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SAT Vocabulary Words

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

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

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Words 1–35 of 800
#	Word	Details	Meaning	Sample sentence
1	abash	verb 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.	1. confondere 2. imbarazzare 3. turbare	The unexpected praise seemed to abash the normally confident speaker.
2	abate	verb 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. annullare 2. estinguere 3. eliminare	The wind began to abate shortly after sunset.
3	abdicate	verb 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.	abdicare	A leader cannot abdicate responsibility when a policy fails.
4	aberration	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.	aberrazione	The single cold day was an aberration in an otherwise warm month.
5	abhor	verb Study 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. aborrire 2. abominare	The reformer came to abhor laws that punished peaceful dissent.
6	abject	adjective Study 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.	abietto	The expedition ended in abject failure after both engines stopped.
7	abridge	verb Study 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.	abbreviare	The editor will abridge the memoir for younger readers.
8	absolve	verb Study 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.	assolvere	New evidence may absolve the driver of responsibility for the crash.
9	abstain	verb Study 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.	astenersi	Two committee members will abstain from voting because of conflicts of interest.
10	abstruse	adjective Study 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. astruso 2. ermetico	The article's abstruse terminology confused readers outside the field.
11	abysmal	adjective Study 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. disastroso 2. pessimo 3. abissale	The shelter's abysmal conditions prompted an official investigation.
12	accede	verb Study 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.	accettare	After months of debate, the council chose to accede to the residents' demand.
13	acclaim	noun 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.	acclamare	The novelist earned critical acclaim for her vivid historical research.
14	accolade	noun Study 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.	elogio	The scientist accepted the accolade on behalf of her entire laboratory.
15	accommodate	verb 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.	sistemare	The revised schedule can accommodate students in different time zones.
16	acquiesce	verb Study 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.	1. approvare 2. conformarsi 3. consentire	Faced with a unanimous vote, the director decided to acquiesce.
17	acrimony	noun Study 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.	acrimonia	Years of acrimony made a calm settlement difficult.
18	acumen	noun Study 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.	1. perspicacia 2. acume	Her financial acumen helped the small company survive the recession.
19	adamant	adjective Study 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. irremovibile 2. ostinato	The physician was adamant that the trial must follow safety rules.
20	adaptable	adjective Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.	adattabile	An adaptable species can survive rapid environmental change.
21	adept	adjective Study 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.	abile	The mediator was adept at finding language both sides could accept.
22	adjacent	adjective Study 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.	adiacente	The museum moved the sculpture to an adjacent gallery.
23	admonish	verb Study 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.	ammonire	The judge had to admonish the witness for interrupting.
24	adroit	adjective Study 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.	agile	Her adroit response redirected the tense interview toward useful facts.
25	adulation	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.	adulazione	The actor distrusted the sudden adulation that followed one successful film.
26	advocate	verb 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.	1. difendere 2. sostenere	Several physicians advocate earlier screening for the disease.
27	aesthetic	adjective Study 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.	estetico	The architect balanced aesthetic goals with practical safety needs.
28	affable	adjective Study 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.	affabile	The affable professor welcomed questions after the lecture.
29	affinity	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.	affinità	Mina felt an affinity for stories about determined explorers.
30	affirm	verb 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.	affermare	The ruling will affirm every citizen's right to peaceful assembly.
31	agnostic	adjective Study 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.	agnostico	The software is platform agnostic and works on several operating systems.
32	alacrity	noun Study Field: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.	1. alacrità 2. solerzia	The volunteers responded with alacrity when extra help was requested.
33	allege	verb Study 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. sostenere 2. asserire	Investigators allege that the contractor concealed safety defects.
34	alleviate	verb 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.	lenire	Shade trees can alleviate extreme heat on city streets.
35	allude	verb 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.	alludere	The poem may allude to an ancient myth without naming it.

Vocabulary reading and practice

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.

Italian translation

La nuova estetica del museo inizialmente divide i critici, ma un rispettato sostenitore spiega come il suo design essenziale diriga l’attenzione verso l’arte. Segue il consenso del pubblico. All’inaugurazione, un riconoscimento inaspettato sembra mettere in imbarazzo l’architetto, di solito sicuro di sé, che risponde con un breve ringraziamento anziché con un discorso di vittoria.

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.

Vocabulary quiz

Choose the dictionary equivalent for each of 5 selected words.

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About the digital SAT

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

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

College Board test overview

Sources and curriculum references

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

SAT Vocabulary Words

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An Unexpected Accolade

English reading

Italian translation

Reading comprehension

Vocabulary quiz

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