Mr Mimb's SAT Vocab Test 1

Cacophony refers to a disagreeable or harsh sound. It is the opposite of a pleasant or melodic sound. The word "germane" means relevant or related, "castigate" means to criticize or punish severely, "amiable" means friendly or likable, and "adversary" means an opponent or enemy. Out of these options, only "cacophony" fits the description of a disagreeable or harsh sound.

The word "amiable" means friendly and pleasant in nature. It is a suitable synonym for "friendly" as it conveys the same meaning. "Vigilant" means being watchful and alert, "bombastic" means using inflated language to impress others, "anachronism" means something that is out of its proper time period, and "eminent" means being well-known and respected. Therefore, "amiable" is the correct answer as it is the most similar in meaning to "friendly".

Amorphous means having no form or shape. This word describes something that lacks a definite structure or organization. It can be used to describe objects, substances, or ideas that do not have a clear or defined shape. For example, a cloud of smoke can be described as amorphous because it does not have a specific shape. Similarly, an amorphous concept or argument lacks a clear structure or organization.

Acrid means having an unpleasantly strong taste or odor. This word describes something that has a sharp and bitter flavor or a pungent and irritating smell. It is often used to describe strong and unpleasant smells like smoke, chemicals, or certain foods. In this context, acrid is the only word that fits the definition provided, making it the correct answer.

The correct answer is "acute." Acute means sharp, keen, or perceptive. It is often used to describe someone's ability to understand or perceive things quickly and accurately. This word is the best fit among the given options as it closely matches the definition provided. "Acrid" means having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell. "Hinder" means to create obstacles or difficulties. "Castigate" means to criticize or reprimand severely. "Debase" means to lower in quality or value.

The word "savory" means pleasing to the taste or smell, especially in regards to food. It is often used to describe food that is flavorful and delicious. In the given options, "savory" is the only word that is related to food and has a positive connotation. "Appetizing" also means pleasing to the taste, so it is synonymous with "savory." Therefore, "appetizing; agreeable" is a suitable explanation for the word "savory."

The word "adversary" refers to an opponent or enemy. It suggests a person or entity that is in opposition or conflict with another. In this context, "adversary" is the correct answer as it aligns with the meaning of the word "opponent" given in the question. The other options, "alleviate," "germane," "anachronism," and "eminent," do not have the same meaning as "opponent" and are therefore incorrect.

Vigilant means being watchful and attentive to potential danger or problems. It implies being alert and cautious in order to prevent any harm or undesirable outcomes. This word accurately describes the act of being watchful and observant, making it the correct answer in this context.

The word "hinder" means to obstruct or prevent something from happening. It implies creating obstacles or difficulties that impede progress or success. Therefore, out of the given options, "hinder" is the most suitable word that aligns with the meaning provided. "Alleviate" means to relieve or lessen, "abdicate" means to renounce or give up a position of power, "aberration" means a deviation from the norm, and "tedious" means boring or monotonous. None of these words convey the same meaning as "hinder."

The word "alleviate" means to relieve or reduce something, typically referring to pain, stress, or a problem. It implies making something less severe or intense. In the given list of words, "alleviate" is the only one that matches the meaning of relieving or reducing. "Aberration" means a departure from what is normal or expected, "upbraid" means to scold or criticize someone, "abdicate" means to renounce or give up a position of power, and "castigate" means to criticize or punish severely. Therefore, "alleviate" is the correct answer as it aligns with the given meaning.

Obstreperous means noisy or unruly. It describes someone who is difficult to control, loud, and disruptive. This word is often used to describe unruly children or rowdy behavior. It is the opposite of amiable, which means friendly and pleasant. Acute means sharp or keen, ebullient means enthusiastic or lively, and savory means flavorful or delicious. None of these words convey the meaning of noisy or unruly, making obstreperous the correct answer.

The word "benevolent" means having an inclination to do good or to be kind. It describes someone who has a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact. This person is likely to be compassionate, generous, and considerate towards others. They may actively seek opportunities to assist and support those in need. The word "benevolent" suggests a genuine and selfless nature, reflecting a person's inherent goodness and kindness.

The word "tedious" means something that is tiresome and boring, often causing one to feel weary or fatigued. This aligns with the given description of "tiring; dreary". The other options, "savory", "acrid", "eccentric", and "insidious", do not convey the same meaning as "tedious". Therefore, "tedious" is the correct answer.

Bombastic means using language that is overly exaggerated or inflated in order to impress others. It typically refers to arrogant or pompous speech or writing. This word suggests that the person is using extravagant and grandiose language to make themselves sound more important or impressive than they actually are. Therefore, bombastic is the correct answer as it aligns with the given description of "arrogant speech or writing".

The word "ebullient" means showing enthusiasm or exhilaration. It is used to describe someone who is extremely cheerful, lively, and full of energy. This person is likely to be very expressive and exuberant in their emotions, often radiating positivity and excitement.

The word "eminent" means distinguished or famous, suggesting a high level of achievement or reputation. It is synonymous with outstanding, illustrious, prominent, and notable. Therefore, "eminent" is the correct answer as it aligns with the meaning of these words.

The word "abdicate" means to give up formally or to resign from a position of power or authority. This word specifically refers to a monarch or ruler voluntarily stepping down from their position. It implies a formal and deliberate act of relinquishing power.

Aberration refers to a departure from what is considered normal or typical, indicating an anomaly or deviation from the expected. It suggests something that is out of the ordinary or unusual. The other options, upbraid, vigilant, augment, and castigate, do not convey the same meaning as aberration and are unrelated to the concept of deviation from the norm.

The word "castigate" means to punish or criticize severely. It is the most appropriate word in the given list that conveys the idea of punishment. "Vigilant" means watchful or alert, "alleviate" means to relieve or lessen, "hinder" means to obstruct or impede, and "expound" means to explain or clarify. Out of these options, only "castigate" aligns with the concept of punishment.

The word "augment" means to add, expand, or increase something. Out of the given options, "castigate" means to criticize or reprimand severely, "bombastic" means using inflated language to impress others, "germane" means relevant or closely related, and "hinder" means to create obstacles or prevent progress. None of these options have a similar meaning to "augment," making it the correct answer.

The word "eccentric" means odd, weird, or peculiar. It is used to describe someone or something that is unconventional or behaves in a peculiar way. This word is the best fit among the given options as it directly matches the definition provided. "Eminent" means famous or respected, "augment" means to increase or enhance, "acrimonious" means bitter or angry, and "tedious" means boring or monotonous. None of these words convey the same meaning as "eccentric."

An anachronism refers to something that is not happening in its proper time. It is the incorrect placement of a person, object, or event in a particular time period. This term is often used in literature, film, and art to describe an inconsistency or error in the chronological order of events. Anachronisms can disrupt the authenticity and realism of a story or portrayal, making them stand out as out of place or anachronistic.

The word "cogent" means convincing or reasonable. This word is the most suitable choice among the given options because it accurately describes something that is persuasive or compelling. "Candor" refers to honesty or frankness, "insidious" means treacherous or deceitful, "vigilant" means watchful or alert, and "acrid" describes something having a strong and unpleasant smell or taste. Therefore, "cogent" is the best answer as it aligns with the meaning of convincing or reasonable.

Insidious means proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. It suggests a hidden or deceitful nature. The other options, vigilant, debase, obstreperous, and germane, do not convey the same meaning as insidious. Vigilant means watchful or alert, debase means to lower in quality or value, obstreperous means noisy and difficult to control, and germane means relevant or appropriate. Therefore, insidious is the correct answer as it best fits the description of being sly or sneaky.

The word "debase" means to lower in quality, value, or dignity. It is often used to describe the act of putting someone down or insulting them. In this context, "debase" is the most appropriate choice as it aligns with the given definition and conveys the intended meaning of the question. The other options, such as "expound" (to explain in detail), "cogent" (convincing or persuasive), "eminent" (highly respected or well-known), and "castigate" (to criticize or reprimand severely), do not accurately capture the meaning of "to put down or insult".

The word "germane" means relevant or closely related to the topic at hand. It suggests that something is directly applicable or appropriate to the subject being discussed. In this context, "germane" is the correct answer because it aligns with the meaning of the other words listed, which all relate to being relevant or appropriate in some way.

The word "expound" means to elaborate or explain something in great detail. It implies providing a thorough and comprehensive explanation or analysis of a topic or idea. This word is the most appropriate choice among the given options as it aligns perfectly with the meaning described. "Upbraid" means to scold or criticize, "anachronism" refers to something that is out of its proper time period, "castigate" means to criticize or reprimand severely, and "aberration" refers to a deviation from what is normal or expected. None of these words convey the same meaning as "expound."

Acrimonious means full of spite, bitter or nasty. It is used to describe a situation or a person's behavior that is characterized by intense animosity, hostility, or resentment. This word is often used to describe heated arguments or conflicts that involve a lot of anger and bitterness.

Candor refers to the quality of being frank or outspoken. It is the characteristic of being honest and open in one's speech or behavior. It implies a willingness to express one's thoughts and opinions without hesitation or deceit. The other options, such as ebullient, eccentric, expound, and upbraid, do not relate to the concept of being frank or outspoken.

Upbraid means to express deep disapproval of or to find fault with someone or something. It implies a strong criticism or reprimand towards the person or action being disapproved of. This word suggests a sense of reproach or scolding, indicating that the speaker strongly disapproves of the behavior or situation at hand.