The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test used by colleges and universities in the United States to evaluate the readiness of applicants for higher education. A key component of the SAT is the vocabulary section, which tests the student's ability to understand and use a wide range of words. In this essay, we will examine 250 words that are commonly found on the SAT and discuss their meanings, usage, and origins.
Abate: to reduce in intensity or severity. Example: "The storm abated after a few hours, leaving behind a trail of destruction."
Abstemious: sparing in consumption of food and drink. Example: "She was abstemious in her eating habits, preferring a healthy, balanced diet."
Adjudicate: to make a judgment or decision in a dispute. Example: "The case was adjudicated by a panel of expert judges."
Adulate: to flatter or praise excessively. Example: "He was accustomed to being adulated by his fans, but he never let it go to his head."
Agglutinate: to unite or combine into a single whole. Example: "The two companies decided to agglutinate their operations in order to increase efficiency."
Alleluia: an exclamation of praise or joy. Example: "The choir sang alleluias as the sun rose on Easter morning."
Amalgamate: to combine or merge into a single entity. Example: "The two organizations amalgamated their resources in order to better serve their clients."
Amorphous: having no distinct shape or form. Example: "The cloud was amorphous, constantly changing shape as it moved across the sky."
Anachronism: something out of place in time. Example: "The use of a typewriter in a modern office would be an anachronism."
Anathema: a person or thing that is greatly disliked or detested. Example: "He was anathema to her, and she avoided him at all costs."
Anodyne: something that soothes or relieves pain. Example: "The anodyne was administered to the patient, and she soon felt relief from her headache."
Arduous: demanding great effort or labor. Example: "The hike up the mountain was arduous, but the view from the top was worth it."
Articulate: able to express oneself clearly and effectively. Example: "She was an articulate speaker, able to convey her ideas with precision and conviction."
Asperity: harshness or severity. Example: "There was an asperity in her voice that made it clear she was not amused."
Auspicious: promising success or good fortune. Example: "The wedding ceremony was held on an auspicious day, according to the astrologer."
Austere: severe or strict in manner or appearance. Example: "The monastery was austere, with plain stone walls and minimal furnishings."
Avarice: greed or excessive desire for wealth. Example: "His avarice led him to make unwise business decisions."
Axiom: a self-evident truth that requires no proof. Example: "It is an axiom that the earth is round."
Baldric: a belt worn over the shoulder to support a sword or other implement. Example: "The knight wore a baldric across his chest, with a sword hanging at his side."
Banal: lacking originality or freshness; trite. Example: "The movie was
