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

by Charles Harrington Elster

], [>]]

  stupefaction, n. a state of stupidity, grogginess, or half-consciousness: After the feast, they sat around in a state of near stupefaction. [[>]]

  suave, adj. smooth and courteous, polished and poised in social situations (SAT synonyms: genteel, sophisticated, urbane). [[>]]

  subjective, adj. of or arising from a person’s emotions, prejudices, or interests, not from external evidence; based on personal feelings or opinions (cf. objective), subjectivity, n. [[>], [>], [>]]

  subordinate, adj. occupying an inferior position, rank, or class; secondary, minor. [[>]]

  subside, v. to become quiet or less active, settle down to a lower level. [[>], ]

  substantiate, v. to support by proof or reliable evidence (SAT synonyms: authenticate, confirm, corroborate, validate, verify). substantiated, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  subterranean, adj. underground. [[>], [>]]

  subtle, adj. 1. indirect, not obvious, difficult to see or understand: subtle changes. 2. delicate, refined, or faintly mysterious: a subtle smile. 3. sly, cunning: a subtle plot, subtly, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  subtlety, n. a fine point, delicate distinction. [[>]]

  subvert, v. to overturn or overthrow, destroy, ruin (SAT synonyms: sabotage, undermine). subversive, adj. [[>]]

  succinct, adj. expressed precisely and compactly, without wasted words (SAT synonyms: concise, terse). [[>], [>], [>]]

  succumb, v. to yield or give in (as to an appeal or a superior force). [[>], [>]]

  suffused, adj. spread through or over (as with light or color). [[>]]

  sumptuous, adj. exceptionally rich and luxurious (SAT synonyms: lavish, luxuriant, opulent). [[>], [>], [>]]

  supercilious, adj. looking down at or treating others in a proudly superior way (SAT synonyms: arrogant, contemptuous, disdainful, haughty, imperious). [[>], [>]]

  superficial, adj. concerned only with the surface, with what is obvious or apparent; shallow, lacking in depth or substance (SAT synonyms: cursory, perfunctory). superficially, adv. [[>], [>]]

  superlative, adj. excellent, of the greatest or highest quality: a superlative achievement. [[>]]

  suppress, v. 1. to hold back or stifle. 2. to keep from becoming known (SAT synonym: censor). suppressed, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  surfeited, adj. overly, excessively, or nauseatingly full (cf. satiate). [[>], [>]]

  surmise, v. to conclude based on scanty evidence, suppose, guess (SAT synonym: speculate). surmise, n. (SAT synonyms: conjecture, speculation). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  surpass, v. to go beyond, transcend. [[>]]

  surpassing, adj. superior. [[>]]

  surreptitious, adj. secret and stealthy, not open or conspicuous (SAT synonyms: clandestine, covert, devious, furtive). surreptitiousness, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  sustenance, n. food, nourishment. [[>]]

  sycophant, n. someone who tries to win favor or gain advancement by flattering influential people; a self-seeking, fawning person (SAT synonym: toady). sycophantic, adj. (SAT synonyms: obsequious, servile). [[>]]

  symmetrical, adj. possessing symmetry, having balanced proportions. [[>], [>]]

  symmetry, n. 1. a correspondence of parts (in size, shape, position, etc.) on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane. 2. beauty of form resulting from balanced and orderly proportions. [[>]]

  synopsis, n. a condensed summary or statement outlining the main points (of a narrative, treatise, etc.). [[>]]

  syntax, n. the way words are arranged to form phrases, clauses, and sentences: awkward, ungrammatical syntax. [[>]]

  synthesis, n. the combining of separate parts into a coherent whole or the whole formed in this way. [[>]]

  T

  tamper, v. to interfere or meddle with, esp. to damage or weaken: to tamper with a lock. [[>]]

  tangential, adj. straying from or only slightly connected (to a subject). [[>], [>]]

  tangible, adj. capable of being touched, concrete, real, definite, actual. [[>], [>]]

  tantalizing, adj. intensely tempting, arousing great interest or desire for something that seems unreachable or unobtainable (SAT synonym: alluring). [[>]]

  tardiness, n. lateness, the state of being delayed. [[>]]

  tattered, adj. ragged, tom, shredded. [[>]]

  taunt, v. to provoke, challenge, or make fun of in an insulting way. [[>]]

  tawdry, adj. flashy and tasteless, cheap, showy (SAT synonyms: garish, gaudy). [[>]]

  tedious, adj. tiresome and boring: a tedious assignment, [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  telltale, adj. indicating or revealing something intended to be secret: a telltale remark. [[>], [>]]

  tempestuous, adj. stormy, passionate, greatly agitated, like a tempest (a violent windstorm). [[>]]

  tenacious, adj. 1. holding or adhering firmly: a tenacious vine. 2. stubborn, perseverant (SAT synonym: persistent). [[>], [>], [>]]

  tentative, adj. hesitant, halting, uncertain, timid, halfhearted: a tentative answer; a tentative approach, tentatively, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  tenure, n. 1. the status assuring an employee a permanent position, esp. as a teacher. 2. the act, right, or manner of holding something (such as a teaching position) or the length of time something is held. [[>], [>], [>]]

  terse, adj. brief and to the point: a terse manner of speaking (SAT synonyms: concise, succinct). [[>], [>]]

  theoretical, adj. of, pert, to, or based on (1) unsupported opinion or limited information or (2) a general set of principles or knowledge. theoretically, adv. [[>]]

  thesis (pl. theses), n. 1. a position or proposition that is to be proved by argument. 2. a dissertation developed from original research, esp. one presented by a candidate for an academic degree. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  threadbare, adj. so frayed that the threads show, old and worn out. [[>], [>], [>]]

  throng, n. a host of people, crowd, multitude. [[>], [>]]

  timorous, adj. fearful, hesitant, timid, lacking self-confidence. [[>]]

  tirade, n. a prolonged and angry speech, harangue, diatribe. [[>]]

  toady, n. someone who flatters others hoping to gain favors, an obsequious follower, bootlicking servant (SAT synonym: sycophant). [[>]]

  tome, n. a weighty, large, or scholarly book. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  torrid, adj. passionate, heated (SAT synonyms: ardent, fervid). [[>]]

  toxic, adj. harmful, poisonous. [[>]]

  traditional, adj. 1. pert, to or following customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down from one generation to the next (SAT synonyms: conventional, orthodox). 2. done according to tradition (a long-established, inherited way of thinking or behaving). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  tranquil, adj. calm, quiet, peaceful (SAT synonyms: halcyon, placid, serene). [[>], [>]]

  transcribe, v. 1. to make a handwritten or printed copy. 2. to translate or write out in the corresponding characters of another alphabet, transcription, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  transgression, n. the violation of a command or law; a sin or offense. [[>]]

  translucent, adj. allowing the passage of light but not a view of objects beyond. [[>]]

  traumatic, adj. causing serious physical injury or severe and long-lasting emotional shock [[>]]

  treatise, n. a systematic and usu. lengthy and scholarly discussion of a subject in writing: a treatise on modem poetry, [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  trite, adj. worn-out, overused (SAT synonym: hackneyed). [[>]]

  trivial, adj. of small value or importance, not worth noticing: trivial differences; a trivial thought (SAT synonyms: frivolous, insignificant, negligible, paltry, petty, superficial). trivialize, v. [[>]]

  troupe, n. a group of touring theatrical performers. [[>], [>]]

  tumult, n. 1. great uproar or commotion. 2. a noisy or violent outburst. tumultuous, adj. [[>], [>], [>]]

  turret, n. a little tower, usu. at an angle of a larger structure. [[>]]

  tyrannize, v. to rule with absolute, often
oppressive power. [[>]]

  U

  ubiquitous, adj. existing everywhere at the same time, widespread: The cockroach, like the flea, is a ubiquitous creature. [[>]]

  ultimate, adj. 1. final or concluding: their ultimate destination. 2. eventual: to hope for ultimate success. 3. greatest or highest possible: ultimate degree, ultimately, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  unabridged, adj. complete, having nothing removed, or the most complete of its type: an unabridged novel; an unabridged dictionary (cf. abridge). [[>], [>]]

  unanimous, adj. having the agreement of all: The plans received the group’s unanimous approval; a unanimous vote, unanimously, adv. [[>]]

  unblemished, adj. having no fault or flaw. [[>]]

  uncanny, adj. strange, mysterious, eerie: an uncanny light in the old abandoned house. [[>]]

  unconventional, adj. not bound by accepted custom or practice, not ordinary, not conventional (SAT synonym: unorthodox). [[>]]

  undaunted, adj. fearless and determined, not discouraged or dismayed. [[>]]

  undermine, v. to weaken or ruin slowly or in small degrees: The constant criticism undermined his self-confidence (SAT synonyms: corrupt, debase, sabotage, subvert). [[>]]

  underscore, v. to draw a line under; hence, to stress or emphasize. [[>], [>]]

  understatement, n. a statement that is made less strongly than the facts would indicate or that exhibits intentional restraint, understated, adj. [[>], [>]]

  unenlightened, adj. ignorant, misinformed, not educated or enlightened (SAT synonym: benighted). [[>], [>]]

  unethical, adj. immoral, not ethical (SAT synonyms: corrupt, depraved). [[>], [>]]

  uniform, adj. identical or alike, unvarying, consistent, uniformly, adv. uniformity, n. [[>]]

  universal, adj. 1. including, covering, or involving all: a universal belief. 2. existing or operating everywhere: a universal need for shelter. [[>]]

  unkempt, adj. uncombed, messy, untidy. [[>]]

  unorthodox, adj. not customary, not orthodox (SAT synonym: unconventional). [[>]]

  unprecedented, adj. without parallel or precedent (an earlier example or model to follow) (SAT synonym: novel). [[>]]

  unremitting, adj. not letting up, constant. [[>]]

  unsavory, adj. literally, disagreeable to taste or smell; figuratively, undesirable, objectionable, morally offensive: an unsavory reputation (cf. savor). [[>]]

  unscathed, adj. unharmed, uninjured, undamaged: He escaped from the burning building completely unscathed. [[>]]

  unsettling, adj. disturbing, causing uneasiness or confusion. [[>], [>]]

  unwieldy, adj. not easy to handle or manage, esp. because of size, weight, awkward shape, etc. [[>], [>], [>]]

  upbraid, v. to criticize severely, rebuke: The team was upbraided for its unsportsmanlike behavior (SAT synonym: castigate; cf. admonish, censure). [[>]]

  upright, adj. honest, adhering to what is morally right or just (SAT synonyms: conscientious, ethical, virtuous). [[>], [>]]

  urban, adj. in or pert, to a city. [[>]]

  urbane, adj. extremely polite and polished in manner (SAT synonyms: genteel, sophisticated, suave). [[>], [>]]

  usurp, v. to seize and hold by force or without proper right or authority, usurping, adj. [[>], [>]]

  V

  valedictory, adj. containing a farewell, of or relating to a leave-taking. [[>]]

  valid, adj. 1. right, well-founded, reasonable, just: a valid argument. 2. legal, official: a valid passport, validity, n. [[>], [>]]

  validate, v. 1. to make valid, prove right or true (SAT synonyms: authenticate, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, verify). 2. to make official, validation, n. [[>]]

  valor, n. bravery and determination in facing danger, esp. in war. valorous, adj. [[>], [>]]

  vandalism, n. willful or malicious destruction of property: They suspected that the fires were the result of an act of vandalism. [[>]]

  vanquish, v. to subdue, conquer, defeat, overcome: vanquish the foe. vanquished, adj. [[>]]

  vantage point, n. a position from which one has a wide view. [[>]]

  vehement, adj. 1. characterized by intense emotion or passion: a vehement accusation. 2. acting with great energy, violent, vehemently, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  venerable, adj. 1. deserving respect because of age, character, achievements, etc.: a venerable poet. 2. impressive because of age: a venerable tradition. [[>], [>], [>]]

  verbose, adj. overly wordy, long-winded, containing more words than needed (SAT synonym: diffuse). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  verify, v. to prove the truth or accuracy of (SAT synonyms: authenticate, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, validate). [[>]]

  veritable, adj. true, actual, not false or exaggerated: a veritable hero. [[>], [>]]

  vernacular, n. the common, everyday spoken form of a language, vernacular, adj. [[>], [>]]

  vexatious, adj. troubling, disturbing, annoying, irritating. [[>]]

  vibrant, adj. filled with energy, lively: a vibrant performance (SAT synonym: vivacious). [[>]]

  vigilant, adj. on the alert, watchful (SAT synonyms: circumspect wary). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  vigorous, adj. full of healthy energy, energetic, strong, forceful (SAT synonyms: robust vibrant). [[>], [>], [>]]

  vilify, v. to abuse in speech or writing, say or write damaging or false things about, slander, defame. [[>]]

  vindictive, adj. motivated by a desire for revenge, unforgiving and spiteful. [[>]]

  violate, v. 1. to break or disregard: to violate a law. 2. to defile, desecrate, or disrespect: to violate a sanctuary. [[>], [>]]

  virtually, adv. practically, almost but not quite, nearly. [[>], [>]]

  virtuous, adj. possessing moral excellence, pure, righteous (SAT synonyms: conscientious, ethical, upright). [[>], [>]]

  visceral, adj. of or pert, to the internal organs of the body, esp. the abdomen; hence, instinctive and intuitive rather than intellectual or rational. [[>]]

  vital, adj. 1. characteristic of living beings or essential to maintaining life. 2. full of life and energy (SAT synonyms: robust vibrant vigorous, vivacious). 3. being of the utmost importance: a vital issue. [[>], [>]]

  vitality, n. 1. the capacity to live or go on living (SAT synonym: animation). 2. liveliness, pep. [[>], [>], [>], , [>]]

  vivacious, adj. filled with life and spirit, lively, sprightly (SAT synonyms: animated, robust vibrant vigorous). [[>], [>]]

  vivid, adj. 1. strong, bright, intense: a vivid hue. 2. colorful, brightly or intensely colored: vivid balloons. 3. producing clear, sharp images: a vivid description; a vivid memory. 4. having the appearance of life: a vivid portrait. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  vociferous, adj. loud and noisy: a vociferous fan; vociferous complaints (SAT synonyms: boisterous, raucous). [[>]]

  voluminous, adj. of great volume, number, or extent. [[>], [>], [>]]

  voracious, adj. 1. exceedingly hungry, ravenous. 2. never getting enough of something: a voracious reader (SAT synonym: insatiable). voraciously, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  vulgar, adj. 1. without refinement or taste, coarse, crass, crude, gross: vulgar gestures (SAT synonym: scurrilous). 2. of or pert, to the common or ordinary people: Vulgar Latin, as distinguished from the literary form of the language, vulgarity, n. [[>], [>], [>]]

  vulnerable, adj. susceptible to being injured or wounded, open to attack, haying insufficient defenses, vulnerability, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  W

  wane, v. to fade away, diminish gradually. [[>], [>]]

  wanton, adj. 1. mean or cruel without motive or provocation: a wanton killing. 2. immoral, lustful: a wanton look; wanton desires (SAT synonym: depraved). 3. careless, reckless: wanton disregard for the law. [[>], [>], [>]]

  wary, adj. watchful and cautious, distrustful, leery (SAT synonyms: circumspect, vigilant). warily, adv. [[>], [>]]

  wayward, adj. 1. willfully following one’s own desires, disobedient, headstrong, contrary. 2. inconstant and unpredictable (SAT synonym: capriciou
s). [[>], [>]]

  weathered, adj. faded or altered by exposure to the weather. [[>]]

  whim, n. an unpredictable and often sudden notion or fancy. [[>]]

  wholesome, adj. promoting well-being, healthful, conducive to the development of the mind or character. [[>], [>]]

  —Wholesome, salubrious, and salutary all mean good for one’s health. Wholesome refers to that which benefits or builds up the body, mind, or spirit: a wholesome diet; wholesome recreation. Salubrious refers to that which promotes physical health: a salubrious climate. Salutary refers to that which has a corrective or remedial effect upon the health or general condition of someone or something: salutary advice; a salutary proposal, winsome, adj. charming, agreeable, and pleasant in appearance or manner (SAT synonyms: beguiling, captivating, engaging). [[>], [>]]

  wizened, adj. shrunken, shriveled, wrinkled from aging: a wizened face. [[>], [>]]

  wreak, v. to inflict or bring about. [[>], [>]]

  writhe, v. to twist or turn, as in pain, writhing, adj. [[>], [>]]

  Z

  zeal, n. intense passion, enthusiasm, or devotion. [[>], [>]]

  zealous, adj. filled with great passion and devotion, highly or excessively enthusiastic (SAT synonyms: ardent, avid, fanatical, fervent). [[>], [>], [>]]

  The following is an excerpt from Charles Harrington Elster’s forthcoming book Word Workout (St. Martin’s Griffin, December 2014)

  The Greatest Neologist

  The English language’s greatest neologist was a man who contributed at least 1,500 items to our wordstock, along with countless idioms and expressions that are so famous they have become cliché. He was an Elizabethan playwright and poet who, had his father not decided to move the family to Stratford-on-Avon shortly before his birth, would be known to us today as the Bard of Snitterfield.

  William Shakespeare was, quite simply, a world-champion wordmaker. As Jeffrey McQuain and Stanley Malless tell us in Coined by Shakespeare, we encounter his words every day, from assassination to zany. Shakespeare’s creations are so firmly embedded in the language that, like the conveniences of modern life, you can’t imagine a time when they didn’t exist.