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

by Charles Harrington Elster

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

  protruding, adj. sticking up or out, projecting. [[>]]

  proverbial, adj. well-known because widely repeated; famous. [[>]]

  provocative, adj. tending to arouse, as by making one curious, angry, or interested: a provocative laugh; a provocative reply. [[>], [>]]

  prudent, adj. 1. characterized by cautious planning and sound, careful judgment (SAT synonyms: circumspect discreet). 2. thrifty, spending or using wisely and carefully (SAT synonym: frugal). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  prurient adj. tending to have or causing lustful desires or thoughts. [[>], [>]]

  pseudonym, n. a fictitious name assumed by a writer or other well-known person, usually to conceal his or her identity; pen name, alias: George Eliot is the pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans. [[>], [>], [>]]

  pugilist, n. a fighter, boxer, pugilistic, adj. [[>], [>]]

  pungent, adj. sharp or biting to smell or taste: Indian cooking often features dishes with pungent spices. [[>]]

  purloin, v. to steal, pilfer, take dishonestly, commit theft. [[>], [>]]

  purport, v. to claim, often falsely: The article purports to show no bias. [[>]]

  Q

  quagmire, n. an area of swampy ground, a bog; hence, a situation difficult to get out of. [[>]]

  quandary, n. a state of uncertainty about what to do; a perplexing or difficult situation, predicament, jam, fix, pickle: Her absence left them in a quandary. (SAT synonym: dilemma). [[>]]

  querulous, adj. tending to find fault; complaining, peevish, or whiny. [[>]]

  quiescent adj. in a resting state, quiet, not active. [[>], [>]]

  quizzical, adj. questioning, disbelieving, or puzzled: She listened to his story with a quizzical expression on her face, quizzically, adv. [[>]]

  R

  radical, adj. 1. of or relating to roots or origins, fundamental. 2. extreme, thoroughgoing: radical reforms (SAT synonym: drastic). radically, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  random, adj. 1. unplanned or unorganized. 2. lacking order, method, or purpose, randomly, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  —Random, haphazard, fortuitous, and desultory all apply to that which is unplanned or accidental. Random suggests a lack of organization, pattern, or purpose. Haphazard suggests a careless leaving to chance. Fortuitous may be applied to chance events with good or bad outcomes; today it is often used of happy accidents. Desultory suggests an aimless shifting from one thing to another.

  rash, adj. acting too quickly and without enough thought, reckless (SAT synonyms: foolhardy, imprudent, and see impetuous). [[>], [>]]

  rational, adj. founded on or guided by reason: a rational decision, rationally, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  rationalist n. one whose opinions or beliefs are based on reasoning. [[>]]

  raucous, adj. disorderly, wild, rowdy: a raucous party (SAT synonyms: boisterous, vociferous). [[>]]

  ravage, n. devastating damage, violent destruction: the ravages of wind and weather. [[>]]

  rebut, v. to deny or disprove (an argument or claim) by offering opposing evidence or proof, rebuttal, n. [[>], [>]]

  reciprocate, v. to return in equal measure: He invited her to dinner and she reciprocated by inviting him. [[>]]

  reckoning, n. the settling of accounts; an accounting, as for something received or done. [[>]]

  recluse, n. a person who lives alone, shut away from the outside world. [[>]]

  reconcile, v. to bring into agreement, make consistent, harmonize: Every month he tries unsuccessfully to reconcile his bank statement. [[>]]

  recount, v. to narrate, tell in detail, describe. [[>]]

  rectify, v. to set right or adjust: to rectify an injustice. [[>]]

  rectitude, n. rightness in principles and conduct; moral virtue. [[>]]

  recuperate, v. to recover from illness or fatigue, regain health. [[>]]

  refinement, n. 1. elegance of thought, feeling, manners, taste, or language. 2. improvement, polish. [[>], [>]]

  reflective, adj. thoughtful (SAT synonym: contemplative). [[>]]

  refute, v. to prove to be untrue or erroneous: refute a claim. [[>], [>]]

  regal, adj. kingly or queenly, majestic, fit for royalty. [[>], [>], [>]]

  rejuvenated, adj. refilled with energy or youthfulness, made to seem new or fresh again. [[>]]

  rejuvenating, adj. refreshing, restorative, giving new life and energy to (SAT synonym: invigorating). [[>], [>]]

  relative, adj. considered in comparison to something else, comparative. relatively, adj. [[>], [>], [>]]

  relent, v. to become more gentle, less severe, or more forgiving. [[>]]

  relevant, adj. bearing upon the point or matter at hand; to the purpose (SAT synonyms: germane, pertinent). [[>], [>], [>]]

  relic, n. a surviving trace of a culture or age that no longer exists: a relic of the Dark Ages. [[>], [>]]

  reluctance, n. unwillingness, disinclination, lack of desire to act or become involved, reluctant, adj. reluctantly, adv. [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  reminiscent, adj. tending to awaken memory, suggestive of the past. [[>]]

  remonstrate, v. to argue with strong reasons against, plead in protest, present an objection. [[>]]

  renegade, adj. disloyal, traitorous. [[>]]

  renovate, v. to renew, make as good as new. renovation, n. [[>], [>]]

  renown, n. fame, widespread reputation. [[>], [>]]

  renowned, adj. famous, well-known, acclaimed (SAT synonyms: see prominent). [[>], [>], [>]]

  repression, n. the act or state of keeping something down or holding it in check, often by force: repression of free speech; repression of desires. [[>], [>]]

  repressive, adj. tending or serving to keep something down or hold it in check, restrictive, authoritarian: a repressive government. [[>]]

  reprimand, n. a severe, often official, expression of disapproval; scolding, rebuke. [[>], [>]]

  reproachful, adj. full of or expressing disapproval for a wrong or fault: a reproachful cluck. [[>]]

  reprobate, n. a wicked, immoral person (SAT synonym: scoundrel). [[>]]

  repugnant, adj. disgusting, repulsive, objectionable, repellent: The receding flood left a repugnant odor (SAT synonym: offensive). [[>], [>], [>]]

  rescind, v. to repeal or cancel. [[>]]

  resentment, n. ill will produced by a perceived insult or injury (SAT synonym: indignation). [[>]]

  resilient, adj. recovering quickly, as from misfortune or illness. [[>]]

  resonant, adj. having a full and rich tone or sound (SAT synonym: sonorous). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  resourceful, adj. clever and creative in solving problems or difficulties. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  restrain, v. to hold back, restraining, n. [[>]]

  restraint, n. self-control, the act of holding back, the condition of being held back, or something that holds one back. [[>]]

  retrospect, n. the consideration or analysis of past events or circumstances: In retrospect, we should have sold that stock at its peak last year. [[>], [>]]

  revel, v. to take great pleasure in, enjoy intensely. [[>], [>]]

  revelation, n. something made known or revealed, esp. something surprising. [[>]]

  revere, v. to regard as venerable, treat with reverence. [[>]]

  reverence, n. a feeling of awe and respect often mingled with affection. reverent, adj. (SAT synonym: pious). reverently, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  revitalize, v. to give new life and energy to, make vital again. [[>], [>]]

  rhetoric, n. 1. the skillful and persuasive use of language. 2. overblown or intellectually empty language, rhetorical, adj. [[>], [>], [>]]

  ribald, adj. coarse or vulgar in the use of language: a ribald story. [[>]]

  ridicule, n. speech or actions intended to create scornful laughter at someone or something (SAT synonym: derision). [[>]]

  ritual, n. a ceremonial act, formal procedure, or customary practice. [[>], [>], [>]]

  robust, adj. strong, hearty, sturdy, firm, full of health (S
AT synonym: vigorous). [[>], [>]]

  rotund, adj. round in shape, notably plump or chubby (SAT synonym: portly; cf. corpulent). [[>]]

  rudiment, n. a simple, basic, elementary principle or fundamental skill. rudimentary, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  rueful, adj. filled with sorrow, regret, or pity, ruefully, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  ruminate, v. to chew on mentally, ponder, contemplate, meditate or reflect (SAT synonym: muse). [[>], [>], [>]]

  ruthless, adj. showing no pity or compassion, cruel, merciless. [[>]]

  S

  sabotage, v. to deliberately hinder, obstruct, injure, destroy, etc. (SAT synonyms: subvert, undermine). [[>], [>]]

  sagacious, adj. wise, exercising sound judgment (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, insightful, keen, perceptive, perspicacious, shrewd). [[>], [>], [>]]

  salient, adj. standing out, attracting attention, easily seen, noticeable (SAT synonyms: conspicuous, prominent). [[>], [>]]

  sallow, adj. of a sickly, pale, yellowish color or complexion. [[>]]

  salubrious, adj. favorable to health, healthful (SAT synonyms: see wholesome). [[>]]

  salutary, adj. promoting a beneficial purpose or effect, good for one’s health, producing an improvement, remedial, corrective. (SAT synonyms: see wholesome). [[>], [>]]

  sarcasm, n. the use of sharp, biting language to make fun of or wound. sarcastic, adj. (SAT synonym: derisive). sarcastically, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  —Sarcasm and irony are related in meaning. Sarcasm refers to sharp, sneering language meant to hurt or insult. Irony suggests the use of more subtle language (spec, language that implies the opposite of what it literally says) to make fun of in a milder way.

  satiate, v. to satisfy completely: The chocolates satiated our craving for sweets (cf. surfeited). [[>]]

  satirical, adj. relating to the art of exposing human folly or vice with wit (SAT synonym: ironic). [[>]]

  saunter, v. to walk in a leisurely way, stroll. [[>]]

  savant, n. a person of great learning, scholar. [[>]]

  savor, v. literally, to taste or smell with pleasure; figuratively, to enjoy, delight in, relish: to savor a delicious meal; to savor a victory (cf. unsavory). [[>]]

  scatterbrained, adj. incapable of orderly thought, flighty. [[>]]

  scintillating, adj. 1. emitting sparkles or twinkles of light, shining: scintillating fireflies. 2. lively, intelligent, clever, or witty: a scintillating discussion. [[>], [>], [>]]

  scope, n. range, the area covered. [[>]]

  scoundrel, n. a dishonorable person, cad, villain (SAT synonym: reprobate). [[>]]

  scruple, n. a moral principle that restrains action. [[>]]

  scrupulous, adj. precise and exacting (SAT synonyms: conscientious, fastidious, meticulous, painstaking). scrupulously, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  scrutinize, v. to examine carefully and closely (SAT synonym: peruse). scrutinizing, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  scurrilous, adj. coarse, indecent, or abusive: a scurrilous attack (SAT synonym: vulgar). [[>]]

  secluded, adj. hidden, removed, sheltered, withdrawn: a secluded corner. seclusion, n. [[>]]

  sect, n. a group of people who share a particular doctrine or follow a particular leader, esp. a group that either forms a distinct unit within or has separated from a larger religious group. [[>], [>]]

  seduce, v. 1. to lure or attract. 2. to lead into error. [[>], [>]]

  self-aggrandizement, n. the increase of one’s own importance, position, or reputation. [[>]]

  senile, adj. relating to or characteristic of old age, esp. showing a decline in mental abilities (cf. dotard). [[>], [>], [>]]

  sentiment, n. a feeling, opinion. [[>], [>]]

  sentimental, adj. expressing tender feelings, sometimes to excess. [[>]]

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

  serenity, n. calmness, contentment, repose, tranquillity. [[>], [>]]

  serpentine, adj. like a snake; hence, winding, curving, twisting (SAT synonym: sinuous). [[>]]

  servile, adj. like a slave, fawning, submissive, lacking spirit (SAT synonyms: obsequious, sycophantic). [[>], [>]]

  shard, n. a fragment of a brittle substance, esp. of broken pottery. [[>]]

  shrewd, adj. sharp or clever in practical matters, artful, cunning (SAT synonyms: astute, discerning, insightful, keen, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious). shrewdly, adv. [[>], [>], [>]]

  shroud, n. something that covers, screens, or veils. [[>]]

  shrouded, adj. shut off from sight or light, hidden, concealed: Her face was shrouded in shadows. [[>]]

  shun, v. to keep away from deliberately, avoid consistently or habitually. [[>]]

  simultaneous, adj. happening, existing, or operating at the same time. simultaneously, adv. [[>], [>]]

  singular, adj. extraordinary, rare, remarkable, exceptional: a singular accomplishment. [[>], [>], [>]]

  sinuous, adj. having curves or turns, wavy, winding, snakelike: a sinuous road (SAT synonym: serpentine). [[>], [>]]

  skeptical, adj. 1. tending to question or doubt, disbelieving. 2. feeling or showing doubt or disbelief (SAT synonyms: dubious, incredulous). [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  sluggish, adj. 1. lazy, dull, inactive, or lacking energy (SAT synonyms: see phlegmatic). 2. very slow-moving. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  smirk, v. to smile in a self-satisfied or artificial way; simper: He smirked when John gave the wrong answer, smirk, n. [[>], [>], [>]]

  smug, adj. self-satisfied to an annoying or irritating degree: a smug attitude (SAT synonym: complacent). [[>]]

  sojourn, v. to remain or live (in a place) for a while. [[>]]

  sojourn, n. a temporary stay. [[>]]

  solicitous, adj. concerned, worried, or anxious about someone or something: solicitous about her welfare. [[>]]

  solitude, n. the state of being or living alone, seclusion. [[>]]

  somber, adj. 1. dark, gloomy, grim, dreary, dismal: somber furnishings; a somber occasion (SAT synonyms: austere, grave, staid). 2. sad, unhappy: a somber feeling (SAT synonyms: glum, melancholy). [[>], [>], [>]]

  sonorous, adj. rich and full in sound: the sonorous beat of the timpani (SAT synonym: resonant). [[>], [>], [>]]

  soothsayer, n. one who claims to be able to foretell the future; a seer. [[>]]

  sophisticated, adj. 1. cultured and refined (a sophisticated group) or suited to the taste of cultured and refined people (a sophisticated drama). 2. knowing and worldly-wise: a sophisticated gentleman (SAT synonyms: genteel, suave, urbane). 3. complicated or highly developed: sophisticated electronic devices, sophistication, n. [[>], [>], [>], [>], ]

  soporific, adj. inducing sleep; tending to dull the awareness. [[>]]

  sordid, adj. 1. seedy, foul, wretched, squalid: sordid ghettos. 2. morally degraded, ignoble, base, vile: sordid deeds; sordid urges. [[>]]

  sparse, adj. of a few, scattered elements; not thick or dense: sparse vegetation; sparse attendance, sparsely, adv. [[>], [>]]

  spartan, adj. rigorously self-disciplined and self-restrained in lifestyle; stem and strict (SAT synonyms: ascetic, austere). [[>]]

  specificity, n. precision, definitiveness. [[>]]

  specify, v. to state or list in detail, define, stipulate (SAT synonym: enumerate). [[>]]

  spectral, adj. spooky, eerie, otherworldly, like a specter (a ghost). [[>]]

  speculate, v. to reason and form theories on the basis of inadequate or inconclusive evidence (SAT synonym: surmise). [[>]]

  speculation, n. 1. the act or product of thinking or reasoning, esp. on the basis of incomplete or inconclusive evidence. 2. a supposition, educated guess (SAT synonyms: conjecture, surmise). 3. a financial investment with some risk. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  speculator, n. a person who makes risky financial investments. [[>]]

  spendthrift, n. someone who wastes money or spends it foolishly. [[>]]

  s
pontaneous, adj. 1. occurring naturally or without practice or forethought: a spontaneous performance (SAT synonym: impromptu). 2. acting in accordance with one’s own inner nature rather than with external forces, guided by instinct or impulse (SAT synonyms: impulsive, involuntary). [[>], [>], [>], [>]]

  spurious, adj. fake, fraudulent, counterfeit: a spurious painting; spurious testimony. [[>]]

  squabble, n. a noisy quarrel or argument, usu. over a small matter: The discussion turned into a silly, noisy squabble over details. [[>]]

  squandering, n. using or spending foolishly and wastefully. [[>]]

  stagnant, adj. inactive, not advancing or developing: a stagnant economy. [[>]]

  staid, adj. proper, sober, dignified, conservative, strait-laced (SAT synonyms: austere, grave, somber). [[>], [>]]

  stalwart, adj. of outstanding strength, sturdy (SAT synonym: brawny). [[>], [>]]

  stately, adj. impressively formal and serious in style or proportions. [[>], [>]]

  stature, n. height or level of achievement. [[>]]

  status, n. 1. a stage of progress or development; condition: the status of the case. 2. relative position or rank: her status in the community. [[>], [>]]

  staunch, adj. firm, loyal, true: many staunch supporters (SAT synonym: steadfast). [[>]]

  steadfast, adj. faithful, constant, loyal, firm: steadfast in his determination (SAT synonym: staunch). [[>]]

  stereotype, n. something that conforms to a fixed pattern, not allowing for individuality, esp. a mental image or a way of thinking about a person, thing, or event, stereotyped, adj. [[>], [>]]

  stimulate, v. to excite to growth or greater action, rouse (SAT synonym: galvanize). stimulating, adj. [[>], [>], [>], [>], [>]]

  stoic, adj. not affected by or showing emotions, esp. pain or distress; calm, unmoved (SAT synonyms: dispassionate, impassive). stoically, adv. [[>], [>]]

  stratagem, n. a trick or scheme used to outwit an enemy, gain an advantage, or achieve a goal. [[>]]

  stratum (pl. strata), n. a level, layer, rank, or grade. [[>], [>]]

  strident, adj. loud, noisy, grating, shrill (SAT synonyms: discordant, dissonant). [[>], [>]]

  studious, adj. 1. concerned with study or learning. 2. earnest, purposeful, deliberate (SAT synonym: diligent). studiously, adv. [[>