SAT Exam Essential Vocabulary - Uncommon Meanings

Here you will learn the uncommon meaning of some English words, such as "drag", "leave", "gulf", etc. that you will need to ace your SATs.

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SAT Exam Essential Vocabulary

to elevate or accord significant social importance to someone or something through public recognition or acknowledgment

Ex: Scholars celebrate groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge .
to wind [verb]

to maneuver or direct something along a twisting or curving path

Ex:

to firmly and persistently express an opinion, belief, or statement as true and valid

Ex: The scientist maintains that climate change is a significant threat that needs immediate attention .
to occur [verb]

to be present or found in a particular place

Ex: The disease tends to occur more frequently in older adults .
to hail [verb]

to originate or come from a specific place or region

Ex: The acclaimed chef hails from Italy , known for its culinary traditions .

to narrate or recount a story, event, or series of events

Ex: During the interview , the witness related the sequence of events with clarity .

to bring to a sudden halt

Ex: The new policy aims to arrest the decline in biodiversity .

to think about a problem or an issue and start to deal with it

Ex: The government must address the rising unemployment rate .

to demonstrate a particular quality, feeling, skill, etc.

Ex:
to float [verb]

to bring suggestions, plans, or ideas forward for further consideration

Ex: The department head chose to float a proposal for a new project management system .
to chart [verb]

to organize and outline the components, steps, or details of a plan

Ex: The educational planner charted the curriculum for the academic year .

to make someone experience something unpleasant

Ex: The economic downturn subjected many small businesses to financial challenges and closures .
to treat [verb]

to pay for or offer food, drink, or entertainment to someone as a gift or favor

Ex: After the long hike , they treated the group to cold drinks .

to get infected by a disease or virus

Ex: Many individuals unknowingly contract Lyme disease from tick bites while spending time outdoors .

to convey a speech, idea, etc. to an audience in a clear and effective manner

Ex: She delivered a powerful presentation on climate change , urging the audience to take action .

to communicate or portray a particular feeling, idea, impression, etc.

Ex: While speaking , he was continuously conveying his passion for the subject .

to help or support the progress or development of something

Ex: The government launched a campaign to promote environmental conservation and sustainability .

to play the role of a character in a movie, play, etc.

Ex: The actor 's ability to portray villains with depth and charisma has made him a sought-after talent in Hollywood .

to settle or establish something with finality and authority

Ex: The government determined the new tax rates for the coming year .

to change into a different form or to change into something with a different use

Ex:

to make someone have a specific emotion or feeling, particularly a positive one

Ex: His kindness inspired gratitude in all those around him .

to provide access to or give someone the opportunity to do something

Ex: His wealth afforded him the luxury of traveling around the world .

to make something tangible or actual from an idea or concept

Ex: They worked hard to realize the plans for the community park .

to be understood and have a strong impact or relevance

Ex: The artist ’s work resonates with people who have experienced loss and longing .

to propose an idea or theory for discussion

Ex: In the academic conference , the researcher advanced a groundbreaking theory that challenged existing notions in the field .

to formally contract or engage services for a specific purpose or period

Ex: The school chartered a bus to take students to the museum for a field trip .

to gather individuals closely together in large numbers

Ex:

to pay close attention to something by looking at it carefully

Ex: The artist regarded the sculpture from all angles to ensure its balance .

to ignore or dismiss something, refusing to consider or give attention to it

Ex: She regularly discounts alternative viewpoints , limiting diverse perspectives .
to level [verb]

to aim or direct a weapon at a target

Ex: The hunter leveled his shotgun at the flying duck , tracking its movement with practiced precision .

a field of study that is typically taught in a university

Ex: She pursued a career in physics , a discipline that explores the fundamental laws of nature and the universe .
drag [noun]

the force exerted on an object moving through a fluid that opposes its motion

Ex: Aircraft are designed with smooth surfaces to reduce air drag .
response [noun]

a physical or emotional reaction that happens as a result of a specific situation or event

a distinctive and recognizable style or characteristic that sets someone or something apart

Ex: The architect 's buildings bore a signature style of clean lines and innovative use of space .

an estimate or prediction based on past observations or data

Ex: Demographic projections anticipate a rise in the population .
benefit [noun]

a financial aid provided by the government for people who are sick, unemployed, etc.

Ex: The government has increased the benefits for families with children who are in need .
wake [noun]

the aftermath or consequences following a significant event, especially a disaster

Ex: The wake of the pandemic led to economic uncertainty .

a symbol or mark made by pressing or stamping onto a surface

Ex: The artist 's signature left a unique impression on the canvas , distinguishing it from others .
bill [noun]

the projecting mouthpart of a bird used for feeding or preening

Ex: The pelican 's long bill can hold a large catch of fish .

the composition or makeup of someone or something, especially in terms of its physical or structural arrangement

Ex: His resilient constitution enabled him to withstand the rigorous training .
plot [noun]

a small area of land intended or marked for a particular use such as gardening

Ex: Each community member was given a plot to grow their own flowers .

a medical problem, such as a disorder, illness, etc.

Ex: Living with a mental health condition can be challenging , but many find support through therapy and community resources .
adoption [noun]

the legal act or process of taking someone else's child and raising them as one's own

Ex: The adoption was finalized after months of paperwork and home visits from social workers .
cause [noun]

a sequence of actions or efforts directed towards advancing a principle or achieving a specific objective

Ex: She dedicated her life to the cause of promoting education for girls in developing countries .
means [noun]

an instrument or method used to achieve a specific end or goal

Ex: Diplomacy is a means to resolve international conflicts peacefully .
impact [noun]

the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another

Ex: The boxer ’s punch made a strong impact against his opponent ’s defense .
vehicle [noun]

an object capable of carrying infectious agents and transmitting them between individuals

Ex: Coins exchanged during transactions can serve as vehicles for bacterial transmission .

a specific look on someone's face, indicating what they are feeling or thinking

Ex: The teacher 's stern expression quickly silenced the noisy classroom .
province [noun]

the specific area or domain where one's actions, authority, or expertise are appropriate or effective

Ex: The artist 's province extends to painting and sculpture .
draft [noun]

a flow of air, often caused by temperature differences or ventilation

Ex: Sitting near the air vent , he felt a draft of cold air every time the air conditioner turned on .
game [noun]

wild animals or birds that are hunted for food or sport

Ex: Hunting game requires patience and skill .
tenor [noun]

the consistent course or pattern of a person's life and activities

Ex: The tenor of his existence was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation .
gulf [noun]

a big difference that is hard to overcome, especially because of a lack of understanding

Ex: The misunderstanding created a gulf between the teacher and the students .

the way a wave travels through a medium

Ex: Understanding the propagation of light is crucial for designing better optical lenses .
draw [noun]

a performer or attraction that greatly appeals to audiences, resulting in the attraction of large crowds to an event or venue

Ex: The comedian 's humor made him a major draw at the comedy club , with audiences eagerly anticipating his performances .
carousel [noun]

a moving belt at airports where passengers pick up their luggage

Ex: His suitcase came out on the carousel last .
crest [noun]

a symbol or design used in medieval times to decorate a helmet, often representing a family or knightly order

Ex: The crest of the noble house featured a soaring eagle , symbolizing power and freedom .
acute [adjective]

(of senses) highly-developed and very sensitive

Ex: The detective had an acute eye for detail , noticing clues others missed .
pastoral [adjective]

related to a peaceful and simple countryside life, often seen as idyllic and rustic

Ex: Their weekend cabin was a pastoral retreat away from the busy city .
intimate [adjective]

knowing someone or something very well through close study or personal experience

Ex: As a historian , she was intimate with the events leading up to the war .
fine [adjective]

(of a texture) having substances made of tiny particles

Ex: The sand on the beach was fine and soft , perfect for building sandcastles .