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

by Charles Harrington Elster

]]

  credible, adj. believable, trustworthy, reliable: The plaintiff’s testimony was not credible, credibility, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  criterion (pl. criteria), n. a standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision is based. [[>]]

  critique, n. a critical review or commentary, as of an artistic work. [[>], [>]]

  crucial, adj. of great importance, essential to resolving an issue or crisis (cf. conclusive, decisive). [[>], [>], [>]]

  cryptic, adj. mysterious, baffling, having a hidden meaning (SAT synonyms; enigmatic, inscrutable). cryptically, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  culpable, adj. deserving blame, guilty. [[>], [>]]

  cupidity, n. greed (SAT synonym: avarice). [[>]]

  cursory, adj. done quickly with little attention to detail (SAT synonyms: perfunctory, superficial). [[>], [>]]

  cynical, adj. expressing disbelief in or distrust of others out of a sense that everyone’s motives and actions are selfish. [[>], [>]]

  D

  dearth, n. scarcity, scant supply, lack. [[>]]

  debase, v. to make lower in value, quality, character, or dignity (SAT synonyms: corrupt, undermine). [[>]]

  debilitate, v. to make weak, enfeeble. [[>]]

  decadent, adj. in a state of decline (as in art, literature, morals, etc.), self-indulgent or self-gratifying. [[>]]

  deceive, v. to lie, trick, mislead (SAT synonym: dupe). [[>], [>]]

  deception, n. 1. the act of deceiving or tricking (SAT synonym: duplicity). 2. something that deceives, a trick (SAT synonym: hoax). deceptive, adj. [[>], [>]]

  decipher, v. 1. to change from code into ordinary language, decode. 2. to make out (something illegible or difficult to understand). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  decisive, adj. 1. determining an outcome, ending doubt, settling an issue or question (cf. conclusive, crucial). 2. showing firmness and determination, decisively, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  decorum, n. formal, proper, or suitable behavior, dress, speech, etc.; conduct suitable to a situation. [[>]]

  deduce, v. to reach a conclusion by reasoning (SAT synonym: infer). [[>], [>]]

  deduction, n. the act of deducing or a conclusion reached by reasoning or inferring. [[>], [>]]

  defiant, adj. refusing to obey or submit, boldly opposing power or authority. defiantly, adv. [[>]]

  deflate, v. to reduce the confidence or lessen the importance of. [[>]]

  deft, adj. skillful in a quick, smooth way (SAT synonyms: adept, adroit, dexterous, proficient). deftly, adv. [[>], [>]]

  deluge, n. a great flood or downpour. [[>]]

  demeanor, n. behavior, bearing, manner, deportment. [[>]]

  denigrate, v. to defame, damage the reputation of (SAT synonyms: belittle, disparage). [[>]]

  depict, v. to represent in a picture, drawing, sculpture, etc. (SAT synonym: portray). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  deplorable, adj. 1. very bad or unfortunate, regrettable. 2. deserving strong disapproval or condemnation. [[>], [>]]

  depraved, adj. wicked, immoral, evil (SAT synonyms: corrupt, unethical, wanton). [[>]]

  derision, n. scornful or sneering laughter, taunting, mockery (SAT synonym: ridicule). derisive, adj. (SAT synonym: sarcastic). [[>], [>]]

  derivative, adj. traced or received from a source, descended or originating from. [[>], [>]]

  despicable, adj. deserving of dislike and scorn, vile, low. [[>]]

  desultory, adj. moving or passing from one thing to another, not proceeding in an orderly or organized way, aimless, disconnected (SAT synonyms: see random). [[>], [>]]

  deteriorate, v. to grow worse, fall into disrepair, become lower in quality or value. [[>]]

  deviant, adj. not normal, standard, or acceptable; abnormal. [[>]]

  devil’s advocate, n. a person who upholds an unpopular cause or defends a questionable position for the sake of argument or out of sheer perversity (cf. advocate). [[>]]

  devious, adj. not honest and straightforward, sly, shifty, tricky (SAT synonyms: clandestine, covert, furtive, surreptitious). [[>], [>]]

  dexterous, adj. skillful and competent with the hands or body (SAT synonyms: adept, adroit, deft, proficient). [[>], [>]]

  diagnosis, n. a careful examination of the facts or nature of something or a decision based on such an examination, esp. one by a physician. [[>], [>]]

  dialect, n. a form of language spoken in a particular region or by a certain class that differs somewhat in vocabulary, idioms, and pronunciations from the standard language. [[>]]

  diction, n. manner of expression, choice and arrangement of words. [[>]]

  didactic, adj. designed to instruct or guide behavior: A didactic story includes a moral. [[>]]

  differentiate, v. to distinguish, make a distinction, see the difference between, become distinct. [[>]]

  diffuse, v. to spread out widely, scatter (SAT synonym: disperse). diffused, adj. [[>], [>]]

  diffuse, adj. 1. spread out, not concentrated or localized. 2. wordy (SAT synonym: verbose). [[>]]

  digress, v. to depart from the main subject in writing or speaking, stray, ramble. [[>]]

  digression, n. something written or spoken that has little or no relation to the main subject. [[>], [>], [>]]

  dilapidated, adj. falling to pieces, broken-down, in disrepair. [[>], [>], [>]]

  dilemma, n. a situation in which one must choose between equally unpleasant or unfavorable options (SAT synonym: quandary). [[>], [>]]

  diligence, n. steady and careful attention, esp. to work or duties. [[>], [>]]

  diligent, adj. 1. hard-working (SAT synonyms: assiduous, industrious). 2. characterized by or done with steady and careful effort (SAT synonyms: painstaking, studious). diligently, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  din, n. a continuous, loud, annoying noise; uproar: They could hear the din of traffic through the open window (SAT synonym: clamor). [[>]]

  dire, adj. causing great fear or distress, disastrous, terrible: a dire situation. [[>]]

  directive, n. an order or instruction, esp. as issued by a high authority. [[>]]

  disaffected, adj. discontented, rebellious. [[>]]

  discern, v. to detect with the eyes or other senses, recognize mentally: We could barely discern his features in the dim light (SAT synonyms: apprehend, perceive). discernible, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  discerning, adj. having or showing sharp perception and judgment, rapidly noticing small differences or fine distinctions (SAT synonyms: astute, insightful, keen, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd). [[>]]

  disclose, v. uncover, expose to view, reveal (SAT synonym: divulge). [[>]]

  disconcerting, adj. upsetting, frustrating, or embarrassing. [[>], [>], [>]]

  discordant, adj. disagreeing, conflicting, clashing, not in harmony (SAT synonyms: dissonant, strident). [[>], [>]]

  discourse, n. formal and orderly speech or writing on a subject. [[>]]

  discourse, v. to talk, carry on a conversation. [[>]]

  discreet, adj. cautious in one’s speech or actions, tactful (SAT synonyms: circumspect, prudent). [[>]]

  discrepancy, n. a lack of agreement or an inconsistency. [[>]]

  discretion, n. the exercise of caution or good judgment. [[>]]

  discriminatory, adj. unfair, prejudiced (SAT synonym: biased). [[>]]

  disdain, n. scorn, a feeling or show of dislike or disregard for something or someone considered inferior (SAT synonym: contempt). disdainful, adj. (SAT synonyms: contemptuous, supercilious). [[>], [>]]

  disgruntled, adj. dissatisfied, resentful, discontented. [[>], [>]]

  dismantle, v. to pull down or take apart, disassemble: The movers had to dismantle the bookcase to get it through the door. [[>], [>]]

  disorient, v. to disturb someone’s sense of time, place, or identity. [[>]]

  disown, v. to refuse to recognize or claim as one’s own, reject. [[>]]

  disparage, v. to speak of, treat, or regard as inferior or unimportant (SAT synonyms: beli
ttle, denigrate). [[>], [>]]

  dispassionate, adj. not affected by passion, emotion, or prejudice (SAT synonyms: impartial, Indifferent, objective, stoic, and see phlegmatic). [[>]]

  dispel, v. to cause to disappear; drive away, scatter. [[>]]

  dispense, v. 1. to deal out in portions, distribute, administer. 2. to get rid of, do away with, do without. [[>], [>]]

  disperse, v. to move or scatter in different directions (SAT synonym: diffuse). [[>], [>]]

  disposition, n. arrangement, makeup, composition. [[>]]

  dissection, n. a cutting into parts in order to study or a part-by-part examination (SAT synonym: analysis). [[>]]

  disseminate, v. to scatter widely, spread abroad. [[>], [>], [>]]

  dissertation, n. a lengthy, formal piece of writing, spec, a thesis prepared for a doctoral degree. [[>]]

  dissonant, adj. harsh and disagreeable in sound, jarring to the ear (SAT synonyms: discordant, strident). [[>]]

  dissuade, v. to persuade not to do something. [[>]]

  distinctive, adj. serving to set apart as different or characterize as special. [[>], [>], [>]]

  distort, v. 1. to twist out of shape. 2. to change so as to create a false impression: The editorial distorted the facts (SAT synonym: pervert). [[>], [>]]

  divergent, adj. branching off, departing from a set course or opinion, deviating. [[>]]

  diverse, adj. varied, not alike, different (SAT synonym: see eclectic). [[>], [>], [>]]

  diversion, n. 1. something that distracts the attention. 2. pastime, recreation, sport. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  diversity, n. variety, difference, dissimilarity. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  divulge, v. to make known, reveal (usu. something private or secret) (SAT synonym: disclose). [[>], [>], [>]]

  doctorate, n. the highest degree awarded by a university. [[>]]

  doctrine, n. a theory or set of principles actively taught and promoted by those who believe it. [[>], [>]]

  documentation, n. the provision of documents or published information as proof or evidence; the documents or information provided: We cannot publish this information without adequate documentation. [[>]]

  dogged, adj. refusing to give up despite difficulties: dogged determination (SAT synonym: persistent). doggedly, adv. [[>]]

  dogmatic, adj. stating opinions in an overbearing manner, opinionated, dictatorial. [[>]]

  domain, n. an area over which control is exercised, sphere of activity, field of interest of knowledge. [[>], [>]]

  dominate, v. 1. to occupy a commanding position, rise high above, tower over, overlook from a height. 2. to rule, control, or influence by superior power, dominant, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  dotard, n. a feeble old person (cf. senile). [[>]]

  dour, adj. gloomy, severe, stem (SAT synonyms: see morose). [[>], [>]]

  drastic, adj. extreme, severe, harsh, having a strong effect (SAT synonym: radical). [[>], [>]]

  droll, adj. amusingly strange, humorously odd. drolly, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  dubious, adj. 1. arousing doubt, questionable, vague, uncertain, undecided. 2. feeling or full of doubt (SAT synonyms: Incredulous, skeptical). dubiously, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  dupe, v. to fool, trick, cheat (SAT synonym: deceive). [[>], [>]]

  duplicity, n. dishonesty, double-dealing, acting contrary to one’s real feelings and beliefs in order to fool or cheat (SAT synonym: deception). [[>]]

  dwindle, v. to decrease steadily, shrink, diminish. [[>], [>], [>]]

  E

  ebullient adj. overflowing with high spirits, enthusiasm, or excitement. [[>]]

  eccentric, adj. deviating from what is considered normal or accepted, out of the ordinary, peculiar, odd (SAT synonym: idiosyncratic). eccentricity, n. (SAT synonym: idiosyncrasy). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  eclectic, adj. selecting, or consisting of selections, from a variety of sources, esp. the best of those sources; varied. [[>], [>]]

  —Diverse, miscellaneous, and eclectic all suggest variety. A diverse collection contains strikingly different elements; diverse stresses difference. A miscellaneous collection is a mixture or jumble of things, often unrelated and often put together with little attention to quality or arrangement. An eclectic collection contains the best material selected with care from a wide variety of sources.

  eclipse, v. to darken, diminish the brightness or importance of, overshadow, surpass, outshine (SAT synonym: obscure). [[>], [>]]

  ecstatic, adj. overcome by intense emotion, esp. delight or bliss. [[>]]

  edification, n. moral, spiritual, or intellectual improvement or instruction (SAT synonym: enlightenment). [[>], [>]]

  edifice, n. a building, esp. a large or elaborate one. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  edifying, adj. morally, spiritually, or intellectually instructive (SAT synonyms: enlightening, illuminating). [[>], [>]]

  efficacy, n. effectiveness, the ability to produce a desired result: It was too soon to measure the efficacy of the new irrigation system. [[>]]

  egalitarian, adj. promoting equal treatment for people, esp. as to social, political, and economic rights. [[>]]

  egotist n. a boastful, conceited, self-centered person, egotism, n. [[>]]

  egregious, adj. very bad or offensive in an obvious way, flagrant. [[>]]

  elated, adj. full of joy or happiness, blissful. [[>]]

  elicit, v. to bring out, draw forth. [[>], [>]]

  elite, adj. belonging to or characteristic of a class of people considered the best, brightest, most powerful, etc. [[>]]

  elitism, n. a preference for rule or leadership by the elite class, elitist, adj. [[>]]

  eloquent adj. expressed in a strong, clear, graceful, and persuasive way; moving, forceful, eloquence, n. [[>], [>], [>]]

  elucidate, v. to make clear, explain (SAT synonyms: clarify, enlighten, Illuminate; cf. lucid). [[>], [>], [>]]

  elude, v. to escape, avoid (SAT synonym: evade). [[>]]

  elusive, adj. 1. hard to get hold of or capture. 2. hard to define, describe, understand, or remember. [[>], [>]]

  emaciated, adj. excessively thin, wasted away. [[>]]

  embed, v. to fix firmly in a surrounding mass. [[>]]

  embellish, v. to make beautiful by adding decoration, embellishment, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  eminence, n. great distinction, superiority, or importance, eminent, adj. (SAT synonyms: see prominent). [[>], [>]]

  emit, v. to give or send out, utter, issue, discharge. [[>]]

  empathy, rt. an identification with and ability to share another person’s feelings or situation. [[>]]

  emphatic, adj. expressed or done with emphasis, forceful, emphatically, adv. [[>], [>]]

  emulate, v. to try to do as well as or better than, esp. by imitating; compete with, rival, emulator, n. [[>], [>]]

  enamored, adj. filled with love or desire, charmed. [[>]]

  endeavor, v. to make a serious effort, strive: I shall endeavor to improve my attitude. [[>]]

  endeavor, n. a serious attempt or effort. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  endorse, v. to support, give one’s approval to. [[>]]

  enervated, adj. weakened, drained of strength or energy, [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  engaging, adj. appealing, charming, interesting: an engaging smile (SAT synonyms: beguiling, captivating, winsome). [[>]]

  engross, v. to absorb the complete attention or interest of, fascinate. engrossing, adj. [[>], [>], [>]]

  enhance, v. to intensify, heighten, set off. [[>], [>]]

  enigma, n. a riddle, mystery, puzzle; a person, situation, statement, or text that causes confusion, doubt, or bewilderment. [[>], [>], [>]]

  enigmatic, adj. puzzling, mysterious, hard to understand or explain (SAT synonyms: cryptic, inscrutable). enigmatically, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  enlighten, v. to make the truth or nature of something clear; to free from ignorance or prejudice, educate (SAT synonyms: clarify, elucidate, illuminate). e
nlightening, adj. (SAT synonyms: edifying, illuminating). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  enlightenment, n. knowledge, understanding, instruction, education (SAT synonym: edification). [[>], [>]]

  enmity, n. a deep-seated mutual hatred or mistrust (SAT synonyms: animosity, antagonism, hostility). [[>]]

  ensconced, adj. settled securely or snugly. [[>]]

  ensue, v. to follow as a consequence or result, occur next. [[>]]

  entail, v. to require as a necessary consequence, necessitate: To execute the plan successfully will entail precise teamwork. [[>], [>], [>]]

  entity, n. something that exists and can be recognized as a particular and distinct unit. [[>]]

  enumerate, v. to list one after the other, count off, name individually (SAT synonym: specify). [[>]]

  epic, adj. pert, to or having the qualities of a long poem, novel, or play, usu. written in a dignified or elevated style, celebrating heroes and heroic deeds. [[>], [>]]

  epitome, n. an embodiment of an idea or quality. [[>]]

  equanimity, n. the quality or state of being calm, composed, and even-tempered. [[>], [>]]

  equivocate, v. to intentionally mislead or confuse by using language that can be understood in two or more ways. [[>], [>]]

  eradicate, v. to get rid of as if tearing up by the roots, uproot, destroy, remove, wipe out (cf. radical). [[>], [>]]

  erratic, adj. 1. not regular or consistent (as in quality or progress): erratic work. 2. odd or peculiar: erratic behavior. [[>], [>], [>]]

  erudite, adj. having or exhibiting deep and extensive learning. [[>]]

  erudition, n. deep and extensive learning. [[>]]

  esoteric, adj. intended for or understood only by a select group (SAT synonym: arcane). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  espionage, n. the practice of using spies to obtain secret information. [[>]]

  esteem, n. high regard, respect, esteemed, adj. (SAT synonym: prestigious). [[>], [>], [>]]

  estimable, adj. deserving esteem: an estimable endeavor. [[>]]

  ethical, adj. 1. of or dealing with ethics and morality. 2. in accordance with principles of right or good conduct (SAT synonyms: conscientious, upright, virtuous). [[>], [>]]

  ethics, n. 1. the study of the general nature of morals and moral choices. 2. the standards or rules governing proper conduct. [[>