SAT Vocab Deck Flashcards
What does this nadir mean in context?
Without a doubt, the nadir of his life occurred when his drug addiction caused in rapid succession the loss of his business, his marriage, and almost, from an overdose, his life.
nadir - rock bottom, lowest point
clues - lost his business, his marriage, and almost died
What does ubiquitous mean in this context?
Once, cellular phones were a rare thing, but now they are so ubiquitous one can find them in the hands of many 10 year-olds.
ubiquitous - widespread, seen everywhere
clues - Once rare, now (opposite of rare)
What does vacillate mean in this context?
vacillate
Lauren could barely stand the way Joe vacillated about the logo and slogan, because she was convinced that the marketing window was closing.
vacillated - hesitation from indecision, not making up one’s mind
clues - “barely stand” so it’s a frustrating behavior, “marketing window” indicates time being wasted
What does quagmire mean in this context?
Commentators suggested that going to Iraq would be a new quagmire like Vietnam was for America in the 1970s.
quagmire - swampy, like quicksand, sticky situation
clues - the Vietnam War, just like the Iraq War was a situation that was hard to get out of
What does umbrage mean in this context?
Many in the room took immediate umbrage at his condescending tone, though I’m not sure he meant to insult anyone.
umbrage - offense, to feel slighted, put down
clues - his tone was condescending and insulting
What does zenith mean in this context?
Having just won an Oscar, with offers on the table for movies that paid really well and gave her a chance to work with the best directors, she was at the zenith of her career.
zenith - highest point
clues - she had just won an Oscar and had great career opportunities
What does aberration mean in this context?
Since he had been undefeated in his first fifteen matches, his recent loss could have been either an aberration or the beginning of a downward trend in his boxing career.
aberration - change, unusual deviation from the norm
clues - his loss was either a departure from his typical record or the start of a long term decline
What does abide mean in this context?
Early in his career, Paul Robeson was willing to abide the degrading treatment he received because of his skin color, but eventually he rebelled against the injustice of it.
abide - put up with, stay with
clues - initially he accepted it but eventually he rebelled against it
What does abject mean in this context?
Having survived the earthquake, but being reduced to abject poverty and inadequate shelter, the poor of Port-au-Prince endured the pelting rain of the hurricane.
abject - pitiful state
clues - the poor people suffered poverty, had no shelter, and were exposed to terrible weather conditions
What does cajole mean in this context?
Though Augustus was very shy, Constance was enough determined, sweet, and clever to cajole him into finally asking her out on a date.
cajole - persuade, coax
clues - Constance was able to convince Augustus to ask her out despite his shyness
