SSAT/ISEE Middle level vocab Flashcards
abrupt
(adj) 1.sudden and unexpected
2. brief to the point of rudeness; curt
adapt
(v) to make something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
2. become to new conditions
3. alter (a text) to make it suitable for filming, broadcasting, or the stage.
anxious
(adj) 1. experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness typically about an imminent event or something with uncertain outcome
2. wanting something very much, typically with a feeling of unease.
barren
(adj) 1. land too poor for much or any vegetation.
2. bleak and lifeless
braggart
(adj) a person who boasts about achievements or possessions; a show off
capricious
(adj) given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
concise
(adj) giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive
controversial
(adj) giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
drastic
(adj) likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme.
duration
(n) the time during which something continues.
economize
(v) spend less; reduce one’s expenses.
endeavor
(v) try hard to do or achieve something (n) an attempt to achieve a goal
falter
(v) start to lose strength or momentum.
2. speak in a hesitant or unsteady voice.
3. move unsteadily or in a way that shows lack of confidence.
flourish
(v) to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.
2. (adj)wave (something) around to attract the attention of others.
(n) a bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract the attention of others.
2: an instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way.
gratified
(v) 1. to give someone pleasure or satisfaction
2. indulge or satisfy (a desire)
gullible
(adj) easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
haphazard
(adj) lacking any obvious principle of organization
homely
(adj). unattractive in appearance.
2. simple but cozy and comfortable, as in one’s own home.
inundate
(v) overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with.
2. flood
irate
(adj) feeling or characterized by great anger.
jovial
adj) cheerful and friendly.
keen
(adj). (of a sense) highly developed.
2. (of the edge or point of a blade) sharp.
knack
(n) 1. an acquired or natural skill at performing a task 2. a tendency to do something
lofty
(adj) of imposing height 2. (of wool or other fabric textiles) thick and resilient
lure
(v). tempt (a person or animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward.
2. something that tempts or is used to tempt a person or animal to do something.
meager
(adj) 1. lacking in quality or quantity 2. thin; lean (person or animal
mimic
(v). imitate (someone or their actions or words), especially in order to entertain or ridicule
(n). a person skilled in imitating the voice, mannerisms, or movements of others in an entertaining way.
(adj) imitative of something, especially for amusement.
noncommittal
(adj) giving no clear indication of attitude or feeling
notorious
(adj) stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
omit
(v) 1. to leave out or exclude, either intentionally or forgetfully 2. to fail or neglect to do something; to leave undone
peak
(n) the pointed top of a mountain (v) to reach a highest point, either of a specified value or a specified time (adj) greatest; maximum
predicament
(n) 1. a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation 2. (in Aristotelian logic) each of the ten “categories,” often listed as: substance or being, quantity, quality, relation, place, time, posture, having or possession, action, and passion.
presume
(v) 1. suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability 2. be audacious enough to do something
quest
(n) a long or arduous search for something (v) search for something
revere
(adj) 1. strong and healthy; vigorous 2. (of wine or food) strong and rich in flavor and smell
soothe
(v). gently calm (a person or their feelings).
2. reduce pain or discomfort in (a part of the body).
3. relieve or ease (pain).
steadfast
(adj) resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
subtle
(adj) (especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.
tangible
(adj) perceptible by touch (n) a thing that is perceptible by touch
thrive
(v). (of a child, animal, or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously.
2. prosper; flourish.
unruly
(adj) disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control
urgent
(adj). (of a state or situation) requiring immediate action or attention.
2. (of action or an event) done or arranged in response to a pressing or critical situation.
3. (of a person or their manner) earnest and persistent in response to a pressing situation.
vibrant
(adj). full of energy and enthusiasm.
2. quivering; pulsating.
3. (of color) bright and striking.
vigorous
(adj). strong, healthy, and full of energy.
2. characterized by or involving physical strength, effort, or energy.
3. (of language) forceful.
willful
(adj). (of an immoral or illegal act or omission) intentional; deliberate.
2. having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences or effects.
wrath
(n) extreme anger.
yearn
(v). have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.
2. be filled with compassion or warm feeling.
robust
(adj) 1. strong and healthy; vigorous 2. (of wine or food) strong and rich in flavor and smell
Obstinate
(adj) stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.
incident
(n) an event or occurrence (adj) 1. likely to happen because of; resulting from 2.(especially of light or radiation) falling on or striking something
