SAT set 5

Question 1

vicarious

Answer 1

felt as if one were taking part in the experiences of another

Question 2

pique

Answer 2

to arouse (interest, curiosity, etc.); to irritate

Question 3

abate

Answer 3

to lessen in amount, intensity or strength

Question 4

maternal

Answer 4

characteristic of a mother

Question 5

decorum

Answer 5

polite behavior

Question 6

unwieldy

Answer 6

hard to handle or manage, esp. because of size or weight

Question 7

pretentious

Answer 7

claiming dignity or importance, esp. when undeserved

Question 8

homely

Answer 8

unattractive, plain looking

Question 9

impromptu

Answer 9

without preparation

Question 10

visceral

Answer 10

instinctive; relating to the internal organs

Question 11

staccato

Answer 11

composed of abrupt, disconnected parts or sounds

Question 12

rue

Answer 12

to regret

Question 13

meritocracy

Answer 13

a system in which promotion is based of individual ability or achievement

Question 14

inveigle

Answer 14

to obtain by flattery

Question 15

behoove

Answer 15

to be necessary or proper for

Question 16

austere

Answer 16

stern or severe in appearance; without luxury

Question 17

inert

Answer 17

unable to move or respond; sluggish

Question 18

mnemonic

Answer 18

pertaining to or assisting the memory

Question 19

censor

Answer 19

v. to prevent from becoming known or circulated; n. an official editor of material

Question 20

imposing

Answer 20

impressive by virtue of size, power, or manner

Question 21

hectic

Answer 21

characterized by intense activity

Question 22

sully

Answer 22

to dirty or tarnish, esp. by disgracing

Question 23

insipid

Answer 23

uninteresting; having no flavor

Question 24

antithesis

Answer 24

direct contrast; opposition

Question 25

camarderie

Answer 25

loyalty; a warm, friendly feeling among members of a group

Question 26

undermine

Answer 26

to weaken

Question 27

figurate

Answer 27

based of a figure of speech; not literal

Question 28

exact

Answer 28

to demand and obtain by force or authority

Question 29

terminate

Answer 29

to end

Question 30

apex

Answer 30

the highest point

Question 31

inclement

Answer 31

harsh; severe (usually of weather)

Question 32

vehement

Answer 32

forceful; furious

Question 33

rotund

Answer 33

rounded in figure; plump

Question 34

attest

Answer 34

to give evidence that something is true or genuine

Question 35

eddy

Answer 35

a current, as of water or air, moving contrary to the direction of the main current, esp. in a circular motion

Question 36

hamper

Answer 36

to keep from moving or acting freely

Question 37

momentous

Answer 37

of extreme importance

Question 38

ramification

Answer 38

a development or consequence resulting from a course of action

Question 39

antediluvian

Answer 39

very old; outdated

Question 40

precarious

Answer 40

dangerously insecure or unstable

Question 41

jar

Answer 41

to make a harsh sound; to shake by sudden impact

Question 42

subjugate

Answer 42

to bring under control; to conquer

Question 43

diligent

Answer 43

painstaking and steady

Question 44

coalesce

Answer 44

to grow together; to merge into a single body

Question 45

draconian

Answer 45

extremely harsh and severe

Question 46

burnish

Answer 46

to polish

Question 47

vernacular

Answer 47

informal speech; native language

Question 48

redundant

Answer 48

repeating unnecessarily

Question 49

anachronism

Answer 49

something not belonging to a certain time period

Question 50

malady

Answer 50

a disease; illness; sickness