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Terms and definitions useful for answer questions on the SAT Reading and Writing sections.  
Terms and definitions useful for answer questions on the Digital SAT Reading and Writing sections, including a list of difficult or unfamiliar terms used in vocabulary questions.


== Vocabulary and terms for Reading Questions ==
These lists are mostly taken from the College Board [https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests/linear Digital SAT practice tests 1-10 (linear versions)], but are also informed by prior SAT paper tests.
 
Here for [[SAT Digital Reading and Writing Test quick start guide|Digital SAT Reading/Writing skills and strategies]]
 
== Key SAT vocabulary and terms to know ==
Effective test-taking requires full comprehension of the questions themselves.  
Effective test-taking requires full comprehension of the questions themselves.  


Some terms that will show up in test questions include:   
Some key terms that will show up in test '''questions''' or '''passages''' include:   
*'''critical'''
<div style="column-count:3; column-rule:1px solid gray;">
**important, emergency situation
 
**analytical, investigated thoughtfully
'''agency (n)'''
*'''hypothetical/ hypothetically'''
 
**= an estimate, theory
* a medium, method, or abilty to do something
**or, an idea or situation that is not real but could be
 
**used to test a "hypothesis" or theoretical prediction or observation that has not been tested in reality
'''ambiguous''' (adj.)
**SAT Reading section uses it frequently for inference questions
* unclear, no distinction between things, options or alternatives
***i.e., "''Given the hypothetical condition, then...''" = "''if this were true, then...''"
* from ''ambi-'' for "both", "two or more", "wandering"
*'''merely'''
** "ambiguity" is a state of indecision, lack of clarity
**= "only"
 
**the SAT frequently measures student comprehension of this word
'''ambivalence''' (n.)
**note that "merely" is different from "a little," "a few" or "few"
* unconcern with a situation or choice
*'''nevertheless'''
* state of not caring between options
**= "yes, but..."
* '''ambivalent''' (adj)
**used to accept a prior argument or statement, then deflect, negate, or contradict it.
 
**for Reading section, transition words mark important statements an author wants to make
'''ameliorate (v)'''
*'''skeptical'''
 
**= doubtful, uncertain of, seeing as unproven
* to make better
**a "skeptic" is one who doubts or questions the veracity of something
 
**on the SAT, the word "skeptical" may be used to indicate a perspective of doubt
'''analysis (n.)'''
***ex., if the question asks, "Scholars are skeptical of the idea that people would behave that way"
* detailed examination to determine the features or parts of something or some idea
****= scholars doubt people would behave that way
* analysis separates the whole into the components (parts)
****i.e., use "backwards thought" or "inversion" to make sense of the question
** analysis wants to know "how" something works, etc., whereas, "evaluation" seeks its overall worth or value
 
'''anomaly''' (n)
 
* not normal, a deviation from what is usual or expected
* note, the adverb '''anomalously''' (with deviation) is not to be confused with "'''anonymously'''" (without being identified)
 
'''antecedent'''
 
* what comes before, as a prior event or condition (not necessarily a cause)
 
'''assert / assertion'''
* assert (v): to make a claim
* assertion (n): a claim
'''augment (v)'''
 
* to make larger, to add to or build up
 
'''autonomous (adj)'''
 
* subject to its own law (according to its own rules, not subject to other rules/ rule)
* autonomy (n)
 
'''bias (n), biased/ unbiased (adj)'''
* bias= prejudicial, opiniated, having a prior opinion
* unbaised = not having or not from an opinion
 
'''characterize''' (v.)
* to generalize regarding the distinctive nature or key features of someone/something
* to state in a general sense, categorize according to core features
 
'''complementary''' (adj)
* ''com-'' = with + ''plere'' "to fill"
** so fulfilling, coming together
* a "complement" goes with the other
* "complementary" agrees, aligns, or goes with
 
'''control''' (n.)
* an element in an experiment that does not change
* as opposed to the "variable," which does change
** note that in the SAT these words will be used to evaluate experiments or studies
some of which have faults because of faulty "controls" or unclear or multiple "variables"
 
'''concede''' (v.)
*to admit, yield, or accept
**used on SAT as in "to accept for the sake of the argument"
 
'''context, contextual'''(n, adj)
* in relation to a situation or place
* literally "with" (con-) "what is woven together" (text)
* "text" comes from the Latin ''texere'' for "to weave, what is woven"
* words and situations have "context"
 
'''convention (n),  conventional''' (adj)
 
* that which is common, or expected (from "convene" for together)
* '''conventional wisdom''' = what is commonly thought of as true
 
'''correlate''' (v.)
* to connect, to relate
* '''correlated''' means "related to but not directly"
* '''correlation''' (n)
'''corollary (n.)'''
 
* a parallel or connected proposition or situation
* such as the "Roosevelt corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine, which added a new angle to it
 
'''credulous'''
 
* to believe too readily
* as opposed to incredulous
 
'''critical''' (adj.)
*important, of an emergency situation
* analytical, investigated thoughtfully
* also, negative, inclined to judgement
 
'''derogatory''' (adj)
 
* negative in aspect
* putting down or diminishing of
* syn: ''disparaging''
 
'''discount''' (n or v)
 
* v: to lessen in worth, value or importance
* n: below or less than normal price;
* n: in finance, a fee taken as interest or other transaction charges
 
'''disparate''' (adj)
* ''dis-'' (not) ''pare'' (each, other)
** i.e. not the same, distinct
 
'''diverge (v)'''
 
* to move in a different direction, usually in terms of two or more things separating from one another
 
* '''divergent''' (adj) = going in different directions; away from one another
 
'''earnest''' (adj)
 
* sincere or serious in intent or belief
* honestly trying hard
'''epitomize (v)'''
 
* to make the ultimate or best example of
 
'''evaluate'''
* to measure, assess, determine value or significance of
* "evaluate" deals with holistic (overall) understanding, whereas "analysis" deals with detailed, dissected understanding
 
''' hierarchy, hierarchical''' (n., adv.)
* an organization or system of ranking
* levels of importance, authority or significance
* classification
 
''' hypothetical, hypothetically''' (n., adv.)
* = an estimate, theory
* or, an idea or situation that is not real but could be
* used to test a "hypothesis" or theoretical prediction or observation that has not been tested in reality
* SAT Reading section uses it frequently for inference questions
*i.e., "''Given the hypothetical condition, then...''" = "''if this were true, then...''"
 
'''incongruent''' (adj)''', incongruence''' (n)''', incongruity''' (n)
 
* incompatible, not in union, not going together
 
'''innocuous''' (adj)
 
* not harmful, not injurious (causing harm)
'''irony''' (n)
 
* the opposite of what it seems or means on the surface/literally;
 
'''ironic''' (adj)
 
* something that is or appears to be the opposite of what would be expected or appears as
 
'''mandatory''' (adj)
 
* required
 
''' merely''' (adj.)
* = "only"
* the SAT frequently measures student comprehension of this word
* note that "merely" is different from "a little," "a few" or "few"
 
'''methodology'''
 
* the means or procedures by which something is done
* in the SAT, usually refers to the way an experiment or study is set up and conducted (as opposed to the hypothesis, goals or results of the study)
 
'''nevertheless''' (adv.)
*= "yes, but..."
* used to accept a prior argument or statement, then deflect, negate, or contradict it.
* for Reading section, transition words mark important statements an author wants to make or emphasize
 
''' novel''' (adj.)
* new, unusual
* different from what is common
* note that as a noun, "a novel" is a popular genre (form) of fiction
* novels are called "novel" because the genre was "novel" (new) when it was introduced in the 19th century)
 
'''nuance''' (n.)
* small or subtle difference(s); fine distinction
** implies careful, close understanding, as opposed to broad generalizations or unspecific distinctions
* "'''nuanced'''" (past participle adjective) means a carefully considered, thoughtful distinction
'''obscure''' (v, adj)
 
* v: to make unclear, to conceal
* adj: unclear, uncertain, dark, remote
'''positing'''
 
* present participle adjective used in the SAT to create participle a phrase indicating
 
'''postulate''' (v or n)
 
* verb: to theorize or hypothesize' to put forth a proposition, usually based on logic
* noun: a hypothesis or proposal, usually based on logic
 
'''preclude''' (v)
 
* to make not possible; to prevent from happening;
 
'''proponent''' (n)
 
* one who supports or favors something; an advocate
 
'''relevant '''(adj)
* related, in context to
* "associated with", "connected to", "important for"
* "matters" (as in, "what matters" = "what is relevant")
* '''antonym''': irrelevant (not related, not in context)
'''sanction''' (v or n)
 
* verb: 1) to require or give approval to; or 2) to impose a penalty upon
 
* noun: a rule or decree, usually in the form of a penalty
 
'''satirical''' (adj)
 
* making fun of, ridiculing
 
''' skeptical, skeptic''' (adj., noun)
* = doubtful, uncertain of, seeing as unproven
* a "skeptic" is one who doubts or questions the veracity of something
* on the SAT, the word "skeptical" may be used to indicate a perspective of doubt
* ex., if the question asks, "Scholars are skeptical of the idea that people would behave that way"
* = scholars doubt people would behave that way
** i.e., use "backwards thought" or "inversion" to make sense of the question
 
'''succinct''' (adj)
 
''' standard''' (n.)
* a baseline measurement
*what is common or commonly accepted
 
''' structure ''' (n.)
* the arrangement of an organization or object
**esp. in terms of the inter-relationship of its parts and underlying elements
 
'''synopsis''' (n) 
 
* a brief summary of a written work


* '''tone'''
'''tenuous''' (adj)
** "author's tone" or "passage's tone'" refers to the "feeling" or "atmosphere" of a passage
** different "tones" may include:
*** informal, conversational
*** detailed, descriptive
*** character study, pyschological
*** light-hearted, amusing, cheerful
*** satirical, comedic
*** authoritative, academic, definitive
*** journalistic


== Historical terms to know ==
* not firm, weak, "drawn out" & thus weakened
* see [[SAT Reading section historical timeline & themes#Historical%20terminology|SAT Reading section historical timeline & themes - A+ Club Lesson Planner & Study Guide (school4schools.wiki)]]
Transition word definitions (conjunctive adverbs)


* it is useful to know a "translation" or ready synonym for transition words so that they are clear when assessing possible answers
'''tone''' (n.)
* see this entry:[[Transition words translations]]
as in "author tone" 
*"author's tone" or "passage's tone'" refers to the "feeling" or "atmosphere" of a passage
*different "tones" may include:
**academic, authoritative, definitive
**character study, psychological
**detailed, descriptive
**informal, conversational
**journalistic, reporting
**light-hearted, amusing, cheerful
**narrative (story-telling)
** satirical, comedic, ironic
</div>


== Digital SAT Vocabulary from official practice tests (2023) ==
== Inversion phrases ==
<div style="column-count:3">
 
* ''it is by no means''
* ''would not agree with''
* ''skeptical about''
* ''have mixed feelings''
* ''inversely correlates with''
 
==Other terms to know==
 
===Historical terms===
 
*see [[SAT Reading section historical timeline & themes#Historical%20terminology|SAT Reading section historical timeline & themes]]
 
===Transition words (conjunctive adverbs)===
*see:[[Transition words translations]]
 
==Homophones==
<div style="column-count:3; column-rule:1px solid gray;">
ad, add
 
affect v effect
 
assure v. ensure
 
bare, bear
 
cite, site, sight
 
complement, compliment
 
ensure, insure
 
it's, its
 
past, passed
 
principal, principle
 
prey, pray
 
their, there, they're
 
to, too, two
 
waist, waste
 
weather, whether
 
whose, who's
 
your, you're
</div>
 
==Digital SAT Vocabulary terms from official practice tests 1-4 (2023)==
Words taken from Vocabulary questions (selected not inclusive of all):
<div style="column-count:3; column-rule:1px solid gray;">
abrupt
abrupt


adhere
adhere


annotate
ambivalence
 
antagonistic


assume
atypical


atypical
biased / unbiased


buttress
buttress


capitalize
catastrophic
 
characterization
 
circumvent
 
collaboration
 
commercialization
 
coincidental
 
concede
 
conceptualize
 
conform


commercialize / commercialization
connive


conflicted
contrive


conform / conformity
conviction


contrive / contrived
critical


deference
delegate


discern / discernable
discern / discernable
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disengage
disengage


disparage / disparagement
disorienting


disparate
disparate
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elusive
elusive


exasperate / exasperated
evaluate


fallible
exemplify


fluctuate / fluctuation
fabricate


forge / forged
foretell


fragment
grapple


grapple
haphazard 


imminent
imminent


impartial/ impartiality
impartial / impartiality
 
imperceptible
 
improvise


implement (verb)
inadequate
 
inconclusive
 
incongruity


indecipherable
indecipherable
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infallible
infallible
infrequent


innocuous
innocuous


inordinate
interjected


interject
intricate


intriguing
intriguing
invalidate


inventive
inventive
irrelevant


latent
latent
localized


lucrative
lucrative
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mimic
mimic


momentous
moderate / moderation
 
mystifying


nominal
neglect


novel
novel


nuance / nuanced
nuanced


obscure
obscure


obstinate
off-hand
 
obtuse


operative
operative


ornamental
ornamental
overshadowed


paucity
paucity


peripheral
peripheral
persistent


predatory
predatory


prescribe
predetermined
 
prescribed


presume
presume


profuse
profusion (of)
 
profusion of


proponent
proponent


quarrel
quarrel
quilt (verb)


recant
recant


reciprocate
reciprocate
refute


renounce
renounce
renunciation
replicable
repudiate


repudiate
repudiate


resilient
resilient
restrained
satisfactory
secretive
skeptical


speculate
speculate
strenuously


substantial
substantial


substantiate / substantiated
substantial


succumb
succumb
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surmise
surmise


synchronize / synchronization
synchronize
 
synchronize


tedious
tedious


tenuous
tenuous
underestimate


underscore
underscore


unobtrusive
unobtrusive
validated
verisimilitude
waive
zealous
</div>
==Digital SAT Vocabulary terms from official practice tests 5-6 (2024-2025)==
<nowiki>*</nowiki> note: 7-10 todo
Words taken from Vocabulary questions (selected not inclusive of all):
<div style="column-count:3; column-rule:1px solid gray;">
acquired
adjust
accidental / accidentally
ameliorate
antagonistic
antecedent
common
compliment
controversial
cordial / cordially
determine /-ed
discounted
epitomize
evaluate /-ed
exacerbate
exploited
fragile
hoard
hypothesize/-ed
impending
inadvertent / inadvertenly
inconsequential
indicate / indication
innocuous
insensible
intriguing
manifest (verb or adj)
obtain
observable
occupy
overt / overtly
perpetual
postulate
preclude
prominent
prudent / prudently
rationalize
recognizable
redefined
redress
reserve
sanction
scrutinize
sketch
sophisticated
summarize
tentative
trace
warranted
</div>
== Digital SAT Vocabulary terms from official practice tests 7-8 (2024-2025) ==
interim
==Digital SAT Vocabulary terms used in passages or questions (general vocab)==
<div style="column-count:3">
ablation (in science)
adaptation
ambient
analysis
annotate
apparatus
artifact
artifact
artificial
assess / assessment
assume
attribute (noun and verb)
bias / biased
capitalize
clinch
collaborate/ collaboration
concede/ concession
conceptual
confer
conflicted
conformed / conforming
conjecture
contaminate
contemporary
contrived
convention/s
conventional
contentious
conversely
correlate
corrugation(s)
criteria
cultivate
cultivate / cultivation
curator
deference
depleted
disparage / disparagement
disparate
disparity / disparities
disperse
disposed/ disposition
diverge / divergence
diverse
diverse
divert
domestic / domesticated
dormant
downplay / downplaying
elaborate
ensured
equivalent
evocative
exacerbate
exasperate / exasperated
excerpt (n or v)
factors
fallible
fanciful
fluctuate / fluctuation
foliage
foreground (as a literary technique)
forge / forged
fragile
fragment
genre
germinate / germination
implement (verb)
incorporate
indiscriminate
indigenous
inexplicable
infrequent
inordinate
institution
languish
legitimate / legitimacy / legitimately
macro-/ micro-
memoir
memoir(s)
methodology
miniscule
mitigate
momentous
monitor
narrative (usually "historical narrative)
nominal
obstinate
obtuse
orientation (usually, "political orientation")
percolate
precarious
prevalent
profuse
quilt (verb)
reciprocate
redress
relevant
replicable
revelation
revenue
saturated
standard
sturdy/ sturdily
stylistic
substantial
substantially
substantiate / substantiated
subtle
subtle
susceptible
symbolic
synchronized
synthesis / synthesize
tender


unprecedented
unprecedented
unsympathetic


validate / validated
validate / validated


verisimilitude
volition
</div>
 
== Tests 4-8 ==
 
 
 
 
 
outstrip
 
stymie
 
tentative
 
warranted 
 
== Other words ==
arbitrary  / arbitrariness
 
conspicuous
 
contempt
 
derivative
 
disparate
 
disparity
 
elicit
 
ends
 
exigence/ exigency
 
grievance
 
ingratiating
 
patronize/ patronizing
 
predator
 
putative / putatively
 
readily
 
remedy
 
statistically


</div>
* statistically significant


== Homophones & homonyms ==
syndrome
assure v. ensure


prey v. pray
thread


affect v effect
traits
[[Category:SAT prep]]
[[Category:SAT verbal]]
[[Category:SAT Reading]]
[[Category:SAT Writing]]
[[Category:Digital SAT]]
[[Category:SAT exam prep]]
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