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:
apt   Speak
likely; exactly suitable; appropriate; quick to learn or understand
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deprecate   Speak
express disapproval of; protest against; belittle
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discern   Speak
detect; perceive
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disputatious   Speak
argumentative; fond of arguing; inclined to dispute
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evoke   Speak
bring out; arouse; call forth
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excavate   Speak
unearth; dig out; make a hole in; hollow out
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This is 6 words quick view. View words of the list
4   Word meaning matching - Test words you know:
accost  Speak
Exercise
approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with demand or request
Exercise
expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism; blame
Exercise
grow forth; send out buds; grow or develop rapidly
Exercise
unselfishly generous; concerned for others
altruistic  Speak
Exercise
unselfishly generous; concerned for others
Exercise
huge; of a tremendous size, volume, degree
Exercise
suitable; appropriate to a purpose; serving to promote your interest
Exercise
assign, portion
belligerent  Speak
Exercise
act of two things flowing together; junction or meeting place where two things meet
Exercise
exhibiting friendliness or goodwill; not quarrelsome
Exercise
inclined or eager to fight; aggressive
Exercise
open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead
burgeon  Speak
Exercise
grow forth; send out buds; grow or develop rapidly
Exercise
calmness of temperament; steadiness of mind under stress.
Exercise
over-bright in color; tastelessly showy
Exercise
portray; depict; draw or trace outline of; sketch out
buttress  Speak
Exercise
approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with demand or request
Exercise
support physically; prop up; support something or someone by supplying evidence
Exercise
responsive to advice or suggestion; responsible to higher authority; willing to comply with; agreeable
Exercise
inclined or eager to fight; aggressive
circumvent  Speak
Exercise
portray; depict; draw or trace outline of; sketch out
Exercise
act of two things flowing together; junction or meeting place where two things meet
Exercise
expressing low opinion; disparaging; belittling
Exercise
surround an enemy; enclose or entrap; beat by cleverness and wit
This is 6 words matching. Try matching quizzes of the list
5   Interactive spelling - Check your spelling skill online:
Read [Esc]
assign, portion


Spelling Word: aloocate
Read [Esc]
constant in application or attention; diligent; unceasing or persistent


Spelling Word: assiduous
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fickle; impulsive and unpredictable; apt to change opinions suddenly


Spelling Word: capricious
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expression of strong disapproval or harsh criticism; blame


Spelling Word: censure
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relating to the brain or cerebrum; intellectual rather than emotional


Spelling Word: cerebral
Read [Esc]
punish, as by beating; criticize severely; rebuke


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