Critical Reading Vocabulary Words to Know for PSAT

Understanding critical reading vocabulary is key for the PSAT. These words help you analyze texts, identify themes, and grasp character motivations. Mastering this vocabulary will boost your reading comprehension and enhance your overall performance on the exam.

1. Analogous

   • Indicates a similarity or comparison between two different things.
   • Often used in literature and science to draw parallels.
   • Helps in understanding complex concepts by relating them to familiar ideas.

2. Ambiguous

   • Refers to something that can be understood in multiple ways.
   • Can lead to confusion or misinterpretation in texts.
   • Important in critical reading to identify unclear language or meanings.

3. Benevolent

   • Describes a kind and charitable nature.
   • Often used to characterize characters or actions in literature.
   • Highlights themes of kindness and altruism.

4. Candid

   • Means being open, honest, and straightforward.
   • Important in understanding character motivations and narrative voice.
   • Can reveal deeper truths in discussions or writings.

5. Diligent

   • Refers to showing careful and persistent effort.
   • Often associated with hard work and dedication.
   • Important for understanding character traits and themes of perseverance.

6. Enigmatic

   • Describes something that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
   • Often used to create intrigue in literature.
   • Encourages critical thinking and deeper analysis of texts.

7. Frugal

   • Means being economical or avoiding waste.
   • Can reflect a character's values or lifestyle choices.
   • Important in discussions about resource management and priorities.

8. Gregarious

   • Describes someone who is sociable and enjoys being in groups.
   • Important for understanding character dynamics and social themes.
   • Can influence plot development through interactions.

9. Hypothetical

   • Refers to something based on a suggested idea or theory rather than reality.
   • Often used in arguments or discussions to explore possibilities.
   • Important for critical thinking and evaluating scenarios.

10. Impartial

    • Means being unbiased and fair.
    • Essential for understanding perspectives in arguments or narratives.
    • Important in evaluating the reliability of sources and information.

11. Juxtapose

    • Refers to placing two or more elements side by side for comparison.
    • Often used in literature to highlight contrasts or similarities.
    • Encourages deeper analysis of themes and character development.

12. Laconic

    • Describes a style of speaking or writing that is concise and to the point.
    • Can convey strength or confidence in communication.
    • Important for understanding character traits and dialogue.

13. Meticulous

    • Means showing great attention to detail.
    • Often associated with careful planning and execution.
    • Important for analyzing character actions and narrative structure.

14. Nostalgia

    • Refers to a sentimental longing for the past.
    • Can influence character motivations and themes in literature.
    • Important for understanding emotional connections in narratives.

15. Obscure

    • Means not clear or hard to understand.
    • Can refer to language, themes, or character motivations.
    • Important for critical reading to identify ambiguity and complexity.

16. Pragmatic

    • Refers to a practical approach to problems and situations.
    • Often contrasts with idealism in character development.
    • Important for evaluating decisions and actions in narratives.

17. Quintessential

    • Describes the most perfect or typical example of something.
    • Often used to highlight key themes or character traits.
    • Important for understanding archetypes in literature.

18. Resilient

    • Refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
    • Important for character development and themes of perseverance.
    • Highlights the strength of individuals in challenging situations.

19. Surreptitious

    • Means kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
    • Often used to describe actions or behaviors in literature.
    • Important for understanding themes of deception and secrecy.

20. Ubiquitous

    • Describes something that is present everywhere.
    • Often used to highlight common themes or motifs in literature.
    • Important for understanding societal influences and trends.