SAT Vocabulary Test III

Which of the following is the closest synonym for the word "Paucity"?

• Abundance

• Plenty

• Scarcity

• Jupiter

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) Scarcity.

"Paucity" means a small or insufficient amount of something, indicating a scarcity or shortage. Option A and B both mean a large amount or abundance of something, while option D means more than what is needed or necessary. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which is a synonym for "paucity".

Which of the following is the closest antonym for the word "Affluent"?

• Poor

• Wealthy

• Prosperous

• Opulent

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A) Poor.

"Affluent" means having a great deal of money or wealth, indicating a person or area is prosperous or wealthy. Option B, C, and D all mean having wealth or prosperity, so they are not antonyms of "affluent". Option A, on the other hand, means lacking wealth or having little money, making it the correct antonym for "affluent".

What is the meaning of the word "Derisive"?

• Expressing praise or admiration

• Showing contempt or ridicule

• Conveying respect or admiration

• Communicating approval or agreement

Answer explanation

The correct answer is B) Showing contempt or ridicule.

"Derisive" means expressing contempt or ridicule, indicating a person or thing is scornful or mocking. Option A, C, and D all mean expressing praise, admiration, or approval, so they are not synonyms of "derisive". Option B, on the other hand, means mocking or ridiculing, making it the correct meaning for "derisive".

Which of the following best describes the meaning of the word "Differentiate"?

• To combine

• To distinguish

• To unify

• To blend

Answer explanation

The correct answer is B) To distinguish.

"Differentiate" means to recognize or highlight the differences between things, indicating the need to distinguish or separate them. Option A, C, and D all mean to combine, unify, or blend things together, so they are not synonyms of "differentiate". Option B, on the other hand, means to separate or distinguish things, making it the correct meaning for "differentiate".

What is the meaning of the word "Forthright"?

• Dishonest

• Misleading

• Candid

• Ambiguous

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) Candid.

"Forthright" means straightforward and honest, indicating a person or thing is direct and sincere. Option A and D both mean unclear or insincere, while option B means dishonest or misleading. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which is a synonym for "forthright".

Which of the following is the best definition of the word "Smug"?

• Feeling satisfied with oneself and one's achievements

• Feeling confident in one's abilities

• Feeling uncertain about oneself

• Feeling humble and modest

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A) Feeling satisfied with oneself and one's achievements.

"Smug" means having or showing excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements, indicating a person is conceited or self-satisfied. Option B refers to self-confidence, which is not necessarily negative, while option C means feeling uncertain about oneself, and option D means being humble and modest, which are antonyms of "smug". Therefore, the correct answer is option A, which best defines "smug".

What is the meaning of the word "Urbane"?

• Rude and impolite

• Lacking in social skills

• Polished and refined

• Uneducated and uncultured

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) Polished and refined.

"Urbane" means sophisticated and elegant in manner or style, indicating a person or thing is courteous, suave, and refined. Option A, B, and D all mean the opposite of "urbane" and describe someone or something that is lacking in social skills, refinement, and culture. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which defines "urbane".

Which of the following words best describes someone who is "Steadfast"?

• Indecisive

• Fickle

• Loyal

• Unreliable

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) Loyal.

"Steadfast" means unwavering, firm, and committed in purpose or belief, indicating a person is loyal, faithful, and committed. Option A, B, and D all mean the opposite of "steadfast" and describe someone or something that is lacking in decisiveness, loyalty, and reliability. Therefore, the correct answer is option C, which describes someone who is "steadfast".

Which of the following best defines the meaning of the verb "to dupe"?

• To persuade someone to do something they do not want to do

• To deceive or trick someone by making them believe something that is not true

• To challenge or question the validity of something

• To negotiate or bargain with someone to reach an agreement

Answer explanation

The correct answer is B) To deceive or trick someone by making them believe something that is not true.

"To dupe" is a verb that means to deceive or trick someone by making them believe something that is not true. Option A means to persuade someone to do something they do not want to do, which is a different meaning of "to persuade". Option C means to challenge or question the validity of something, which is a different meaning of "to challenge". Option D means to negotiate or bargain with someone to reach an agreement, which is a different meaning of "to negotiate". Therefore, the correct answer is option B, which defines the meaning of "to dupe".

Which of the following best defines the meaning of the adjective "Docile"?

• Easily irritated or annoyed

• Eager to learn new things and acquire knowledge

• Capable of adapting to different situations and circumstances

• Easily trained or obedient, submissive to authority

Answer explanation

The correct answer is D) Easily trained or obedient, submissive to authority.

"Docile" is an adjective that means easily trained or obedient, submissive to authority. Option A means easily irritated or annoyed, which is a different meaning of the word. Option B means eager to learn new things and acquire knowledge, which is a different meaning of the word. Option C means capable of adapting to different situations and circumstances, which is also a different meaning of the word. Therefore, the correct answer is option D, which defines the meaning of "docile".