Cracking the SAT

Question 1

Depict (v.)

Answer 1

To represent by drawing, portrait; to characterize in words, describe.

Question 2

Controversy (n.)

Answer 2

A usually prolonged public dispute; an argument.

Question 3

Undermine (v.)

Answer 3

To weaken sabotage, subvert, debilitate, destabilize.

Question 4

Advocate (v.)

Answer 4

To support or urge by argument, especially publicly.

Question 5

Arrogant (adj.)

Answer 5

Having exaggerated self-opinion; egotistical or overproud.

Question 6

Cynic (n.)

Answer 6

One who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions.

Question 7

Dispute (v.)

Answer 7

To engage in argument or debate; to argue vehemently, quarrel.

Question 8

Provoke (v.)

Answer 8

To anger or vex; to stir up or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity)

Question 9

Contradict (v.)

Answer 9

To challenge, confront, counter, deny, or oppose.

Question 10

Empathy (n.)

Answer 10

Identification whit and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives.

Question 11

Perceive (v.)

Answer 11

To become aware of by means of the senses; to recognize or understand.

Question 12

Phenomenon (n.)

Answer 12

A fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable; something remarkable or extraordinary.

Question 13

Contempt (n.)

Answer 13

A feeling of disdain for anything considered mean or worthless.

Question 14

Resolve (v.)

Answer 14

To come to a firm decision about, determine; to settle or solve (e.g., a question or a controversy).

Question 15

Speculate (v.)

Answer 15

To engage in thought, especially conjectural thought.

Question 16

Intricate (adj.)

Answer 16

Having many interrelated parts or facets; hard to understand, work, or make.

Question 17

Skepticism (n.)

Answer 17

A questioning or doubting attitude; doubt regarding religion.

Question 18

Assert (v.)

Answer 18

To state positively; declare.

Question 19

Distinct (adj.)

Answer 19

Nor identical, separate; different in nature or quality, dissimilar.

Question 20

Divisive (adj.)

Answer 20

Dissenting, at odds with, alienating; creating dissension or discord.

Question 21

Consume (v.)

Answer 21

To expend by use; to use up.

Question 22

Digress (v.)

Answer 22

To wander away from the main topic or argument in speaking or writing.

Question 23

Innovate (v.)

Answer 23

To introduce (something new)

Question 24

Diminish (v.)

Answer 24

To make or become smaller, less, or less important.

Question 25

Nostalgia (n.)

Answer 25

A sentimental longing for something in the past.

Question 26

Practical (adj.)

Answer 26

Of, involving, resulting from practice or action; advanced or suited for actual use.

Question 27

Versatile (adj.)

Answer 27

Capable of turning easily from one thing to another; having many uses or applications.

Question 28

Profound (adj.)

Answer 28

Showing deep insight or understanding; originating in the depths of one’s being.

Question 29

Tenacity (n.)

Answer 29

Persistence, strong character, perseverance.

Question 30

Insight (n.)

Answer 30

Intuitiveness, awareness, observation, understanding, wisdom.

Question 31

Endure (v.)

Answer 31

To tolerate, withstand, sustain, undergo, bear hardship.

Question 32

Perplex (v.)

Answer 32

To cause to be puzzled or bewildered; to confuse.

Question 33

Denounce (v.)

Answer 33

To condemn openly; to attack, accuse, or criticize.

Question 34

Plausibility (n.)

Answer 34

Credibility, believability.

Question 35

Vulnerable (adj.)

Answer 35

Capable of or susceptible to being wounded; open to or defenseless against criticism or attack.

Question 36

Pragmatic (adj.)

Answer 36

Practical, sensible, logical.

Question 37

Rigor (n.)

Answer 37

The causality of being strict or inflexible; harshness, as of attitude, severity; hardship.

Question 38

Adept (adj.)

Answer 38

Very skilled; expert.

Question 39

Disparage (v.)

Answer 39

To speak of negatively; to belittle.

Question 40

Aesthetic (n.,adj.)

Answer 40

Having to do with the appreciation of beauty.

Question 41

Superficial (adj.)

Answer 41

Being at, on, or near the surface; apparent rather than real.

Question 42

Foster (v.)

Answer 42

To promote the growth or development of; to bring up.

Question 43

Ambivalent (adj.)

Answer 43

Simultaneously experiencing opposing feelings; uncertain.

Question 44

Elaborate (adj.)

Answer 44

Worked out in great detail, painstaking; ornate, showy, or gaudy.

Question 45

Beneficial (adj.)

Answer 45

Producing or promoting a favorable result; helpful.

Question 46

Embellish (v.)

Answer 46

To ornament or decorate; to exaggerate.

Question 47

Imply (v.)

Answer 47

To indicate, suggest, refer, hint.

Question 48

Esoteric (adj.)

Answer 48

Intended for or understood by only a small group.

Question 49

Inevitable (adj.)

Answer 49

Unable to be avoided or escaped.

Question 50

Resent (v.)

Answer 50

To feel or show displeasure or indignation at.

Question 51

Scarce (adj.)

Answer 51

Insufficient to satisfy a need or demand; rarely encountered.

Question 52

Ingenuity (n.)

Answer 52

The quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful.

Question 53

Substantiate (v.)

Answer 53

To support with proof or evidence; to verify.

Question 54

Isolated (adj.)

Answer 54

Detached or separated, alone.

Question 55

Subtle (adj.)

Answer 55

Difficult to perceive; fine or delicate; characterized by or requiring mental acuteness.

Question 56

Presume (v.)

Answer 56

To take for granted, assume, or suppose; to undertake (do something) without right or permission.

Question 57

Sentiment (n.)

Answer 57

An attitude, feeling, or opinion; refined or tender emotion.

Question 58

Rhetoric (n.)

Answer 58

The art of using language effectively and persuasively.

Question 59

Defiance (n.)

Answer 59

A bold resistance to authority or force; open disregard; contempt.

Question 60

Abstruse (adj.)

Answer 60

Difficult to understand.

Question 61

Deliberate (adj.)

Answer 61

Studied or intentional; careful or slow on deciding.

Question 62

Bolster (v.)

Answer 62

To hearten, support, or prop up.

Question 63

Eradicate (v.)

Answer 63

To get rid of as if by tearing it up by the roots; to abolish.

Question 64

Contend (v.)

Answer 64

To struggle; to compete.

Question 65

Indifferent (adj.)

Answer 65

Without interest or concern; having no bias or preference.

Question 66

Conventional (adj.)

Answer 66

Conforming to accepted standards.