SAT Vocabulary Test I

Which word best describes something that is showy and of poor quality, often associated with cheap or vulgar things?

• Scandalous

• Unimpressive

• Generous

• Tawdry

Answer explanation

The word "tawdry" means something that is showy and cheap, often associated with low-quality or vulgar things. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "scandalous" implies wrongdoing or controversy, "Unimpressive" means not noticeable or significant, and "Generous" means kind in the way you treat people.

Which of the following words means "to assign or demote to a lower position or rank"?

• Promote

• Elevate

• Relegate

• Empower

Answer explanation

The word "relegate" means to demote or assign someone or something to a lower position or rank. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "promote" means to advance someone to a higher position, "elevate" means to raise something to a higher position, and "empower" means to give someone the authority or power to do something.

What is the meaning of the word "Spurn"?

• To admire

• To welcome

• To refuse

• To appreciate

Answer explanation

The word "spurn" means to reject or refuse sb/sth, especially in a proud way. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "admire" means to have a high opinion of someone or something, "welcome" means to receive someone or something with pleasure or goodwill, and "appreciate" means to recognize the value or worth of someone or something.

What is the meaning of the word "Spurn"?

• To admire

• To welcome

• To refuse

• To appreciate

Answer explanation

The word "spurn" means to reject or refuse sb/sth, especially in a proud way. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "admire" means to have a high opinion of someone or something, "welcome" means to receive someone or something with pleasure or goodwill, and "appreciate" means to recognize the value or worth of someone or something.

Which of the following words means "to compete or strive for something with someone"?

• Concede

• Vie

• Surrender

• Relent

Answer explanation

The word "vie" means to compete or strive for something with someone. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "surrender" means to give up, "relent" means to become less severe or harsh, and "concede" means to admit defeat or yield.

What does the word "Candid" mean?

• Open and honest in speech or expression

• Difficult to find or grasp

• Having or showing a strong desire for revenge

• Unpredictable or irregular

Answer explanation

The word "candid" means to be frank or straightforward in speech or expression. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "elusive" means difficult to find or grasp, "erratic" means unpredictable or irregular, and "vindictive" means having or showing a strong desire for revenge.

Which of the following words means "bare, cold, and often depressing in appearance or feeling"?

• Joyful

• Vibrant

• Serene

• Bleak

Answer explanation

The word "bleak" means bare, cold, and often depressing in appearance or feeling. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "vibrant" means full of life and energy, "joyful" means feeling or expressing great happiness, and "serene" means calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

What is the definition of "Stipend"?

• A regular fixed payment made to someone, often as a salary or allowance

• Property or money passed down from one generation to another

• A grant or payment made to support a student's education

• A sum of money paid regularly to shareholders of a company

What is the definition of "Wax"?

• To decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent

• To increase gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent

• To recede or flow back

• To make or become less

Answer explanation

The word "wax" means to increase gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "wane" means to decrease gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent, "ebb" means to recede or flow back, and "diminish" means to make or become less.

Which of the following words means "clearly expressed and easy to understand"?

• Confusing

• Ambivalent

• Lucid

• Mysterious

Answer explanation

The word "lucid" means clearly expressed and easy to understand. The other options do not fit the context as well, as "confusing" means causing bewilderment or perplexity, "ambivalent" means having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas, and "mysterious" means difficult to understand or explain; strange.