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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| # | Word | Details | Meaning | Sample sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | cryptic | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: cryptic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 숨은 뜻을 가진 | The note's cryptic wording left investigators uncertain. |
| 107 | culminate | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: culminate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 정점에 도달하다 | Months of rehearsals will culminate in a public performance. |
| 108 | cursory | adjective StudyField: 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. 피상적인 2. 대충 훑는 | A cursory inspection failed to reveal the small fracture. |
| 109 | dearth | noun StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dearth is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 부족 | A dearth of reliable records limits the historian's conclusions. |
| 110 | debunk | verb StudyField: 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. 폭로하다 2. 밝히다 | The experiment helped debunk a popular myth about memory. |
| 111 | deference | noun StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ence commonly forms a noun naming an action, quality, or state. | 1. 존중 2. 경의 | Out of deference to local experts, the team revised its plan. |
| 112 | delineate | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: delineate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 묘사하다 | The contract must delineate each partner's responsibilities. |
| 113 | denigrate | verb StudyField: 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. 깎아내리다 2. 폄하하다 | The article should challenge the theory without trying to denigrate its author. |
| 114 | denote | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: denote is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 나타내다 | On this map, a dashed line may denote a seasonal trail. |
| 115 | deride | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: deride is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 비웃다 | Critics began to deride the invention before testing it. |
| 116 | derivative | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency. | 1. 모방적인 2. 독창성 없는 | Reviewers found the sequel derivative despite its impressive effects. |
| 117 | despondent | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: despondent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 기가 죽은 | The repeated rejections left the applicant despondent. |
| 118 | didactic | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: didactic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 1. 교훈적인 2. 훈계조의 | The novel is didactic, but its characters still feel convincing. |
| 119 | diffident | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: diffident is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 자신 없는 | The diffident student spoke more freely in a small group. |
| 120 | diligent | adjective StudyField: 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. 근면하다 2. 부지런하다 | A diligent researcher checks every citation against its source. |
| 121 | discerning | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discerning is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 식별력 있는 사람들 | A discerning reader notices when evidence does not support a conclusion. |
| 122 | discredit | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discredit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 1. 신뢰를 떨어뜨리다 2. 불신하게 만들다 | One fabricated result can discredit an otherwise valuable study. |
| 123 | discrepancy | noun StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discrepancy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 괴리 | Auditors investigated a discrepancy between the invoice and the payment. |
| 124 | discrete | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: discrete is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 1. 서로 구별되는 2. 별개의 | The survey measures three discrete aspects of public opinion. |
| 125 | disdain | noun StudyField: 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. 경멸 2. 천시 3. 멸시 | The narrator expresses disdain for empty displays of wealth. |
| 126 | disparate | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: disparate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 다른 | The essay connects disparate examples through one central idea. |
| 127 | dispassionate | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dispassionate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 냉정한 | A judge must offer a dispassionate evaluation of the evidence. |
| 128 | disseminate | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: disseminate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 퍼뜨리다 | Public agencies disseminate storm warnings through several channels. |
| 129 | diverge | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: diverge is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 갈라지다 | The researchers' interpretations diverge after the first experiment. |
| 130 | dogmatic | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: dogmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 독단적인 | The essay sounds dogmatic because it ignores reasonable objections. |
| 131 | eclectic | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: eclectic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 절충주의의 | The exhibit presents an eclectic mix of sculpture, film, and textiles. |
| 132 | elicit | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: elicit is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 이끌어내다 | The interviewer used open questions to elicit detailed memories. |
| 133 | eloquent | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: eloquent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 웅변적인 | Her eloquent defense of the library changed several votes. |
| 134 | elusive | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency. | 1. 찾기 어려운 2. 규정하기 어려운 | A simple explanation for the pattern remains elusive. |
| 135 | emulate | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: emulate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 본받다 | Young architects often emulate designs they admire. |
| 136 | enervate | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: enervate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 무기력하게 하다 | Weeks of extreme heat can enervate even experienced fieldworkers. |
| 137 | engender | verb StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: engender is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 낳다 | Transparent rules can engender trust in public institutions. |
| 138 | enigmatic | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: enigmatic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 수수께끼-의 | The painting's enigmatic symbols invite several interpretations. |
| 139 | ephemeral | adjective StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Base-form focus: ephemeral is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context. | 1. 덧없는 2. 일시적인 | Online fame can be ephemeral without meaningful work behind it. |
| 140 | equanimity | noun StudyField: SAT words in context and precision Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition. | 평정 | The pilot responded to the emergency with remarkable equanimity. |
Vocabulary reading and practice
A Dispassionate Reply
Reading practice for pages 4–6. Five relevant words are highlighted.
English reading
Online comments deride a mayor’s temporary art display, but their outrage may prove ephemeral. In a dispassionate reply, the curator explains that the empty frame is meant to denote absence, not carelessness. She maintains equanimity throughout the debate, answering criticism without either contempt or panic.
Korean translation
온라인 댓글들은 시장이 마련한 임시 미술 전시를 조롱하지만, 그 분노는 일시적일 수 있다. 큐레이터는 냉정한 답변을 통해 빈 액자가 부주의가 아니라 부재를 나타내기 위한 것이라고 설명한다. 그녀는 논쟁 내내 평정심을 유지하며 경멸도 공포도 드러내지 않고 비판에 답한다.
Reading comprehension
1. Why may the outrage be ephemeral?
The outrage concerns a temporary display and may fade.
2. What does the empty frame denote?
It denotes absence.
3. How does the curator show equanimity?
She answers criticism calmly.
Vocabulary quiz
Choose the dictionary equivalent for each of 5 selected words.
Vocabulary chart page
This page focuses on the word chart. Reading passages appear once in each three-page group, while cloze quizzes remain in the established enhanced range for this level.
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.
Sources and curriculum references
These references guide selection and calibration. Definitions, sample sentences, readings, questions, and teaching notes are independently written and reviewed.
- College Board: The SAT Reading and Writing Section
- College Board: Student Question Bank — Reading and Writing
- College Board: Digital SAT Suite Assessment Framework
- WikDict downloadable bilingual dictionaries
- Kaikki.org / Wiktextract machine-readable Wiktionary data
- Language-Learning-decks public flashcard datasets
- SBBIC English-to-Khmer Dictionary
- English–Khmer Dictionary Dataset (machine-generated Khmer fallback; human review required)
- PanLex meanings snapshot (direct CC0 gap candidates; human review required)
- Cambridge bilingual dictionaries (individual editorial sense checks)
- Collins English–Hindi Dictionary (individual editorial checks)
- Hindwi and Rekhta dictionaries (individual Hindi/Urdu checks)
- National Institute of Korean Language: Basic Korean Dictionary
- JMdict/EDRDG Japanese dictionary project
- CC-CEDICT Chinese dictionary project
- VDict Vietnamese Dictionary (individual editorial check)
- Google Translate (machine-assisted lesson-reading draft; fluent review required)
- Kuperman et al.: Age-of-acquisition ratings for 30,000 English words

