12th Grade Sat Vocabulary (lesson 7)

1. What is the meaning of adroit?

Arrogant; condescending

Skillful; clever Synonyms:Antonyms: He was not an adroit speaker, but he was a genius with numbers.

Clumsy; unskilled

Lazy; unmotivated

The correct answer 'skillful; clever' describes someone who is adept and clever in their actions, the other options describe traits that are opposite to adroit.

Explanation

The correct answer 'skillful; clever' describes someone who is adept and clever in their actions, the other options describe traits that are opposite to adroit.

2. What does it mean for something to be described as macroscopic?

Infrared

Microscopic

Visible to the naked eye Synonyms:Antonyms: On a clear night, the Milky Way appears macroscopic.

Subatomic

The term 'macroscopic' refers to something that is large enough to be visible to the naked eye, in contrast to things that are 'microscopic' or 'subatomic'. It is not related to the wavelength of light like 'infrared'.

Explanation

The term 'macroscopic' refers to something that is large enough to be visible to the naked eye, in contrast to things that are 'microscopic' or 'subatomic'. It is not related to the wavelength of light like 'infrared'.

3. What is the definition of 'fatuous'?

Intelligent; wise

Serious; solemn

Charming; delightful

Foolish; inane Synonyms:Antonyms: Her fatuous simpering began to grate on our nerves.

The correct definition of 'fatuous' is foolish or inane, meaning lacking intelligence or seriousness.

Explanation

The correct definition of 'fatuous' is foolish or inane, meaning lacking intelligence or seriousness.

4. What does the term 'bovine' refer to?

Associated with chickens

Relating to pigs

Connected to sheep

Pertaining to cows or cattle Synonyms: cow; oxen The large animal figures in the cave drawing depicted bovine creatures.

The term 'bovine' specifically refers to cows or cattle. It does not apply to pigs, chickens, or sheep.

Explanation

The term 'bovine' specifically refers to cows or cattle. It does not apply to pigs, chickens, or sheep.

5. What does the word 'ferret' mean?

To hunt

To cover

To hide

To search or drive out Synonyms: hunt; clearAntonyms: cover; hide John knew the answer was in the text, but he just couldn't ferret it out.

The word 'ferret' means to search or drive out, it is often used in the context of finding something or uncovering information.

Explanation

The word 'ferret' means to search or drive out, it is often used in the context of finding something or uncovering information.

6. What does the term 'affectation' mean?

A phony attitude; pose Synonyms: put on; showing offAntonyms: natural; simplicity Ginger could not stand the affectations of the girls in the fashion clique.

Authenticity

Sincerity

Genuine expression of emotion

Affectation refers to putting on a phony attitude or pose, not a genuine expression of emotion, authenticity, or sincerity.

Explanation

Affectation refers to putting on a phony attitude or pose, not a genuine expression of emotion, authenticity, or sincerity.

7. What does the term 'knell' refer to?

Whisper

Dance

A sound made by a bell, often rung slowly for a death or funeral Synonyms: ring; warning The knell of the church bell told the town that Gertrude had passed away.

Laugh

The term 'knell' specifically refers to a sound made by a bell, often rung slowly for a death or funeral. It is not related to whispering, dancing, or laughing.

Explanation

The term 'knell' specifically refers to a sound made by a bell, often rung slowly for a death or funeral. It is not related to whispering, dancing, or laughing.

8. What does the term 'dichotomy' mean?

A division into two parts Synonyms: split; disagreementAntonyms: unify; agreement Disagreements among board members started a dichotomy of the charity group.

A combination of multiple parts

A unification of two parts

A disagreement among multiple parties

Dichotomy refers to a division or split into two parts, not a unification, combination, or disagreement among multiple parties.

Explanation

Dichotomy refers to a division or split into two parts, not a unification, combination, or disagreement among multiple parties.

9. What does 'callow' mean?

Infant

Mature and experienced

Young and inexperienced Synonyms: immature; infantAntonyms: mature; experienced The callow boy left for the war, but an exhausted man returned.

Immature

The word 'callow' refers to someone who is young and inexperienced, lacking maturity and knowledge. It is the opposite of being mature and experienced. Therefore, the correct answer is 'young and inexperienced.'

Explanation

The word 'callow' refers to someone who is young and inexperienced, lacking maturity and knowledge. It is the opposite of being mature and experienced. Therefore, the correct answer is 'young and inexperienced.'

10. What is the definition of laconic?

Rambling; expansive

Using few words; short; concise Synonyms: short and sweet; briefAntonyms: wordy; long-winded He was a laconic man who wasted few words.

Verbose; loquacious

Talkative; garrulous

The word 'laconic' means using few words and being concise, the incorrect answers provided are the opposite in meaning.

Explanation

The word 'laconic' means using few words and being concise, the incorrect answers provided are the opposite in meaning.

11. What is the meaning of quiddity?

A type of currency

An essential quality Synonyms: reality; actualityAntonyms: abstract Patience is the quiddity of a good teacher.

A musical instrument

A mythological creature

Quiddity refers to the essential quality or nature of something, making 'an essential quality' the correct answer. The incorrect answers don't align with the definition of quiddity.

Explanation

Quiddity refers to the essential quality or nature of something, making 'an essential quality' the correct answer. The incorrect answers don't align with the definition of quiddity.

12. What does the word 'patent' mean?

Hidden or concealed

Evident or obvious Synonyms: plain; clearAntonyms: hidden; concealed When the electronics store saw the patent abuse of the game system, they refused to grant a refund.

Vague or uncertain

Obscure or ambiguous

The word 'patent' is synonymous with 'evident' or 'obvious', meaning something that is clearly visible or easily understood.

Explanation

The word 'patent' is synonymous with 'evident' or 'obvious', meaning something that is clearly visible or easily understood.

13. What does the term 'peccadillo' refer to?

An accidental mistake; blunder

A minor offense; a misdeed Synonyms: small sin; minor fault Stealing tips from tables was a peccadillo in Bill's mind, but a major offense in the minds of the waiters.

A major crime; felony

A heroic act; noble deed

Peccadillo refers to a minor offense or misdeed, not a major crime or felony, a heroic act, or an accidental mistake. It is used to describe a small sin or minor fault.

Explanation

Peccadillo refers to a minor offense or misdeed, not a major crime or felony, a heroic act, or an accidental mistake. It is used to describe a small sin or minor fault.

14. What is the meaning of sagacious?

Reckless; careless

Wise; having keen perception and sound judgment Synonyms: smart; intelligentAntonyms: stupid; foolish The sagacious old man always had the answers to moral problems.

Foolish; lacking judgment

Naive; easily deceived

Sagacious means being wise, having keen perception, and sound judgment, which is the opposite of foolish, naive, and reckless behaviors.

Explanation

Sagacious means being wise, having keen perception, and sound judgment, which is the opposite of foolish, naive, and reckless behaviors.