The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized exam used by colleges and universities in the United States to assess the academic readiness of applicants. One key component of the SAT is the inclusion of vocabulary questions, designed to test the student's knowledge of words that are commonly found in academic texts. In this essay, we will take a closer look at 250 words that frequently appear on the SAT and discuss their meanings, usage, and potential context on the exam.
Abstemious: self-restrained, especially in relation to food or drink. Example: "She was abstemious in her habits, rarely indulging in rich or fatty foods."
Adjudicate: to make a formal judgment or decision about a legal dispute. Example: "The case was adjudicated in favor of the plaintiff."
Adulate: to praise or flatter excessively. Example: "The politician was adulated by his supporters, who saw him as a hero."
Agglutinate: to join or stick together. Example: "The glue was able to agglutinate the broken pieces of the vase."
Aggrandize: to increase in power, wealth, or importance. Example: "He was accused of aggrandizing himself at the expense of others."
Aggregate: to gather or bring together into a single whole. Example: "The company aggregated all of its various divisions under one umbrella organization."
Alleluia: an exclamation of praise or joy. Example: "The choir sang alleluias during the Easter service."
Allelujah: another spelling of "alleluia."
Allude: to refer to indirectly or indirectly. Example: "She alluded to the scandal without actually mentioning it."
Amalgamate: to mix or blend together. Example: "The two companies amalgamated their operations, resulting in a larger and more efficient organization."
Amorphous: having no definite shape or form. Example: "The blob of paint was amorphous and shapeless."
Anachronism: something that is out of place in terms of historical or chronological context. Example: "The use of cellphones in a medieval-themed movie is an anachronism."
Anathema: something or someone that is strongly disliked or condemned. Example: "He was considered an anathema by his critics."
Anarchist: a person who advocates for the abolition of all forms of government and authority. Example: "The anarchist believed that society would be better off without any kind of centralized power."
Ancillary: serving as a supplementary or subordinate role. Example: "The ancillary staff at the hospital included nurses, orderlies, and janitors."
Animadversion: strong criticism or disapproval. Example: "His harsh animadversions made it clear that he did not approve of the plan."
Animus: a feeling of strong enmity or dislike. Example: "There was a long-standing animus between the two rival companies."
Annihilate: to destroy completely. Example: "The enemy army was annihilated in the battle."
Anomaly: something that deviates from what is normal or expected. Example: "The sudden appearance of a tornado in a normally calm region was an anomaly."
Antecedent: something that happened or existed before something else. Example: "The antecedent events leading up to the war are complex and