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:
amiable   Speak
good-natured and likable; lovable; warmly friendly
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didactic   Speak
excessively morally instructive
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duplicitous   Speak
deliberately deceptive
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fanaticism   Speak
excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause
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folly   Speak
foolishness; lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight
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fortitude   Speak
bravery; force; power to attack or to resist attack
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This is 6 words quick view. View words of the list
4   Word meaning matching - Test words you know:
adroit  Speak
Exercise
modest and reserved in manner or behavior
Exercise
skillful and adept under pressing conditions
Exercise
dictator; ruler having unlimited power
Exercise
open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead
alacrity  Speak
Exercise
attended by favorable circumstances; marked by success; prosperous
Exercise
fickle; impulsive and unpredictable; apt to change opinions suddenly
Exercise
put at disadvantage; prevent progress or free movement of
Exercise
cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness
august  Speak
Exercise
cheerful promptness or willingness; eagerness; speed or quickness
Exercise
impressive; majestic; inspiring awe or admiration
Exercise
shy
Exercise
contradict; give a false impression
autocrat  Speak
Exercise
praise highly; glorify; celebrate
Exercise
unearth; dig out; make a hole in; hollow out
Exercise
sudden realization
Exercise
dictator; ruler having unlimited power
capricious  Speak
Exercise
secret; conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Exercise
exhibiting friendliness or goodwill; not quarrelsome
Exercise
suitable; appropriate to a purpose; serving to promote your interest
Exercise
fickle; impulsive and unpredictable; apt to change opinions suddenly
complacency  Speak
Exercise
put at disadvantage; prevent progress or free movement of
Exercise
feeling of contented self-satisfaction, especially when unaware of upcoming trouble
Exercise
suitable; appropriate to a purpose; serving to promote your interest
Exercise
completely lacking; barren or empty
This is 6 words matching. Try matching quizzes of the list
5   Interactive spelling - Check your spelling skill online:
Read [Esc]
deviation, not normal


Spelling Word: aberration
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inclined or eager to fight; aggressive


Spelling Word: belligerent
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pompous; using inflated language; high-sounding but with little meaning


Spelling Word: bombastic
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influence or urge by gentle urging or flattering


Spelling Word: cajole
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punish, as by beating; criticize severely; rebuke


Spelling Word: chastise
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plentiful; containing plenty; affording ample supply


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