Tooth and Nail: A Novel Approach to the SAT (A Harvest Test Preparation Book)

by Charles Harrington Elster

  Dearth and plethora are . . .

  Group Three: Which Word is NOT a Synonym?

  In each statement below, a word is followed by three apparent synonyms. Two of the three words or phrases are true synonyms; one is unrelated in meaning. Which of the three synonym choices does not fit the word?

  Something catastrophic is unfortunate, adverse, discordant.

  A blithe person is animated, inane, vivacious.

  A pertinent comment is appropriate, pragmatic, relevant.

  Something minuscule is trivial, minute, infinitesimal.

  A diligent person is stoic, industrious, assiduous.

  A dogged person is persistent, coercive, tenacious.

  Something obscure is innocuous, incomprehensible, indistinct.

  Something obsolete is outmoded, archaic, overwrought.

  A steadfast person is faithful, formidable, staunch.

  Something mesmerizing is captivating, invigorating, beguiling.

  An impediment is an obstacle, hindrance, throng.

  An ambiguous statement is officious, indefinite, amorphous.

  A speculation is a conviction, conjecture, surmise.

  Something staid is grave, impregnable, austere.

  An ambivalent person is not sure, not decisive, not painstaking.

  Something negligible is sluggish, insignificant, paltry.

  Something fortuitous is random, exceptional, accidental.

  Something ostentatious is prosaic, grandiose, ornate.

  A furtive glance is clandestine, sordid, surreptitious.

  Something salient is singular, prominent, conspicuous.

  A charlatan is devious, fraudulent, inscrutable.

  An astute observation is perceptive, pernicious, sagacious.

  An idiosyncratic person is peculiar, grotesque, eccentric.

  A fastidious person is ingenuous, meticulous, scrupulous.

  A perspicacious person is insolent, discerning, shrewd.

  Group Four: Finding the Meaning

  In each question below, the test word is followed by three words or phrases. Decide which of those three answer choices comes nearest the meaning of the test word.

  Is a hoax a fiasco, a masquerade, or a deception?

  Would an ordeal be somber, onerous, or noxious?

  Does something tantalizing tempt, stimulate, or annoy?

  When something is profound, is it seemingly true, intensely moving, or full of deep meaning?

  Is an adroit maneuver skillful, quick, or subtle?

  When something is stagnant, is it ineffectual, inactive, or uncooperative?

  Is a copious supply meager, excessive, or abundant?

  Is an impetuous person tentative, impulsive, or haughty?

  Is a lucid comment humorous, clear, or insightful?

  When you are enervated, are you worn out, disconcerted, or rejuvenated?

  Does reconcile mean to examine closely, deduce from evidence, or bring into agreement?

  If something is abstruse, is it troublesome, hard to understand, or unreasonable?

  When things have an affinity, do they have a resemblance, a close relationship, or a refined quality?

  Is a histrionic person pedantic, melodramatic, or tempestuous?

  If you are indifferent, are you proud, uninspired, or uncaring?

  If something is immutable, is it unchangeable, unspeakable, or not able to be silenced?

  When something is germane, is it far-fetched, succinct, or relevant?

  Is a peccadillo a minor sin, an oversight, or an obsession?

  Does upbraid mean to vanquish, to admonish, or to undermine?

  Would something opulent be monolithic, sumptuous, or winsome?

  Do evanescent things happen fast, change easily, or last for a short while?

  When you are surfeited, are you overly full, overwhelmed, or disoriented?

  Is an apocryphal story exaggerated, inauthentic, or incontrovertible?

  Is a paucity an inconsistency, an insufficiency, or an abundance?

  Would a phlegmatic person be spartan, iconoclastic, or languid?

  ANSWERS

  Group One: True or False?

  True

  True

  False

  False

  True

  True

  False

  False

  True

  False

  True

  False

  False

  True

  True

  True

  False

  True

  True

  False

  True

  False

  False

  True

  False

  Group Two: Synonyms or Antonyms?

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Antonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Synonyms

  Antonyms

  Group Three: Which Word Is NOT a Synonym?

  discordant

  inane

  pragmatic

  trivial

  stoic

  coercive

  innocuous

  overwrought

  formidable

  invigorating

  throng

  officious

  conviction

  impregnable

  not painstaking

  sluggish

  exceptional

  prosaic

  sordid

  singular

  inscrutable

  pernicious

  grotesque

  ingenuous

  insolent

  Group Four: Finding the Meaning

  deception

  onerous

  tempt

  full of deep meaning

  skillful

  inactive

  abundant

  impulsive

  clear

  worn out

  bring into agreement

  hard to understand

  a close relationship

  melodramatic

  uncaring

  unchangeable

  relevant

  a minor sin

  to admonish

  sumptuous

  last for a short while

  overly full

  inauthentic

  an insufficiency

  languid

  Glossary

  Key to Abbreviations

  adj. adjective

  adv. adverb

  cf. compare

  esp. especially

  n. noun

  pert. pertaining

  pl. plural

  sing. singular

  spec. specifically

  usu. usually

  v. verb

  Note: This glossary includes only selected definitions—those that apply to the ways in which the SAT words are used in this book. For additional definitions, as well as for guidance on pronunciation, consult your dictionary. The numbers in brackets refer to the pages in this book on which you will find the words used.

  A

  abate, v. to reduce or become less in value, amount, or intensity: The storm abated. [[>]]

  abhor, v. to regard with hatred or disgust, loathe, detest, abhorrent, adj. [[>]]

  abject adj. miserable, wretched, abjectly, adv. [[>]]

  abridge, v. to make shorter, reduce, compress. [[>]]

  abstemious, adj. eating and drinking sparingly or in moderation, temperate. [[>]]

  abstract, adj. 1. not thought of as an object or real thing or in connection
with any specific example: Honesty and love are abstract words. 2. not dealing with or representing anything concrete or particular: abstract ideas; abstract art. [[>], [>], [>]]

  abstruse, adj. very hard to understand, deep, complicated. [[>], [>], [>]]

  absurd, adj. unreasonable, nonsensical, foolish, stupid, ridiculous (SAT synonyms: farcical, ludicrous, preposterous). absurdity, n. [[>], [>], [>]]

  absurd, n. the state or condition of ultimate meaninglessness in human life and in the universe: the theater of the absurd. [[>]]

  abundance, n. a large amount, great supply, more than enough (SAT synonyms: plenitude, plethora, profusion). [[>], [>]]

  abundant, adj. in great supply, plentiful (SAT synonym: copious). [[>]]

  accomplice, n. someone who knowingly aids another in committing a crime. [[>]]

  accord, n. agreement, harmony, concord.—of one’s own accord: by a person’s own choice or will, without outside influence, voluntarily. [[>]]

  accordance, n. agreement, harmony: in accordance with your wishes. [[>]]

  accost, v. to approach and speak to, often in an aggressive manner: A stranger accosted her on the street. [[>]]

  acquiesce, v. to give in or agree without protest or complaint but also without interest or excitement. [[>], [>], [>]]

  acquisition, n. 1. something acquired or owned. 2. the act of acquiring or owning things. [[>]]

  acquisitive, adj. eager to acquire or own things. [[>]]

  acrid, adj. harsh, burning, or biting to the taste or smell: the acrid smell of cigarette smoke. [[>], [>]]

  acute, adj. sharp, intense (SAT synonym: keen). acutely, adv. [[>]]

  adage, n. an old saying, a maxim or proverb. [[>]]

  adamant adj. stubborn, unyielding, inflexible (SAT synonyms: hidebound, intractable, obdurate, obstinate). [[>]]

  adept adj. very skillful, expert (SAT synonyms: adroit, deft, dexterous, proficient). [[>], [>]]

  adjacent adj. close, lying near but not necessarily in contact with. [[>], [>], [>]]

  adjunct n. something separate and less important that is added to a main thing: The wallpaper section is an adjunct to the paint store. [[>]]

  admonish, v. to warn, caution, scold, or criticize gently, esp. against doing something wrong or bad: The teacher admonished the class (cf. castigate, censure, upbraid). admonishment, n. [[>], [>]]

  admonition, n. a mild criticism or reprimand, a gentle warning: an admonition to tell the truth, [[>], [>]]

  adorn, v. to decorate or make beautiful. [[>], [>]]

  adroit, adj. skillful or clever at doing a difficult thing (SAT synonyms: adept, deft, dexterous, proficient). adroitly, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  adversary, n. a person one fights against, enemy, opponent. [[>], [>]]

  adverse, adj. unfavorable, damaging to one’s interests: adverse criticism. [[>]]

  adversity, n. hardship, misfortune, great trouble or difficulty. [[>]]

  advocate, n. a person who speaks or writes in support of another person or of a cause or issue; defender, champion (cf. devil’s advocate). [[>]]

  aesthetic, adj. of or pert, to beauty, showing appreciation of or sensitivity to beauty in art or nature, tasteful, artistic. [[>], [>]]

  affable, adj. easy to talk to, pleasant, kindly, courteous, gracious (SAT synonyms: cordial, jovial, and see amiable). [[>], [>]]

  affinity, n. a natural attraction, close relationship, or intense liking. [[>]]

  affluent adj. wealthy (SAT synonym: prosperous). [[>], [>], [>]]

  affront n. an intentional offense or insult. [[>]]

  alacrity, n. eager willingness and promptness, speed, quickness: She performed the task with alacrity. [[>], [>]]

  alchemical, adj. pert, to an early form of chemistry primarily concerned with changing common metals into gold and concocting a potion that would ensure eternal youth; hence, possessing a seemingly magical power to change something or someone’s form or appearance, alchemy, n. [[>]]

  alienate, v. to make unfriendly or hostile, lose the support of. [[>]]

  alleged, adj. declared or assumed to be true but not proven; supposed: an alleged burglar, allegedly, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  allegory, n. a story or play with a symbolic meaning usu. intended to teach a moral or lesson. [[>]]

  allot, v. to distribute or assign a share or portion: to allot sufficient space for everyone. [[>]]

  allude, v. to refer to indirectly, mention casually: She alluded to a scandal. [[>], [>]]

  allure, n. the power of fascination or attraction, charm. [[>]]

  alluring, adj. highly attractive, tempting, charming (SAT synonym: tantalizing). [[>], [>]]

  allusion, n. a slight mention or an indirect reference. [[>], [>], [>]]

  aloof, adj. distant or removed in manner or action, cool, reserved: She tried to remain aloof from the argument. [[>], [>], [>]]

  altercation, n. an angry, loud dispute. [[>]]

  altruistic, adj. unselfishly concerned with or interested in the welfare of others. [[>], [>]]

  amalgam, n. a mixture or combination. [[>]]

  ambiguous, adj. having more than one possible meaning or interpretation, unclear, indefinite, uncertain, vague, ambiguity, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  ambitious, adj. 1. eager to succeed or achieve something, such as wealth or power. 2. requiring great ability or effort, challenging: an ambitious goal. [[>], [>]]

  ambivalent adj. simultaneously having opposite or conflicting feelings, such as love and hate, toward a person or thing. [[>], [>]]

  amenable, adj. willing to yield or cooperate, responsive to advice or authority, agreeable: He was amenable to the group’s decision. [[>]]

  amiable, adj. friendly, good-natured, agreeable (SAT synonyms: affable, cordial, jovial). amiably, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  Amiable and affable both mean friendly and likable. Amiable suggests someone with a pleasant personality; affable suggests someone easy to approach and talk to.

  amorphous, adj. lacking definite form or shape. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  analysis, n. a close examination; spec., the process of separating a whole into its parts to study or interpret them (SAT synonym: dissection). analyze, v. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  anecdote, n. a short, entertaining, often humorous story. [[>], [>]]

  animated, adj. lively, spirited (SAT synonym: vivacious). [[>], [>]]

  animation, n. the state of being alive and capable of motion, having life, or appearing to have life (SAT synonym: vitality). [[>]]

  animosity, n. hatred, bitterness, extreme dislike (SAT synonyms: antagonism, enmity, hostility). [[>]]

  annotated, adj. accompanied by explanatory or critical notes: an annotated edition of Hamlet. [[>]]

  anonymous, adj. by or from a person who is not named or is not identified. anonymity, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  antagonism, n. active opposition, ill will, or hatred (SAT synonyms: animosity, enmity, hostility). [[>]]

  antagonistic, adj. opposed, unfriendly (SAT synonyms: belligerent, hostile). antagonist, n. [[>], [>]]

  antediluvian, adj. before the biblical flood (the deluge in the time of Noah, as described in Genesis: 6–8). [[>]]

  anthology, n. a collection of selected writings. [[>]]

  antiquated, adj. old-fashioned, outmoded, out-of-date (SAT synonyms: see obsolete). [[>]]

  antithetical, adj. directly opposite, contradictory: antithetical opinions. [[>]]

  apathetic, adj. lacking interest or concern, unresponsive (SAT synonyms: perfunctory and see phlegmatic). apathetically, adv. apathy, n. (SAT synonym: indifference). [[>], [>]]

  apocryphal, adj. probably not true, genuine, or authentic; spec., of questionable authorship. [[>], [>], [>]]

  appalling, adj. causing dismay or amazement, frightful. [[>], [>]]

  appraise, v. to officially decide the worth or price of, evaluate, estimate, judge (SAT synonym: assess). [[>], [>]]

  apprehend, v. 1. to become aware of thr
ough the senses; to understand, grasp mentally (SAT synonyms: discern, perceive). 2. to arrest (a suspected criminal). [[>]]

  apprehension, n. 1. fear or worry of what may happen, dread. 2. the ability to understand, a mental grasp. [[>], [>]]

  apprehensive, adj. fearful, anxious about something in the future. [[>]]

  apprise, v. to inform, notify. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  apt, adj. 1. having a natural tendency, likely: apt to agree. 2. to the point, suitable: an apt proposal, aptly, adv. [[>], [>]]

  arable, adj. suitable for plowing, planting, and growing crops; fit for cultivation (cf. fertile, prolific). [[>], [>]]

  arbitrary, adj. based only on one’s own will or feelings, not based on reason or law: an arbitrary order, arbitrarily, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  arcane, adj. understood or known only by a few, mysterious (SAT synonym: esoteric). [[>], [>]]

  archaic, adj. of an earlier period, of a time long past, old-fashioned, no longer in ordinary use: Words such as methinks and forsooth are archaic (SAT synonyms: see obsolete). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  archive, n. (usu. pl.) 1. records, documents, or papers of a government, organization, or institution. 2. a place in which such records are kept. [[>], [>]]

  ardent, adj. 1. burning, fiery, glowing, shining (SAT synonyms: fervid, torrid). 2. filled with enthusiasm and eagerness: an ardent supporter (SAT synonyms: avid, fervent, zealous). [[>]]

  arduous, adj. very hard, difficult, strenuous, laborious. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  aristocracy, n. 1. the ruling class, nobility. 2. any privileged group thought to be superior. [[>], [>], [>]]

  array, n. a large and impressive display or number: an array of royal gems; an array of knights in full armor. [[>], [>], [>]]

  arrogant, adj. acting superior or self-important, aggressively proud, making false claims to greatness (SAT synonyms: haughty, imperious, pretentious, supercilious). arrogance, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  articulate, adj. 1. able to express oneself clearly, easily, and effectively. 2. expressed in such a manner. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  articulate, v. to utter dearly and distinctly. [[>]]

  artifact, n. an object produced by human work or art, esp. something of historical or archaeological interest. [[>], [>]]

  artisan, n. a worker trained or skilled in some trade, craftsperson. [[>], [>]]

  ascertain, v. to find out, make certain of. [[>