ordinaire 2. mondain 3. profaneThe poet finds beauty in mundane routines.
187nebulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

nébuleuxThe candidate offered a nebulous plan with no timetable.
188nuancedadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: nuanced is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. nuancé 2. détailléHer nuanced argument recognizes benefits as well as risks.
189obscureverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: obscure is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. sibyllin 2. obscurcirTechnical jargon can obscure a simple idea.
190ostensibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

ostensibleThe meeting's ostensible purpose was planning, though everyone expected a vote.
191paradigmnoun
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: paradigm is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

paradigmeThe discovery challenged the prevailing paradigm in astronomy.
192paramountadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: paramount is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. primordial 2. capitalPatient safety is paramount during a clinical trial.
193partisanadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: partisan is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

partisanThe report avoids partisan language and presents evidence from both groups.
194perfunctoryadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: perfunctory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. sommaire 2. superficiel 3. négligeantThe inspector's perfunctory review missed a dangerous defect.
195peripheraladjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: peripheral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

périphériqueThe debate focused on a peripheral detail rather than the proposal itself.
196pragmaticadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: pragmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pragmatiqueThe mayor adopted a pragmatic approach to the budget shortfall.
197precedentnoun
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Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: precedent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. précédent 2. décision de principeThe ruling established a precedent for protecting digital privacy.
198precipitateverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: precipitate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

précipiterThe bank's collapse could precipitate a wider financial crisis.
199precludeverb
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: preclude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exclureA prior commitment may preclude her attendance.
200prescientadjective
Study

Field: SAT words in context and precision

Word study: Base-form focus: prescient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

prescientThe author's prescient warning anticipated the later shortage.
201profoundadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: profound is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

profondThe invention had a profound effect on daily communication.
202prolificadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: prolific is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

prolifiqueThe prolific historian published more than twenty books.
203qualifyverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

qualifierThe researcher must qualify the conclusion because the sample was small.
204reconcileverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: reconcile is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. réconcilier 2. concilierThe theory must reconcile the two apparently contradictory results.
205refuteverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: refute is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

réfuterThe later experiment did not refute the hypothesis; it exposed a design flaw.
206salientadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: salient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

saillantThe summary identifies the report's three most salient findings.
207tenableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: tenable is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

durableThe explanation is no longer tenable after the new discovery.
208tentativeadjective
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Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. provisoire 2. approximatifThe committee reached a tentative agreement.
209underscoreverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: underscore is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

soulignerThe outage will underscore the need for backup power.
210unequivocaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: unequivocal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sans équivoqueThe laboratory issued an unequivocal denial of data manipulation.

Page 6 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 6.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. Curiosity has ___ value beyond any reward it produces.

Answer: intrinsic

2. The meeting's ___ purpose was planning, though everyone expected a vote.

Answer: ostensible

3. The researcher must ___ the conclusion because the sample was small.

Answer: qualify

4. The map's ___ design helps visitors navigate without instructions.

Answer: intuitive

5. The discovery challenged the prevailing ___ in astronomy.

Answer: paradigm

Page 7: words 211–245

Vocabulary page 7
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
211viableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: viable is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

viableThe pilot study suggests that the method is viable.
212abnegationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

abnégationHer abnegation of personal credit kept attention on the relief effort.
213abortiveadjective
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Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. abortif 2. abortiveAn abortive rescue attempt ended when the weather worsened.
214abstinencenoun
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Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

abstinenceMedical advice led him to choose abstinence from alcohol.
215acclimateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: acclimate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

acclimaterThe climbers paused to acclimate before ascending farther.
216accostverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: accost is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. accoster 2. aborderA reporter tried to accost the actor outside the courthouse.
217acerbicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: acerbic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

acerbeThe columnist's acerbic wit delighted some readers and offended others.
218acridadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: acrid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

âcreAcrid smoke drifted from the burned warehouse.
219adherentnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: adherent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

adhérentEach adherent signed a pledge to defend peaceful protest.
220adulterateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: adulterate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

adultérerDishonest merchants would adulterate the spice with colored powder.
221adverseadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: adverse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. défavorable 2. adverseThe medicine produced no serious adverse effects.
222affectationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

affectationHis elaborate accent was an affectation that disappeared among friends.
223affluentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: affluent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abondantThe survey compared affluent districts with communities lacking basic services.
224agendanoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: agenda is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. ordre du jour 2. agendaEnvironmental protection moved to the top of the council's agenda.
225agrarianadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: agrarian is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

agraireThe reform transformed an agrarian economy into an industrial one.
226alloynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: alloy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

alliageBronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
227ambiencenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

ambianceSoft lighting gave the library a calm ambience.
228amenitynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

commoditéReliable internet became an essential amenity for the remote town.
229amoraladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: amoral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

amoralThe novel depicts the machine as amoral rather than deliberately cruel.
230amorousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

amoureuxThe poet addressed each amorous sonnet to an unnamed beloved.
231anguishnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: anguish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. affres de la mort 2. angoisse de la mort 3. calvaireThe letter conveys a parent's anguish after the disappearance.
232apocalypticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: apocalyptic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apocalyptiqueThe article rejects apocalyptic predictions unsupported by climate models.
233apocryphaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: apocryphal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apocrypheThe apocryphal story appears in no contemporary account.
234apotheosisnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: apotheosis is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apothéoseCritics called the cathedral the apotheosis of Gothic architecture.
235appreciableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

appréciableThe treatment produced an appreciable decline in symptoms.
236aptitudenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: aptitude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

aptitudeHer aptitude for spatial reasoning became clear in engineering class.
237arbiternoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: arbiter is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

arbitreBoth parties accepted the retired judge as a neutral arbiter.
238artfuladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: artful is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

artificieuxThe candidate gave an artful answer that avoided the central issue.
239artificenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: artifice is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. artifice 2. feinteThe memoir's apparent simplicity is a deliberate artifice.
240ascendancynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: ascendancy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ascendantThe party gained ascendancy after winning several regional elections.
241atheistnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ist often names a person associated with a field, belief, or practice.

1. athée 2. athéisteThe essay compares the moral arguments of an atheist and a theologian.
242attritionnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ition commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

usureStaff attrition left the agency unable to process applications quickly.
243audacitynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

1. audace 2. culotThe plan's audacity attracted investors who valued innovation.
244authoritarianadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: authoritarian is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

autoritaireThe authoritarian government banned independent newspapers.
245avuncularadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: avuncular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

avunculaireHis avuncular advice reassured the nervous interns.

An Awkward Welcome

Reading practice for pages 7–9. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

A traveler arrives while one political faction is gaining ascendancy in the capital. Before she can acclimate, a stranger tries to accost her with questions about whether she is an atheist. She declines to discuss religion and asks the hotel clerk to show her a practical amenity: a quiet workspace.

French translation

Une voyageuse arrive dans la capitale alors qu'une faction politique y gagne en influence. Avant même qu'elle puisse s'adapter, un inconnu tente de l'aborder avec des questions sur le fait de savoir si elle est athée. Elle refuse de parler de religion et demande à l'employé de l'hôtel de lui montrer un équipement pratique : un espace de travail calme.

Reading comprehension

1. What is gaining ascendancy?

A political faction is gaining ascendancy.

2. Who tries to accost the traveler?

A stranger tries to accost her.

3. What amenity does she request?

She requests a quiet workspace.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The party gained ___ after winning several regional elections.

Answer: ascendancy

2. The climbers paused to ___ before ascending farther.

Answer: acclimate

3. Reliable internet became an essential ___ for the remote town.

Answer: amenity

4. The essay compares the moral arguments of an ___ and a theologian.

Answer: atheist

5. A reporter tried to ___ the actor outside the courthouse.

Answer: accost

Page 8: words 246–280

Vocabulary page 8
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
246balkverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: balk is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

regimberTaxpayers may balk at funding a project with no clear budget.
247begetverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: beget is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

engendrerFear can beget secrecy, which in turn creates more fear.
248benefactornoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: benefactor is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. bienfaiteur 2. bienfaitriceAn anonymous benefactor paid for the library's repairs.
249benevolentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: benevolent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

bienveillantThe foundation's benevolent mission includes free legal aid.
250bequeathverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: bequeath is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. léguer 2. transmettreThe collector chose to bequeath the paintings to a public museum.
251bereftadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: bereft is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

privé deAfter the archive burned, historians were bereft of primary records.
252blasphemynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: blasphemy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

blasphèmeThe novel examines a society in which blasphemy is punished by law.
253blatantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: blatant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. clair 2. éhonté 3. fiefféThe advertisement made a blatant attempt to disguise sponsorship as news.
254blightnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: blight is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abîmer 2. fléauAbandoned buildings became a blight on the neighborhood.
255blitheadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: blithe is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. indifférent 2. négligentHis blithe assurance ignored every warning from the engineers.
256boorishadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: boorish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

grossierThe guest's boorish interruptions ended the friendly conversation.
257bourgeoisadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: bourgeois is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

bourgeoisThe playwright mocked what she saw as bourgeois respectability.
258bucolicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: bucolic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

bucoliqueThe poem presents a bucolic landscape untouched by industry.
259burgeonverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: burgeon is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

croîtreSmall businesses began to burgeon near the new railway.
260burlesquenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: burlesque is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

parodieThe play is a burlesque of solemn royal ceremonies.
261burlyadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: burly is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. fort 2. solide 3. robusteA burly porter lifted the trunk without assistance.
262byzantineadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: byzantine is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

byzantinApplicants struggled with the agency's byzantine rules.
263calumnynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: calumny is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

calomnieThe candidate denounced the rumor as a deliberate calumny.
264canonicaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: canonical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

canoniqueThe course questions why some works became canonical while others vanished.
265canvassverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: canvass is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

soliciterVolunteers will canvass the district before the referendum.
266castigateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: castigate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

châtierEditorials began to castigate officials for ignoring the contamination.
267categoricaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: categorical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

catégoriqueThe minister issued a categorical denial of the allegation.
268catharsisnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: catharsis is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. défoulement 2. catharsisWriting the memoir provided catharsis after years of silence.
269catholicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: catholic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

catholiqueHer catholic taste in music ranged from opera to electronic dance.
270causaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: causal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

causalThe study found a correlation but not a causal relationship.
271celibateadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: celibate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

célibataireMembers of the order take a celibate vow.
272chagrinnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: chagrin is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

chagrinTo his chagrin, the confident prediction proved false.
273charlatannoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: charlatan is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

charlatanThe supposed healer was exposed as a charlatan.
274chasmnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: chasm is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. chasme 2. crevasse 3. fosséA chasm separated the parties on the question of land ownership.
275chastiseverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: chastise is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

châtierThe supervisor had to chastise the team for falsifying records.
276chicanerynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: chicanery is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

impostureVoters rejected the accounting chicanery hidden in the proposal.
277chronicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: chronic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

chroniqueChronic water shortages forced the region to change its crops.
278coercionnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: coercion is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

coercitionA confession obtained through coercion cannot be trusted.
279cognizantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: cognizant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

conscientThe designers were cognizant of the building's historical importance.
280commensurateadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: commensurate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

commensurableCompensation should be commensurate with the risks of the work.

Page 8 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 8.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. A confession obtained through ___ cannot be trusted.

Answer: coercion

2. The advertisement made a ___ attempt to disguise sponsorship as news.

Answer: blatant

3. Editorials began to ___ officials for ignoring the contamination.

Answer: castigate

4. The designers were ___ of the building's historical importance.

Answer: cognizant

5. Abandoned buildings became a ___ on the neighborhood.

Answer: blight

Page 9: words 281–315

Vocabulary page 9
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
281compellingadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: compelling is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

passionnantThe documentary offers compelling evidence from newly opened archives.
282compendiumnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: compendium is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. compendium 2. recueilThe handbook is a compendium of regional plant species.
283complacencynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: complacency is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

suffisanceYears without an accident created dangerous complacency.
284compliantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: compliant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. docile 2. obéissant 3. accommodantOnly compliant equipment may enter the clean laboratory.
285conciseadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: concise is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

concisA concise conclusion restates the finding without repeating every detail.
286conflagrationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

1. conflagration 2. incendieA wind-driven conflagration destroyed several blocks.
287conflateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: conflate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

confondreThe article tends to conflate legal authority with moral approval.
288congenialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: congenial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

agréableThe quiet archive was a congenial workplace for the historian.
289conjecturenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: conjecture is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

conjectureThe claim remains conjecture until the documents are authenticated.
290consequentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: consequential is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

conformémentThe seemingly minor vote became a consequential turning point.
291consternationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

1. consternation 2. sidération 3. accablementThe power failure caused consternation in the operating room.
292consummateadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: consummate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

consomméA consummate diplomat, she found agreement where others saw only conflict.
293contemptuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. méprisant 2. dédaigneux 3. contempteurHis contemptuous response discouraged further questions.
294contriteadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: contrite is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

contritThe contrite official apologized and returned the misused funds.
295copiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

copieuxThe researcher took copious notes during each interview.
296cosmopolitanadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: cosmopolitan is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

cosmopoliteThe port developed a cosmopolitan population through centuries of trade.
297covetverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: covet is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. convoiter 2. désirerRival states began to covet the island's strategic harbor.
298credulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. crédule 2. naïfCredulous readers shared the fabricated story without checking it.
299cronyismnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

1. copinage 2. favoritismeNew hiring rules were intended to prevent cronyism.
300cupiditynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

avarice, avidité, cupiditéThe satire portrays cupidity as the mayor's only principle.
301debaseverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: debase is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abâtardirThe critic argued that propaganda would debase public debate.
302debilitateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: debilitate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

débiliterThe illness can debilitate patients for several months.
303decadentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: decadent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

décadentThe reformers condemned the court's decadent luxury.
304decorumnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: decorum is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

décorumThe chair asked everyone to maintain decorum during the hearing.
305decryverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: decry is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. décrier 2. dénoncerHealth advocates decry advertising that targets young children.
306deferentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: deferential is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

déférentThe aide remained deferential without abandoning her own judgment.
307definitiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. définitif 2. définitiveThe biography is not definitive because key records remain sealed.
308deftadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: deft is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. adroit 2. compétent 3. habileWith a deft transition, the essay moves from history to analysis.
309demagoguenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: demagogue is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

démagogueThe novel warns how a demagogue can turn anxiety into hatred.
310demarcateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: demarcate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

délimiterStone posts demarcate the protected area.
311demureadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: demure is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. réservé 2. discret 3. sobreHer demure public image contrasted with her daring private letters.
312depravitynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

dépravationThe testimony revealed the depravity of the prison system.
313deprecateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: deprecate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

désapprouverThe guide does not deprecate tradition; it asks readers to examine it.
314derelictadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: derelict is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. épave 2. paria 3. clochardThe city converted a derelict warehouse into affordable studios.
315desiccateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: desiccate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. déshydrater 2. mettre à sec 3. secherHot winds can desiccate exposed soil.

Page 9 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 9.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The power failure caused ___ in the operating room.

Answer: consternation

2. The chair asked everyone to maintain ___ during the hearing.

Answer: decorum

3. A ___ diplomat, she found agreement where others saw only conflict.

Answer: consummate

4. Health advocates ___ advertising that targets young children.

Answer: decry

5. His ___ response discouraged further questions.

Answer: contemptuous

Page 10: words 316–350

Vocabulary page 10
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
316desultoryadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: desultory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

chaotiqueTheir desultory search overlooked the most likely location.
317diatribenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: diatribe is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

diatribeThe editorial became a diatribe against anyone who questioned the policy.
318dichotomynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: dichotomy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dichotomieThe essay rejects the false dichotomy between growth and conservation.
319dictumnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: dictum is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

avisThe judge questioned the old dictum that silence implies consent.
320digressverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: digress is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. digresser 2. dévier 3. s'écarterThe lecturer began to digress into a story unrelated to the evidence.
321dilatoryadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: dilatory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dilatoireThe court rejected the company's dilatory request for another postponement.
322dilettantenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: dilettante is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dilettanteExperts dismissed him as a dilettante who ignored decades of research.
323diminutionnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -tion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

diminutionThe law caused a gradual diminution of the agency's power.
324disabuseverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: disabuse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

détromperThe evidence should disabuse readers of the idea that the change was sudden.
325discomfitverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: discomfit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

déconfireThe unexpected question seemed to discomfit the witness.
326discordantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: discordant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

discordantThe two reports offer discordant accounts of the same meeting.
327disingenuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. sournois 2. malhonnêteIt is disingenuous to call the fee optional when everyone must pay it.
328disinterestedadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: disinterested is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

désintéresséA disinterested panel reviewed the competing proposals.
329divestverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: divest is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abandonnerThe fund promised to divest from companies that ignored the standards.
330doctrinaireadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: doctrinaire is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

doctrinaireThe council rejected a doctrinaire solution that ignored local needs.
331dubiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. douteux 2. sceptiqueThe website supports its claim with dubious statistics.
332ebullientadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: ebullient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

gaiThe director was ebullient after the opening-night applause.
333eccentricadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: eccentric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

excentriqueThe inventor's eccentric habits often concealed careful reasoning.
334ecclesiasticaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: ecclesiastical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ecclésiastiqueThe archive preserves both royal and ecclesiastical records.
335effaceverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: efface is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

effacerTime could not efface the inscription carved into the stone.
336effervescentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: effervescent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

effervescentHer effervescent presentation energized the tired audience.
337egalitarianadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: egalitarian is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

égalitaireThe movement advanced an egalitarian vision of public education.
338egocentricadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: egocentric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

égocentriqueThe narrator's egocentric account ignores other characters' motives.
339egregiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. flagrant 2. inouïThe audit uncovered an egregious misuse of public money.
340elucidateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: elucidate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. élucider 2. expliquerA timeline helps elucidate the sequence of discoveries.
341embellishverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: embellish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

embellirThe witness admitted that he had begun to embellish the story.
342eminentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: eminent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

éminentAn eminent biologist chaired the independent review.
343encroachverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: encroach is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

toucherNew construction began to encroach on the protected wetland.
344endemicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: endemic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

endémiqueThe disease is endemic to several tropical regions.
345enfranchiseverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: enfranchise is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

libérerThe amendment helped enfranchise millions of citizens.
346entrenchedadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: entrenched is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

retranchéThe reform challenged entrenched patterns of discrimination.
347enumerateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: enumerate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

énumérerThe report will enumerate the costs before recommending a plan.
348erraticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: erratic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

erratiqueErratic rainfall made planting decisions difficult.
349euphemismnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

euphémisme“Downsizing” can be a euphemism for eliminating jobs.
350evanescentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: evanescent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

évanescentThe rainbow's evanescent colors vanished within minutes.

A Desultory Speech

Reading practice for pages 10–12. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

An eminent historian begins a lecture with careful evidence, but the talk soon becomes desultory. He jumps between unrelated anecdotes and starts to embellish minor details. When a questioner challenges him, he launches into a diatribe. The moderator tries to divest the exchange of personal insults and return it to the evidence.

French translation

Un éminent historien commence une conférence avec des preuves soigneusement examinées, mais son discours devient vite décousu. Il passe d'anecdotes sans rapport les unes avec les autres et commence à enjoliver des détails mineurs. Lorsqu'une personne lui pose une question en le mettant en doute, il se lance dans une violente tirade. Le modérateur essaie de retirer les insultes personnelles de l'échange et de le ramener aux preuves.

Reading comprehension

1. Why does the lecture become desultory?

The historian jumps between unrelated anecdotes.

2. What does he embellish?

He embellishes minor details.

3. What does the moderator remove?

The moderator tries to remove personal insults.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The witness admitted that he had begun to ___ the story.

Answer: embellish

2. Their ___ search overlooked the most likely location.

Answer: desultory

3. The fund promised to ___ from companies that ignored the standards.

Answer: divest

4. An ___ biologist chaired the independent review.

Answer: eminent

5. The editorial became a ___ against anyone who questioned the policy.

Answer: diatribe

Page 11: words 351–385

Vocabulary page 11
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
351evinceverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: evince is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. montrer 2. prouverThe letters evince deep concern for displaced families.
352exhortverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exhort is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exhorterThe editorial will exhort legislators to protect the river.
353exigentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exigent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. urgent 2. pressantExigent circumstances forced the hospital to open an emergency ward.
354exonerateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exonerate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exonérerDNA evidence may exonerate the convicted man.
355expedientadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: expedient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

expédientThe shortcut was expedient, yet it undermined public trust.
356expoundverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: expound is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. préciser 2. expliciterThe professor paused to expound the theory's central principle.
357extantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: extant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

existantOnly three extant copies of the map are known.
358extemporaneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

impromptuHer extemporaneous remarks were more persuasive than the prepared speech.
359facetiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

facétieuxHis facetious answer frustrated residents seeking real information.
360fatuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. stupide 2. imbécile 3. niaisThe commentator's fatuous comparison ignored every relevant difference.
361ferventadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: fervent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ferventA fervent appeal persuaded donors to support the shelter.
362fiscaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: fiscal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

budgétaireThe proposal combines environmental goals with fiscal restraint.
363flagrantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: flagrant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

flagrantThe referee penalized the flagrant violation immediately.
364floutverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: flout is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. mépriser 2. se moquer deFactories that flout pollution limits face substantial fines.
365fomentverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: foment is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

fomenterFalse rumors helped foment unrest in the capital.
366forestallverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: forestall is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. empêcher 2. prévenirEarly repairs may forestall a complete structural failure.
367formidableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

formidableThe mountain presented a formidable challenge to the rescue team.
368fractiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

hargneuxThe fractious coalition struggled to agree on a budget.
369furtiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. furtif 2. subrepticeA furtive exchange in the hallway drew the guard's attention.
370gainsayverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: gainsay is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

contredireNo reliable witness could gainsay the engineer's account.
371galvanizeverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

galvaniserThe shocking images helped galvanize public support for reform.
372gaucheadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: gauche is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

gaucheHis gauche joke offended guests at the memorial.
373grandiloquentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: grandiloquent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

grandiloquentThe proposal's grandiloquent promises concealed a modest plan.
374grandioseadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: grandiose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

grandioseThe committee rejected a grandiose project that the town could not afford.
375gratifyverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

gratifierThe strong response will gratify organizers who feared public indifference.
376guilenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: guile is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

tromperieThe fraudster relied on guile rather than force.
377hallowedadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hallowed is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sacrumThe ceremony took place in a hallowed hall of learning.
378haranguenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: harangue is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. sermonner 2. harangueThe coach's angry harangue embarrassed the entire team.
379harbingernoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: harbinger is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

présageThe first migrating birds are a harbinger of spring.
380hedonismnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

hédonismeThe novel contrasts hedonism with a life of public service.
381hegemonynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hegemony is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hégémonieThe empire maintained regional hegemony through trade and military power.
382heresynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: heresy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hérésieAt the time, questioning the model was treated as scientific heresy.
383hermeticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hermetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hermétiqueThe critic objected to the novel's hermetic world of private symbols.
384heterogeneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

hétérogèneThe city has a heterogeneous population with many languages and traditions.
385hierarchynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Root and suffix focus: -archy relates to rule, rank, or a governing system.

hiérarchieThe organization replaced a rigid hierarchy with shared leadership.

Page 11 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 11.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The first migrating birds are a ___ of spring.

Answer: harbinger

2. DNA evidence may ___ the convicted man.

Answer: exonerate

3. The mountain presented a ___ challenge to the rescue team.

Answer: formidable

4. The novel contrasts ___ with a life of public service.

Answer: hedonism

5. The shortcut was ___, yet it undermined public trust.

Answer: expedient

Page 12: words 386–420

Vocabulary page 12
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
386homogeneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

homogèneThe supposedly homogeneous sample actually contained several distinct groups.
387hubrisnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hubris is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. hybris 2. hubrisThe tragedy portrays hubris as the ruler's fatal weakness.
388hypotheticaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hypothetical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hypothétiqueThe ethicist presented a hypothetical case to test the principle.
389iconoclasticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: iconoclastic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

iconoclasteHer iconoclastic history questioned the reputation of a national hero.
390idealizeverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

idéaliserThe memoir does not idealize village life.
391ideologynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: ideology is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

idéologieThe movement's ideology emphasized equality and public ownership.
392idyllicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: idyllic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

idylliqueThe painting presents an idyllic vision of rural childhood.
393ignominiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

ignominieuxThe army's retreat was an ignominious end to the campaign.
394immutableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

1. immuable 2. immutableThe constitution is important but not immutable.
395impassiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

impassibleThe defendant remained impassive as the verdict was read.
396impeccableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

impeccableThe article's research was impeccable, though its conclusion remained debatable.
397impecuniousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

impécunieuxThe impecunious student relied on free public lectures.
398imperialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: imperial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

impérialThe museum reconsidered how it displayed objects acquired during imperial expansion.
399imperiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

impérieuxThe director's imperious tone silenced useful criticism.
400imperturbableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

imperturbableThe imperturbable negotiator continued despite the insults.
401imperviousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. intouchable 2. insensibleThe coating is impervious to water.
402impetuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. impétueux 2. brusque 3. brutalAn impetuous decision left the expedition without enough food.
403impingeverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: impinge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

agir surThe new rule may impinge on freedom of expression.
404implacableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

1. implacable 2. irréductibleThe prosecutor remained an implacable opponent of corruption.
405implementverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: implement is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. implémenter 2. appliquer 3. exécuterThe city will implement the recycling program next month.
406implicateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: implicate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

impliquerThe emails implicate several senior officials in the scheme.
407impoverishverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: impoverish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

appauvrirUnsustainable farming can impoverish both families and soil.
408improprietynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: impropriety is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

outrageThe investigation found no evidence of financial impropriety.
409impugnverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: impugn is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

contesterThe lawyer tried to impugn the witness's motives.
410inaneadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inane is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. inepte 2. insensé 3. niaisThe interview was reduced to inane questions about clothing.
411inaugurateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inaugurate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inaugurerThe exhibition will inaugurate the museum's new wing.
412incandescentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: incandescent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

incandescentHer incandescent anger transformed the final speech.
413incendiaryadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: incendiary is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

incendiaireThe leader's incendiary rhetoric increased tensions.
414incipientadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: incipient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. incipient 2. commençant 3. naissantEarly treatment stopped the incipient infection.
415incisiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

incisifHer incisive questions exposed the proposal's weakest assumption.
416inconsequentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inconsequential is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sans conséquenceA minor spelling error was inconsequential to the argument.
417incorrigibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

incorrigibleThe novel's incorrigible trickster ignores every warning.
418incrementaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: incremental is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

incrémentielThe reform produced incremental improvements rather than dramatic results.
419incumbentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: incumbent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. en titre 2. titulaireIt is incumbent on researchers to protect participants' privacy.
420indefatigableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

infatigableThe indefatigable organizer visited every neighborhood.

Page 12 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 12.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The novel's ___ trickster ignores every warning.

Answer: incorrigible

2. The painting presents an ___ vision of rural childhood.

Answer: idyllic

3. The city will ___ the recycling program next month.

Answer: implement

4. The reform produced ___ improvements rather than dramatic results.

Answer: incremental

5. The army's retreat was an ___ end to the campaign.

Answer: ignominious

Page 13: words 421–455

Vocabulary page 13
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
421indelibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

indélébileThe disaster left an indelible mark on the community.
422indigentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: indigent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. nécessiteux 2. indigentThe clinic provides free care to indigent patients.
423indolentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: indolent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

indolentThe narrator condemns the indolent aristocrat who neglects his estate.
424indomitableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

1. indomptable 2. irréductibleHer indomitable spirit sustained the campaign through years of setbacks.
425inequitynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

inégalitéThe policy seeks to reduce inequity in school funding.
426inertadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inert is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inerteThe chemical remains inert until it is heated.
427inexorableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

inexorableThe inexorable advance of the fire forced another evacuation.
428infamynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: infamy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

infamieThe massacre remains a symbol of political infamy.
429infinitesimaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: infinitesimal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

infinitésimalThe sensor can detect an infinitesimal change in pressure.
430inflammatoryadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inflammatory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inflammatoireThe moderator rejected inflammatory language from both sides.
431ingenuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

ingénuHer ingenuous question revealed a flaw the experts had overlooked.
432inimicaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inimical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

nuisibleSecrecy is inimical to meaningful public oversight.
433iniquitynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

iniquitéThe novel exposes the iniquity of the forced-labor system.
434innateadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: innate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

innéThe study asks whether musical ability is innate or learned.
435insatiableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

insatiableHer insatiable curiosity led her into several fields of study.
436insidiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

insidieuxThe report describes the insidious effects of chronic lead exposure.
437insipidadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: insipid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

insipideCritics found the adaptation visually attractive but insipid.
438insolentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: insolent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

insolentThe witness's insolent reply drew a warning from the judge.
439instigateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: instigate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. inciter 2. susciterAgents attempted to instigate violence during the peaceful march.
440intangibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

1. intangible 2. immatérielTrust is an intangible asset that can vanish quickly.
441interlocutornoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Prefix focus: inter- means between or among.

1. interlocuteur 2. interlocutriceEach interlocutor challenges the other's assumptions.
442interminableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

interminableThe negotiations became an interminable series of delays.
443intractableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

intraitableWater scarcity remains an intractable problem in the region.
444intransigentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: intransigent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. intransigeant 2. impitoyableThe intransigent factions rejected every proposed settlement.
445intrepidadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: intrepid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

intrépideAn intrepid journalist crossed the border to document the crisis.
446intricateadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: intricate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. intriqué 2. compliqué 3. tortueuxThe clock's intricate mechanism required careful restoration.
447invectivenoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: invective is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

invectiveThe debate deteriorated into personal invective.
448inveterateadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: inveterate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

invétéréAn inveterate skeptic, she demanded evidence for every claim.
449irascibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

irascibleThe irascible director was known for shouting at minor mistakes.
450ironicadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: ironic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

ironiqueIt was ironic that the privacy conference exposed attendees' email addresses.
451irreverentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: irreverent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. irrévérencieux 2. irrespectueuxThe comedian's irreverent history challenged national myths.
452irrevocableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

1. irrévocable 2. irréversible 3. irréfragableThe court warned that the environmental damage could be irrevocable.
453jargonnoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: jargon is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. jargon 2. argotMedical jargon made the consent form hard to understand.
454jettisonverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: jettison is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. se débarrasser 2. abandonner 3. balancerThe team decided to jettison the least practical part of the plan.
455jocularadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: jocular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. facétieux 2. amusant 3. humoristiqueHis jocular tone eased tension before the serious discussion.

An Intractable Meeting

Reading practice for pages 13–15. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

The budget meeting feels interminable because an intractable dispute blocks every vote. One member’s jocular remarks briefly ease the tension, but another speaker uses inflammatory accusations. An ingenuous new delegate asks a direct question that reveals both sides actually agree on the central goal.

French translation

La réunion sur le budget semble interminable, car un conflit insoluble bloque chaque vote. Les remarques plaisantes d'un membre apaisent brièvement la tension, mais un autre intervenant lance des accusations incendiaires. Un nouveau délégué naïf pose une question directe qui révèle que les deux parties sont en réalité d'accord sur l'objectif principal.

Reading comprehension

1. Why does the meeting feel interminable?

An intractable dispute blocks progress.

2. What briefly eases tension?

Jocular remarks briefly ease tension.

3. What does the ingenuous question reveal?

It reveals agreement on the central goal.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The negotiations became an ___ series of delays.

Answer: interminable

2. His ___ tone eased tension before the serious discussion.

Answer: jocular

3. The moderator rejected ___ language from both sides.

Answer: inflammatory

4. Water scarcity remains an ___ problem in the region.

Answer: intractable

5. Her ___ question revealed a flaw the experts had overlooked.

Answer: ingenuous

Page 14: words 456–490

Vocabulary page 14
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
456judiciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

judicieuxA judicious use of quotations strengthened the essay.
457lamentverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: lament is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

se lamenterResidents lament the loss of the historic theater.
458laudverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: laud is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. glorifier 2. célébrer 3. exalterReviewers laud the film's patient attention to ordinary lives.
459lavishadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: lavish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. somptueux 2. prodigue 3. abondantThe palace's lavish decoration contrasted with the poverty outside.
460lethargicadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: lethargic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. léthargique 2. mollassonThe heat made the normally active animals lethargic.
461levitynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: levity is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. légèreté 2. nonchalanceA moment of levity helped the exhausted team continue.
462liberaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: liberal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. généreux 2. large 3. libéralThe editor took a liberal approach to unconventional spelling.
463libertarianadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: libertarian is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

libertaireThe essay compares libertarian and communitarian views of privacy.
464licentiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

licencieuxCritics accused the court of licentious excess.
465limpidadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: limpid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

limpideThe scientist's limpid prose made the research accessible.
466lionizeverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

célébrerThe media began to lionize the athlete after one dramatic victory.
467litigateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: litigate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

plaiderThe groups agreed to negotiate rather than litigate.
468lividadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: livid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

furieuxThe residents were livid when officials concealed the test results.
469loquaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

loquaceThe loquacious witness offered many details but few relevant facts.
470lucrativeadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

lucratifThe patent became a lucrative source of revenue.
471luridadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: lurid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

choquantThe newspaper used lurid details to attract attention.
472magnanimousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

magnanimeThe winner was magnanimous and praised her opponent's campaign.
473maladroitadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: maladroit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

maladroitHis maladroit attempt at reconciliation caused a new dispute.
474malaisenoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: malaise is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

malaiseEconomic uncertainty created a national malaise.
475malevolentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: malevolent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. malintentionné 2. malveillant 3. malévolentThe story's malevolent spirit feeds on the villagers' fear.
476malignverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: malign is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. vilipender 2. injurierAnonymous accounts tried to malign the scientist.
477mandatenoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: mandate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

mandatThe election gave the coalition a mandate for reform.
478manifestadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: manifest is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

manifesteThe plan's manifest flaws should have prevented approval.
479martialadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: martial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

martialThe parade's martial music echoed through the square.
480martyrnoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: martyr is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. martyr 2. martyreThe movement honored the imprisoned writer as a martyr.
481mavericknoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: maverick is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. anticonformiste 2. excentrique 3. franc-tireurThe maverick senator opposed both parties on the issue.
482maximnoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: maxim is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

maximeThe physician followed the maxim “first, do no harm.”
483meanderverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: meander is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

méandrerThe essay begins to meander after its strong opening.
484mercenaryadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: mercenary is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

mercenaireThe critic called the endorsement a mercenary decision.
485metaphysicaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: metaphysical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

métaphysiqueThe dialogue raises metaphysical questions about identity.
486misanthropicadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: misanthropic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

misanthropiqueThe novel's misanthropic narrator expects selfish motives from everyone.
487mollifyverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

1. apaiser 2. calmerA sincere apology helped mollify the offended guests.
488moroseadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: morose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. sombre 2. moroseThe character grows morose after losing his position.
489multifacetedadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Prefix focus: multi- means many.

multifacettePoverty is a multifaceted problem requiring more than one solution.
490myopicadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: myopic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

myopeThe panel rejected the myopic plan to cut all preventive maintenance.

Page 14 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 14.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The movement honored the imprisoned writer as a ___.

Answer: martyr

2. The residents were ___ when officials concealed the test results.

Answer: livid

3. The ___ senator opposed both parties on the issue.

Answer: maverick

4. A ___ use of quotations strengthened the essay.

Answer: judicious

5. The ___ witness offered many details but few relevant facts.

Answer: loquacious

Page 15: words 491–525

Vocabulary page 15
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
491nascentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: nascent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. naissant 2. émergentThe nascent movement had enthusiasm but little organization.
492nefariousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. infâme 2. malfaisant 3. néfasteInvestigators uncovered a nefarious scheme to sell forged medicine.
493negligibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

1. négligeable 2. insignifiantThe second treatment produced a negligible improvement.
494neophytenoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: neophyte is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

néophyteAs a neophyte, he asked questions that veterans had stopped considering.
495noisomeadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: noisome is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. répugnant 2. dégoutantA noisome odor rose from the polluted canal.
496nominaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: nominal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

nominalShe remained the nominal leader while advisers made every decision.
497nostalgianoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: nostalgia is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

nostalgieThe advertisement uses nostalgia to sell a modern product.
498noveladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: novel is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. nouveau 2. nouvelle 3. originalThe researchers proposed a novel method of filtering seawater.
499noxiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

nocifThe factory released noxious fumes into the valley.
500obdurateadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Base-form focus: obdurate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. opiniâtre 2. têtuThe obdurate ruler rejected every appeal for mercy.
501obfuscateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: obfuscate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

embrouillerDense terminology can obfuscate a weak argument.
502obliqueadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: oblique is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

obliqueHer oblique reference to the scandal puzzled new readers.
503obsequiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. obséquieux 2. soumisThe manager's obsequious praise made the visiting official uncomfortable.
504obstinateadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: obstinate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

obstinéThe obstinate negotiator ignored every compromise.
505obviateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: obviate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. rendre superflu 2. éviterRemote sensors may obviate the need for daily site visits.
506occludeverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: occlude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

recouvrirA blood clot can occlude a narrow artery.
507odiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: odious is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

odieuxThe law's odious discrimination provoked widespread resistance.
508officiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

zéléAn officious clerk demanded forms that the policy did not require.
509onerousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. lourd 2. pénible 3. onéreuxSmall charities struggled with the onerous reporting rules.
510opulentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: opulent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

opulentThe ruler's opulent palace contrasted with nearby hunger.
511orthodoxadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: orthodox is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

orthodoxeThe discovery challenged the orthodox explanation of migration.
512oscillateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: oscillate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

oscillerPublic opinion may oscillate as new evidence appears.
513ostentatiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

ostentatoireThe donor avoided an ostentatious ceremony.
514ostracizeverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

1. ostraciser 2. mettre au banClassmates began to ostracize anyone who questioned the rumor.
515pacifyverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: pacify is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pacifierThe agreement failed to pacify communities that lacked representation.
516palliativenoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: palliative is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

palliatifThe subsidy was a temporary palliative, not an economic solution.
517panaceanoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: panacea is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

panacéeTechnology is not a panacea for unequal access to education.
518paradigmaticadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: paradigmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

paradigmatiqueThe case became paradigmatic of failures in corporate oversight.
519parochialadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: parochial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. étriqué 2. égocentrique 3. provincialA parochial approach ignored the river's importance across borders.
520parodynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: parody is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

parodieThe sketch is a parody of solemn campaign advertisements.
521parsimoniousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. parcimonieux 2. avare 3. pincéThe parsimonious board delayed necessary repairs.
522patentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: patent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

brevetThe claim's patent absurdity drew immediate criticism.
523paucitynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

paucitéA paucity of evidence makes the conclusion uncertain.
524pedanticadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: pedantic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. pédant 2. méticuleuxThe pedantic review corrected commas but ignored the argument.
525penchantnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: penchant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

penchantThe director has a penchant for adapting obscure novels.

Page 15 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 15.

Cloze vocabulary quiz

1. The second treatment produced a ___ improvement.

Answer: negligible

2. As a ___, he asked questions that veterans had stopped considering.

Answer: neophyte

3. A ___ odor rose from the polluted canal.

Answer: noisome

4. She remained the ___ leader while advisers made every decision.

Answer: nominal

5. The advertisement uses ___ to sell a modern product.

Answer: nostalgia

Page 16: words 526–560

Vocabulary page 16
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
526penitentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: penitent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pénitentThe penitent official returned the money and resigned.
527penuriousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

rareThe penurious patron refused to fund basic safety repairs.
528perennialadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: perennial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pérenneWater access remains a perennial concern in the region.
529perfidiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

perfideThe allies condemned the secret agreement as perfidious.
530peripateticadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: peripatetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. itinérant 2. nomade 3. péripatétiqueThe peripatetic lecturer spoke at universities on three continents.
531perniciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. nocif 2. malsain 3. pernicieuxThe report documents the pernicious effects of housing discrimination.
532perpetuateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: perpetuate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. perpétuer 2. pérenniserBiased data can perpetuate unfair decisions.
533pertinentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: pertinent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pertinentThe judge allowed only pertinent testimony.
534pervasiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. pénétrant 2. envahissantA pervasive odor indicated contamination throughout the building.
535petulantadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: petulant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. irascible 2. pétulantThe minister's petulant response intensified the criticism.
536philanthropynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: philanthropy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

philanthropieHer philanthropy supported clinics and public libraries.
537philistinenoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: philistine is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. philistin 2. béotien 3. béotienneThe critic unfairly called every popular reader a philistine.
538pietynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: piety is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

piétéThe portrait presents the queen as a model of piety.
539placateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: placate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. apaiser 2. calmerOfficials offered refunds to placate frustrated travelers.
540plasticitynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

plasticitéBrain plasticity allows learning to alter neural pathways.
541platitudenoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: platitude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

platitudeThe speech offered a platitude instead of a concrete policy.
542plethoranoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: plethora is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pléthoreThe archive contains a plethora of letters but few financial records.
543poignantadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: poignant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

attendrissantThe empty shoes form a poignant memorial.
544polemicaladjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: polemical is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

polémiqueThe author's polemical tone leaves little room for uncertainty.
545pragmatismnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

pragmatismeFiscal pressure encouraged pragmatism over ideological purity.
546precipitousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. abrupt 2. escarpé 3. raideThe company experienced a precipitous decline in sales.
547predilectionnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -tion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

prédilectionThe editor's predilection for short essays shaped the journal.
548presumptuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. présomptueux 2. outrecuidantIt was presumptuous to announce the decision before the board voted.
549prevaricateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: prevaricate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. se dérober 2. éluderThe witness began to prevaricate when asked about the missing funds.
550prodigaladjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: prodigal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

prodigueThe prodigal heir exhausted the estate within a decade.
551prodigiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

prodigieuxThe scholar possessed a prodigious memory for dates.
552profligateadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: profligate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dépensierProfligate spending left the administration deeply in debt.
553proliferateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: proliferate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

proliférerUnverified reports began to proliferate online.
554propensitynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

1. propension 2. tendanceThe material has a propensity to crack in extreme cold.
555propitiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. favorable 2. propiceCalm weather made the morning propitious for launch.
556proponentnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: proponent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. partisan 2. avocatA leading proponent of the reform addressed the committee.
557proprietynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: propriety is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. décence 2. bienséance 3. bonnes manièresThe inquiry questioned the propriety of accepting expensive gifts.
558prosaicadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: prosaic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

prosaïqueThe mystery ends with a prosaic explanation.
559proscribeverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: proscribe is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. interdire 2. proscrire 3. prohiberThe treaty will proscribe the use of certain weapons.
560proselytizeverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

prosélytiserThe organization may inform visitors but cannot proselytize in the school.

The Peripatetic Teacher

Reading practice for pages 16–18. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

A peripatetic teacher travels between remote villages with a box of books. A penurious official repeatedly refuses to fund fuel, while a perfidious supplier secretly raises prices after signing a contract. When records expose the scheme, the supplier appears penitent. The teacher’s perennial commitment to students never changes.

French translation

Un enseignant itinérant voyage entre des villages isolés avec une boîte de livres. Un fonctionnaire avare refuse à plusieurs reprises de financer le carburant, tandis qu'un fournisseur perfide augmente secrètement les prix après avoir signé un contrat. Lorsque les documents révèlent la manœuvre, le fournisseur semble repentant. L'engagement durable de l'enseignant envers ses élèves ne change jamais.

Reading comprehension

1. Why is the teacher peripatetic?

The teacher travels between villages.

2. What makes the supplier perfidious?

The supplier secretly violates the agreement.

3. What commitment is perennial?

The teacher's commitment to students is perennial.

Page 17: words 561–595

Vocabulary page 17
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
561provincialadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: provincial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

provincialThe narrator initially holds a provincial view of the wider world.
562provisionaladjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: provisional is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. provisoire 2. temporaireThe committee issued a provisional schedule.
563prudentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: prudent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

prudentMaintaining an emergency reserve is a prudent policy.
564pugnaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

pugnaceThe pugnacious spokesperson turned every interview into a confrontation.
565punctiliousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

pointilleuxThe punctilious diplomat observed every protocol.
566quandarynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: quandary is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. embarras 2. perplexité 3. incertitudeConflicting duties left the physician in a moral quandary.
567querulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

ronchonThe querulous narrator finds fault with every neighbor.
568quixoticadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: quixotic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

quichottesqueThe plan to end all traffic within a week was quixotic.
569rancornoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: rancor is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

rancuneThe agreement ended the lawsuit but not the rancor.
570rarefiedadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: rarefied is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

raréfiéThe article brings rarefied theory into public discussion.
571recalcitrantadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: recalcitrant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. rebelle 2. récalcitrantThe recalcitrant company ignored repeated safety orders.
572recantverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: recant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. rétracter 2. se rétracter 3. retirerUnder pressure, the witness agreed to recant the accusation.
573reclusenoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: recluse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. reclus 2. recluseThe artist became a recluse late in life.
574reconditeadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: recondite is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. reculé 2. retiré 3. cachéThe lecture explored a recondite dispute in medieval law.
575redressnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: redress is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

réparationThe victims sought legal redress for the unlawful seizure.
576redundantadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: redundant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

redondantThe editor removed a redundant paragraph.
577relegateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: relegate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

reléguerThe new history does not relegate women to a footnote.
578relinquishverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: relinquish is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abandonner 2. délaisser 3. céderThe ruler refused to relinquish emergency powers.
579remonstrateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: remonstrate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

contesterResidents gathered to remonstrate against the closure.
580renounceverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: renounce is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abdiquerThe candidate refused to renounce her earlier position.
581repleteadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: replete is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pleinThe diary is replete with detailed observations.
582reprehensibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

1. répréhensible 2. condamnableThe court described the deliberate deception as reprehensible.
583reproachnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: reproach is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. reproche 2. réprobationHer quiet reproach affected him more than anger would have.
584repudiateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: repudiate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. répudier 2. nierThe party moved to repudiate the discriminatory policy.
585rescindverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: rescind is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. abroger 2. annulerThe agency may rescind the permit after the violation.
586reticentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: reticent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. réticent 2. hésitantThe normally reticent scientist agreed to an interview.
587revereverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: revere is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. idolâtrer 2. révérerMany residents revere the physician who founded the clinic.
588rhetoricnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: rhetoric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. rhétorique 2. discoursThe campaign's rhetoric emphasized unity while its policies divided voters.
589rudimentaryadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: rudimentary is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

rudimentaireThe settlement had only rudimentary sanitation.
590sagaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

sagaceThe sagacious adviser anticipated the treaty's unintended effects.
591sanctionverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: sanction is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sanctionThe board must sanction any major change to the charter.
592sanguineadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: sanguine is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sanguineAnalysts remain sanguine about the economy's long-term prospects.
593scathingadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: scathing is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

cinglantThe inspector issued a scathing report on prison conditions.
594schismnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: schism is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

schismeThe dispute caused a lasting schism in the movement.
595secularadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: secular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. séculier 2. laïque 3. mondainThe constitution establishes a secular government.

Page 18: words 596–630

Vocabulary page 18
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
596sedulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. assidu 2. diligent 3. persévérantThrough sedulous research, she reconstructed the lost manuscript.
597sequesterverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: sequester is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

séquestrerThe judge may sequester the jury during the trial.
598serendipitynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

1. sérendipité 2. aubaine 3. chanceSerendipity led the chemist to an unexpected material.
599servileadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: servile is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

servileThe essay criticizes the court's servile dependence on the monarch.
600singularadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: singular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

singulierThe archive offers a singular record of daily life during the occupation.
601skepticismnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

scepticismeHealthy skepticism led researchers to repeat the surprising experiment.
602solicitousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

attentionnéThe solicitous nurse explained each procedure calmly.
603soporificadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: soporific is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. somnifère 2. soporifiqueThe speaker's soporific delivery emptied the hall.
604speciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

spécieuxThe advertisement relies on a specious comparison.
605spuriousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. faux 2. trompeurThe journal withdrew the article after finding spurious data.
606staidadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: staid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. guindé 2. guindéeThe staid institution surprised everyone with an experimental exhibition.
607stigmanoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: stigma is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

stigmatePublic education can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
608stoicadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: stoic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

stoïqueHer stoic response concealed deep grief.
609stridentadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: strident is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. strident 2. criardThe debate's strident tone discouraged thoughtful exchange.
610subjugateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: subjugate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. subjuguer 2. assujettirThe empire attempted to subjugate neighboring communities.
611sublimeadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: sublime is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

sublimeThe symphony's final movement achieves a sublime calm.
612subversiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

subversifAuthorities banned the pamphlet as subversive.
613succinctadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: succinct is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

succinctA succinct caption explains the graph.
614superciliousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

hautainThe critic's supercilious tone alienated ordinary readers.
615superficialadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: superficial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

superficielA superficial comparison ignores important historical differences.
616superfluousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

superfluThe editor removed every superfluous adjective.
617surfeitnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: surfeit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

excèsA surfeit of examples made the argument harder to follow.
618surreptitiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. subreptice 2. furtifThe camera recorded a surreptitious exchange of documents.
619sycophantnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: sycophant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. flagorneur 2. lèche-bottes 3. lèche-culThe ruler surrounded himself with each sycophant who praised every decision.
620synthesisnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: synthesis is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

synthèseThe essay offers a synthesis of archaeological and linguistic evidence.
621tacitadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tacit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

taciteTheir silence gave tacit approval to the change.
622taciturnadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: taciturn is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

taciturneThe taciturn witness answered in brief phrases.
623tangentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tangential is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

accessoireThe editor removed a tangential discussion of the author's childhood.
624tantamountadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tantamount is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

équivalentIgnoring the warning was tantamount to accepting the risk.
625tautologicaladjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tautological is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

tautologiqueThe phrase “future plans” can be tautological in some contexts.
626temeritynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

téméritéShe had the temerity to challenge the ruler in public.
627tenaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

tenaceA tenacious investigator followed the evidence for years.
628tenetnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tenet is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. principe 2. croyance 3. dogmeEqual treatment is a basic tenet of the organization.
629tenuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

ténuThe article draws a tenuous link between the two events.
630terseadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: terse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

laconiqueThe official issued a terse denial.

Page 19: words 631–665

Vocabulary page 19
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
631tiradenoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: tirade is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. diatribe 2. tiradeThe meeting ended with a tirade against the press.
632torpornoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: torpor is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

torpeurWinter cold sends the animal into torpor.
633transcendverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: transcend is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

transcenderThe novel's themes transcend its historical setting.
634transgressverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Prefix focus: trans- means across, through, or beyond.

1. franchir 2. transgresserThe character must decide whether justice permits her to transgress the law.
635transientadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: transient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. bref 2. éphémère 3. fugaceThe economic benefit proved transient.
636trepidationnoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

1. appréhension 2. crainte 3. inquiétudeWith some trepidation, the team opened the sealed chamber.
637ubiquitousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. ubiquiste 2. ubiquitaireSmartphones have become ubiquitous in many communities.
638unconscionableadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

déraisonnableThe court rejected the unconscionable contract terms.
639unctuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. doucereux 2. mielleux 3. patelinThe salesman's unctuous compliments made buyers suspicious.
640unremittingadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: unremitting is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inlassableUnremitting rain caused the river to overflow.
641urbaneadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: urbane is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

urbainThe urbane host moved easily among diplomats and artists.
642usurpverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: usurp is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

usurperThe general attempted to usurp the elected government's authority.
643utilitarianadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: utilitarian is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. utilitaire 2. fonctionnel 3. fonctionnelleThe building's utilitarian design prioritized durability.
644utopianoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: utopia is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

utopieThe novel's apparent utopia depends on hidden coercion.
645vacillateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: vacillate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hésiterThe council continued to vacillate between renovation and demolition.
646vapidadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: vapid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. insipide 2. inintéressant 3. amorpheThe adaptation reduced a complex novel to vapid romance.
647vehementadjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: vehement is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

véhémentResidents voiced vehement opposition to the highway.
648venaladjective
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: venal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

vénalThe investigation exposed venal officials who sold permits.
649venerateverb
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Base-form focus: venerate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

vénérerMany scientists venerate the pioneer without accepting every theory he proposed.
650veracitynoun
Study

Field: SAT literature, history, and humanities

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

1. exactitude 2. véracitéDocuments from several sources support the account's veracity.
651verboseadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: verbose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. verbeux 2. prolixeThe verbose report hid its conclusion in fifty pages.
652verisimilitudenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: verisimilitude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

verisimilitudeAccurate period details give the film verisimilitude.
653vernacularnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vernacular is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. dialecte 2. idiome 3. patoisThe poet wrote in the local vernacular rather than formal Latin.
654vestigenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vestige is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

vestigeThe ruined gate is the last vestige of the old wall.
655vexverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vex is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. ennuyer 2. énerverThe contradictory clues continued to vex investigators.
656vicariousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. indirect 2. par procurationReaders share the explorer's vicarious thrill through the vivid diary.
657vicissitudenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vicissitude is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

vicissitudeThe business survived every economic vicissitude.
658vilifyverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vilify is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. diffamer 2. vilipenderThe campaign tried to vilify critics instead of answering them.
659vindicateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vindicate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

blanchirLater evidence may vindicate the scientist's disputed prediction.
660vindictiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. vindicatif 2. rancuneuxThe leader used vindictive prosecutions against former rivals.
661virulentadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: virulent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

virulentA virulent strain spread rapidly through the crop.
662vitiateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vitiate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abîmerCoercion can vitiate an agreement.
663vitriolicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: vitriolic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

vitrioliqueThe platform removed several vitriolic threats.
664vocationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -tion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

vocationShe regarded teaching as a vocation rather than merely a job.
665vociferousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. bruyant 2. vociférateurA vociferous minority dominated the meeting.

A Transient Outburst

Reading practice for pages 19–21. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

After weeks of political torpor, a council member delivers a fierce tirade. Her anger is transient, but the issue behind it is not: officials may transgress ethical rules if gifts influence votes. The council must transcend personal rivalries and adopt a transparent policy.

French translation

Après des semaines de torpeur politique, une membre du conseil prononce une violente tirade. Sa colère est passagère, mais le problème qui la provoque ne l’est pas : des responsables peuvent enfreindre les règles éthiques si des cadeaux influencent leurs votes. Le conseil doit dépasser les rivalités personnelles et adopter une politique transparente.

Reading comprehension

1. What interrupts the political torpor?

A fierce tirade interrupts it.

2. What ethical danger is identified?

Officials may transgress rules when gifts influence votes.

3. What must the council transcend?

The council must transcend personal rivalries.

Page 20: words 666–700

Vocabulary page 20
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
666volatileadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: volatile is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

volatilThe ceasefire remains volatile.
667volitionnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -tion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

énergieThe witness signed the statement of her own volition.
668wantonadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: wanton is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

gratuitThe law punished wanton destruction of protected habitat.
669willfuladjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: willful is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

volontaireThe court found a willful violation of the disclosure rule.
670wistfuladjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: wistful is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. mélancolique 2. nostalgiqueHis wistful memoir recalls a neighborhood that no longer exists.
671zealousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

zéléA zealous reformer may still need to consider unintended effects.
672accretionnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -tion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

1. accrétion 2. accroissementThe island formed by the accretion of sand and sediment.
673adjudicateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: adjudicate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. juger 2. trancherAn independent panel will adjudicate the competing claims.
674adsorbverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: adsorb is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

adsorberActivated carbon can adsorb pollutants from water.
675alluvialadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: alluvial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

alluvialFarmers value the fertile alluvial soil near the river.
676amalgamateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: amalgamate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

amalgamerThe district plans to amalgamate three small libraries.
677anomalousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. anormal 2. anomalThe team repeated the test after one anomalous result.
678anthropogenicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: anthropogenic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

anthropiqueThe study separates natural variation from anthropogenic warming.
679attenuateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: attenuate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

atténuerTrees can attenuate traffic noise.
680auspiciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. propice 2. faste 3. de bon augureA peaceful transfer of power was an auspicious beginning.
681buffernoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: buffer is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

tamponSavings provide a buffer against sudden unemployment.
682capitulateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: capitulate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. capituler 2. rendreThe isolated army was forced to capitulate.
683codifyverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: codify is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

codifierThe new statute will codify protections developed by earlier courts.
684commodifyverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

mercantiliserCritics argue that the platform will commodify personal attention.
685concentricadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: concentric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

concentriqueThe impact produced concentric circles in the ice.
686confoundverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: confound is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

confondreAn unmeasured variable could confound the experiment.
687consolidateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: consolidate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

consoliderThe agency will consolidate its records in one secure archive.
688constitutiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

constitutifShared rituals are constitutive of the community's identity.
689contingentadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: contingent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. contingent 2. éventuel 3. hypothétiqueFunding is contingent on independent review.
690counterintuitiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

contre-intuitifThe counterintuitive result improved efficiency by slowing the process.
691decomposeverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: decompose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

décomposerFungi decompose fallen wood.
692demographicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: demographic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

démographiqueThe survey revealed a major demographic shift.
693disaggregateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: disaggregate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

désagrégerResearchers disaggregate the results by age and region.
694displacementnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ment commonly forms a noun for an action, process, state, or result.

déplacementThe dam caused the displacement of several villages.
695efficacynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: efficacy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. efficience 2. efficacitéThe trial measured the vaccine's efficacy.
696elasticitynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

élasticitéPrice elasticity describes how demand changes when cost changes.
697equilibriumnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: equilibrium is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

équilibreThe reaction reaches equilibrium when both rates become equal.
698exogenousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

exogèneThe model treats global oil prices as an exogenous factor.
699exponentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: exponential is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

exponentielThe bacteria showed exponential growth under ideal conditions.
700externalitynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

externalitéAir pollution is a negative externality of fossil-fuel use.

Page 21: words 701–735

Vocabulary page 21
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
701formativeadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. formateur 2. formatifLiving abroad was a formative experience for the writer.
702fungibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

fongibleMoney is fungible because one dollar can replace another.
703genealogynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: genealogy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

généalogieThe scholar traces the genealogy of the political concept.
704gradientnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: gradient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

penteA steep temperature gradient formed near the front.
705heuristicnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: heuristic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

heuristiqueThe doctor used a heuristic to prioritize urgent cases.
706homeostasisnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: homeostasis is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

homéostasieSweating helps the body preserve homeostasis.
707hydraulicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: hydraulic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

hydrauliqueA hydraulic lift raised the heavy platform.
708incentivenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: incentive is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. incitant 2. intérêt 3. motivationThe rebate provides an incentive to conserve energy.
709incidencenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

incidenceVaccination reduced the incidence of the disease.
710inelasticadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: inelastic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inélastiqueDemand for basic medicine can be relatively inelastic.
711infrastructurenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: infrastructure is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

infrastructureFlooding damaged roads and other infrastructure.
712interdependentadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Prefix focus: inter- means between or among.

interdépendantPollinators and flowering plants are interdependent.
713isotopenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: isotope is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

isotopeScientists used a radioactive isotope to date the sample.
714kineticadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: kinetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

cinétiqueA moving vehicle possesses kinetic energy.
715longitudinaladjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: longitudinal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

longitudinalA longitudinal study followed the children for twenty years.
716macroeconomicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Prefix focus: macro- means large-scale.

macroéconomiqueThe report examines macroeconomic trends in inflation and employment.
717microcosmnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: microcosm is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

microcosmeThe port is a microcosm of the nation's cultural diversity.
718multilateraladjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Prefix focus: multi- means many.

multilatéralThe treaty requires multilateral cooperation.
719normativeadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

1. normatif 2. normativeThe essay distinguishes descriptive claims from normative judgments.
720oscillationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

oscillationThe graph shows a regular oscillation in temperature.
721outliernoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: outlier is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. valeur 2. anormale 3. donnée aberranteOne unusually high score was an outlier.
722polarizeverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

partagerSensational coverage may polarize public opinion.
723proportionaladjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: proportional is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

proportionnelFuel use is roughly proportional to distance traveled.
724redistributeverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: redistribute is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

redistribuerThe tax is designed to redistribute some wealth toward public services.
725regressionnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -sion commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

régressionThe researchers used regression to control for age.
726salinitynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

salinitéDrought increased the estuary's salinity.
727sequestrationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

séquestrationForest conservation supports carbon sequestration.
728stratifyverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

stratifierUnequal access can stratify a society by wealth.
729subsistencenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

moyens d'existenceThe family relied on subsistence farming.
730symbioticadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: symbiotic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

symbiotiqueThe fungi and tree roots form a symbiotic partnership.
731systemicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: systemic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

systémiqueThe audit identified systemic failures in oversight.
732thresholdnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: threshold is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

seuilThe signal must cross a threshold before the alarm sounds.
733trajectorynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: trajectory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

trajectoireThe policy changed the city's economic trajectory.
734viscositynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

viscositéCooling increases the oil's viscosity.
735zeitgeistnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ist often names a person associated with a field, belief, or practice.

1. esprit du temps 2. air du tempsThe novel captures the anxious zeitgeist of the decade.

Page 22: words 736–770

Vocabulary page 22
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
736abrogateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: abrogate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

abrogerThe legislature voted to abrogate the outdated treaty.
737acquisitiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

acquisitifThe satire mocks an acquisitive society that measures worth by ownership.
738adventitiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

1. aléatoire 2. acquis 3. adventiceAn adventitious discovery redirected the entire investigation.
739appriseverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: apprise is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

annoncerThe attorney promised to apprise the family of every development.
740arrogateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: arrogate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

arrogerThe governor cannot arrogate powers reserved for the courts.
741atonementnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ment commonly forms a noun for an action, process, state, or result.

propitiationHis public service became an attempt at atonement.
742attenuationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

atténuationThe wall produced measurable attenuation of the sound.
743bifurcateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: bifurcate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

bifurquerThe trail will bifurcate near the ridge.
744broachverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: broach is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

aborderShe waited until dinner ended to broach the funding dispute.
745buttressverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: buttress is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. arc-boutant 2. contrefortThe newly found letters buttress the historian's interpretation.
746cadgeverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: cadge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

extorquerThe traveler tried to cadge a meal from the innkeeper.
747capitulationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

capitulationThe treaty marked the army's complete capitulation.
748cogitateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: cogitate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

cogiterThe philosopher would cogitate for hours before writing a paragraph.
749complicitynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

complicitéThe documents revealed the bank's complicity in the fraud.
750concordnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: concord is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

concordeThe settlement restored a measure of concord between the communities.
751conduitnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: conduit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

canalThe river served as a conduit for trade and ideas.
752conundrumnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: conundrum is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. énigme 2. problème 3. casse-têteThe need for growth without more pollution presents a conundrum.
753corporealadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: corporeal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

périssableThe poem contrasts corporeal desire with spiritual aspiration.
754cossetverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: cosset is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. choyer 2. dorloter 3. chouchouterThe program should support students without trying to cosset them.
755dauntverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: daunt is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. décourager 2. démonter 3. intimiderThe scale of the archive did not daunt the researcher.
756defrayverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: defray is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

défrayerA grant will defray travel expenses.
757demurverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: demur is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

objecterTwo members began to demur when the vote was rushed.
758denouementnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ment commonly forms a noun for an action, process, state, or result.

dénouementThe mystery's denouement reveals why the witness lied.
759depredationnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

attaqueThe forest still bears signs of wartime depredation.
760descryverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: descry is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

percevoirFrom the tower, scouts could descry a sail on the horizon.
761detentenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: detente is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

détenteThe cultural exchange contributed to a brief detente.
762diaphanousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

diaphaneA diaphanous curtain moved in the breeze.
763dissembleverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: dissemble is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dissimulerThe diplomat tried to dissemble her alarm.
764ebulliencenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state.

joie de vivreThe crowd's ebullience continued long after the victory.
765efficaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

efficaceThe trial found the treatment safe and efficacious.
766encomiumnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: encomium is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apologieThe retirement dinner included an encomium to the professor's mentorship.
767enervatingadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: enervating is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

énervantThe enervating humidity slowed the workers.
768epistemicadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: epistemic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

épistémiqueThe essay examines the epistemic limits of eyewitness testimony.
769expiateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: expiate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

apaiserThe character hopes to expiate his betrayal through sacrifice.
770expurgateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: expurgate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

expurgerThe editor refused to expurgate the historical letters.

An Adventitious Claim

Reading practice for pages 22–23. Five relevant words are highlighted.

English reading

An acquisitive executive tries to arrogate authority that belongs to the full board. She asks lawyers to abrogate an oversight rule and presents an adventitious rise in sales as proof that her plan works, although the rise came from an unrelated holiday. A careful analyst must apprise the board of that missing context.

French translation

Une dirigeante avide tente de s'arroger une autorité qui appartient à l'ensemble du conseil d'administration. Elle demande à des avocats d'abroger une règle de surveillance et présente une hausse fortuite des ventes comme preuve que son plan fonctionne, bien que cette hausse ait été causée par un jour férié sans rapport. Un analyste prudent doit informer le conseil de ce contexte manquant.

Reading comprehension

1. What authority does the executive try to arrogate?

She tries to claim authority belonging to the board.

2. Why is the sales rise adventitious?

It came from an unrelated holiday.

3. What must the analyst do?

The analyst must apprise the board of the missing context.

Page 23: words 771–800

Vocabulary page 23
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
771fecundadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: fecund is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

fécondThe collaboration proved fecund, producing several new theories.
772gambitnoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: gambit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

gambitThe generous offer was a negotiating gambit.
773homilynoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: homily is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

homélieThe novel ends with action rather than a homily.
774immanentadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: immanent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

immanentThe philosopher describes justice as immanent in human cooperation.
775immolateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: immolate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

immolerThe mythic hero chose to immolate himself to save the city.
776impassenoun
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: impasse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. impasse 2. voie sans issueTalks reached an impasse over border security.
777importuneverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: importune is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

harcelerLobbyists continued to importune legislators for exemptions.
778inchoateadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: inchoate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

embryonnaireThe protest began with an inchoate set of demands.
779inculcateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: inculcate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

inculquerThe program seeks to inculcate habits of careful source checking.
780ineluctableadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

inéluctableThe tragedy moves toward an ineluctable conclusion.
781inimitableadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

inimitableThe singer's inimitable phrasing transformed the familiar song.
782internecineadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: internecine is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

intestinAn internecine struggle weakened the governing coalition.
783lacunanoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: lacuna is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

lacuneA lacuna in the records obscures three years of the artist's life.
784largessenoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: largesse is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. largesses 2. largesseThe university expanded through a benefactor's largesse.
785mercurialadjective
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: mercurial is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

lunatiqueThe mercurial director praised the plan one day and rejected it the next.
786milieunoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: milieu is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

milieuThe novel recreates the artistic milieu of 1920s Paris.
787modicumnoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: modicum is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. minimum 2. modicum 3. montant modiqueThe proposal needs at least a modicum of public support.
788moribundadjective
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: moribund is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. moribond 2. mourantNew investment revived the moribund industry.
789obloquynoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: obloquy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

opprobreThe official faced obloquy after the deception was exposed.
790opprobriumnoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: opprobrium is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

opprobreThe company earned international opprobrium for the spill.
791palpableadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

palpableA palpable tension filled the courtroom.
792panegyricnoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: panegyric is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

panégyriqueThe biography sometimes reads like a panegyric rather than a critical study.
793pellucidadjective
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: pellucid is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

translucideThe essay's pellucid explanation won praise from nonspecialists.
794penurynoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: penury is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pénurieThe memoir describes childhood penury without sentimentality.
795peremptoryadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: peremptory is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. irréfutable 2. péremptoire 3. sans appelThe officer issued a peremptory command to leave.
796perspicaciousadjective
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

perspicaceA perspicacious reviewer noticed the hidden contradiction.
797preceptnoun
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: precept is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

précepteThe physician followed the ethical precept of informed consent.
798presageverb
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: presage is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

présagerThe sudden withdrawals may presage a financial crisis.
799prognosticateverb
Study

Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: prognosticate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

pronostiquerEconomists hesitate to prognosticate beyond the next quarter.
800prolixadjective
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Field: SAT science and social-science vocabulary

Word study: Base-form focus: prolix is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

1. fastidieux 2. phraseur 3. prolixeThe prolix introduction delays the essay's central claim.

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.