SAT Word Skills 4 - Lesson 29

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SAT Word Skills 4
to pique [verb]

to trigger a strong emotional reaction in someone, such as anger, resentment, or offense

Ex: I was piqued by his rude remark .
piquant [adjective]

having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste

Ex: The piquant aroma of exotic spices filled the kitchen as the curry simmered on the stove .
piquancy [noun]

a pleasantly spicy flavor

Ex: She appreciated the piquancy of the sauce , which added a burst of flavor to the meal .
sleight [noun]

skill in performing hand movements, often used to deceive or perform tricks

Ex: The magician 's sleight was so flawless that even the most skeptical viewers were left in awe .
slight [adjective]

not a lot in amount or extent

Ex: His injury was only slight , and he was able to return to work the next day .

someone who seemingly has the position of a leader but not the power and authority that comes with it

Ex: The celebrity was a figurehead for the fashion brand , though the creative team managed all the designs .
figurative [adjective]

using language in a way that words don't have their actual meaning, but an imaginative meaning instead

Ex: In the figurative sense , the " mountain " he spoke of represented the challenges he faced .
butte [noun]

a hill with steep, flat sides and a flat top, often found in desert areas

Ex: The Arizona desert is dotted with rugged buttes , adding to the region 's unique and picturesque scenery .

to provide support or justification in order to make something stronger or more secure

Ex: Additional evidence was presented to buttress the argument and strengthen the case .

(of a man) to have casual sexual affairs with multiple women

Ex: His tendency to philander was a topic of gossip among his friends .
philanthropic [adjective]

(of a person or organization) having a desire to promote the well-being of others, typically through charitable donations or actions

Ex: The company 's philanthropic initiatives included scholarships for disadvantaged students and support for local food banks .

the act of collecting and studying stamps

Ex:
philharmonic [adjective]

composing or characteristic of an orchestral group

an angry criticism against someone, often in the context of a speech delivered in public

Ex: The manager ’s philippic was aimed at the entire team for failing to meet the project deadlines .
philistine [adjective]

not being interested, fond, or understanding of serious works of music, art, literature, etc.

Ex: The critic dismissed the novel as suitable only for philistine readers .
to adorn [verb]

to make something more beautiful by decorating it with attractive elements

Ex: The bride chose to adorn her hair with delicate flowers for a natural look .

the act of showing great love or admiration, usually through gestures or actions

Ex: The child ’s adoration for her mother was evident in every hug and kiss .

to tell someone what to do or not to do, in an authoritative way

Ex: The director will dictate new procedures for efficiency .
diction [noun]

the manner in which words are pronounced

Ex: The actor 's diction was impeccable , allowing his emotions to be clearly conveyed through his words .
dictum [noun]

a formal statement issued by an authoritative source

Ex: The government issued a dictum ordering the closure of all non-essential businesses during the pandemic .