VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words

1 abhor v to hate very much, to detest utterly

to dislike strongly, to regard with intense aversion or
1 abominate v
loathing
1 abridge v to shorten; to condense; to diminish; to curtail
1 abstruse adj hard to understand
1 abut v to border upon
1 abyss n bottomless pit; a yawning gulf; a profound depth or void
1 accolade n an award, an honor; approval, praise
something connected or added to another in a subordinate
1 adjunct n
position; an assistant
1 affidavit n a sworn statement
1 affinity n a natural attraction; kinship; similarity
2 aftermath n events following some occurrence; a consequence of
to increase in size; enlarge, to cause to appear greater in
2 aggrandize v
power, influence
2 ajar adj partially open
2 alienate v to make hostile; to cause to feel unwelcome or estranged
2 alleviate v to make less severe; to relieve, to lessen
2 allure v to entice with something desirable; to tempt
2 aloof adj distant, reserved in manner; uninvolved
2 also-ran n one who is defeated in a race, election or other competition
2 altercation n a heated quarrel
the choice between two mutually exclusive possibilities, a
2 alternative n
situation presenting such a choice
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
3 ambiance n mood, feeling; general atmosphere
agreeable, responsible to authority, pleasant, willing to give
3 amenable adj
in to the wishes of another
3 amplify v to make larger, louder, or more powerful
going before; preceding; an occurrence or event preceding
3 antecedent n
another
3 anterior adj situated in front
3 appalling adj filling with dismay; causing horror or consternation
3 aptitude n capacity for learning; natural ability
3 archaic adj belonging to an earlier time, ancient; outdated
3 arduous adj hard, difficult, tiresome
3 artisan n a worker skilled in a craft
4 askew adj to one side; crooked; awry; sidelong look of contempt
4 aspire v to seek, attain, or achieve a goal
4 assuage v to soothe; to make less severe; to satisfy, ease, lessen
4 astute adj quick in discernment; shrewd, clever, keen
4 asunder adj in separate parts; apart from each other in position
4 atrophy v to wither away
4 atypical adj not typical, abnormal
stern, as in manner; without excess, unadorned, severely
4 austere adj
simple and plain
4 badger v to tease, annoy, harass persistently
the study of the dynamics or flight characteristics of
4 ballistics n
projectiles
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
something that heals or comforts; soothing; an oil or
5 balm adj./n
ointment
5 beget v to give birth to; to create
5 beleaguer v to besiege; beset, surround, harass
to deprive and make desolate, esp. by death; to deprive by
5 bereave v
force
5 beset v to harass; to surround
5 bizarre adj extremely unconventional or far-fetched
5 blather v to talk nonsensically
5 bleak adj depressing, discouraging, harsh, cold, barren, raw
to hit or attack with heavy impact; a short, heavy thick club
5 bludgeon v/n
that has one end larger than the other
5 bucolic adj rural or rustic in nature, country-like
6 bulwark n a defensive wall; something servicing as a principal defense
6 cache n a hiding place, or the objects hidden in a hiding place
6 cacophony n harsh sounds
to wheedle, coax or persuade someone to do something
6 cajole v
they didn't want to
6 callous adj unfeeling, insensitive
6 callow adj immature and inexperienced
6 candor n truthfulness, sincere honesty
6 capacious adj roomy, able to hold much
to criticize harshly, usually with the intention of correcting
6 castigate v
wrongdoing
6 catapult v/n to launch; a device for hurling objects, a slingshot
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
an emotional or psychological cleansing that brings relief or
7 catharsis n
renewal
a meeting of the members of a political party to make
7 caucus n
decisions
7 cerebral adj of or relating to the brain or the intellect
7 certify v to confirm formally; verify
a deep opening in the earth's surface; a gorge; differences of
7 chasm n
opinion, interests, loyalties
7 chattel n an item of personal, movable property; slave
7 chide v to scold; to voice disapproval
7 chronic adj continuing for a long time; continuous
at, in or of approximately; at an estimated historical time
7 circa prep
period
7 citadel n a fortress overlooking a city; a stronghold
8 claimant n a person making a claim
8 cloister n/v a tranquil, secluded place
8 commodious adj spacious, roomy, capacious
8 comprise v to consist of; to include, to contain, to be made up of
8 congenial adj pleasant to be around; social, agreeable
8 connoisseur n an expert, particularly in matters of art and taste
8 consensus n general agreement
8 coterie n a circle of close associates or friends
8 countenance n a person's face, especially the expression
the violent overthrow of a government by a small group; a
8 coup n
victorious accomplishment
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
9 couture n fashion designs; clothes created by fashion designers
9 cower v to cringe in fear; to shrink away
9 cranny n a small opening as in a wall or rock face
9 craven adj lacking the least bit of courage; cowardly
9 creditor n a person or entity to whom money is owed
a standard or rule by which something can be judged; a basis
9 criterion n
for judgment
a style of art in which the subject matter is portrayed by
9 cubism n
geometric forms, especially cubes
to truncate or abridge; to lessen, usually by cutting away
9 curtail v
from
9 curvilinear adj formed, bound, or characterized by curved lines
one that depresses or restrains; a dulling or deadening
9 damper n
influence
10 dauntless adj fearless; unintimidated
10 dearth n scarcity; lack
10 debacle n a sudden calamitous downfall; collapse or failure
10 debase v to lower in quality, character, or value
10 decree n an order having the force of law
10 deduce v to come to a conclusion by reasoning from the evidence
10 defame v to libel or slander; take away a good name
10 deft adj skillful, dexterous
a leader who obtains power by appealing to the emotions
10 demagogue n
and prejudices of people
one who works devilishly (a demon for work), having a
10 demonic adj
persistent force or drive; fiendish
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
11 demur v to object, to make exception
11 denounce v to condemn; to expose critically
11 desiccate v to dry out completely; dehydrate
a difficult situation where one must choose between two or
11 dilemma n more choices that seem unfavorable; problem or
predicament
11 disparage v to belittle, say uncomplimentary things; to put down
11 dispel v to drive away; to dissipate
11 disperse v to scatter in various directions; distribute widely
the breaking up into parts; termination of a legal bond or
11 dissolution n
contract
11 divine v to foretell a prophecy; to infer, to guess
11 docile adj easily taught or controlled; obedient, easy to handle
a period or condition of depression or inactivity; a part of the
12 doldrums n
ocean near the equator abounding in calms and squalls

12 domain n a territory over which one rules, has influence or powers

12 dormant adj asleep or inactive
12 draconian adj hard, severe, cruel
12 dromedary n a one-humped domesticated camel
12 dulcet adj melodious, soft, soothing; pleasing to the ear
12 duress n hardship, restraint, confinement
12 edifice n a building, especially one of imposing appearance or size
12 efface v to rub away
advocating the doctrine of equal rights for all citizens; a
12 egalitarian adj/n
person who adheres to egalitarian beliefs
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
13 elapse v to pass to go by (said of time)
13 elfin adj small and sprightly; mischievous, fairylike
to beautify by adding ornaments; to add fanciful or fictitious
13 embellish v
details to
13 embody v to give bodily form to; to personify; to make part of a system
13 emit v to send or give out; to express, utter
13 emulate v to attempt to equal or surpass; especially through imitation
13 endure v to carry on through despite hardships; to put up with
13 engulf v to surround or enclose completely
13 enrage v to put in a rage; infuriate, anger
13 enrapture v to delight, to thrill or give pleasure
14 ensemble n a coordinated outfit or costume; a musical group
14 entice v to lure, to attract, to tempt in a pleasing fashion
14 entomb v to place in or as if in a tomb, or a grave
14 entomology n the scientific study of insects
14 entreat v to ask earnestly; to implore, plead, beg
14 erudite adj deeply learned, scholarly
14 euphonious adj pleasing to the ear
14 evade v to elude or avoid by cunning; to flee from a pursuer
14 evoke v to summon forth, call to mind, awaken, produce, suggest
14 exhume v to dig up from a grave; to bring to light, uncover
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
15 expunge v to remove; to delete; to erase
15 facilitate v to make easier, to help bring about
15 fathom v to understand fully; to penetrate the meaning of
15 fawn v to show affection
15 feign v to give a false appearance; to pretend
to generate pus; to become a source of resentment or
15 fester v
irritation
15 fetish n any thing or activity to which one is irrationally devoted
15 fickle adj often changing for no reason; not loyal or consistent
15 fjord n a long narrow inlet from the sea between steep cliffs or hills
to defraud, swindle; also the wool of a sheep or similar
15 fleece v/n
animal
16 forage v to search or hunt for food and provisions
16 forbear v to do without; to leave alone; to refrain from; to abstain
16 forsake v to abandon, to give up, to renounce
16 fortuitous adj good fortune occurring by accident or chance
16 fraught n teeming with; laden; full; involving; accompanied by
16 gamin n a neglected boy left to run about in the streets
16 gazebo n an outdoor structure with a roof and open sides
16 generalize v general rather than specific; to form a general conclusion
16 giddy adj a light-headed sensation; dizzy; lightheartedly silly
16 gird v to encircle as with a belt; to prepare as for action
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
17 girth n the distance around something; circumference
17 gloat v to brag greatly
one who eats or consumes a great deal; having capacity to
17 glutton n
receive or withstand something
delicate floating cobwebs; a sheer gauzy fabric; something
17 gossamer n/adj
delicate, light, flimsy
17 grandiloquent adj attempting to impress with big words or grand gestures
17 grandiose adj grand and impressive, especially flashy and showy
17 guile n cunning, deceitfulness; artfulness
17 guise n appearance, semblance
17 harangue v to lecture, berate; a long bombastic speech
17 harrowing adj extremely distressing; disturbing or frightening
18 herbicide n a substances used to destroy plants; especially weeds
18 histrionic adj overly dramatic; theatrical
18 hoard v to accumulate for future use; stockpile
18 hovel n a small, miserable dwelling; an open, low shed
the cultivation, production, and/or management of
18 husbandry n
resources of edible plants or animals
a behavioral quirk; a person's idea about behavior different
18 idiosyncrasy n
from others
18 impede v to obstruct or interfere with; to delay
18 incite v to arouse to action
18 incongruous adj not appropriate, unsuited to the surroundings; not fitting in
18 infamy n an evil reputation; extreme disgrace
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
19 insouciant adj calm and carefree; lighthearted
19 intervene v to come between; to mediate; to occur between times
19 inveigle v to tempt or persuade by using deception or flattery
19 irascible adj easily angered, irritable
to engage in combat or competition; any combat suggestive
19 joust v/n
of a joust
fate, destiny; the force generated by a person's good or bad
19 karma n
actions
19 laconic adj brief, using few words
19 lament v to express sorrow or regret; to mourn
19 languish v to become weak or feeble; sag with loss of strength
19 lassitude n a condition of wariness; fatigue
20 laudable adj worth or deserving of praise
20 lax adj careless, negligent; not tense, slack
something handed down from one who has gone before or
20 legacy n
from the past; a bequest
20 lesion n wound, injury; especially one created by a disease
20 lethargy n laziness, tiredness; sluggish
a dictionary; vocabulary terms used in or of a particular
20 lexicon n
profession, subject or style
20 lieu n instead of; in place of
to remain in an area without any specific reason; to lag
20 loiter v
behind
20 maim v to disable or disfigure, to cripple
20 marauder n a raider, intruder
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
to assemble together for the purpose of doing something;
21 marshal v/n
also an office in the police or military
someone willing to sacrifice and even give his/her life for a
21 martyr n
cause; also one who pretends suffering to gain sympathy
21 masticate v to chew
21 melancholy n depression of spirits; gloomy; weary
21 menagerie n a collection of live wild animals on exhibit
21 migratory adj roving, wandering, nomadic
21 milieu n environment or surroundings
21 mirage n unreal reflection; an optical illusion
21 misanthropy n someone who hates mankind
21 misnomer n an incorrect or inappropriate name
22 mode n a way or method of doing something; type, manner, fashion
customary cultural standards; moral attitudes, manners,
22 mores n
habits
22 muse v to ponder; mediate; think about at length
to collect or gather; the act of inspection or critical
22 muster v/n
examination
22 myriad n an extremely large number
favors shown by those in high positions to relatives and
22 nepotism n
friends
22 noisome adj stinking; offensive; disgusting
physically or mentally destructive, or harmful to human
22 noxious adj
beings
at an angle neither perpendicular or parallel; indirect or
22 oblique adj
evasive; not straightforward
lacking intelligence, difficult to comprehend; not quick or
22 obtuse adj
alert in perception or feeling
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
23 opportune adj occurring or coming at a good time
the most advantageous; the best condition, degree or
23 optimum n/adj
amount
conventional, doing it by the book, sticking to established
23 orthodox adj
principles
23 ostracize v to exclude from a group; to shun
23 oust v to eject; to force out; to banish
23 paradox n a situation in which something seems both true and false
a mental illness of unreasonable anxiety, especially believing
23 paranoia n someone is out to get you, or that you are an important
person
23 parry v to ward off a blow; to turn aside; to avoid skillfully, to evade
the division of something into parts; an interior structure
23 partition n
dividing a large area
one who feels sorrow and remorse for past misdeeds; felling
23 penitent n/adj
sorrow or humble
24 periphery n the outermost part within a boundary, the outside edge
24 permeate v to flow or spread through; penetrate
24 perverse adj stubborn; contrary; intractable
24 petulant adj ill-humored, irritable, cranky
love of mankind, especially through charitable gifts and
24 philanthropy n
deeds
24 phobia n a persistent, illogical fear
24 photogenic adj suitable, especially attractive for photography
24 pied adj having patches of blotches of two or more colors
24 pillage v to rob of goods by violent seizure, plunder; to take as spoils
irritation, resentment stemming from wounded pride; to
24 pique n/v
arouse curiosity
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
25 plight n a distressing situation
25 porcine adj reminiscent of or pertaining to a pig; resembling a pig
25 potentate n a powerful ruler; an important person
25 precarious adj unsafe, unsteady, unstable
25 procrastinate v to put off until a later time
25 proficient adj skillful; to be very good at something
25 propulsive adj the act or process of propelling; a propelling force
25 prowess n exceptional skill and bravery
25 quandary n state of perplexity or doubt; a difficult or uncertain situation
25 queue v/n to form or to wait in line; a line
26 quirk n a peculiarity of behavior; an unaccountable act or event
26 quixotic adj totally or foolishly impractical
a development growing out of and often complicating a
26 ramification n
problem or pain; a consequence
to give up doing, professing or intending; to surrender, give
26 relinquish v
up
26 reminisce v the act or practice of recalling the past
a strong feeling of sadness or guilt for having done
26 remorse n
something wrong
26 resurgent adj rising after defeat
26 revere v to regard with great devotion or respect, to honor
to hold the attention of; something that fastens two parts
26 rivet v/n
together
26 roster n a list of names; especially of personnel available for duty
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words

27 rudimentary adj basic, crude, undeveloped; fundamental principles or skills

27 scapegoat n one that bears the blame for others
27 scrutinize v to look very carefully; to examine
27 segregate v to separate or keep apart form others
27 serpentine adj snakelike in shape or movement; winding as a snake
27 somber adj depressing, gloomy, dark
27 sonorous adj producing sound, especially deep and rich, resonant
27 spur v to move to action
27 spurn v to reject with disdain
27 stupefy v to make numb with amazement; to stun into helplessness
28 sundry adj various, several, miscellaneous
28 supplant v to take the place of
an overabundant amount, especially overindulgence in
28 surfeit n
eating and drinking
a rope or chain that allows limited movement; the limit of
28 tether n
ones resources or strength
28 torque n a turning or twisting force
28 trenchant adj cutting, incisive, having a sharp point; caustic, sarcastic
28 truculent adj inclined toward conflict; eager to fight
28 truncate v to shorten by cutting off
28 tyro n a beginner; a novice
existing to being everywhere at the same time; constantly
28 ubiquitous adj
encountered; widespread
 VOCABULARY CARTOONS: SAT Word Power - 10 Words
29 umbrage n sense of injury or insult; to take offense, displeasure
29 unbridled adj violent, unbounded, unrestrained
29 veer v to change direction
29 verbatim n using exactly the same words, word for word
29 vertigo n the sensation of dizziness
29 volition n an act of choosing, using one's own will in a conscious choice
29 wane v to decrease gradually
29 wither v/adj to become dry; shriveled, shrunken, dried up
29 wrest v to pull away, take by violence
29 yore n former days, an era long past