SAT Essay Vocabulary

SAT essay vocabulary consists of 500 moderately difficult words, which many high school students may learn somehow but cannot use in swagger. This SAT words list includes example, context, and interactive spelling exercise to build a solid essay vocabulary and sharpen writing skills.

In SAT writing, if an essay only done by plain or simple words, the chance to shoot a high score is relatively low. As a general rule, better vocabulary rewards higher score. Unlike big size reading vocabulary, SAT writing vocabulary is relied on your choosing. You can prepare what words to use, then just use them at right place, by right way, and in 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 real writing test, several 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 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.

depravity: 
extreme corruption or degradation; wickedness
Show examples and contexts    

depreciation: 
devaluation; decrease in price or value
Show examples and contexts    

derivative: 
unoriginal; derived from another source
Show examples and contexts    

desecration: 
violate the sacredness of
Show examples and contexts    

despot: 
tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; eastern Orthodox bishop
Show examples and contexts    

deterrent: 
something that discourages; tending to deter
Show examples and contexts