Think your SAT vocab skills are at their apex? Many students dread studying for and taking their SATS, because the scores can determine so much. A high score can be a key to many renowned institutions of higher learning, while many competitive schools are far less likely to take on a student who scores low. The modern SAT consists of four main sections. There's reading, writing and language, math, and an essay. On the modern SAT, math is split into two subsections: one where test-takers can use a calculator and one where they cannot. The essay is also optional.
The SAT was majorly redesigned in 2016. This update has made vocabulary slightly less important than it used to be, but it is still a big part of the test. Test-takers who are not familiar enough with more academic terms might struggle on the writing and language sections, where sometimes context clues are not enough to scrape by. Those aiming for high or perfect scores simply must familiarize themselves with the test's vocabulary.
If you are a vocab whiz who thinks that you could crush the SAT with a high or even perfect score of 1600, test your word savvy with this quiz!
Sinister
"Sinister" is an adjective. It is used to describe something ominous or evil.
Reform
"Reform" is both a noun and a verb. A reform is a change for the better, and to reform is to improve via change.
Perish
"Perish" is a verb. It means to die or pass away.
Envy
"Envy" can be both a noun and a verb. It can be both excessive jealousy and to be jealous.
Complacent
"Complacent" is an adjective. It describes someone who is satisfied and has no desire to change or improve.
Modest
"Modest" is an adjective. It describes something humble or simple or something that is tiny in either size or amount.
Condone
"Condone" is a verb. It means to approve or allow something.
Insatiable
"Insatiable" is an adjective. It describes a hunger or want which cannot be satisfied.
Obsolete
"Obsolete" is an adjective. It describes something that is no longer used, because it is outdated.
Sufficient
"Sufficient" is an adjective. When something is sufficient, it is enough or meets a requirement.
Quirk
"Quirk" is a noun. If someone has a quirk, they have an unusual habit.
Treacherous
"Treacherous" is an adjective. It describes something that is hazardous or a person who is disloyal.
Discord
"Discord" is a noun. It is a state of intense disagreement.
Urge
"Urge" can be both a noun and verb. An urge is a desire or impulse, while to urge someone is to try to persuade them.
Vow
"Vow" can be both a noun and a verb. A vow is a promise or oath. To vow is to solemnly promise to do something.
Avid
"Avid" is an adjective. It means to be actively interested or enthusiastic about something.
Benevolent
"Benevolent" is an adjective. It is generally used to describe a person who is generous and kind.
Deference
"Deference" is a noun. It is humble respect or regard for someone or something.
Unprecedented
"Unprecedented" is an adjective. Something unprecedented has never happened before, is totally new, or is historic.
Eccentric
"Eccentric" is an adjective. It is used to describe someone odd or off-beat that differs from the norm.
Flourish
"Flourish" can be both a noun and a verb. It can be a bold gesture. It can also be the action of doing something in a bold way to get attention, or the act of prospering and quickly progressing.
Lament
"Lament" is both a verb and a noun. To lament is the action grieving or expressing sorrow, while a lament is an emotional expression of grief or sorrow.
Nuance
"Nuance" is a noun. Nuances are subtle differences in meaning.
Petulant
"Petulant" is an adjective. It describes someone who is cranky or irritable.
Reinforce
"Reinforce" is a verb. It means to strengthen or add support to something.
Squalid
"Squalid" is an adjective. It describes something that is run-down, dirty or sleazy.
Temperament
"Temperament" is a noun. Someone's temperament is their usual mood or their feelings.
Unadorned
"Unadorned" is an adjective. It describes something plain and undecorated.
Advent
"Advent" is a noun. This word is usually used in historic contexts and refers to the arrival or creation of something.
Pinnacle
"Pinnacle" is a noun. The pinnacle of something is its highest level or degree.
Unveil
"Unveil" is a verb. It means to make something visible or reveal it.
Abate
The word is a verb. It can mean to become less active, less intense, or less in amount.
Opine
"Opine" is a verb. It means to express an opinion.
Surmount
"Surmount" is a verb. It means to get on top of or overcome.
Paramount
"Paramount" is an adjective. If something is paramount, it is the most superior or important.
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