Digital SAT Prep VOCABULARY: PLAYING THE GREATEST HITS Aswe discussed back in Chapter 7, Vocabulary is one of the most frequent of the eight question types, which means that you'll likely be able to notice the difficulty increase (unlike with other question types that may have only 1 or 2 questions in an RW module). Similarly, should you do well enough on RW Module 1 to get the harder RW Module 2, you'll notice more difficult vocabulary words. In Chapter 7, we mentioned that creating a Greatest Hits list is a great way co start familiarizing yourself with words that you've seen and want to remember for next time. Here, we'll do our part as well: below is alist of words we've seen show up frequently on official SAT exams or released College Board products. Spending 5-10 minutes a day EVERY DAY on our Greatest Hits, your own, Greatest vocabulary and potentially boost your RW score! its, or a combination of both is the best way to improve your Word Part of Speech Definition adhere verb to believe in and follow the practices of Example: It can be difficule to adhere to a workout regimen without coaching and discipline. advocate verb to publicly recommend or support Example: Upon his appointment, the new vice president of the company promised to ‘advocate for increased vacation time for all employees. Ee ae to suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at Example: I didn't mean to allude to your past breakup when discussing celebrity romances that ended badly. ambivalence noun the state of having mixed feelings or contradic- tory ideas about something of someone Example: Understandably Jillian struggled with ambivalence regarding the group project: ean arorking wich her friends bu fel chat che work was never divided evenly. ei comparable in cert i ects ain respects, typically in a wa analogous which makes clearer the nature of the things i compared Example: ‘The rocking ofa ship against the waves has ben described by some as analogous to the ups and downs ofa rollerconster ride. 196 | For more free content, visit Princetonfeview.comWord Part of Speech Definition anecdote noun a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person Example: Our professor opened the semester with a number of humorous anecdotes about excuses he has heard from students who missed class. apprebensive adjective anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen Example: Lauren was apprehensive about her upcoming violin recital: she had practiced ‘enough but had never performed in front of more than four or five people. arbitrary adjective based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system Example: The town’s enforcement of parking rules felt arbitrary, as some days the rules would be strictly enforced and other days it seemed impossible to get a ticket no matter how severe the infraction. assert verb to state a factor belief confidently and forcefully Example: After listening to the rest of the board members shout over each other, Dominic fele the need to aster that this time could have been better spent offering practical solutions to the issue. bias noun prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, ‘or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair Example: Though she promised to be free of bias, ie became evident very quickly chat my ‘mom preferred a dog over a cat asa potential pet. brevity noun concise and exact use of words in writing or speech Example: Sabrina’s notes were known for their brevity, as entire concepts were often summed up into a small series of words and phrases. buttress verb to increase the strength of or justification for; to reinforce Example: The commissioner has promised to train 30 new recruits by the end of the year in order to buttress the police force as the city’s borders expand. Digital SAT Prep 8. Advanced Reading Skis | 197Digital SAT Prep Word Part of Speech Definition concede verb to admit that something is true of valid after first denying or resisting it Example: After an intense debate, I was forced to concede that my opponent had a strong argument regarding the need for distrit-wide budger reallocation. consensus noun a general agreement Example: With everyone wanting a different cuisine, the group of friends found it nearly impossible 10 come to a consensus. corroborate verb to confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding) Example: The thief claimed to have an alibi at the time of the erime but could not produce any friend of family to corroborate his story. decisive adjective settling an issue; producing a definite result Example: Megan scored a decisive victory for her field hockey team, netting four goals in just the first half of the game. ion and respect deference noun humble submi Example: The student spoke with deference to his master when discussing the proper application of a mixed martial arts technique, degrade verb to treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect Example: The harsh note taped to the bulletin board in the employee breakroom was clearly meant to degrade those who were not clocking back in from breaks on time, denounce verb to publicly declare to be wrong or evil Example: The principal was expected to denounce graphic T-shirts as unacceptable school attire, but she surprised everyone when she stated that she considered them to be an important part of self-expression. dispute noun a disagreement, argument, or debate Example: A handshake, or verbal, agreement between employer and employee can lead to a dispute when one party does not follow through and there is no written documentation to resolve the matter. 198 | Formore free conte, visit PrincetonReview.comDigital SAT Prep Word Part of Speech Definition divergent adjective tending to be different or develop in different directions Example: Due to the unclear instructions, students rook divergent paths in their papers, with some arguing multiple perspectives and some switching topics altogether. dormant adjective having normal physical functions suspended ‘or slowed down for a period of time; in ot as if in a deep sleep Example: Though the volcano once erupted randomly and violently for decades, it now lies dormant and is a popular tourist attraction. loguent adjective fluent o persuasive in speaking or writing Example: Shakespeare's sonnets are considered some of the most eloguent poems in British literature. evoke verb to bring or recall to the conscious mind Example: A country’s national anthem is meant to evoke feelings of pride in its citizens. exert verb to make a physical or mental effort rs exert a tremendous amount of mental energy solving calculations while under a time limit. explicit adjective stared clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt Example: The teacher's classroom rules were explicit; they were written on a poster right above her desk. imminent adjective about to happen Example: The decreasing temperatures and darkening skies mean that a rainstorm is, imminent. impede verb to delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing; to hinder Example: The city council attempted to impede the fast-food restaurant’s efforts to install a drive-thru window. 8. Advanced Reading SkillsDigital SAT Prep Word Part of Speech Definition plied but not plainly expressed implicit adjective Example: The group had seen Sara's terrified reactions to horror movies and had an implicit understanding not to choose that genre for movie night. impose verb to take advantage of someone by demanding attention or commitment Example: The mayor has decided to impose a curfew upon residents of his town. indifference noun lack of interest, concern, or sympathy Example: Sam responded to the discussion ofa road trip with indifference, as he would have been equally happy staying home. inevitable adjective certain to happen; unavoidable Example: Once the school mandated a dress code, it was inevitable that the students would test che limits of what they could get away with. invoke verb to cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument Example: The police captain’ son would often invoke his fathers name to get himself out of trouble. ironic adjective happening in the opposite way from what is expected and typically causing amusement because of this Example: Ie is ironic that the tech support company’s website was listed as down for ‘maintenance. a ebabe new of unusual in an interesting way Example: Novel ideas, such as Galileo's model for che Earth revolving around the Sun, usually cake time to be accepted by those comfortable with traditional views. obscure adjective not discovered or known about; uncertain Example: John’s pop culture references were so remarkably obscure that his frends could go for hours without knowing a single actor or movie he mentioned, 200 | For more free content, visit Princetonfleview.comWord Part of Speech Definition obsolete adjective no longer produced or used; out of date Example: Zara was dismayed ro learn her phone was considered obsolete just one year after she purchased it. oppresive — adjee unjustly inflicting hardship and constraint; weighing heavily on che mind or spirits Example: The heat of the jungle was so oppressive that the expedition team took breaks twice as often as planned. pervasive adjective spreading widely throughout an arca or a group of people, especially in an unpleasant way Example: The aging boat had holes in its hull and a pervasive smell of rotting wood. prevalence noun the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness Example: The prevalence of transfer students on college football reams has made roster adjustments a year-round endeavor. prominent adjective important; famous Example: One of the most prominent American presidents, George Washington, is often noted as having set numerous presidential precedents. provoke verb to stimulate or give tise o a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one in someone Example: I knew I couldn't let Anthony provoke me into an argument again, as he often did. reciprocate verb ‘0 respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one Example: Jennifer was so touched by the Christmas gift she received from Isabelle that she ‘made plans to reciprocate as soon as she could get to the mall. reconcile verb to restore friendly relations beeween Example: William texted Caleb an apology as a means to reconcile following thei recent disagreement. Digital SAT Prep 8. Advanced Reading Skits | 201Digital SAT Prop Word Part of Speech Definition refute verb to prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove Example: Scientists often publish papers meant to refte theories that they have disproven. through experimentation, renounce verb to formally declare one’s abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession) Example: In a shocking move, the king has decided to renounce his right to the throne, sending the country into a panic. represion noun the restraint, prevention, or inhibition ofa feeling, quality, ete. Example: When citizens of a nation endure long periods of political repression, it can lead to verbal or physical altercations throughout that country. retain verb to continue to have (something); keep possession of Example: In an effort to retain her position as class president, Cynthia put up flyers asking for students’ votes in the upcoming election. skeptical adjective not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations Example: Bryce was skeptical of his order’ estimated arrival date: past orders from the same company had taken a week longer than advertised. speculate verb to form a theory or conjecture about a subject out firm evidence Example: The lawyer refused to speculate on the outcome of the tril, but she was hopeful that her client would be found innocent. substantiate verb to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of Example: Te researcher ran a series of experiments hoping to substantiate he theory of engine mechanics before presenting i to her supervisor for review. able adjective © dele of precise as to be difficult to analyze or Example: A slight cough from a frend can be a subtle indication thatthe friend wishes to depart from a socal situation in which they eel uncomfortable, 202 | For more free content, visit PingetonReview.som | 2Word Part of Speech Definition supplement nown something that completes or enhances something else when added to it Example: Milk is often considered the perfect supplement o cereal, though other liquids have become popular choices in recent years. tenuous adjective very weak or slight Example: With just seconds to go in the game, the team clung to a tenuous one-point lead, undermine verb to lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of Example: Michael practically ran on his way to school, worried that a mark of tardy would undermine his perfect attendance record. underscore verb to emphasize or draw attention to Example: Margaux came to her presentation with a series of handouts for her colleagues, hoping this would underscore the amount of work she had put into her project. unobrrusive adjective not conspicuous or attracting attention Example: Garbage cans at Disney World are painted to be as unobtrusive as possible, often blending into their surroundings. validate verb to check or prove the validity or accuracy of Gomething) Example: The clerk refused to validate my license, noting that it expired one month ago. verisimilitude noun the appearance of being true or real Example: Despite being a work of fiction, the movie possessed such authentic characters and believable dialogue that critics praised it for its verisimilitude. viable adjective capable of working successfully; feasible Example: ‘The hiring supervisor was pleased to find that so many viable candidates had applied for the position. 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