11th Grade SAT Vocabulary List Four

1. Aesthetic adj. concerning art or beauty

She paid great attention to the aesthetic qualities of her home décor.

2. Expedite v. to quicken

The invention of airplanes has expedited the way in which people travel.

3. Derision n. contempt

Johnny had intense derision for the teacher that failed him twice.

4. Drone v. to talk on and on in a dull way

The professor droned on and on about the wonders of modern science, putting some students to

sleep.

5. Languid adj. slow and listless

The languid presentation was so boring many people left early.

6. Philistine n. one who lacks culture or taste

The people from Philista, an ancient civilization of the 14th century, were labeled philistine because

they lacked intellectual and artistic values.

7. Virulent adj. harmful

The snake’s venom was extremely virulent; one bite could kill you.

8. Parsimony n. stinginess

Children’s parsimony, when it comes to candy and toys, is infamous.

9. Profuse adj. very abundant; overflowing

She has a profuse collection of designer shoes, having one pair to match every outfit in her closet.

10. Acuity n. sharpness of mind

The teacher exclaimed, “The acuity of that student is amazing; he never misses a test question!”

11. Dogmatic adj. stubbornly opinionated

It does not pay to argue with dogmatic people because you can never convince them of your point.

12. Enigma n. a mystery, riddle

It has been said that women are an enigma that men will never figure out.

13. Censure v. severely criticize; blame

Sue’s parents constantly censured her until she couldn’t stand it any longer and ran away.

14. Cacophonous adj. harsh sounding

His piano playing was so cacophonous that people held their hands over their ears during the

recital.

15. Conciliate v. make compatible; reconcile

A marriage counselor oftentimes must play the intermediary and conciliate angry spouses.