SAT Vocabulary List 5 Key Terms

1. Which word best describes an artist who places bright colors next to dark shadows to create contrast?

Juxtapose

Perforate

Nullify

Intercede

Juxtapose describes the act of placing contrasting elements close together to highlight their differences. In art, using bright colors alongside dark shadows enhances visual impact and depth, making the artwork more dynamic. This technique draws attention to the interplay between light and dark, emphasizing the artist's intention to create a striking contrast that engages the viewer.

Explanation

Juxtapose describes the act of placing contrasting elements close together to highlight their differences. In art, using bright colors alongside dark shadows enhances visual impact and depth, making the artwork more dynamic. This technique draws attention to the interplay between light and dark, emphasizing the artist's intention to create a striking contrast that engages the viewer.

2. Her excuse for missing the meeting sounded ______, so her manager accepted it without question.

The term "plausible" refers to something that appears reasonable or probable. In this context, the employee's excuse for missing the meeting was believable enough for her manager to accept it without skepticism. A plausible excuse typically contains elements that make it credible, allowing the manager to trust her explanation and not question her absence. This choice of word highlights the effectiveness of her reasoning in convincing her manager.

Explanation

The term "plausible" refers to something that appears reasonable or probable. In this context, the employee's excuse for missing the meeting was believable enough for her manager to accept it without skepticism. A plausible excuse typically contains elements that make it credible, allowing the manager to trust her explanation and not question her absence. This choice of word highlights the effectiveness of her reasoning in convincing her manager.

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3. The word 'loquacious' means the same as which of the following?

Silent and reserved

Extremely talkative

Carefully precise

Permanently marked

'Loquacious' is derived from the Latin word 'loqui,' which means 'to speak.' It describes someone who is very talkative or chatty, often to the point of being excessive in their speech. In contrast, the other options suggest characteristics opposite to being talkative, such as being silent or reserved. Therefore, 'extremely talkative' accurately captures the essence of the word 'loquacious.'

Explanation

'Loquacious' is derived from the Latin word 'loqui,' which means 'to speak.' It describes someone who is very talkative or chatty, often to the point of being excessive in their speech. In contrast, the other options suggest characteristics opposite to being talkative, such as being silent or reserved. Therefore, 'extremely talkative' accurately captures the essence of the word 'loquacious.'

4. A technicality in the contract was enough to ______ the entire agreement.

A technicality in the contract can undermine its validity, rendering it legally ineffective. To "nullify" means to declare something invalid or void, which fits the context of a contract being compromised due to a minor yet significant issue. This term emphasizes the legal implications of such an error, indicating that the entire agreement is no longer enforceable or recognized by law. Thus, the presence of a technicality can lead to the complete dissolution of the contractual obligations between the parties involved.

Explanation

A technicality in the contract can undermine its validity, rendering it legally ineffective. To "nullify" means to declare something invalid or void, which fits the context of a contract being compromised due to a minor yet significant issue. This term emphasizes the legal implications of such an error, indicating that the entire agreement is no longer enforceable or recognized by law. Thus, the presence of a technicality can lead to the complete dissolution of the contractual obligations between the parties involved.

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5. Which of the following sentences uses 'indelible' correctly?

The indelible stain washed out easily after one rinse.

She used an indelible marker, but the ink disappeared the next day.

The tragedy left an indelible impression on the entire community.

His indelible mood changed every hour throughout the day.

'Indelible' refers to something that cannot be removed, erased, or forgotten. In the context of the sentence, the phrase "an indelible impression" conveys that the tragedy had a lasting impact on the community, which aligns with the definition of the word. The other sentences misuse 'indelible' by suggesting that stains or marks can be easily removed or that moods can change frequently, which contradicts the term's meaning of permanence.

Explanation

'Indelible' refers to something that cannot be removed, erased, or forgotten. In the context of the sentence, the phrase "an indelible impression" conveys that the tragedy had a lasting impact on the community, which aligns with the definition of the word. The other sentences misuse 'indelible' by suggesting that stains or marks can be easily removed or that moods can change frequently, which contradicts the term's meaning of permanence.

6. To 'ostracize' someone means to include and welcome them into a group.

True

False

To 'ostracize' someone means to exclude or shun them from a group, not to include or welcome them. This term originates from ancient Greece, where citizens could vote to banish someone from the city-state for a period. Therefore, the statement incorrectly defines ostracism, as it fundamentally involves social isolation rather than inclusion.

Explanation

To 'ostracize' someone means to exclude or shun them from a group, not to include or welcome them. This term originates from ancient Greece, where citizens could vote to banish someone from the city-state for a period. Therefore, the statement incorrectly defines ostracism, as it fundamentally involves social isolation rather than inclusion.

7. Match each SAT vocabulary word with its correct definition.

Meticulous

Pristine

Inequity

Malign

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8. Which two words could both describe a population made up of people from many different backgrounds and cultures?

Heterogeneous

Pristine

Diverse

Loquacious

A population characterized by a variety of backgrounds and cultures is best described as heterogeneous and diverse. "Heterogeneous" refers to a composition made up of different elements, indicating a mix of various traits, while "diverse" emphasizes the presence of distinct and varied characteristics among the individuals. Both terms highlight the richness and variety within the population, making them suitable descriptors for a multicultural society.

Explanation

A population characterized by a variety of backgrounds and cultures is best described as heterogeneous and diverse. "Heterogeneous" refers to a composition made up of different elements, indicating a mix of various traits, while "diverse" emphasizes the presence of distinct and varied characteristics among the individuals. Both terms highlight the richness and variety within the population, making them suitable descriptors for a multicultural society.

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