SAT Vocabulary Lesson 2
Words like tenacious, metamorphosis, and umbrage — 25 challenging vocabulary words with definitions, exercises, and an answer key.
Word List with Definitions
Study these 25 vocabulary words. Each word includes its part of speech and definition. Use the printable worksheet to practice synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and sentence completion.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| abdicate | (v) | to decline or reject a powerful position, such as a kingship |
| affectation | (n) | an exaggerated or deliberate mannerism |
| arbitrary | (adj) | done or chosen without a reason; random |
| beseech | (v) | to beg or plead |
| censorious | (adj) | finding fault; judging harshly |
| consensus | (n) | an opinion that is agreed upon by all members of a group of people |
| cudgel | (n) | a short, thick blunt weapon; a club |
| despite | (prep) | in spite of |
| effrontery | (n) | boldness; audacity |
| fealty | (n) | loyalty; fidelity |
| hesitant | (adj) | lacking decisiveness; uncertain or unwilling to make a decision |
| inaudible | (adj) | unable to be heard |
| lithe | (adj) | moving or bending easily; graceful and fluid in motion |
| metamorphosis | (n) | a change in form or shape, often from one stage of development to another, as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly |
| nocturnal | (adj) | belonging to, occurring in, or related to the nighttime |
| opulence | (n) | riches or affluence, especially as shown by expensive or ostentatious possessions or lifestyle |
| partition | (n) | something which separates two parts or areas |
| phonetic | (adj) | of, relating to, or representing the sounds of speech |
| prolong | (v) | to make something last longer; to extend a period of time |
| reckless | (adj) | careless or unwise; unheeding of danger |
| rigor | (n) | a harsh or stern rigidity; unyielding |
| somnolent | (adj) | drowsy or inclined to sleep |
| tenacious | (adj) | stubborn; holding fast to a belief or goal |
| umbrage | (n) | resentment based on a feeling of having been injured |
| veto | (n) | the action of the president of the United States, according to the provision in the constitution, to reject a law passed by congress |
Practice Exercises
The printable worksheet includes four types of exercises to reinforce each word:
- Synonyms — Write the word from the list that means the same as the word given.
- Antonyms — Write the word from the list that means the opposite of the word given.
- Analogies — Choose the word that best completes the word-relationship pattern.
- Sentence Completion — Write the correct word to complete each sentence.
Printable Worksheet
The printable PDF includes the word list, all four exercises, and a full answer key.
SAT Vocabulary Quiz — Lesson 2
Test your knowledge of the Lesson 2 words. Select the best answer for each question and submit to see your score.
SAT Vocabulary Quiz — Lesson 2
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Which word means the same as 'offense' or 'resentment'?
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Which word means 'stubbornly holding fast to a goal'?
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Which word means 'drowsy or inclined to sleep'?
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Which word means the opposite of 'cautious'?
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Which word means 'a change in form or shape'?