More Essential Words
These 12 words round out the highest-value SAT vocabulary โ common enough to show up regularly, specific enough to trip up an unprepared reader.
Practice this set for free โ no account needed. Loads 12 flashcards into the learner.
Practice in the free learnerHow to study this set
This is a good final set to drill right before test day, since every word here has appeared repeatedly on real released SAT material.
All 12 flashcards
Swap question and answerto become less intense or to reduce something in intensity
abate
The storm finally began to abate by evening.
an expression of praise or an award
accolade
She received an accolade for her research.
having mixed or contradictory feelings about something
ambivalent
He felt ambivalent about accepting the job offer.
clear, logical, and convincing
cogent
She made a cogent argument for the change.
respectful submission to someoneโs wishes or authority
deference
He listened with deference to his mentorโs advice.
to perceive or recognize something, often something subtle
discern
It was hard to discern any difference between the two versions.
to weaken or drain of energy
enervate
The long heat wave left everyone enervated.
excessively talkative, especially about trivial matters
garrulous
The garrulous passenger talked the entire flight.
sharp, direct, and getting to the point clearly
incisive
Her incisive comments cut straight to the problem.
to express deep sorrow or regret about something
lament
They lamented the loss of the old building.
a subtle difference in meaning, tone, or expression
nuance
The translation lost some of the originalโs nuance.
having a feeling of vague or regretful longing
wistful
She gave a wistful smile when remembering her childhood home.
What to learn next
That completes SAT Vocabulary. GRE Vocabulary, in this same subject, is a good next step if youโre also preparing for grad school.