When it comes to standardized testing, there's not always a lot you can study. Unlike your history class exam, you don't always know what's going to be tested. But the vocabulary section is pretty reliable, and some of the same words appear year after year. They're not always the longest words, but they usually aren't going to be found in your regular lexicon. As the kids are heading back to school, let's test your SAT vocabulary memory.
Adulation
It's a close cousin to the more recognizable "adoration," but it's even more effusive. Save your adulation for the dreamiest of movie stars, or the cutest of puppies.
Example:
I couldn't control my adulation when I got to meet my idol, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Antipathy
Antipathy means a strong sense of dislike. This is a good word to describe a movie you didn’t like, or just a person who rubs you the wrong way.
Example:
I couldn't conceal my antipathy for the meal served at the reception.
Assiduous
We hope you're studying this list assiduously. This adjective means showing great care and perseverance.
Example:
She was quite assiduous about watering and weeding her garden every day.
Conditional
Nope, it's not the rinse that follows your shampoo in the shower. It's another adjective that means something is dependent on a certain situation, or condition. The word "conditional" might also pop up in grammar sections of your standardized testing.
Example:
Getting your driver's license is conditional on the results of your final report card.
Didactic
Didactic is an adjective that means educational or instructive; importantly, it includes the concept of moralizing.
Example:
The didactic lessons of 1984 can be applied to draw parallels to society today.
Digression
Don't get distracted! A "digression" is temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. If you feel a digression happening, take a pause and regain your focus.
Example:
He interrupted his lecture with a digression on the stormy weather.
Efficacy
Efficacy simply means effectiveness. While shorter, this is a more formal, clinical way to address the results.
Example:
The fever-reducing medicine had great efficacy, and Brian was back on the playground the very next day.
Exculpate
Exculpate means to exonerate or vindicate. In addition to your SAT test booklet, you're likely to hear this on your favorite legal drama.
Example:
After bringing the new evidence to the jury, the accused was exculpated of all crimes.
Impute
You should impute where credit is due — that is to attribute, or give credit. But instead of giving credit for a great idea, "impute" is often used for more negative attributions.
Example:
He was quick to point a finger and impute his brother for the broken window.
Inchoate
Inchoate means rudimentary, or in the beginning stages of a project.
Example:
The blueprints were inchoate, but with a little more development they had great promise.
Nonchalant
Don't be nervous about taking a test — try to remain nonchalant. This adjective means casually unbothered or showing indifference. Maybe it will happen; maybe it won't.
Example:
I was worried, but my sister was quite nonchalant about the upcoming test.
Salubrious
Salubrious means health promoting. It can also be used as wholesome and warm hearted.
Example:
I needed the salubrious weekend of relaxing, hiking and cooking good food.
Sedulous
Sedulous means persevering and constant; it can also mean dedicated and careful.
Example:
John had a sedulous nature, and you knew any work done by him would be excellent.