SAT Essay Vocabulary

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 SAT Essay Vocabulary
1   Overview:
SAT essay vocabulary consists of 500 moderately difficult words; many high school students may learn them somehow but cannot use them confidently. This SAT word list includes examples, contexts, and interactive spelling exercises to build a solid essay vocabulary and sharpen writing skills.

If an essay is only done in plain or simple words in SAT writing, the chance to shoot a high score is relatively low. As a general rule, better vocabulary rewards a higher score. Unlike big-size reading vocabulary, writing vocabulary relies on your choice. You can prepare a set of words, then just use them in the right place, in the right way, and with the right spelling.

Most students can study or review the 500 SAT essay vocabulary in 2 weeks; some can even finish in 1 week. Nevertheless, in a real writing test, several hard words are enough; you should avoid using too many difficult words in a short essay. For example, if you have 5-7 uncommon but proper words in your essay, it will definitely impress readers.

If your time is tight and you feel the vocabulary big or hard, you may shrink the list to 200-300 words by excluding some relatively rare words. Only a doable task can bring your future writing with both confidence and skill.
2   View all words by groups:        
Go to Word List by Group:
1  2 

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1  2 

Words of Group 2 (Part of words, select list to view all.):
idiosyncrasy
idyllic
ignominy
illicit
impasse
imperious
impetuous
impudence
inane
incongruity
incredulous
incriminate
incubate
indeterminate
indictment
indigenuous
indignant
indiscriminate
indolent
indomitable
induce
indulgent
ineffable
ineptitude
inert
ingenuous
inherent
inhibit
innate
innocuous
innuendo
inscrutable
insipid
insolence
instigate
insular
intrepid
inundate
invoke
irate
irony
irreverent
jaded
jocular
jovial
judicious
lackadaisical
laconic
laggard
languid
latent
laud
listless
lithe
lucid
lucrative
lull
lurid
luxuriant
magnanimous
malleable
marred
maudlin
melancholy
mercenary
mercurial
miserly
mitigate
modicum
morose
motley
multifarious
nebulous
nefarious
neophyte
notoriety
noxious
nuance
obdurate
obstinate
officious
onerous
opportunist
oracle
orthodox
ostensible
oversight
pacifist
pacify
painstaking
palliate
paradigm
parch
parody
partisan
patronize
paucity
pedant
peevish
penchant
penurious
peremptory
perfunctory
peripheral
perquisite
petulant
philanthropist
piety
...
3   Demonstrate word list style:
acumen   Speak
mental keenness; quickness of perception
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bog   Speak
marsh, swamp
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cerebral   Speak
relating to the brain or cerebrum; intellectual rather than emotional
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deprecate   Speak
express disapproval of; protest against; belittle
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despot   Speak
tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; eastern Orthodox bishop
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evoke   Speak
bring out; arouse; call forth
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This is 6 words quick view. View words of the list
4   Word meaning matching - Test words you know:
abate  Speak
Exercise
puzzle; difficult problem
Exercise
antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times
Exercise
subside; decrease; become less in amount or intensity
Exercise
argumentative; fond of arguing; inclined to dispute
affected  Speak
Exercise
secret; conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Exercise
speaking or behaving in artificial way; emotionally stirred or moved; infected or attacked
Exercise
capable of burning, corroding, dissolving, or eating away by chemical action
Exercise
measure the depth; come to understand
amiable  Speak
Exercise
extremely hard; inflexible; stubbornly unyielding
Exercise
measure the depth; come to understand
Exercise
good-natured and likable; lovable; warmly friendly
Exercise
extreme corruption or degradation; wickedness
antediluvian  Speak
Exercise
measure the depth; come to understand
Exercise
seek to attain; long for; strive toward an end
Exercise
antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times
Exercise
obvious and dull; commonplace; lacking originality
anthropology  Speak
Exercise
social science that studies origins and social relationships of human beings
Exercise
opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion
Exercise
cause to sprout or grow; come into existence
Exercise
put at disadvantage; prevent progress or free movement of
august  Speak
Exercise
giving a false appearance of frankness; not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating
Exercise
impressive; majestic; inspiring awe or admiration
Exercise
scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
Exercise
portray; depict; draw or trace outline of; sketch out
This is 6 words matching. Try matching quizzes of the list
5   Interactive spelling - Check your spelling skill online:
Read [Esc]
subside; decrease; become less in amount or intensity


Spelling Word: abate
Read [Esc]
unselfishly generous; concerned for others


Spelling Word: altruistic
Read [Esc]
antiquated; extremely old and ancient; belonging to very ancient times


Spelling Word: antediluvian
Read [Esc]
feeling or showing a lack of interest or concern; indifferent


Spelling Word: apathetic
Read [Esc]
influence or urge by gentle urging or flattering


Spelling Word: cajole
Read [Esc]
fickle; impulsive and unpredictable; apt to change opinions suddenly


Spelling Word: capricious
This is 6 words spelling. Try spelling exercises of the list