SSAT Middle Level Vocabulary List

4.5 (93 reviews)
abandon
Click the card to flip 👆
1 / 337
Terms in this set (337)
abandon
cease to support or look after someone
abbreviation
a shortened form of a word or phrase
abhor
regard with disgust and hatred
abrupt
sudden and unexpected
abyss
a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm
accord
give or grant someone power, status, or recognition
acknowledge
accept or admit the existence or truth of
adamant
refusing to be persuaded to to change one's mind
adapt
make something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
adept
very skilled or proficient at something
adhesiveable to stick fast to a surface or object; stickyadmireregard with respect or warm approvalaffiliationthe state or process of affiliating or being affiliatedaggravatemake something worse or more seriousaggregatea whole formed by combining several separate elementsagileable to move quickly and easilyailtrouble or afflict someone in mind or bodyaimlesswithout purpose or directionakinof similar characteralarman anxious awareness of dangeralterchange in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant wayambiguousopen to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaningambivalenthaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someoneamorphouswithout a clearly defined shape or formanalyzeexamine something methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret itancient1. belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence 2. a standard, flag, or ensignanguishsevere mental or physical pain or sufferinganimositystrong hostilityannexadd as an extra or subordinate part, especially to a documentanxiousfeeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcomeapproximateclose to the actual, but hot completely accurate or exactarbitrarybased on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or systemaridhaving little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetationaspirationa hope or ambition of achieving somethingassentthe expression of approval or agreementassertstate a fact or belief confidently and forcefullyassessevaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality ofassuredconfidentastonishsurprise or impress someone greatlyaudibleable to be heardauthenticof undisputed origin and not a copy; genuinebarragea concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide areabarrentoo poor to produce much or any vegetationbarriera fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or accessbashfulreluctant to draw attention to oneself; shybastiona projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directionsbenigngentle and kindbetrayexpose (one's country, a group or a person) to danger by treacherously giving information to an enemybewildercause someone to become perplexed and confusedbiasedinclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfairbluntnot having a sharp edge or pointbrash1. self- assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way 2. loose broken rock or icebrazenbold and without shamebrittlehard but liable to break easilycandidtruthfully and straight forward; frankcautiouscareful to avoid potential problems or dangerscensoran official who examines books, films, news, etc. that are about to be published and suppresses any parts that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to securitycoercepersuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threatscommoditiesa raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as coppercompassionsympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of otherscompelforce or oblige (someone) to do somethingcomprehensiveincluding or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of somethingconcealnot allow to be seen; hideconcisegiving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensivecondescendinghaving or showing an attitude of patronizing superioritycondoneaccept behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensiveconfergrant a title, degree, benefit, or rightconfinekeep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of (space, scope, or time)conformcomply with rules, standards, or lawscongenialpleasing or liked on account of having qualities or interests that are similar to one's ownconsensusa general agreementcontradictiona combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one anothercontemplationthe action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long timecontentedfeeling or expressing happiness or satisfactioncontroversialgiving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreementconundruma confusing and difficult problem or questionconnivingsecretly allow something immoral, illegal, or harmful to occurconventionalbased on or in accordance with what is generally done or believedcounseladvice ,especially that given formallycunninghaving or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasioncredibleable to be believed; convincingcreeda system of religious belief; a faithdawdlewaste time; be slowdebatea formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a votedebta sum of money that is owed or duedeceivedeliberately cause someone to believe something that is not true, especially for personal gaindeclinebecome smaller, fewer, or less; deceasedecreean official order that has the force of lawdefensiveused or intended to defend or protectdefiantshowing defiancedeficientnot having enough of a specified quality or ingredientdejectiona sad and depressed state; low spiritsdeliberatedone consciously and intentionallydelicatevery fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or qualitydespairthe complete loss or absence of hopedesolateuninhabited and giving an impression of bleak emptinessdetestdislike intenselydetrimentaltending to cause harmdevotionlove, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activitydignitythe state or quality of being worthy of honour or respectdilutemake (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to itdisavowdeny any responsibility or support fordisgracedloss or reputation or respect as the result of a dishonourable actiondismayconcern and distress caused by something unexpecteddisputeda disagreement or argumentdissectmethodically cut up (a body, part, or plant) in order to study its internal partsdistastefulcausing dislike or aversion; disagreeable or unpleasantdistortpull or twist out of shapediversitythe state of being diversedomesticrelating to the running of a home or to family relationsdominatehave power or influence overdormanthaving normal or physical function suspended or slowed down for a period of timedoubtfulfeeling uncertain about somethingdrasticlikely to have a strong or far- reaching effect; radical and extremedreadanticipate with great apprehension or feardrenchedwet thoroughly; soakdubioushesitating or doubtingdurationthe time during which something continueseagerstrongly wanting to do or have somethingeconomizespend less; reduce one's expensesegotistthe fact of being excessively conceited or absorbed in oneselfelegantgraceful and stylish in appearance or mannerelongatemake something longer; especially unusually so in relation to its widthendeavortry hard to do or achieve somethingentrustassign the responsibility for doing something to someoneenvya feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions; qualities; or luckequivalentequal in value, amount, function , meaning, etc.esteemrespect and admirationeradicatedestroy completely; put an end toerraticnot even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictableeuphemisma mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassingevacuateremove someone from a place of danger to a safer placeevadeescape or avoid (someone or something ), especially by guile or trickeryexaltthink or speak very highly of (someone or something)excavatemake (a hole or channel) by diggingexcelbe exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subjectexemplifybe a typical example ofexilethe state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasonsexquisiteextremely beautiful and delicateextendcause to cover a wider area; make largerextincthaving no living membersextravagantlacking restraint in spending money or using resourcesfalterlose strength or momentumfathoma unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters) chiefly used in reference to the depth or waterfatigueextreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illnessfeeblelacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illnessfeistyhaving or showing exuberance, strong determination, and a lack of fearflaccidsoft and hanging loosely or limply, especially so as to look or feel unpleasantflatterlavish praise and compliments on (someone) often insincerely and with the aim of furthering one's own interestsflourishgrow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly congenial environmentfoolhardyrecklessly bold or rashfortunatefavoured by or involving good luck; luckyfrank1. open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters 2. stamp an official mark on (a letter or parcel) to indicate that postage has been paid or does not need to be paidfundamentalforming a necessary base or core; of central importancefuriousextremely angry; full of anger or energy; violent or intensegapa break or hole in an object or between two objectsgenerousshowing a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is strictly necessary or expectedgenuinetruly what something is said to be; authenticgleanobtain (information) from various sources, often with difficultyglintgive out or reflect small flashes of lightgracefulhaving or showing grace or elegancegratifiedgive (someone) pleasure or satisfactiongrievancesa real or imagined cause for complaint, especially unfair treatmentgullibleeasily persuaded to believe something; creduloushaphazardlacking any obvious principle of organizationhardshipsevere suffering or privationhaughtyarrogantly superior and disdainfulhazarda danger or riskhesitatepause in indecision before saying or doing somethinghideousextremely uglyhoarda stock or store of money or valued objects, typically one that is secret or carefully guardedhomelysimple but cozy and comfortable, as in one's own homeidealismthe unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfectionilluminatelight upillustrateprovide (a book, newspaper, etc.) with picturesimmaculateperfectly clean, neat, or tidyimplyindicate the truth or existence of (something) by suggestion rather than explicit referenceincidentan instance of something happening; an event or occurrenceincidentalhappening as a minor accompaniment to something elseincisiona surgical cut made in skin or fleshincisiveintelligently analytical and clear- thinkingindifferenthaving no particular interest or sympathy; unconcernedindignantfeeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatmentinfiltrateenter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret informationingenuitythe quality of being clever, original, and inventiveinhabitlive in or occupy (a place or environment)innovatemake changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or productsinquiryan act of asking for informationinsightthe capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or somethinginsolentshowing a rude and arrogant lack of respectintegratecombine (one thing) with another to form a wholeintegritythe quality of being honest and having strong moral principlesintermissiona pause or breakintricatevery complicated or detailedinundateoverwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt withiratefeeling or characterized by great angerjeermake rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voicejesta thing said or done for amusement; a jokejustifyshow or probe to be right or reasonablekeen1. having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm 2. wail in grief for a dead personkineticrelating to or resulting from motionlamenta passionate expression of grief or sorrowlegenda traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticatedlegitimateconforming to the law or to rulesliberateset (someone) free from inprisonment, slavery, or oppressionlimber1. lithe or supple 2. the detachable front part of a gun carriage, consisting of two wheels and an axle, a pole, and a frame holding one or more ammunition boxeslingerstay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leaveloftyof imposing heightlucrativeproducing a great deal of profitluminousgiving off light; bright or shiningluretempt (a person or animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of rewardmeagerlacking in quantity or qualitymeanderfollow a winding coursemeddleinterfere in something that is not one's concernmenacea person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or dangermergecombine or cause to combine to form a singe entitymimicimitate (someone or their actions or words), especially in order to entertain or ridiculemiragean optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the appearance of a sheet of water in a desert or on a hot road caused by the refraction of light from the sky by heated airmiserya state or feeling of great physical or mental distress or discomfortmoralconcerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviourmuddledbring into a disordered or confusing statemystifyutterly bewilder or perplex (someone)mytha traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or eventsnag1. harass (someone) constantly to do something that they are averse tonavigateplan and direct the course of a ship, aircraft, to other form of transport, especially by using instruments or mapsneglectfail to care for properlynoncommittalnot expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of actionnostalgicfeeling, evoking, or characterized by nostaligianotoriousfamous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deednoxiousharmful, poisonous, or very unpleasantnovel1. a fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism 2. interestingly new or unusualnovicea person new to and inexperienced in a job or situationobscurenot discovered or well known about; uncertainobstaclea thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progressobstinatestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do sooccupyreside or have one's place of business in ( a building)omitleave out or exclude (someone or something), either intentionally or forgetfullyoptimistichopeful and confident about the futureoverbearingunpleasantly overpoweringovertdone or shown openly; plainly apparentpacifyquell the anger, agitation, or excitement ofpacta formal agreement between individuals or partiespaltryvery small or meagreparodyan imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effectaparticlea minute portion of matterpeakthe pointed top of a mountainperplexedmake (someone) feel completely baffledperseverecontinue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indicationpervasivespreading widely throughout an area or a group of peoplepessmistictending to see the worse aspect of things are believe that the worst will happenpettyof little importance; trivialpinnaclethe most successful point; the culminationsplausibleseeming reasonable or probableplight1. a dangerous, difficult, or otherwise unfortunate situation 2. pledge or solemnly promise (one's faith of loyalty)poroushaving minute interstices through which liquid or air may passprecisemarked y exactness ad accuracy of expression or detailpredicamenta difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situationpredictiona thing predicted; a forecastprejudicedhaving or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from prejudice; biogotedpresumesuppose that something is the case on the basis of probabilityprimaryof chief importance; principalpristinein its original condition; unspoiltprominentimportant; famouspronelikely or liable to suffer from, do, or experience something unpleasant or regrettableprophecysay that (a specified thing) will happen in the futureprototypea first or preliminary version of a device or vehicle from which other forms are developedpuzzledcause (someone) to feel confused because they cannot understand somethingravenousvery great; voraciousrecklessheedless of danger or the consequences fo one's actions; rash or impetuousrefuteprove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disproverejectdismiss as inadequate, unacceptable, or faultyreluctantunwilling and hesitant; disinclinedreminisceindulge in enjoyable recollection of past eventsremotesituated far from the main centuries of population; distantrendezvousa meeting at an agreed time and placereplenishfill something up againrepresssubdue someone or something by forceresidualremaining after the greater part or quantity has gonerestorebring back or re-establishresumebegin again or continue after a a pause or interruptionreveal1. make (previously unknown or secret information) known to others 2. either side surface or an aperture in a wall for a door or windowreverefeel deep respect or admiration for (something)robuststurdy in constructionroutinea sequence of actions regularly followedrue1. bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen) and wish it undone 2. a perennial evergreen shrub with bitter strong- scented lobed leaves which are used in herbal medicinerustichaving a simplicity and charm that is considered typical of the countrysideruthlesshaving or showing no pity or compassion for otherssalvagerescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at seasatirethe use of humor, irony, andsavortaste (good food or drink) and enjoy it to the fullscantbarely sufficient or adequatescarceinsufficient for the demandseldomnot often; rarelysequencea particular order in which related things follow each othersincerefree from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelingssinistergiving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happensolemnforal and dignifiedsolitarydone or existing alonesomberdark or dull in color or tonesoothegently calm (a person or their feelings)specificclearly defined or identifiedspecka tiny spotspiritedfull of energy, enthusiasm,and determinationspontaneousperformed or occurring as a result of a sudden impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulussteadfastresolutely or dutifully form and unwaveringsubsidebecome less intense, violent, or severesubtleso delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describesuperbvery good; excellentsuperfluousunnecessary, especially through being more than enoughsupposethink or assume that something is true or probable but lack proof or certain knowledgetactskill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issuestaperdiminish or reduce in thickness towards one endtaska piece of work to be done or undertakentaunta remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someonetenacioustending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closelythrivegrow or develop well or vigorouslythwartprevent (someone) from accomplishing somethingtimidshowing a lack of courage of confidence; easily frightenedtiresomecausing one to feel bored or annoyedtoilwork extremely hard or incessantlytormentsever physical or mental sufferingtragedyan event causing great sufferingultimatebeing or happening at the end of a process; finaluniquebeing the only one of its kind; unlike anything elseunrulydisorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or controluprootpull (something, especically a tree or plant) out of the groundutilizemake practical and effective use ofvendoffer (small items) for sale, either from a stall or from a slot machineviewpointa position giving a good viewvigorousstrong, healthy, and full of energyvividproducing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mindvowa solemn promisevoyagea long journey involving travel by sea or in spacewearyfeeling or showing extreme tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertionwilyskilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfullywrathextreme angerzanyamusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic