SAT Vocabulary Ep. 17: 10 High-Frequency Words, Definitions & Practice Quiz

Learn 10 SAT words about personality and attitude - Haughty, Gregarious, Complacent, Unassuming & more - with a practice quiz.

CRAMBOOKNOTES SAT Vocab Series

SAT High-Frequency Vocabulary

Ep.17 Words in Context - Set 17

High School Grades 10-12 10 Key Words Digital SAT

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Word List

Word	Part of Speech	Definition	SAT Context
Acrimony Negative	noun	Bitterness or harshness in tone or manner, especially during disagreement	"The merger talks collapsed amid growing acrimony between the two companies' leadership teams."
Blatant Negative	adjective	Completely obvious and unashamed, especially about something wrong or shocking	"The editorial called out the report's blatant disregard for basic statistical standards."
Complacent Negative	adjective	Overly satisfied with oneself or a situation, often leading to a lack of effort or awareness of danger	"The champion's complacent attitude heading into the final match cost her the early lead she had built."
Emulate Positive	verb	To try to match or equal, usually by imitating someone admired	"Younger athletes on the team openly tried to emulate the captain's disciplined training routine."
Fastidious Neutral	adjective	Very attentive to detail and hard to please; excessively particular	"The archivist's fastidious approach to labeling ensured that not a single document was ever misplaced."
Gregarious Positive	adjective	Fond of company; sociable	"The professor's gregarious personality made even the largest lecture hall feel like a small seminar."
Haughty Negative	adjective	Arrogantly proud and disdainful toward others	"Critics described the ambassador's haughty response to the reporters' questions as tone-deaf given the circumstances."
Perfunctory Negative	adjective	Done as a routine duty, without real interest or care	"The manager's perfunctory review of the safety checklist meant the actual hazard went unnoticed."
Somber Negative	adjective	Dark, dull, or gloomy in mood or tone	"A somber mood settled over the courtroom as the verdict was finally read aloud."
Unassuming Positive	adjective	Not pretentious or arrogant; modest	"Despite decades of groundbreaking research, the scientist remained remarkably unassuming about her own achievements."

Look-Alike Words

Opposite Charge · Contrast Pair

Haughty

Arrogantly proud and looking down on others.

Unassuming

Modest and not pretentious, even when there's reason to boast.

Tip: Haughty describes someone who acts superior. Unassuming describes someone who stays modest, even with real accomplishments.

Commonly Confused · Similar Meaning

Complacent

So satisfied with the current situation that effort or awareness starts to slip.

Perfunctory

Done quickly and routinely, without real care or attention.

Tip: Complacent describes a mindset of unearned comfort. Perfunctory describes an action done half-heartedly because of that mindset.

Commonly Confused · Similar Function

Acrimony

Bitterness or harsh tension, especially during conflict or disagreement.

Somber

A dark, heavy, gloomy mood or tone.

Tip: Acrimony is the sharp, bitter tone of a conflict. Somber is the heavy, quiet tone of sadness or seriousness.

Vocabulary Video

Watch - SAT Vocabulary Ep.17

Practice Quiz

SAT Vocab Ep.17 - Practice Quiz

Question 1 of 13

The once-friendly rivalry between the two coaches turned into open __________ after the controversial call.

Question 2 of 13

The referee ignored the __________ foul, drawing boos from the entire stadium.

Question 3 of 13

After winning three championships in a row, the team grew __________ and lost focus during practice.

Question 4 of 13

Young chefs often __________ the techniques of the restaurant's founder before developing their own style.

Question 5 of 13

The tailor's __________ attention to every stitch meant the suit took twice as long to finish.

Question 6 of 13

Her __________ nature meant she knew almost everyone by name after just one week at the new job.

Question 7 of 13

The critic's __________ tone throughout the review suggested he thought the entire genre was beneath him.

Question 8 of 13

The intern's __________ handshake made it clear he wasn't particularly interested in the interview.

Question 9 of 13

A __________ silence fell over the room after the announcement.

Question 10 of 13

Despite owning half the buildings downtown, the businessman lived in a small, __________ apartment.

Question 11 of 13

Look-Alike Check: A billionaire who drives an old car and never mentions his wealth is best described as __________, not haughty.

Question 12 of 13

Look-Alike Check: A security guard who barely glances at IDs because nothing has ever gone wrong is giving each check a __________ look, a habit that grew out of years of being complacent.

Question 13 of 13

Look-Alike Check: A funeral procession moving slowly through a quiet town has a __________ atmosphere, rather than one filled with acrimony.

out of 13 correct

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