SAT VOCABULARY PART 1

To Kill a Mockingbird

CONTENTIOUS

Likely to argue with someone SYNONYMS: quarrelsome,

argumentative Brothers and sisters often have

contentious relationships in that they argue and fight a lot.

Contenders

TENTATIVE

Uncertain, not final; not fully worked out

SYNONYMS: unconfirmed; indefinite; unsettled

We have tentative plans for Homecoming; however, the plans could still change if it begins to rain while we are outside.

DICTUM

an authoritative statement or decree SYNONYMS: a command, an order Hitler created inhumane dictums while

he was the leader of Germany. (A person does not have to be a dictator to hand down dictums.)

Dictator

TACITURN

inclined to silence; reluctant to join in conversation.

SYNONYMS: quiet, shy, reserved

A shy person is usually taciturn.

QUAINT 1. strange or unusual in an interesting

or amusing way 2. having an old-fashioned charm or

attractiveness SYNONYMS: 1.strange, peculiar, odd

2. enchanting, charming He had a quaint sense of humor which

only his friends understood.

A quaint

cottage

MALEVOLENT

having an evil influence SYNONYMS: wicked, malicious Your parents may be fearful of you

walking the streets alone at night due to malevolent strangers possibly lurking in the shadows.

PREDILECTION

preference toward something; strong fondness for

SYNONYMS: preference, fondness, liking

Some people have a predilection for ice-cream and eat it every day.

DOMICILE

Place of residence SYNONYMS: home or residence For many students their domicile has

been Carmel, Indiana since they were born.

PROFANE

immoral, disrespectful of religion SYNONYMS: disrespectful, sinful, vulgar The principal made it clear that

students who use profane language at the game will be asked to leave.

Profanity

AUSPICIOUS

Promising success, favored by fortune SYNONYMS: favorable, encouraging,

lucky After reading her horoscope in the

paper, Mary felt it was an auspicious time to purchase a lottery ticket.

STOP HERE FOR TODAY Don’t forget to write your vocabulary

sentences!

INDIGENOUS

native to or characteristic of a certain area

SYNONYMS: native, local Gray squirrels are indigenous to the

Midwest, and if you travel to California, you will see different species of squirrels.

DIMINUTIVE

Smaller than average size SYNONYMS: tiny, small, miniature The store which specialized in selling

doll houses was filled with diminutive versions of the houses one will find on Main Street. BIG CAT DIMINUTIVE CAT

FRACTIOUS

Difficult to control; unruly, disobedient

SYNONYMS: disobedient; irritable

During the pep-rally the fractious students began to push each other, and soon there was a big fight among them.

DISAPPROBATION

Strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds

SYNONYMS: disapproval

The unruly child faced the disapprobation of her parents when they learned she hit her brother.

FURTIVE

Attempting to avoid attention due to fear of getting caught

SYNOYMS: secretive, sneaky, sly

During the test, Blaine made furtive glances at Greyson’s test answers.

A furtive

fox

IMPUDENT

Not showing due respect for another person

SYNONYMS: disrespectful, rude The student’s impudent act of

swearing at his teacher and then skipping school lead to his expulsion.

BENEVOLENCE

desire to do good to others SYNONYMS: kindness, generosity Donating to the poor or needy is an act

of benevolence.

Clothing

Drive

IRASCIBLE

Easily made angry SYNONYMS: irritable, touchy Just about anything could set off his

irascible temper.

STOP HERE FOR TODAY Don’t forget to write your vocabulary

sentences!

CARICATURE

a drawing of a person which exaggerates his traits for comic effect

SYNONYMS: cartoon, parody

Cartoonists draw many caricatures of presidents.

INORDINATE

not within reasonable limits

SYNONYMS: excessive, extravagant

Mike took an inordinate amount of candy when trick or treating.

INGENUOUS

Innocent; free from restraint

SYNONYMS: innocent, naïve, sincere, honest

Because of the ingenuous nature of young children, they most often tell the truth when questioned by an adult.

INNATE

existing in one from birth; a natural quality

SYNONYMS: inborn, native

Many researchers believe that personality is an innate quality rather than a series of traits we learn from our parents and society.

Is personality innate?

GUILELESS

Innocent and without deception

SYNONYMS: honest, straightforward

Is it possible to find a guileless politician in Washington D.C., or do they all have the potential for dishonesty? Guileless or Not

Guileless?

FANATIC

A person with extreme and uncritical enthusiasm for something

SYNONYMS: extremist

A Colt’s fanatic will paint his body blue and white for every game, even if they are on a losing streak.

PIETY

devotion to God and observance of religious principles

SYNONYMS: faithfulness, holiness

The reverend’s pious sermon motivated the congregation to pray with piety.

STOP HERE FOR TODAY Don’t forget to write your vocabulary

sentences! Vocabulary Quiz over Words 1-25 Soon!