SAT Vocabulary Words to Know for SAT

Understanding SAT vocabulary words is crucial for success on the test. These words enhance reading comprehension and help analyze character motivations, themes, and arguments in various texts. Mastering them can boost your performance in critical reading and writing sections.

1. Ambiguous

   • Refers to something that can be understood in multiple ways.
   • Often leads to confusion or misinterpretation in communication.
   • Important in critical reading sections to identify unclear statements.

2. Benevolent

   • Describes a person or action that is kind and charitable.
   • Often associated with altruism and goodwill.
   • Recognizing benevolent intentions can enhance comprehension of character motivations in texts.

3. Candid

   • Means being open, honest, and straightforward.
   • Important in understanding character dialogue and narrative voice.
   • Candid communication can reveal deeper truths in literature.

4. Diligent

   • Refers to showing careful and persistent effort in work or duties.
   • A key trait for success in academic and professional settings.
   • Understanding diligence can help in analyzing character development.

5. Eloquent

   • Describes fluent and persuasive speaking or writing.
   • Often used to convey strong emotions or ideas effectively.
   • Recognizing eloquence can enhance appreciation of literary devices.

6. Frugal

   • Means being economical or avoiding waste.
   • Important in discussions about resource management and personal finance.
   • Understanding frugality can provide insights into character motivations and themes.

7. Gregarious

   • Refers to someone who is sociable and enjoys being in groups.
   • Important in character analysis and understanding social dynamics.
   • Recognizing gregarious traits can help in interpreting social interactions in texts.

8. Hypothetical

   • Pertains to situations or ideas based on conjecture rather than reality.
   • Often used in problem-solving and critical thinking scenarios.
   • Understanding hypothetical scenarios can aid in analytical reasoning.

9. Imperative

   • Means something that is essential or urgent.
   • Often used to convey necessity in arguments or instructions.
   • Recognizing imperative language can enhance comprehension of persuasive texts.

10. Juxtapose

    • Refers to placing two or more elements side by side for comparison.
    • Important in analyzing contrasts and themes in literature.
    • Understanding juxtaposition can deepen analysis of character and plot.

11. Kinetic

    • Relates to motion or movement.
    • Often used in discussions about energy and physical dynamics.
    • Recognizing kinetic elements can enhance understanding of descriptive language.

12. Lucid

    • Means clear and easy to understand.
    • Important for effective communication and comprehension.
    • Recognizing lucidity can help in evaluating the clarity of arguments.

13. Meticulous

    • Refers to showing great attention to detail.
    • Important in academic work and research.
    • Understanding meticulousness can enhance analysis of character traits and themes.

14. Nostalgia

    • Describes a sentimental longing for the past.
    • Often used to evoke emotions in literature and art.
    • Recognizing nostalgia can deepen understanding of themes and character motivations.

15. Obscure

    • Means not clear or hard to understand.
    • Important in identifying complex ideas or themes in texts.
    • Understanding obscurity can enhance critical reading skills.

16. Pragmatic

    • Refers to dealing with things sensibly and realistically.
    • Important in problem-solving and decision-making contexts.
    • Recognizing pragmatic approaches can aid in analyzing character actions.

17. Quintessential

    • Describes the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
    • Important in understanding archetypes and themes in literature.
    • Recognizing quintessential elements can enhance character and plot analysis.

18. Resilient

    • Refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
    • Important in character development and themes of perseverance.
    • Understanding resilience can deepen analysis of challenges faced by characters.

19. Surreptitious

    • Means kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
    • Important in understanding themes of secrecy and deception.
    • Recognizing surreptitious actions can enhance character analysis.

20. Tenacious

    • Refers to being persistent and determined.
    • Important in character development and themes of perseverance.
    • Understanding tenacity can deepen analysis of challenges and conflicts in narratives.