]]
nonchalant, adj. cool and unconcerned, nonchalantly, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
nondescript, adj. lacking distinguishing features or characteristics, not easily described or classified. [[>]]
notable, adj. worthy of note, distinguished, important, outstanding (SAT synonyms: see prominent). notably, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]
noteworthy, adj. deserving attention, worthy of notice. [[>], [>], [>]]
notorious, adj. widely known, esp. unfavorably (SAT synonym: infamous). notoriously, adv. [[>], [>]]
novel, adj. fresh, new, unusual (SAT synonym: innovative; cf. unprecedented). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
novelty, n. something that is fresh, different, unusual, or the first of its kind. [[>], [>]]
noxious, adj. harmful to a person’s health or morals, not wholesome: noxious influences; noxious smoke (SAT synonym: pernicious). [[>], [>]]
nurture, v. to care for, help to grow and develop, provide with physical or intellectual nourishment: [[>], [>]]
O
obdurate, adj. not easily moved by pity or persuasion, stubborn, inflexible (SAT synonyms: adamant, hidebound, intractable, obstinate). [[>]]
obfuscation, n. the often intentional act of confusing or making something unclear or difficult to understand. [[>]]
objective, adj. 1. not influenced by personal feelings or opinions, not biased: A judge must always remain objective when hearing a case (SAT synonyms: dispassionate, impartial, indifferent). 2. having to do with what is real, as opposed to what exists only in the mind (cf. subjective). objectivity, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
oblique, adj. expressed in an indirect manner, not straightforward: an oblique reference, obliquely, adv. [[>]]
obliterate, v. to destroy completely, wipe out, remove any trace of: The storm obliterated the village. [[>]]
oblivious, adj. showing no awareness of, not minding: oblivious to the commotion. [[>], [>]]
obscure, v. to hide or conceal; to make vague, confusing, dim, or indistinct: The clouds obscured the view (SAT synonym: eclipse). [[>]]
obscure, adj. 1. unclear, difficult to understand: an obscure message. 2. indistinct, hard to make out: an obscure sound. 3. hard to find, hidden: an obscure trail in the woods. 4. not well-known: an obscure sonnet by Shakespeare. 5. dark, dim. obscurely, adv. obscurity, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
obsequious, adj. too eager to please, flatter, or obey; fawning (SAT synonyms: servile, sycophantic). obsequiously, adv. [[>]]
obsolete, adj. no longer in use, out-of-date, outmoded. [[>]]
—Antiquated, archaic, and obsolete all refer to that which is old and out of general use. Antiquated means no longer in style, out of fashion: antiquated ideas. Archaic suggests another era, a time long past: an archaic custom. Obsolete describes that which has been discarded or has fallen into disuse: obsolete technology; an obsolete word,
obstinate, adj. stubborn, unyielding, inflexible, esp. in the face of argument, attack, or criticism (SAT synonyms: adamant, hidebound, intractable, obdurate). obstinately, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]
obtuse, adj. slow in understanding or feeling, dull, stupid: She couldn’t tell if he did not understand her or was being deliberately obtuse. [[>], [>]]
occult, adj. beyond human comprehension, mysterious, magical. [[>]]
offensive, adj. objectionable, insulting, disagreeable, disgusting (SAT synonym: repugnant). [[>], [>]]
officious, adj. overly eager or presumptuous in offering unsolicited assistance or advice, meddlesome. [[>], [>]]
ominous, adj. threatening or foreboding, sinister, full of or indicating potential evil or harm, ominously, adv. [[>], [>]]
onerous, adj. hard to bear, burdensome, heavy, troublesome (SAT synonym: oppressive). [[>]]
opaque, adj. 1. not allowing the passage of light, not transparent. 2. difficult to understand, unclear. [[>], [>]]
oppressive, adj. harsh, difficult, hard to bear, burdensome: oppressive living conditions (SAT synonym: onerous). [[>]]
opulent, adj. very rich, costly, expensive, indicative of great wealth: an opulent estate (SAT synonyms: lavish, luxuriant, sumptuous). [[>]]
oracle, n. a priest through whom the gods were thought to respond to questions put to them by the ancient Greeks and Romans; hence, any person thought to possess great wisdom or authority. [[>]]
orator, n. a person who gives a speech, esp. a long, formal one (called an oration). [[>]]
oratory, n. the art of speaking effectively in public. [[>]]
ordeal, n. an experience that is very difficult or painful. [[>], [>], [>]]
ornate, adj. highly and often excessively decorated; fancy, showy (SAT synonym: florid). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
orthodox, adj. in accordance with long-established and commonly accepted beliefs or practices, esp. those of a religion; proper, generally accepted, customary: an orthodox approach to science (SAT synonyms: conventional, traditional). [[>]]
oscillate, v. to move back and forth in a regular way, like a pendulum. [[>]]
ostentatious, adj. showy or flashy in an attempt to impress, making a conspicuous display to attract attention (SAT synonym: flamboyant, grandiose, pretentious). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
outlandish, adj. strange, unfamiliar, strikingly different or odd: outlandish clothing; outlandish notions (SAT synonym: bizarre). [[>], [>]]
overt, adj. done or shown openly, observable, not hidden or concealed, not covert, overtly, adv. [[>]]
overwrought adj. under considerable emotional strain; extremely nervous, excited, or tense. [[>]]
P
painstaking, adj. careful, showing great effort (SAT synonyms: conscientious, diligent fastidious, meticulous, scrupulous). painstakingly, adv. [[>], [>]]
pallid, adj. pale, wan; lacking color, strength, or vitality: pallid skin; a pallid performance. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
paltry, adj. so small as to be worthless or unimportant; trifling (SAT synonyms: frivolous, insignificant negligible, petty, trivial). [[>], [>]]
panoramic, adj. wide and comprehensive, usu. describing a view in every direction: the breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. [[>]]
paradox, n. 1. a statement that appears to contradict itself and thus seems to be false or absurd but may actually be true, such as the often-quoted paradox of modem architecture: “Less is more.” 2. a person, thing, situation, etc. with an apparently contradictory or inconsistent nature, paradoxical, adj. paradoxically, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
paragon, n. a model of excellence or perfection: a paragon of virtue. [[>]]
paraphrase, v. to express, using different words, the meaning of something spoken or written; restate, reword. [[>]]
patronizing, adj. tending to beat others as inferior, acting with an air of condescension (SAT synonyms: haughty, imperious, supercilious). [[>]]
paucity, n. lack, scarcity, insufficiency of amount or number: a paucity of volunteers. [[>]]
peccadillo, n. a minor sin, fault, or error. [[>]]
pedant, n. 1. a person who makes a showy display of knowledge to impress others. 2. a person who pays excessive attention to rules or details in learning or scholarship. pedantic, adj. [[>], [>]]
pedestal, n. the base supporting a column, statue, lamp, or the like. [[>]]
pedestrian, adj. dull, ordinary, uninteresting: pedestrian prose (SAT synonyms: commonplace, lackluster, mundane, prosaic). [[>], [>]]
penchant n. a strong liking or inclination: a penchant for flashy sports cars. [[>]]
pensive, adj. deeply thoughtful, often in a sad or dreamy way. pensively, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
penury, n. extreme poverty, indigence, want, destitution. [[>]]
perceive, v. to become aware of through the senses, esp. the sight; to observe, take notice of; to grasp mentally, understand (SAT synonyms: apprehend, discern). [[>]]
perception, n. 1. the act or process of becoming aware of something through any of the s
enses: a keen perception of sound. 2. knowledge, insight, comprehension. [[>], [>], [>]]
perceptive, adj. capable of quickly understanding: a perceptive student (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, insightful, keen, perspicacious, sagacious, shrewd). [[>]]
perennial, adj. lasting through many years, enduring, perpetual. [[>]]
perfunctory, adj. 1. done in a routine manner, as if merely to get finished; hasty: a perfunctory greeting (SAT synonyms: cursory, superficial). 2. showing little interest or enthusiasm, careless, halfhearted: a perfunctory effort (SAT synonyms: apathetic, indifferent, listless). [[>], [>]]
peripheral, adj. on or pert, to the boundary, edge, or outer part of something; hence, not in the center of things, of minor concern: a peripheral issue that did not affect the outcome of the election. [[>]]
periphery, n. a boundary or the area just outside a boundary: the periphery of the campus. [[>], [>], [>]]
perjure, v. to make (oneself) guilty of lying, esp. while under an oath to tell the truth (as in a court of law). [[>]]
permutation, n. a thorough change in form, character, or condition; transformation, alteration. [[>]]
pernicious, adj. harmful, destructive (SAT synonym: noxious). perniciously, adv. [[>]]
persistent adj. continuing in spite of difficulty or opposition, persevering: a persistent suitor (SAT synonym: dogged, tenacious, undaunted). [[>]]
perspicacious, adj. having a powerful and penetrating mind, quick to see and understand (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, insightful, keen, perceptive, sagacious, shrewd). perspicacity, n. [[>], [>], [>]]
pertinent adj. connected in some way to the matter at hand, to the point, appropriate (SAT synonyms: germane, relevant). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
perturbation, n. agitation, disquiet, uneasiness. [[>]]
peruse, v. to read or examine closely and carefully: to peruse a real estate contract before signing it (SAT synonym: scrutinize). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
pervade, v. to spread throughout, permeate: Silence pervaded the room. [[>], [>]]
perverse, adj. 1. improper, incorrect. 2. stubbornly contrary or wrongheaded. perversity, n. [[>], [>]]
pervert v. to twist the meaning or character of (SAT synonym: distort). [[>]]
petrified, adj. hardened, stonelike. [[>]]
petty, adj. 1. of little importance, minor: a petty disagreement (SAT synonyms: frivolous, insignificant negligible, paltry, trivial). 2. spiteful, small-minded, mean: petty criticism. [[>], [>]]
philanthropist n. a person who contributes time and resources (esp. money) to help others. [[>], [>], [>]]
philistine, n. a nanow-minded person with ordinary tastes and ideas who has no interest in the arts or learning. [[>]]
phlegmatic, adj. not easily excited or moved to action, calm, unemotional. [[>], [>]]
—Sluggish, listless, lethargic, and languid suggest a lack of energy and a lack of desire to act. Apathetic, dispassionate, impassive, and indifferent suggest a lack of emotion, interest, or concern. Phlegmatic suggests a lack of both emotion and energy,
pious, adj. deeply religious, devout (SAT synonym: reverent). [[>]]
placid, adj. calm, peaceful, quiet, restful (SAT synonyms: halcyon, serene, tranquil). [[>], [>], [>]]
plausible, adj. seemingly true, honest, or reasonable; appearing worthy of belief or trust on first glance: a plausible excuse for arriving so late. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
plenitude, n. a large number or great amount (SAT synonyms: abundance, plethora, profusion). [[>]]
plethora, n. an excessive amount or a very large number (SAT synonyms: abundance, plenitude, profusion). [[>], [>], [>]]
podium, n. a raised platform on which a public speaker or an orchestra conductor stands. [[>]]
poignant, adj. affecting the emotions, touching, intensely or painfully moving: a poignant reunion. [[>], [>]]
poised, adj. 1. self-assured, at ease, composed. 2. balanced, held steady. [[>], [>], [>]]
pompous, adj. puffed up with self-importance (SAT synonym: pretentious). [[>], [>]]
ponderous, adj. 1. large and heavy, bulky. 2. dull, boring, labored. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
portly, adj. stout, heavyset, fat (SAT synonym: rotund; cf. corpulent). [[>]]
portray, v. 1. to describe in words. 2. to make a picture or likeness of (SAT synonym: depict). [[>], [>], [>]]
posthumous, adj. occurring after a person’s death: a posthumous award; the posthumous publication of an autobiography, posthumously, adv. [[>], [>]]
potent adj. having a strong effect, powerful: a potent chemical. [[>]]
pragmatic, adj. practical as opposed to theoretical. [[>]]
precept, n. a rule for guiding conduct or action, [[>], [>]]
precipitate, v. to bring about suddenly or sooner than expected: to precipitate an argument. [[>]]
preconceived, adj. formed in advance, as an opinion. [[>]]
predetermined, adj. decided in advance, determined beforehand. [[>]]
predilection, n. a preference, liking, tendency to favor. [[>], [>]]
predominant adj. in greater strength, influence, or number; most frequent or common (SAT synonyms: prevailing, prevalent). predominantly, adj. [[>]]
preeminent adj. superior, outstanding, notable above all others. [[>]]
preliminary, adj. coming before or leading up to the main event, introductory, prefatory. [[>], [>]]
preposterous, adj. senseless, foolish, ridiculous (SAT synonyms: absurd, farcical, ludicrous). [[>], [>]]
prerequisite, n. something required as a qualification for something else: Freshman composition is a prerequisite for all upper-division English courses and for many other courses as well. [[>]]
prescient, adj. having knowledge of events before they occur, having foresight. [[>]]
prescribe, v. to give as an order or direction, lay down as a rule. [[>]]
prestigious, adj. having or giving fame or importance based on reputation or achievements; honored, distinguished (SAT synonym: esteemed). [[>], [>]]
pretentious, adj. 1. showy, making a flashy outward show to attract attention: a pretentious gift (SAT synonyms: grandiose, ostentatious). 2. making exaggerated or false claims (SAT synonyms: arrogant, pompous). [[>], [>], [>]]
prevail, v. to succeed, gain control, be victorious: to prevail over one’s enemy. [[>]]
prevailing, adj. widely accepted, most common or frequent (SAT synonyms: predominant, prevalent). [[>]]
prevalent, adj. common, generally practiced, occurring widely or frequently (SAT synonyms: predominant, prevailing). [[>]]
prevaricate, v. to lie, speak falsely, stray from the truth. [[>]]
primordial, adj. primitive, original, basic, elemental, primeval. [[>]]
priority, n. 1. something first in importance or order: Balancing the budget is a top priority of the legislature. 2. the right of being first in importance, order, or rank: The most qualified applicant has priority over the others. [[>], [>], [>]]
problematic, adj. being or presenting a problem; questionable, difficult, unresolved. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
procrastinate, v. to postpone taking action until a future time, esp. habitually. procrastination, n. [[>], [>]]
procure, v. to get by some effort, secure, obtain, acquire: to procure water during a drought. [[>], [>]]
prodding, n. jabbing, poking, or goading with or as if with a prod (a pointed stick). [[>]]
prodigious, adj. 1. huge, enormous, monumental; extraordinary in size, extent, or degree. 2. marvelous, amazing, phenomenal. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]
proficient, adj. highly capable, expert, skilled (SAT synonyms: adept, adroit, deft, dexterous). [[>], [>], [>]]
profound, adj. 1. deep. 2. having or demonstrating deep understanding or intelligence: profound ideas. 3. complete, absolute, unbroken: a profound silence. 4. sweeping, extensive: profound changes. 5. intensely felt: profound sadness. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
profusion, n. a large s
upply, great quantity or amount (SAT synonyms: abundance, plenitude, plethora). [[>]]
prognosis, n, a prediction, forecast, esp. about the course of a disease and the possibility of recovery. [[>]]
prolific, adj. highly productive or fruitful: a prolific artist; a prolific apple tree (SAT synonym: fertile; cf. arable). [[>]]
prominent adj. 1- widely known, usu. favorably; important, distinguished (see synonym study below). 2. sticking out, projecting, noticeable: a prominent chin; a prominent feature on a map (SAT synonyms: conspicuous, salient). prominence, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]
—Prominent, notable, eminent, renowned, and illustrious all are used of persons who are well known and respected. Prominent and notable stress the relative importance of a person, suggesting that he or she stands out in comparison with others. Eminent stresses the superiority of the person’s rank, achievement, or character. Renowned stresses the person’s fame, suggesting that he or she is widely known. Illustrious stresses a highly distinguished reputation, esp. one based on brilliant achievement.
promulgate, v. to make known formally or officially, publish, circulate, proclaim, publicize. [[>]]
prone, adj. stretched out face downward, prostrate. [[>]]
propensity, n. a natural tendency or inclination: to have a propensity for getting into trouble. [[>]]
prophetic, adj. of or pert, to a prophet (one who makes predictions) or to a prophecy (a prediction, esp. one that is divinely inspired): a prophetic dream. [[>]]
propound, v. to present for consideration, suggest, propose: to propound an idea to a committee. [[>]]
prosaic, adj. unimaginative, boring, ordinary, dull: a prosaic existence (SAT synonyms: commonplace, lackluster, mundane, pedestrian). [[>]]
prosperity, n. wealth, good fortune, success. [[>]]
prosperous, adj. 1. successful, thriving. 2. wealthy, well-to-do (SAT synonym: affluent). [[>], [>]]
protagonist n. the leading character in a work of literature. [[>], [>]]
prototype, n. an original model on which later versions are based. [[>]]
protracted, adj. drawn out in time, prolonged, stretched out, lengthened. [[>
Tooth and Nail: A Novel Approach to the SAT (A Harvest Test Preparation Book) Page 33