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A curated collection of vocabulary notes to help you ace the verbal section. Master these words and boost your score.
Complacency is a fantastic word to learn for your SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of the word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kɒmplæsənsi/ (KOM-pluh-sen-see)
Origin: The word "complacency" comes from the Latin words "com-" (meaning "together with") and "placere" (meaning "to please"). It has been used in the English language since the 15th century.
Meaning: Complacency refers to a feeling of contentment or satisfaction with one's present situation, often accompanied by a lack of effort or desire to improve or change. It can also imply a sense of self-satisfaction or smugness.
Example Usage: "After achieving success at a young age, he became complacent and stopped working hard, which ultimately led to his downfall."
Example SAT Problem: Here's a possible SAT question:
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company's profits have been declining for the past quarter, but the CEO remains complacent, refusing to make any significant changes to the business model. This attitude has left employees feeling demotivated and uncertain about the future of the company."
Which of the following inferences can be made about the CEO's attitude?
A) The CEO is confident in the company's ability to recover. B) The CEO is willing to take risks to improve the company's performance. C) The CEO is content with the current state of the company and sees no need for improvement. D) The CEO is unaware of the company's declining profits.
Correct answer: C) The CEO is content with the current state of the company and sees no need for improvement.
In this question, the word "complacency" is used to describe the CEO's attitude, and the correct answer choice (C) reflects the meaning of the word.
The word "complement" is a great choice for the SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of its phonetic symbol, origin, meaning, example usage, and an example SAT problem:
Phonetic Symbol: /kəmˈplɛmənt/
Origin: The word "complement" comes from the Latin word "complementum," which is derived from "com-" (together) and "plemens" (supplying). This Latin term is itself derived from "plenus" (full), meaning complete or entire.
Meaning: A complement is something that completes or makes up for something else. In mathematics, a complement is a set that, when combined with a given set, forms a complete or whole set. In language, a complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of another word or phrase.
Example Usage: "The new employee's skills complemented the team's existing strengths, making them more effective in their work."
Example SAT Problem:
The passage below is accompanied by a question.
"The artist's new sculpture, a beautiful addition to the city's park, complements the existing architecture, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. This new work of art adds a touch of elegance to the city's cultural scene."
The question: "The word 'complements' in the passage most nearly means"
A) Replaces B) Contrasts C) Compliments D) Enhances
Correct answer: D) Enhances
Explanation: The word "complements" here means to add or enhance something, making the surrounding landscape more beautiful. You need to understand the meaning of the word to choose the correct answer.
In the SAT, comprehension of vocabulary like "complement" is essential for answering questions that test your understanding of the passage and the words used in it.
The word "compliant" is a great choice for SAT preparation. Let's break it down:
Phonetic Symbol: /kəmˈplʌɪənt/ (kom-PLAY-ent)
Origin: The word "compliant" comes from the Latin word "complere," which means "to fill up" or "to complete." This Latin root is also related to the word "complete."
Meaning: The word "compliant" means willing to obey or agree with rules, laws, or requirements. It can also describe something that meets or fulfills certain standards.
Example Usage: "The company was compliant with all environmental regulations and was awarded a certificate for its green practices."
Example SAT Problem: Here's a sample SAT question that involves the word "compliant":
"Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
The new policy requires all employees to be compliant with the company's code of conduct.
Which of the following best describes the word "compliant" in the passage?
A) Disagreeing with the rules B) Ignoring the rules C) Agreeing with the rules D) Failing to meet the standards
Correct answer: C) Agreeing with the rules"
In this example, the word "compliant" is used to describe the employees who agree with the company's code of conduct. The correct answer, C) Agreeing with the rules, shows that the word "compliant" means willing to obey or agree with rules, laws, or requirements.
To prepare for the SAT, it's essential to understand the nuances of this word and be able to identify its meaning in different contexts.
Excellent choice of word for the SAT exam! The word "complicit" is a fascinating one, and it's great that you're taking the time to learn about it.
Phonetic Symbol: /kɑmpˈlɪsɪt/ (kam-pli-sit)
Origin: The word "complicit" comes from the Latin word "complicare," which means "to entwine" or "to involve." This Latin word is a combination of "com-" (meaning "together") and "plicare" (meaning "to fold" or "to twist").
Meaning: The word "complicit" is an adjective that means involved or implicated in a wrongdoing, crime, or scandal, often in a way that suggests a degree of guilt or responsibility. It can also refer to a person who is involved in a secret or shady activity.
Example Usage: Here's an example sentence:
"The CEO's complicity in the embezzlement scandal led to her resignation."
In this sentence, the word "complicity" (the noun form of "complicit") refers to the CEO's involvement or implication in the scandal.
Example SAT Problem:
Here's an example SAT question that involves the word "complicit":
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The company's CEO was accused of being complicit in the accounting scandal. However, she claimed that she was unaware of the wrongdoing and was simply a victim of circumstance."
Which of the following best describes the CEO's role in the scandal?
A) She was directly responsible for the scandal. B) She was complicit in the scandal and knew about the wrongdoing. C) She was a victim of circumstance and had no knowledge of the scandal. D) She was not involved in the scandal at all.
The correct answer is B) She was complicit in the scandal and knew about the wrongdoing. This question requires the test-taker to understand the meaning of "complicit" and to apply it to the context of the passage.
I hope this helps you with your SAT prep!
The word "compliment" is a great choice to study for the SAT exam. Here's the information you need to know:
Phonetic Symbol: /kəmˈplɪmənt/
Origin: The word "compliment" originated from the Old French word "compliment," which is derived from the Latin words "com-" (together) and "placere" (to please). Over time, the spelling of the word has evolved to its current form.
Meaning: A compliment is a statement or action that expresses praise or admiration for someone or something.
Example Usage: "The compliment from her teacher made her feel proud of her hard work." or "She gave a compliment on the host's exquisite dinner."
Example SAT Problem:
In the sentence, "The company received a compliment on its innovative product design," the word "compliment" is used as a noun to refer to the statement of praise.
Here's an example SAT question that involves the word "compliment":
Choose the best answer:
The company's innovative product design was met with a(n) _ from the industry critics.
A) Compliment B) Complaint C) Praise D) Criticism
Correct answer: A) Compliment
In this question, the correct answer is "compliment" because it refers to a statement of praise or admiration. Make sure to read the sentence carefully and choose the word that fits the context.
Remember, the key to answering SAT questions correctly is to understand the nuances of the English language, including the meanings and usage of words like "compliment."
The word "compound" is a great choice for SAT preparation. Here's the breakdown:
Phonetic Symbol: /kɒmpaʊnd/ (KOM-pownd) Origin: The word "compound" comes from the Old French word "compondre," which means "to put together." This in turn comes from the Latin "componere," which means "to put together" or "to combine." Meaning: A compound can refer to a thing that is made up of two or more parts, often combined in a specific way. It can also refer to a mixture of substances, such as a chemical compound.
Example Usage:
Example SAT Problem:
"The new medication is a compound of _____ that has been shown to treat cancer effectively."
(A) antibiotic (B) antigen (C) antibody (D) enzyme
Answer: (A) antibiotic
In this example, the word "compound" is used to describe a mixture of substances, in this case, a medication that is a combination of different components. The correct answer is "antibiotic," which is a type of medication that is a compound of different substances.
As you prepare for the SAT, it's essential to understand the nuances of word meanings and how they can be used in different contexts. Make sure to practice using the word "compound" in your own writing and to recognize it in context on the test.
Excellent choice of word for your SAT prep. Let's break down the word "comprehensive" into its key components:
Phonetic Symbol: /ˌkɒmpriˈhensɪv/ (KOM-preh-en-siv)
Origin: The word "comprehensive" has its roots in Latin, derived from the words "com-" (together) and "prehendere" (to seize or take hold). The Latin term was later adapted into Middle English as "comprehensif" and eventually evolved into the modern English word "comprehensive."
Meaning: Comprehensive refers to something that is detailed, thorough, and all-encompassing, covering every aspect or aspect of a subject. It implies a complete or thorough understanding of something.
Example Usage: "The comprehensive guide to the city included information on history, culture, and attractions."
SAT Problem Involvement: The SAT often tests vocabulary in context, so you might see a sentence like this:
"Which of the following words best completes the sentence?
The new policy aimed to provide comprehensive care for all patients, including those with mental health issues.
A) Limited B) Exclusive C) Comprehensive D) Exclusive
The correct answer is C) Comprehensive, as it best conveys the idea of a thorough and all-encompassing approach to patient care."
When taking the SAT, pay attention to how words like "comprehensive" are used in context, and be prepared to choose the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence.
The word "compress" is a very useful term to know for the SAT exam. Here's the information you need:
Phonetic Symbol: /ˈkɑmprɛs/ (KOM-pres)
Origin: The word "compress" comes from the Latin word "compressus," which is the past participle of "comprensis," a combination of "com-" (meaning "together") and "prem-," a form of "premere" (meaning "to press"). This Latin root also gives us other English words such as "compress," "compressing," and "decompress."
Meaning: To compress something means to make it smaller or more compact by applying pressure or squeezing it tightly. This can be a physical process, like compressing a spring or a gas, or a figurative one, like compressing a lot of information into a short summary.
Example Usage: The company used a machine to compress the cardboard boxes for easier storage.
Example SAT Problem:
Read this passage:
"The new law requires all companies to compress their plastic waste by recycling at least 50% of it."
Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the passage?
A) The law requires companies to use more plastic. B) The law requires companies to recycle less plastic. C) The law requires companies to compress plastic waste. D) The law requires companies to use machines to compress plastic waste.
Correct answer: C) The law requires companies to compress plastic waste.
The word "compunction" is a fascinating one, and it's essential to understand its nuances for the SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of the word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kɒmpˈkʌʃən/
Origin: The word "compunction" comes from the Latin "compunctio," which is derived from "compunctus," the past participle of "compungere," meaning "to prick" or "to pierce." This Latin root is also related to "punctio," meaning "a pricking" or "a piercing."
Meaning: A compunction is a feeling of remorse or guilt for something one has done or failed to do. It can also refer to a pang of conscience or a sense of regret.
Example Usage: "After lying to his parents, he felt a deep compunction for his dishonesty."
Example SAT Problem: Here's a sample SAT question that involves the word "compunction":
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The new policy has sparked widespread criticism, and many people feel a compunction about supporting it. They argue that it will disproportionately affect low-income families and exacerbate existing social inequalities."
The author's use of "compunction" in the passage suggests that people feel:
A) A sense of pride and satisfaction B) A feeling of guilt and remorse C) A sense of confusion and uncertainty D) A sense of anger and frustration
Answer: B) A feeling of guilt and remorse
This question tests your understanding of the word "compunction" and how it's used in context. In this passage, the author uses "compunction" to describe the feeling of guilt and remorse that people experience when considering the policy's potential impact.
By understanding the word "compunction," you'll be better equipped to analyze complex texts and make informed decisions on the SAT exam.
The word "concede" is a very useful term to know for the SAT exam. Let's break it down:
Phonetic Symbol: /kənˈsiːd/ (kuhn-SEED)
Origin: The word "concede" comes from the Latin word "concedere," which is a combination of "con-" (meaning "together") and "cedere" (meaning "to give way" or "to yield"). This Latin root is also seen in other English words like "concede," "cede," and "cede to."
Meaning: To concede means to give up or surrender something, often in a contest, argument, or negotiation. It can also mean to admit or acknowledge a fact or a circumstance.
Example Usage: "After reviewing the evidence, the lawyer was forced to concede that her client was responsible for the accident."
Example SAT Problem: Here's an example of how "concede" might appear in a SAT reading comprehension question:
"The author of the article concedes that the new policy has been met with opposition from certain groups. However, the author argues that the policy is necessary to ensure public safety. Which of the following best describes the author's tone in this passage?"
A) Critical B) Supportive C) Objective D) Condescending
Correct answer: B) Supportive. The author concedes that there is opposition, but still argues in favor of the policy, indicating a supportive tone.
In a SAT writing and language test, you might see a question like this:
"Which of the following revisions to the sentence would most effectively convey the author's concession?"
Original sentence: "The new policy has been met with criticism from certain groups." Revised sentence options: A) The new policy has been met with opposition, which the author acknowledges. B) The author concedes that the new policy has been met with criticism. C) The new policy has been met with criticism, a fact that the author readily admits. D) The author concedes that the new policy has been met with criticism.
Correct answer: B) The author concedes that the new policy has been met with criticism. This revised sentence effectively conveys the author's concession.
The word "conciliatory" is a great choice for SAT preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown of the word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kənsɪlɪˈɑːtri/ (kun-sil-ee-AH-tree)
Origin: The word "conciliatory" comes from the Latin words "conciliare," meaning "to win over" and "conciliation," meaning "the act of making friends." The word has been used in English since the 16th century.
Meaning: A conciliatory person or action is one that is intended to soothe, calm, or appease someone, often to resolve a conflict or disagreement. It can also refer to a gesture or action that is meant to show goodwill or friendship.
Example Usage: "The conciliatory speech by the company's CEO aimed to calm the angry protesters and prevent further violence."
Example SAT Problem:
Read this sentence from a news article:
"The mayor's conciliatory words were widely criticized by activists who felt she was not taking their concerns seriously."
Which of the following best describes the meaning of "conciliatory" in this context?
A) Angry and confrontational B) Soothing and calming C) Neutral and unemotional D) Firm and authoritative
Answer: B) Soothing and calming
SAT Tips:
I hope this helps you with your SAT preparation! Do you have any other questions about the word "conciliatory"?
The word 'concise' is a fascinating one. Let's break it down:
Phonetic Symbol: /kənˈsaɪs/
Origin: The word 'concise' comes from the Latin word 'concisus,' which is the past participle of 'concidere,' meaning 'to cut short.' This Latin word is a combination of 'con-' (meaning 'together') and 'caedere' (meaning 'to cut' or 'to kill').
Meaning: 'Concise' is an adjective that means clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or words. It describes writing, speech, or language that is brief and straightforward.
Example Usage: "The professor's concise explanation of the complex topic helped the students understand it better."
SAT Example Problem:
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
Passages:
The city's comprehensive recycling program has been a huge success. It has reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills by 75% over the past five years. The program, which began in 2010, has been supported by local businesses and residents who have worked together to implement it.
Question: Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A) To persuade the reader to support the recycling program B) To describe the benefits of the recycling program C) To explain the mechanics of the recycling program D) To make the reader feel guilty about not recycling
The correct answer is B) To describe the benefits of the recycling program. The author's use of the word 'comprehensive' and the phrase 'huge success' creates a concise and clear description of the program's benefits.
Remember, in SAT questions, you'll often see words like 'concise' used to describe the tone or style of a passage. Pay close attention to how the author uses language to convey their message.
The word 'concoct' is a fascinating term that can be a bit tricky for some test-takers. I'd be happy to break it down for you.
Phonetic Symbol: /kənˈkɒkt/
Origin: The word 'concoct' comes from the Latin term 'concoctare,' which means 'to cook up.' This Latin term is derived from 'coctus,' the past participle of 'coquere,' which means 'to cook.'
Meaning: To concoct means to create, invent, or fabricate something, often with the intention of deceiving or misleading others. It can also imply a sense of creativity or imagination.
Example Usage: Here are a few example sentences to illustrate the usage of 'concoct':
SAT Problem: Here's an example SAT problem that involves the word 'concoct':
Read the passage and answer the question:
"In the world of science fiction, the author often concocted elaborate stories to entertain his readers. However, critics argue that his stories were often based on real events, which he manipulated to suit his narrative."
What does the word 'concocted' mean in this context?
A) To create a new idea B) To copy from someone else C) To invent a false story D) To express a personal opinion
The correct answer is C) To invent a false story.
Remember, when you see the word 'concoct' on the SAT, think of creating or inventing something, often with a hint of deception or manipulation.
A great choice of word for the SAT exam. Let's break down the word "concomitant."
Phonetic Symbol: /kɒnˈkɒmtnt/
Origin: The word "concomitant" comes from the Latin words "con-" meaning "together" and "comitare" meaning "to accompany." It has its roots in the 15th-century English language.
Meaning: Concomitant refers to something that occurs or exists together with something else, often in a way that is related or connected. It can describe a situation, a condition, or an event that accompanies another.
Example Usage: "The symptoms of the illness are concomitant with the side effects of the medication."
In this example, the illness and the side effects are happening together, which is a good illustration of the word's meaning.
Example SAT Problem:
A passage discusses the effects of climate change on the environment. The passage mentions that rising temperatures and more intense storms are concomitant with the melting of polar ice caps.
If asked about the meaning of the word "concomitant" in this passage, you would explain that it means that the rising temperatures and storms are happening together with the melting of polar ice caps.
SAT Tips:
I hope this helps you with your SAT exam preparation! Do you have any other questions about the word "concomitant" or would you like to practice more SAT-style questions?
The word 'concord' is a fascinating term with multiple meanings. Here's a breakdown of the word for your SAT prep:
Phonetic Symbol: /ˈkɑŋkɔrd/ (KON-kord)
Origin: The word 'concord' has Latin roots. It comes from the Latin word 'concordia,' which means 'harmony' or 'agreement.' The Latin term is derived from 'con' (meaning 'together') and 'cord' (meaning 'heart' or 'string'), suggesting a sense of unity and harmony.
Meaning: The word 'concord' can have several meanings depending on the context:
Example Usage:
SAT Problem:
Here's an example SAT question that may involve the word 'concord':
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city's concord of diverse cultural groups has made it a welcoming place for immigrants. However, the recent influx of new residents has put a strain on the city's resources, leading some to question the long-term viability of this concord."
Which of the following best describes the author's attitude towards the city's concord?
A) The author thinks the concord is a major strength of the city. B) The author believes the concord is a weakness of the city. C) The author is ambivalent about the concord. D) The author thinks the concord is a result of the city's natural beauty.
Answer: A) The author thinks the concord is a major strength of the city. (The author uses the word 'concord' to describe the city's diversity and welcoming nature, suggesting that it is a positive aspect of the city.)
I hope this helps you with your SAT prep!
The word 'condolence' is a great choice. Here's a breakdown of the word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kɑnˈdɒləns/
Origin: The word 'condolence' comes from the Latin words 'con' (meaning 'together') and 'dolere' (meaning 'to grieve'). It entered the English language in the 15th century.
Meaning: Condolence refers to a message or expression of sympathy and comfort to someone who has experienced a loss, such as the death of a loved one.
Example Usage: "She sent her condolences to the family after hearing about the loss of their son."
SAT Problem: Here's an example of how 'condolence' might be used in a sentence on the SAT:
Read the sentence below and choose the best answer:
"After her grandmother's passing, Sarah wrote a heartfelt letter to express her condolences to her family."
In the context of the SAT, you might be asked to identify the meaning of 'condolence' or to use it in a sentence to demonstrate your understanding of the word's meaning.
Here are a few more ways 'condolence' might be used on the SAT:
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
The word 'condone' is an excellent choice for SAT preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown of this English word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kɑndɑʊn/ (kan-DOHN)
Origin: The word 'condone' comes from the Latin word 'condonare,' which means 'to grant a remission of part of a debt' or 'to forgive a debt.' This Latin term is derived from 'condo,' meaning 'to grant' or 'to give,' and 'donare,' meaning 'to give.'
Meaning: To condone something means to tolerate or approve of it, often in a way that may not be officially acknowledged or accepted. In other words, condoning involves accepting or excusing something, often because it's too difficult or impractical to change.
Example Usage: Here are a few examples of how you might use 'condone' in a sentence:
Example SAT Problem: Here's an example SAT question that might involve the word 'condone':
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
"The city council has been criticized for its handling of the recent protests. While some members of the council have spoken out against the police tactics used to disperse the crowds, others have been accused of condoning the behavior by voting to approve additional funding for the police department."
Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?
A) The city council has been ineffective in addressing the protests. B) The city council has been criticized for its handling of the protests. C) The city council has been accused of condoning police behavior. D) The city council has been praised for its handling of the protests.
Correct answer: C) The city council has been accused of condoning police behavior.
In this example, the word 'condone' is used to convey the idea that some members of the city council are accused of accepting or excusing the police behavior, rather than speaking out against it. This requires the test-taker to understand the nuances of the word 'condone' and how it functions in context.
The word "conducive" is a fantastic choice for SAT preparation. Here's the breakdown of the word:
Phonetic Symbol: /kənˈdʌsɪv/ (kuhn-DUH-siv)
Origin: The word "conducive" comes from the Latin word "conducere," which means "to lead" or "to bring together." This Latin word is a combination of "con" (meaning "together") and "ducere" (meaning "to lead").
Meaning: The word "conducive" is an adjective that means promoting or favoring a particular situation or outcome. It describes something that helps or facilitates a certain condition or effect.
Example Usage: "The new policy is conducive to a more productive work environment." In this sentence, the word "conducive" suggests that the policy is helping to create a more productive work environment.
Example SAT Problem:
Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.
The new gym in town has become a hub for the local community. The facility offers a variety of exercise classes, sports leagues, and social events, making it an ideal place for people to meet and interact. As a result, the gym has become a melting pot of diverse individuals who come together to share their interests and passions. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with many members striking up conversations with strangers. The gym's manager, who has been actively promoting the facility, says, "Our goal is to create a space that is conducive to building relationships and fostering a sense of community among our members."
What does the manager mean by "conducive to building relationships"?
A) The gym's atmosphere is so cold that people are forced to interact. B) The gym's activities and events are designed to encourage people to meet and talk. C) The gym's policy prohibits members from engaging in conversations. D) The gym's membership fees are too high, making it difficult for people to afford.
Correct Answer: B) The gym's activities and events are designed to encourage people to meet and talk.
In this question, the passage provides context for the word "conducive," and the correct answer demonstrates an understanding of the word's meaning.