Cracking the SAT Flashcards
Depict (v.)
To represent by drawing, portrait; to characterize in words, describe.
Controversy (n.)
A usually prolonged public dispute; an argument.
Undermine (v.)
To weaken sabotage, subvert, debilitate, destabilize.
Advocate (v.)
To support or urge by argument, especially publicly.
Arrogant (adj.)
Having exaggerated self-opinion; egotistical or overproud.
Cynic (n.)
One who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions.
Dispute (v.)
To engage in argument or debate; to argue vehemently, quarrel.
Provoke (v.)
To anger or vex; to stir up or call forth (feelings, desires, or activity)
Contradict (v.)
To challenge, confront, counter, deny, or oppose.
Empathy (n.)
Identification whit and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives.
Perceive (v.)
To become aware of by means of the senses; to recognize or understand.
Phenomenon (n.)
A fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable; something remarkable or extraordinary.
Contempt (n.)
A feeling of disdain for anything considered mean or worthless.
Resolve (v.)
To come to a firm decision about, determine; to settle or solve (e.g., a question or a controversy).
Speculate (v.)
To engage in thought, especially conjectural thought.
Intricate (adj.)
Having many interrelated parts or facets; hard to understand, work, or make.
Skepticism (n.)
A questioning or doubting attitude; doubt regarding religion.
Assert (v.)
To state positively; declare.
Distinct (adj.)
Nor identical, separate; different in nature or quality, dissimilar.
Divisive (adj.)
Dissenting, at odds with, alienating; creating dissension or discord.
Consume (v.)
To expend by use; to use up.
Digress (v.)
To wander away from the main topic or argument in speaking or writing.
Innovate (v.)
To introduce (something new)
Diminish (v.)
To make or become smaller, less, or less important.
Nostalgia (n.)
A sentimental longing for something in the past.
Practical (adj.)
Of, involving, resulting from practice or action; advanced or suited for actual use.
Versatile (adj.)
Capable of turning easily from one thing to another; having many uses or applications.
Profound (adj.)
Showing deep insight or understanding; originating in the depths of one’s being.
Tenacity (n.)
Persistence, strong character, perseverance.
Insight (n.)
Intuitiveness, awareness, observation, understanding, wisdom.
Endure (v.)
To tolerate, withstand, sustain, undergo, bear hardship.
Perplex (v.)
To cause to be puzzled or bewildered; to confuse.
Denounce (v.)
To condemn openly; to attack, accuse, or criticize.
Plausibility (n.)
Credibility, believability.
Vulnerable (adj.)
Capable of or susceptible to being wounded; open to or defenseless against criticism or attack.
Pragmatic (adj.)
Practical, sensible, logical.
Rigor (n.)
The causality of being strict or inflexible; harshness, as of attitude, severity; hardship.
Adept (adj.)
Very skilled; expert.
Disparage (v.)
To speak of negatively; to belittle.
Aesthetic (n.,adj.)
Having to do with the appreciation of beauty.
Superficial (adj.)
Being at, on, or near the surface; apparent rather than real.
Foster (v.)
To promote the growth or development of; to bring up.
Ambivalent (adj.)
Simultaneously experiencing opposing feelings; uncertain.
Elaborate (adj.)
Worked out in great detail, painstaking; ornate, showy, or gaudy.
Beneficial (adj.)
Producing or promoting a favorable result; helpful.
Embellish (v.)
To ornament or decorate; to exaggerate.
Imply (v.)
To indicate, suggest, refer, hint.
Esoteric (adj.)
Intended for or understood by only a small group.
Inevitable (adj.)
Unable to be avoided or escaped.
Resent (v.)
To feel or show displeasure or indignation at.
Scarce (adj.)
Insufficient to satisfy a need or demand; rarely encountered.
Ingenuity (n.)
The quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful.
Substantiate (v.)
To support with proof or evidence; to verify.
Isolated (adj.)
Detached or separated, alone.
Subtle (adj.)
Difficult to perceive; fine or delicate; characterized by or requiring mental acuteness.
Presume (v.)
To take for granted, assume, or suppose; to undertake (do something) without right or permission.
Sentiment (n.)
An attitude, feeling, or opinion; refined or tender emotion.
Rhetoric (n.)
The art of using language effectively and persuasively.
Defiance (n.)
A bold resistance to authority or force; open disregard; contempt.
Abstruse (adj.)
Difficult to understand.
Deliberate (adj.)
Studied or intentional; careful or slow on deciding.
Bolster (v.)
To hearten, support, or prop up.
Eradicate (v.)
To get rid of as if by tearing it up by the roots; to abolish.
Contend (v.)
To struggle; to compete.
Indifferent (adj.)
Without interest or concern; having no bias or preference.
Conventional (adj.)
Conforming to accepted standards.
