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

by Charles Harrington Elster

], [>], [>], [>]]

  incredulous, adj. unable or unwilling to believe, doubting (SAT synonyms: dubious, skeptical). incredulously, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  indecision, n. inability to choose or decide. [[>]]

  indefatigable, adj. never lacking energy, tireless. [[>]]

  indeterminate, adj. indefinite, unclear, not fixed or settled. [[>]]

  indifferent, adj. 1. uncaring, having no particular interest in, detached (SAT synonyms: perfunctory and see phlegmatic). 2. not for or against, having no preference (SAT synonyms: dispassionate, impartial, objective). indifference, n. (SAT synonym: apathy). [[>], [>], [>]]

  indignation, n. anger aroused by something unjust or unfair (SAT synonym: resentment). [[>]]

  indistinct, adj. unclear, hard to recognize, blurred, dim, faint. [[>], [>]]

  indulge, v. allow to act without restraint, give in to or satisfy (an appetite, whim, desire, etc.). indulgence, n. [[>]]

  indulgent, adj. 1. not holding back or exercising restraint, giving in to. 2. putting up with, tolerating, indulgently, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  industrious, adj. hardworking, persevering (SAT synonyms: assiduous, diligent). industriously, adv. [[>], [>]]

  ineffectual, adj. not producing the desired effect. [[>], [>]]

  inert, adj. not having the power to move or respond, inertia, n. [[>]]

  inevitable, adj. certain to happen, impossible to prevent, unavoidable. inevitably, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  inexorable, adj. relentless, not able to be stopped, changed, or moved by persuasion. [[>]]

  infamous, adj. having a very bad reputation (SAT synonym: notorious). [[>], [>]]

  infer, v. to reason or conclude from evidence, figure out a meaning (SAT synonym: deduce). [[>], [>], [>]]

  Usage note: Be careful not to confuse the verbs Imply and infer. To imply is to hint or suggest rather than to state something outright: Her statement implies support for his position. To infer is to come to a conclusion based on something said or written: He inferred from her statement that she supported his position. One may infer (come to a conclusion, derive a meaning) from something implied (hinted at, suggested).

  ingenious, adj. clever, creative, imaginative: an ingenious plan, ingeniously, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  ingenuity, n. cleverness, skill, imagination (SAT synonym: inventiveness). [[>]]

  ingenuous, adj. showing innocence or trust; childlike, sincere (SAT synonym: naive). [[>]]

  inherent, adj. essential, existing within someone or something as a natural, permanent element (SAT synonyms: innate, intrinsic). [[>]]

  inhibition, n. an inner restraint that stops a person from acting or thinking freely. [[>]]

  inimitable, adj. not able to be copied or imitated, matchless. [[>]]

  iniquity, n. great injustice, wickedness, sin. [[>]]

  initial, adj. of or coming at the beginning, earliest, first. [[>]]

  initiate, v. 1. to set going, start, begin. 2. to admit as a member of a club or society, usu. through a special or secret ceremony, initiation, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  initiative, n. the act of or the responsibility for taking the first step in doing something. [[>], [>]]

  innate, adj. inborn, possessed at birth, natural as opposed to acquired (SAT: synonyms: inherent, intrinsic). [[>]]

  innocuous, adj. harmless, causing no injury or ill will: an innocuous remark. [[>], [>]]

  innovative, adj. 1. fresh, marked by a change in the usual way of doing things (SAT synonym: novel; cf. unprecedented). 2. introducing or tending to introduce new ideas or ways of doing things, [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  innumerable, adj. too many to be numbered, countless (SAT synonym: myriad). [[>]]

  inquisitive, adj. inclined to ask questions, extremely curious: He was amused by the very inquisitive child. [[>], [>], [>]]

  insatiable, adj. always unsatisfied, never getting enough (SAT synonym: voracious). [[>]]

  inscrutable, adj. mysterious, difficult to interpret or understand (SAT synonyms: cryptic, enigmatic). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  insidious, adj. evil or treacherous in a sly, underhanded manner; working or spreading ill or harm in a hidden, dangerous way. [[>], [>], [>]]

  insight, n. the power to sense or understand the inner nature of someone or something, insightful, adj. (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, keen, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd). insightfully, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  insignificant adj. not important, meaningless, small in size or value: The error was insignificant (SAT synonyms: frivolous, negligible, paltry, petty, trivial). insignificance, n. [[>], [>]]

  insinuation, n. a sly hint, indirect or covert suggestion, esp. of something unpleasant or disagreeable (cf. implication). [[>]]

  insipid, adj. 1. without flavor or taste, bland: an insipid meal. 2. not interesting, dull: an insipid person, [[>], [>]]

  insolent, adj. insulting, intentionally rude or disrespectful: an insolent response (SAT synonym: impudent). [[>]]

  instigate, v. to cause to happen by stirring up, incite. [[>], [>]]

  insulated, adj. set apart, isolated, protected, detached. [[>], [>]]

  intact adj. entire, with no part removed or damaged. [[>]]

  integral, adj. essential, necessary for completion. [[>]]

  integrate, v. to form into a unified whole, incorporate into a larger whole, unite. [[>]]

  integrity, n. moral or artistic honesty, strength of character. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  intemperate, adj. excessive, unruly, lacking in moderation. [[>]]

  interrogation, n. an examination by questioning. [[>], [>], [>]]

  intervene, v. to come between, interfere, esp. to change a situation. [[>], [>]]

  intolerance, n. unwillingness to accept or respect others’ beliefs or practices. [[>]]

  intractable, adj. difficult to control, lead, or manipulate (SAT synonyms: adamant, hidebound, obdurate, obstinate). [[>], [>], [>]]

  intrepid, adj. extremely brave, daring, unafraid. [[>]]

  intricacy, n. something detailed, complicated, complex, entangled, or involved: the intricacies of a computer. [[>]]

  intricate, adj. elaborately detailed, complicated, or complex, intricately, adv. [[>]]

  intrigue, v. to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of; fascinate. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  intrinsic, adj. belonging to the essential nature of a thing (SAT synonyms: inherent, innate). [[>]]

  intuition, n. the faculty of knowing instinctively, without conscious reasoning; the knowledge so acquired, intuitive, adj. [[>], [>], [>]]

  invaluable, adj. valuable beyond what can be reasonably estimated, priceless. [[>]]

  inventiveness, n. originality, creativity (SAT synonym: ingenuity). [[>]]

  inveterate, adj. fixed in a habit or custom: an inveterate liar. [[>]]

  invigorating, adj. giving strength and energy to (SAT synonym: rejuvenating). [[>]]

  involuntary, adj. done by reflex rather than by choice, beyond control of mind or will (SAT synonym: spontaneous). involuntarily, adv. [[>], [>]]

  irascible, adj. easily provoked, very irritable (SAT synonym: cantankerous). irascibly, adv. [[>]]

  irk, v. to bother, annoy, vex. [[>], [>]]

  irony, n. a manner of expression that implies the opposite of what the words literally mean, as when one says “Thanks for sharing” after hearing something unpleasant (see sarcasm), ironic, adj. (SAT synonym: satirical). ironically, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  irrational, adj. not according to reason, senseless, not rational. [[>], [>], [>]]

  irrevocable, adj. not possible to bring back, undo, or alter: an irrevocable decision. [[>]]

  J

  jargon, n. the technical language used by members of a particular profession or class: psychological jargon (cf. idiom). [[>], [>]]

  jostle, v. to crowd or brush against, push, elbow, shove. [[>]]

  jovial, adj. jolly, good-natured (SAT synonyms: affable, amiable, cordial). [[>]
, [>]]

  jubilant, adj. filled with or showing joy (SAT synonym: exultant). [[>]]

  judicious, adj. characterized by good judgment, sensible, wise. [[>]]

  K

  keen, adj. 1. sharp. 2. intellectually sharp, penetrating, piercing: a keen observation; a keen critic (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, insightful, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd). 3. intense (SAT synonym: acute). keenly, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  kindle, v. to ignite or light; hence, to stir up or excite. [[>], [>]]

  L

  laceration, n. a jagged tear or wound. [[>]]

  lackluster, adj. without brilliance or sheen, literally or figuratively dull or colorless (SAT synonyms: commonplace, mundane, pedestrian, prosaic). [[>]]

  languid, adj. having no energy or interest, slow, weak (SAT synonyms: see phlegmatic). languidly, adv. [[>], [>]]

  languish, v. to lose strength or health, become weak, droop from longing or desire, pine, suffer: to languish in bed with a broken heart. [[>], [>], [>]]

  largess (or largesse), n. 1. a generous or lavish gift. 2. generous or lavish giving, generosity (SAT synonym: munificence). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  latent, adj. present but not visible or active: latent musical ability. [[>]]

  laudable, adj. worthy of praise or approval (SAT synonyms: commendable, meritorious). [[>]]

  laughingstock, n. a person or thing that is the object of laughter, the butt of a joke or ridicule. [[>]]

  lavish, adj. characterized by excess, more than enough, rich or fancy: a lavish meal (SAT synonyms: extravagant, luxuriant, opulent sumptuous). [[>], [>], [>]]

  legacy, n. money or property that has been left to someone by a will; an inheritance, anything handed down from the past (SAT synonym: bequest). [[>], [>]]

  legible, adj. able to be read or deciphered easily: The document must be signed with a legible signature. [[>]]

  legitimate, adj. lawful, legal. [[>]]

  lethal, adj. deadly, fatal. [[>], [>]]

  lethargic, adj. having little or no energy, drowsy, dull (SAT synonyms: see phlegmatic). [[>]]

  levity, n. joking or gaiety, esp. at inappropriate moments: There was an unacceptable amount of levity in the classroom. [[>], [>]]

  listless, adj. lacking spirit, energy, or interest (SAT synonyms: see phlegmatic). [[>], [>], [>]]

  literal, adj. 1. real, actual, without exaggeration or decoration. 2. exact, word-for-word, closely following the original. 3. adhering to the original, primary, or ordinary meaning of a word, not figurative or metaphorical, literally, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  lithe, adj. flexible in a graceful way, limber, supple. [[>]]

  loquacious, adj. talkative, esp. excessively (SAT synonym: garrulous). [[>], [>]]

  lucid, adj. capable of being readily understood, clear, plain: a lucid response. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  ludicrous, adj. provoking laughter, scorn, or ridicule: a ludicrous situation (SAT synonyms: absurd, farcical, preposterous). ludicrously, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  lurid, adj. causing horror or fear, terrible, shocking, sensational: lurid headlines. [[>]]

  luscious, adj. having a pleasing taste and smell. [[>]]

  luxuriant, adj. 1. showing thick and abundant growth, lush: lush vegetation. 2. very rich, fancy, or elaborate, as in decorations or furnishings (SAT synonyms: lavish, opulent, sumptuous). [[>], [>]]

  lyric, adj. expressing strong personal feelings, Lyrical, adj. [[>], [>]]

  M

  magnanimous, adj. 1. generous in overlooking insults or injuries. 2. noble, high-minded, unselfish, magnanimity, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  magnitude, n. size, extent, dimensions: a crowd of great magnitude. [[>]]

  malcontent, n. a dissatisfied, discontented, rebellious person. [[>]]

  malevolent, adj. wishing or doing evil to others, showing ill will (SAT synonym: malicious). [[>]]

  malicious, adj. desiring to hurt or injure someone, full of ill will, evil, nasty, spiteful (SAT synonym: malevolent). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  malodorous, adj. having a disagreeable odor, foul-smelling. [[>]]

  manic, adj. having or showing an exaggerated enthusiasm, interest, desire, or level of activity. [[>]]

  manifest, v. to show plainly, reveal, demonstrate, make evident or obvious. manifestation, n. [[>], [>]]

  manifest, adj. clear, apparent, obvious, easily seen or understood. [[>], [>], [>]]

  manipulate, v. to control, handle, or influence cleverly or dishonestly, often to one’s own advantage. [[>]]

  masonry, n. stonework, brickwork, or a structure made of stone or brick. [[>]]

  masquerade, n. a social gathering at which masks and elegant costumes are worn by the guests. [[>], [>]]

  masquerade, v. to wear a disguise, pose, assume a false identity. [[>]]

  mausoleum, n. a large tomb or a building that houses many tombs. [[>]]

  meager, adj. of inadequate quality or quantity, inferior. [[>]]

  meandering, adj. winding, turning, rambling, wandering aimlessly. [[>]]

  mediate, v. to bring about a settlement between disputing parties, act as a peacemaker or go-between. [[>]]

  medieval, adj. pert, to or characteristic of the Middle Ages, the period in European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, lasting from 476 to about 1450. [[>]]

  melancholy, adj. causing, suggesting, or feeling sadness, gloom, dejection, depression (SAT synonyms: see morose). [[>]]

  melodramatic, adj. exaggerated in emotion or sentiment, overly dramatic (SAT synonym: histrionic). melodramatically, adv. [[>], [>]]

  mercenary, adj. greedy, motivated solely by the desire for money or material gain. [[>]]

  meritorious, adj. deserving of praise, admiration, or reward; worthy (SAT synonyms: commendable, laudable). [[>], [>], [>]]

  mesmerize, v. to fascinate, capture and hold the attention of, bind as if in a spell, mesmerizing, adj. [[>], [>]]

  metamorphosis, n. 1. a change from one form, shape, substance, or structure into another. 2. a complete transformation, as in a person’s character or appearance. [[>], [>]]

  metaphor, n. a figure of speech that suggests a likeness between two otherwise unlike things, an implied comparison: “The road was a ribbon of black” and “Love is a rose” are metaphors. [[>]]

  metaphorical, adj. expressing one thing in terms of another, figurative, not literal, metaphorically, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  metaphysical, adj. of or pert, to metaphysics, the branch of philosophy that explores the nature of being and reality; hence, highly abstract or difficult to understand. [[>]]

  methodical, adj. carried out in an orderly or systematic way: a methodical search, methodically, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  meticulous, adj. extremely (often excessively) careful about details (SAT synonyms: conscientious, fastidious, painstaking, scrupulous). meticulously, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  mettle, n. spirit, courage, strength of character: a person of mettle. [[>], [>]]

  mime, v. to act out something silently with body movements and facial expressions. [[>]]

  minuscule, adj. very small, tiny (SAT synonym: minute). [[>], [>], [>]]

  minute, adj. extremely small, tiny (SAT synonym: minuscule). [[>], [>]]

  misanthrope, n. a person who regards all others with hate or distrust. [[>]]

  misapprehension, n. misunderstanding. [[>]]

  mishap, n. an unlucky or unfortunate accident. [[>]]

  mock, adj. pretended; not real but made to look so: mock remorse. [[>]]

  moderation, n. the condition or quality of avoiding extremes and staying within reasonable limits. [[>]]

  modest, adj. 1. not vain or boastful, humble. 2. limited in number, size, scope, etc. 3. simple, not elaborate or pretentious. [[>], [>], [>]]

  monarch, n. 1. a hereditary sovereign (as a king), the sole ruler of a state. 2. a person with supreme power in some domain. [[>], [>]]

  Monarchy, n. government by, or a cou
ntry ruled by, a monarch. [[>], [>]]

  monolithic, adj. made of or resembling a single large block of stone; hence, solid, rigid, massive, and uniform in appearance or character. [[>]]

  morose, adj. gloomy and irritable. [[>]]

  —Morose, dour, glum, and melancholy all are used to describe a gloomy, downcast, unhappy mood or attitude. Morose and dour suggest a feeling of irritation, bitterness, or ill will masked by gloomy silence or reserve. Glum and melancholy suggest a sad or depressed state of mind, often as a result of disappointment,

  mortified, adj. humiliated, having one’s self-respect or pride injured. [[>]]

  motivate, v. to provide with a reason or cause to behave in a certain way, provide with a motive, move to action, impel, motivated, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  motivation, n. a reason or cause to act, impulse, incentive (SAT synonym: motive). [[>]]

  motive, n. something (an emotion, desire, need, etc.) that makes a person behave in a certain way (SAT synonym: motivation). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  mundane, adj. common, everyday, ordinary: a mundane occupation (SAT synonyms: commonplace, lackluster, pedestrian, prosaic). [[>]]

  munificence, n. great generosity (SAT synonym: largess). [[>]]

  muse, v. 1. to consider, be absorbed in one’s thoughts, contemplate, think or say in a reflective manner (SAT synonym: ruminate). 2. to ask oneself, wonder. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  muse, n. a source of inspiration. [[>]]

  myriad, adj. consisting of a vast, indefinite number; countless (SAT synonym: innumerable). [[>]]

  myriad, n. an indefinitely large number. [[>]]

  mystical, adj. having a quality or meaning that is spiritual or beyond human understanding. [[>]]

  N

  naive, adj. showing a lack of worldly wisdom or sophistication; hence, simple, childlike, and innocent (SAT synonym: Ingenuous) or foolish, impractical, and inexperienced. [[>]]

  nefarious, adj. extremely wicked, villainous, evil. [[>]]

  negligible, adj. too small or unimportant to be worth considering (SAT synonyms: insignificant, paltry, petty, trivial). [[>]]

  niche, n. 1. a place or situation especially suited to a person or thing. 2. a recess in a wall, as for holding a small statue or other art object. [[>