SAT VocabularySet 4

A hot meal can ameliorate the discomforts of even the coldest day.

ameliorate

Definition: to improve; make better

POS: verb

Visual:

Considering the family’s tense mood, you handled the situation with aplomb.

aplomb

Definition: great self-confidence in a difficult situation; keeping your cool

POS: noun

Visual:

They entered the army as callow recruits and left as seasoned veterans.

callow

Definition: without experience; immature; not fully developed

POS: adjective

Visual:

Admitting when you have been fairly defeated is the epitome of sportsmanship.

epitome

Definition: a classic “definition” or example of something; a summary,

POS: noun

Visual:

With dramatic gestures, our fans vigorously exhorted the team to play harder.

exhort

Definition: to strongly urge someone to do something.

POS: verb

Visual:

If you continue to infringe on my responsibilities, will you also take the blame for my mistakes?

infringe

Definition: to violate; trespass

POS: verb

Visual:

The crowd was so eager to see the band perform that they resented the opening singer as an interloper.

Interloper

Definition: one who moves in where he/she is not wanted; an intruder

POS: noun

Visual:

It had been my father’s favorite book when he was my age, so it holds intrinsic meaning to me.

intrinsic

Definition: internally true and genuine

POS: adjective

Visual:

You should not inveigh against the plan with quite so much vigor until you have read it.

inveigh

Definition: to make a violent attack in words; to express strong disapproval

POS: verb

Visual:

On some days I am overcome by lassitude at the thought of so many more years of schooling.

lassitude

Definition: tiredness; lack of energy

POS: noun

Visual:

In 1999 an argument raged over whether 2000 or 2001 would mark the beginning of the new millennium.

millennium

Definition: a period of one thousand years; a period of great joy

POS: noun

Visual:

One need not rely on occult knowledge to grasp why things disappear in a house where black cats live.

occult

Definition: mysterious, magical, supernatural; matters involving the supernatural

POS: adjective; noun

Visual:

The rain permeated all of my clothing and reduced the map in my pocket to a wet mess.

permeate

Definition: to spread through, penetrate; soak through

POS: verb

Visual:

Some argue that more stringent laws against speeding will make our streets safer.

stringent

Definition: strict; severe; sharp or bitter to the taste

POS: adjective

Visual:

I cannot be sure, but I surmise that she would not accept my apology even if I made it on my knee.

Surmise

Definition: to think or believe without supporting evidence; to guess; an idea that lacks definite proof

POS: verb; noun

Visual: