Vocabulary for Standardized Tests Flashcards

Grade 9 · English · Flashcards

High-frequency academic vocabulary words that appear on the SAT, ACT, and state standardized tests.

Flashcards

Ubiquitous: Present everywhere at once; extremely widespread. 'Smartphones are ubiquitous in modern society.'
Ephemeral: Short-lived; lasting only a brief time. From Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting one day).
Loquacious: Very talkative; tending to talk a great deal. Root: Latin 'loqui' (speak).
Taciturn: Reserved; inclined to say very little. Opposite of loquacious.
Cogent: Clear, logical, and convincing. A cogent argument is compelling and well-reasoned.
Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and practically rather than theoretically; focused on what works.
Empirical: Based on observation and experience rather than theory or pure logic.
Tenacious: Persistent; holding firmly to a purpose or belief despite obstacles. Root: Latin 'tenax' (holding fast).
Affable: Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk with. Root: Latin 'affabilis' (easy to speak to).
Incredulous: Unwilling or unable to believe something; skeptical. Root: in- (not) + credulous (ready to believe).
Benevolent: Showing kindness and goodwill. Root: bene- (good) + volens (wishing).
Ambiguous: Having more than one possible meaning; unclear or open to interpretation.
Succinct: Expressed in few words; brief and clear. The opposite of verbose.
Verbose: Using more words than necessary; overly wordy. Root: Latin 'verbum' (word).
Connotation vs. denotation: Denotation = the literal dictionary definition. Connotation = the emotional/cultural associations attached to a word.