Core SAT® Vocabulary

An excellent choice for your SAT preparation. The word 'exculpate' is a fascinating one with a rich meaning and usage.

Phonetic Symbol: /ˌɛkskʌlˈpeɪt/ (eks-kuh-lpayt)

Origin: The word 'exculpate' comes from the Latin words 'ex' (meaning 'out' or 'from') and 'culpa' (meaning 'fault' or 'blame'). In Latin, the verb 'exculpare' means 'to clear of fault or blame.'

Meaning: To exculpate someone means to prove or demonstrate that they are not guilty of a crime, fault, or blame. It involves clearing someone's name or reputation from accusations or charges.

Example Usage: "The lawyer worked tirelessly to exculpate her client, presenting evidence that showed he was not involved in the crime."

SAT Problem Example:

Read the sentence below and choose the correct answer:

The detective's investigation was able to exculpate the suspect, who was later released from custody due to lack of evidence.

A) The detective's investigation was able to prove the suspect's guilt. B) The detective's investigation was able to clear the suspect's name. C) The detective's investigation was unable to prove the suspect's innocence. D) The detective's investigation was able to convict the suspect of the crime.

Correct Answer: B) The detective's investigation was able to clear the suspect's name.

In this example, the word 'exculpate' is used to convey the idea that the detective's investigation successfully cleared the suspect's name, demonstrating that they were not guilty of the crime.

Remember to practice using 'exculpate' in context to improve your understanding and mastery of this word. Good luck with your SAT exam!

The word 'excursion' can be a great choice for the SAT exam. Here's the breakdown:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈkɔːʃən/ (eks-KOR-shun)

Origin: The word 'excursion' comes from the Latin word 'excurrere', which means 'to run out' or 'to go out'. This Latin word is a combination of 'ex' (meaning 'out' or 'beyond') and 'currere' (meaning 'to run'). The word has been used in English since the 15th century.

Meaning: An excursion is a trip or journey, especially one that is intended for pleasure or is a deviation from the normal routine.

Example Usage: "The group went on an excursion to the mountains for a day of hiking and sightseeing."

Example SAT Problem: Here's an example of how 'excursion' might appear in a SAT sentence:

"Choose the best alternative to complete the sentence:

The company's decision to send the employees on an excursion to the beach proved to be a great morale-booster.

A) A visit B) An excursion C) A vacation D) A retreat

Correct answer: B) An excursion"

In this example, the correct answer is 'B) An excursion' because it accurately completes the sentence and conveys the idea of a trip or journey for pleasure.

For SAT purposes, you may also be asked to identify the word 'excursion' in a sentence or to use it to complete a analogy. In that case, understanding its meaning and origin will help you make the correct choice.

The word 'execrable' is an excellent choice for SAT preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛɡˈsɛrəbəl/ (eg-ZAYR-uh-buhl)

Origin: The word 'execrable' comes from the Latin word 'exsecrare,' which means 'to curse' or 'to abominate.' It entered the English language in the 15th century.

Meaning: Execrable refers to something that is extremely bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality.

Example Usage: "The execrable weather ruined the outdoor concert, and the event was canceled."

Example SAT Problem:

A) The movie was a critical failure, receiving execrable reviews from critics. B) The movie was a critical failure, receiving excellent reviews from critics. C) The movie was a commercial failure, receiving execrable reviews from critics. D) The movie was a commercial success, receiving excellent reviews from critics.

Correct answer: A) The movie was a critical failure, receiving execrable reviews from critics.

In this example, the word 'execrable' is used to describe the critical reviews of the movie, implying that they were extremely bad. This is a classic example of how 'execrable' can be used to convey strong negative connotations.

When preparing for the SAT, it's essential to familiarize yourself with words like 'execrable' and understand how to use them correctly in context. Practice using the word in different sentences, and make sure to recognize it in various forms on the test.

The word "exhort" is a great choice for improving your SAT vocabulary. Here's a breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈhɔːrt/ (eks-HOR-t)

Origin: The word "exhort" comes from the Latin word "exhortari," which is a combination of "ex" (meaning "out" or "forth") and "hortari" (meaning "to encourage" or "to persuade").

Meaning: To exhort someone means to urge or encourage them strongly to do something, often in a serious or urgent manner. It can also imply a sense of moral persuasion or a desire to inspire someone to take a particular action.

Example Usage: "The teacher exhort the students to work harder and achieve their academic goals."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below and choose the word that best fits the blank:

"The professor's impassioned speech __ the students to take action against climate change."

A) Exhorted B) Encouraged C) Urged D) Advised

Correct answer: A) Exhorted

In this example, the word "exhort" is used to convey a sense of strong encouragement or persuasion, which is the essence of the word's meaning.

Tips for the SAT:

• Remember that "exhort" is often used in formal or literary contexts, so be prepared to see it in passages that are more serious or academic in tone.
• In multiple-choice questions, look for words that convey a sense of strong encouragement or persuasion, and choose the word that best fits that meaning.
• Practice using "exhort" in your own writing to get a feel for how it sounds and how it can be used in different contexts.

The word "exigent" is a fascinating one. Let's break it down together.

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksɪdʒənt/ (ex-i-jent)

Origin: The word "exigent" comes from the Latin word "exigens," which means "demanding" or "exact." It is derived from the prefix "exigere," meaning "to demand" or "to exact."

Meaning: An exigent person is someone who is extremely demanding or exacting in their requirements or expectations. They often have high standards and expect others to meet them.

Example Usage: "The exigent director was notorious for pushing her actors to their limits, always demanding more and better performances."

Example SAT Problem: Here's a possible SAT question involving the word "exigent":

"Choose the word that best fits the blank space in the following sentence:

"The professor was known for being extremely ______ in her grading, often deducting points for minor errors."

A) lenient B) exigent C) lenitive D) indulgent

The correct answer is B) exigent, as it means demanding or exacting in one's requirements or expectations. The sentence implies that the professor has high standards and expects her students to meet them.

When taking the SAT, be on the lookout for words like "exigent" that require a nuanced understanding of vocabulary and context. Practice using these words in sentences to improve your skills and become a more confident test-taker.

The word "exonerate" is a fantastic choice to understand in the context of the SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of its phonetic symbol, origin, meaning, example usage, and how it might be used in an SAT problem.

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksəˈneɪɪeɪt/ (eks-uh-NAY-it)

Origin: The word "exonerate" comes from the Latin words "ex" (meaning "out" or "from") and "onare" (meaning "to load" or "to burden"). In the 15th century, the word entered the English language from Middle French, where it was "exonérer," a verb meaning "to clear of guilt" or "to excuse."

Meaning: The primary meaning of "exonerate" is to completely clear or absolve someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility for an action or crime. It implies that the person was previously accused or suspected of wrongdoing, but further investigation or evidence has revealed their innocence.

Example Usage: "After conducting a thorough investigation, the police were able to exonerate the suspect, who was later found to have been wrongly accused."

Example SAT Problem: Passage: The police department announced that they had exonerated the man arrested for the crime, citing new evidence that showed his alibi was true. The suspect's family was relieved, but many in the community remained skeptical.

Question: The word "exonerate" in the passage means to:

A) Impose a harsher punishment B) Remove blame or guilt C) Shift responsibility to someone else D) Delay a trial

Correct Answer: B) Remove blame or guilt

Explanation: The passage uses the word "exonerate" to indicate that the suspect was cleared of guilt and blame. This demonstrates the word's meaning of completely clearing someone of wrongdoing.

Let's dive into the word "exorbitant."

Phonetic Symbol: The phonetic symbol for "exorbitant" is /ɛksˈɔrbɪtnt/.

Origin: The word "exorbitant" comes from the Latin words "ex" (meaning "out of") and "orbita" (meaning "path" or "circle"). In Latin, "exorbitare" means "to go out of the way" or "to deviate from the path." The word entered the English language in the 15th century.

Meaning: The word "exorbitant" refers to something that is extremely high or excessive, often considered unreasonable or unjustifiable. It can describe prices, amounts, or degrees that are beyond what is normal or acceptable.

Example Usage: Here are a few examples of how to use "exorbitant" in a sentence:

1. "The exorbitant rent in the city made it difficult for young professionals to afford an apartment."
2. "The company's exorbitant profits were criticized by the government for being unfair to the consumers."
3. "The exorbitant fees charged by the lawyer for his services left the client feeling shocked."

Example SAT Problem: Here's an example of how "exorbitant" might be used in a SAT reading comprehension question:

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows:

"The new luxury car had an exorbitant price tag, but its advanced features made it a desirable purchase for many wealthy consumers. However, critics argued that the car's high price was not justified by its quality or performance."

Question: According to the passage, what is the main criticism of the luxury car's price?

A) It is too low compared to its quality. B) It is too high compared to its quality. C) It is not relevant to its performance. D) It is not justified by its features.

Correct answer: B) It is too high compared to its quality.

In this example, the word "exorbitant" is used to describe the luxury car's price, implying that it is excessively high. The correct answer choice reflects this meaning.

The word 'expedient' is a great choice for your SAT exam preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈpɛdiənt/ (eks-PEE-dee-uhnt)

Origin: The word 'expedient' comes from the Latin 'expendere', which means 'to weigh out' or 'to pay out'. It's derived from 'ex-' (out) and 'pendere' (to weigh).

Meaning: An 'expedient' refers to a solution or action that is practical or convenient, but not necessarily the best or most moral option. It can also refer to a device or means used to achieve a goal.

Example Usage: "The company chose to lay off employees as an expedient way to cut costs, but it led to a lot of criticism."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The government's decision to raise taxes was an expedient solution to the budget crisis, but it has sparked widespread protests. While the tax hike may bring in more revenue, it will also hurt the economy in the long run."

The author implies that the government's decision to raise taxes is an expedient solution because it is:

A) Fair and just B) Practical and convenient C) Popular among voters D) Effective in the long run

Answer: B) Practical and convenient

In this example, the word 'expedient' is used to describe the government's decision as a practical or convenient solution, but not necessarily the best or most moral option. This is a classic example of how the word is used in context, and it requires you to understand the nuances of the word's meaning.

The word "expiate" is a fascinating one, and I'm happy to break it down for you.

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksiˈpeɪt/ (ex-ee-PLAYT)

Origin: The word "expiate" comes from the Latin "expiare," which means "to atone" or "to make amends." This Latin term is derived from "ex" (meaning "out") and "piare" (meaning "to appease").

Meaning: The word "expiate" means to make amends or atone for a fault, offense, or wrongdoing. It can also refer to the act of punishing oneself for a mistake or sin.

Example Usage:

• "The guilty party tried to expiate their crimes by volunteering at a local charity." (Here, the person is making amends for their wrongdoing.)
• "The bishop ordered the priest to expiate his sins by fasting for 40 days." (In this case, the priest is punishing himself for his mistakes.)

Example SAT Problem:

Let's say you come across a sentence like this:

"After the scandal, the CEO's company donated millions to charity to expiate its role in the environmental disaster."

If you were to answer a question like this on the SAT, you might be asked to identify the word "expiate" or its meaning. You could choose an answer that says the CEO's company is:

A) Making amends for the environmental disaster B) Taking responsibility for the scandal C) Trying to hide the company's involvement D) Punishing itself for the wrongdoing

The correct answer would be A) Making amends for the environmental disaster.

Remember to pay attention to the context in which the word is used, and think about how it relates to the meaning of "expiate." With practice, you'll become more comfortable using this word in context and identifying it on the SAT!

The word 'expunge' is a useful term to know for the SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈpʌndʒ/ (eks-PUNJ)

Origin: The word 'expunge' comes from the Latin word 'ex', meaning 'out' or 'away', and 'pungere', meaning 'to prick' or 'to puncture'. This Latin term is also related to the word 'puncture'.

Meaning: The word 'expunge' means to officially erase or remove something, such as a name, record, or information, from a document, database, or memory. It can also mean to eliminate or remove something completely.

Example Usage: "The judge ordered the arrest record to be expunged, allowing the individual to start fresh."

Example SAT Problem: Here's an example question that might involve the word 'expunge':

Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The city council voted to expunge the town's history of racial tensions from the official records. Critics argued that this move would erase the painful memories of the past, rather than addressing the underlying issues."

Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'expunge' in the passage?

A) To add new information to a record B) To remove a record of past events C) To change the way information is presented D) To add a new event to a sequence of events

Answer: B) To remove a record of past events.

This question requires the test-taker to understand the meaning of 'expunge' and apply it to the context of the passage. It's an example of a question that might appear on the SAT exam, and it requires the student to demonstrate their understanding of vocabulary and its application in context.

The word "expurgate" is a great choice for SAT prep, as it's a vocabulary word that's often tested on the exam.

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈpɜːrɡeɪt/ (eks-PUR-gayt)

Origin: The word "expurgate" comes from the Latin verb "expurgare," which is a combination of "ex-" (meaning "out of" or "from") and "purgare" (meaning "to cleanse" or "to purge"). This Latin verb is derived from "purus," meaning "pure."

Meaning: To expurgate something means to remove or delete objectionable or undesirable parts of it, often to make it more acceptable or suitable for a particular audience. This can include removing profanity, violence, or other content that's considered off-color.

Example Usage: "The film's director decided to expurgate the more graphic scenes to make it more suitable for a younger audience."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The school board decided to expurgate the novel's more explicit passages in order to make it more suitable for high school students. However, many students felt that the edited version of the book was watered down and lost its original meaning."

The passage suggests that the school board's decision to expurgate the novel's passages may have had which of the following effects?

A) Made the novel more enjoyable for students B) Removed unnecessary details that detracted from the plot C) Resulted in a loss of the novel's original meaning D) Led to a greater understanding of the novel's themes

Correct answer: C) Resulted in a loss of the novel's original meaning

In this example, the word "expurgate" is used in the context of removing objectionable content from a novel, and the correct answer choice reflects the idea that the edited version of the book may have lost its original meaning.

The word 'extant' is a fascinating one. Let's break it down:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛgˈzænt/ (eg-ZANT)

Origin: The word 'extant' comes from the Latin word 'extare', which means 'to stand out' or 'to exist'. It's a perfect example of how Latin influences the English language.

Meaning: The word 'extant' has several meanings, but the primary one is 'still in existence' or 'remaining'. It can also refer to something that is still available or accessible.

Example Usage:

• "The ancient temple is still extant in the heart of the city, a testament to its rich history."
• "Many of the original manuscripts from the Renaissance period are still extant, allowing scholars to study them closely."

Example SAT Problem:

Let's consider a passage with the following sentence:

"The ancient city of Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash for centuries, but some of its buildings are still extant today, providing a unique glimpse into life in ancient Rome."

In this example, the word 'extant' is used to describe the buildings that are still standing, despite being buried for centuries. A possible SAT question might be:

Choice A) "The word 'extant' in the sentence above means 'destroyed'."

Choice B) "The word 'extant' in the sentence above means 'still in existence'."

Choice C) "The word 'extant' in the sentence above refers to the city of Pompeii as a whole."

Choice D) "The word 'extant' in the sentence above means 'newly built'."

The correct answer would be Choice B) "The word 'extant' in the sentence above means 'still in existence'."

This type of question would test your understanding of the word's meaning and its usage in a sentence.

The word "extol" is a very useful one to know for the SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛkstoʊl/ (eks-tohl)

Origin: The word "extol" comes from the Old French word "estolier," which is derived from the Latin word "extollere," meaning "to lift up" or "to elevate."

Meaning: To extol someone or something means to praise or glorify them in a loud and enthusiastic manner, often with great admiration or admiration.

Example Usage: "The teacher extolled the virtues of her students, praising their hard work and dedication to their studies."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The city's mayor extolled the benefits of the new public transportation system, saying it would make it easier for residents to get around without having to worry about traffic. However, some critics argued that the system was too expensive and would put a strain on the city's finances."

Which of the following best describes the tone of the mayor's speech when he extolled the benefits of the new public transportation system?

A) Skeptical B) Enthusiastic C) Cautious D) Angry

Answer: B) Enthusiastic

In this example, the word "extolled" is used to describe the mayor's speech, indicating that he was praising or glorifying the new public transportation system with great enthusiasm.

Tips for the SAT Exam:

• When you see the word "extol" in a question or passage, think about the context in which it is being used. Is the speaker or writer praising or glorifying something? If so, they are likely to use the word "extol."
• Be able to distinguish between words that mean to praise or glorify, such as "extol," "praise," and "glorify." While these words are related, they have slightly different connotations and uses.
• Practice using the word "extol" in your own writing to get a sense of its meaning and usage.

The word "extraneous" is a valuable one to know for the SAT exam.

Phonetic Symbol: The phonetic symbol for the word "extraneous" is /ˌɛksˈtrɑːniəs/.

Origin: The word "extraneous" comes from the Latin words "extra" (meaning "outside of") and "aneus" (meaning "relation"). It was first used in the 15th century to describe something that is outside of or unrelated to something else.

Meaning: The word "extraneous" typically means something that is outside of, or unrelated to, the main issue or topic at hand. It can also refer to unnecessary or irrelevant information.

Example Usage: "The coach deemed the player's comments about the referee as extraneous and asked them to focus on the game instead."

SAT Problem Example:

Read the passage below and choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The ancient city was known for its grand architecture and beautiful gardens. However, the city's main attraction was its museum, which featured an impressive collection of artifacts from around the world. Unfortunately, the museum's new wing was plagued by extraneous lighting that made it difficult to view the exhibits."

Question: The word "extraneous" in the passage most nearly means:

A) outside of the main city B) unrelated to the museum's exhibits C) necessary for the museum's lighting D) beautiful and ornate

Answer: B) Unrelated to the museum's exhibits

In this example, the word "extraneous" is used to describe the lighting in the new wing of the museum, which is seen as unnecessary or irrelevant to the main purpose of the museum, which is to showcase the exhibits.

I hope this helps you with your SAT exam preparation!

The word "extricate" is a great choice.

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛksˈtrɪkɪt/ The phonetic symbol represents the correct pronunciation of the word, which is /ex-TRI-ki-t/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

Origin: The word "extricate" comes from the Latin word "extricare," which is a combination of "ex-" (meaning "out" or "from") and "tricare" (meaning "to pick out" or "to pull out"). This Latin word is a combination of "ex-" and the verb "tricare," which is derived from "tri-" (meaning "three") and the verb "care" (meaning "to pluck," "to pull," or "to pick").

Meaning: The word "extricate" means to free or release someone or something from a difficult, complicated, or entangled situation. It can also mean to remove or get rid of something that is blocking or obstructing something else.

Example Usage:

• The firefighter had to extricate the trapped driver from the mangled car.
• The company had to extricate itself from the expensive contract that was no longer beneficial.

Example SAT Problem: Here's a sample SAT question that involves the word "extricate":

Choice A: The government had to extricate itself from the war because it realized the financial burden was too great.

Choice B: The hikers had to extricate the injured climber from the mountain.

Choice C: The manager tried to extricate himself from the meeting by sending a memo to the team.

Choice D: The fireman had to extricate the family from the burning house.

Correct Answer: A, B, and C are all correct usage of the word "extricate," but we will choose the most grammatically correct one which is Choice A: "The government had to extricate itself from the war because it realized the financial burden was too great."

This question tests the student's ability to understand the meaning and usage of the word "extricate" and to apply it in a grammatically correct sentence.

A great choice of word! The word 'exult' is a verb that can be quite challenging for many students. Here's a breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ɛgˈzʌlt/ (ex-UHlt)

Origin: The word 'exult' comes from the Latin verb 'exultare,' which means 'to leap for joy' or 'to jump for excitement.' This Latin verb is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out,' and 'ultare,' meaning 'to leap.'

Meaning: The word 'exult' means to feel or show great happiness, pride, or triumph, often in a way that is loud or public. It can also mean to celebrate or rejoice with excitement.

Example Usage: "The crowd exulted when their favorite team won the championship game." or "She exulted in her success, beaming with pride as she accepted the award."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below and choose the best answer.

The city's residents exulted as the new park opened, celebrating with a grand festival. (The passage describes a scene where people are feeling joyful and celebratory.)

Question: The word "exulted" in the passage most nearly means:

A) To be sad or depressed B) To feel a sense of pride or accomplishment C) To show a lack of interest or excitement D) To be bored or unenthusiastic

Answer: B) To feel a sense of pride or accomplishment

In this example, the word 'exulted' is used to describe the residents' joyful and celebratory mood, which is a key aspect of the word's meaning.

The word "fabricate" is an excellent choice for SAT preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /ˈfæbrɪkeɪt/

Origin: The word "fabricate" comes from the Latin word "fabricare," which means "to make" or "to create." This Latin term is derived from "fabricus," meaning "weaver" or "cotton-maker."

Meaning: The primary meaning of "fabricate" is to create or invent something, especially a piece of information, a story, or a lie. It can also mean to make or manufacture something, often in a skilled or artistic manner.

Example Usage:

• "She fabricated a story to cover up her mistake."
• "The company fabricated the new product using cutting-edge technology."
• "The artist fabricated the intricate wooden sculpture."

Example SAT Problem:

Read the passage below and answer the question:

"The company's new ad campaign was a fabrication, designed to create a false sense of urgency about the product's availability. While the ad claimed that the product was selling out quickly, the company actually had a surplus of stock."

What does the word "fabrication" mean in the context of the passage?

A) A creative work of art B) A deliberate lie or false statement C) A scientific experiment D) A business strategy

Correct answer: B) A deliberate lie or false statement

In the context of the passage, "fabrication" refers to the deliberate creation of a false story or statement, which is a key aspect of the word's meaning.

The word 'façade' is a great choice to focus on for your SAT exam. Here's a breakdown of the word:

Phonetic Symbol: /fæsɑːd/ Origin: The word 'façade' comes from the French language, derived from the Italian word 'facciata,' which means 'face' or 'front.'

Meaning: The word 'façade' refers to the exterior or front part of a building, often used to describe its appearance or façade, rather than its interior. It can also refer to a superficial or deceptive appearance that hides the true nature of something.

Example Usage: - The hotel's beautiful façade hid the worn-out rooms inside. - Her charming smile was just a façade to hide her true feelings.

Example SAT Problem: Read the passage below, and then choose the best answer to the question that follows.

"The historic mansion's faded grandeur and peeling paint hid the fact that it was a mere facade for a group of squatters." Which of the following words is closest in meaning to 'fact' and 'facade' in the passage? A) Appearance B) Facade C) Evidence D) Reality

Answer: B) Facade

In this example, 'facade' is used to describe the exterior or superficial appearance of the mansion, which is hiding its true state. The word is used to convey a sense of deception or superficiality, making it a great choice for the SAT exam.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the word 'façade' and how it can be used in context. Good luck with your SAT exam!