PSAT Vocabulary

The new employee, feeling lost and confused in the sprawling office complex, struggled to ________ herself and find her way to the assigned department.

• Orient

• obfuscate

• Perturb

• Confound

After the devastating fire, the townspeople sifted through the charred remains of their homes, salvaging what little they could. Amidst the rubble and ash, a few precious photographs, miraculously untouched, offered a poignant reminder of happier times. The acrid smell of smoke lingered in the air, a residual testament to the destructive power of the flames. Even weeks later, a faint layer of soot coated everything, a constant reminder of the tragedy that had befallen their community.

As used in the passage, "residual" most nearly means:

• remaining

• initial

• visible

• fragrant

Despite the widespread accusations, new evidence emerged that seemed to ________ the scientist's controversial theory.

• vindicate

• bolster

• refute

• undermine

Dr. Anya Sharma was a brilliant astrophysicist, renowned for her groundbreaking research on black holes. While her contributions to the field were undeniable, her personality often presented a stark contrast to her intellectual prowess. She maintained an aloof demeanor, rarely engaging in casual conversation and preferring the company of her complex equations to that of her colleagues. This detachment, while sometimes perceived as arrogance, stemmed not from disdain for others, but rather from an intense focus on her work and a deep-seated shyness. Those who took the time to understand her found beneath the reserved exterior a sharp wit and a genuine passion for unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

As used in the passage, the word "aloof" most nearly means:

• reserved

• arrogant

• ambitious

• eccentric

The detective meticulously reviewed the security footage, searching for any ________ patterns in the suspect's movements.

• consecutive

• random

• ambiguous

• disparate

thrust aside with disdain or contempt; reject

• spurn

• accept

• insane

• inane

Which of the following sentences uses the word "baffle" correctly?

• The chef's intricate soufflé, with its delicate balance of flavors, baffled even the most discerning palates.

• The detective's clear and concise explanation of the crime baffled the jury, leading to a swift verdict.

• The comedian's predictable jokes and stale delivery baffled the audience into uproarious laughter.

• The athlete's consistent training and dedication baffled their performance, resulting in a series of disappointing losses.

risk (something) on the outcome of a contest or uncertain event; gamble; bet.

• wager

• wane

• exhort

• ebullient

After winning the championship, the team's mood was _____; they celebrated with unrestrained joy and enthusiasm.

• ebullient

• apathetic

• melancholic

• reticent

His constant stream of _____ comments during the lecture made it difficult for others to concentrate and absorb the complex material.

• inane

• profound

• eloquent

• gall