vocabulary
The Digital SAT tests your ability to understand vocabulary in context. Definitions alone won't help—you must decode tone, logic, intent, and function of words within real-world text. This guide trains you to think like the test writers do.
1. Deep Context Strategy
These questions assess whether a word maintains the author's logical argument, tone, and purpose. Before reading the answer choices:
- Summarize the sentence’s purpose in your own words.
- Identify key transitions (however, because, for example).
- Ask: Is the author explaining, qualifying, criticizing, or reinforcing?
- Then read each word aloud in context to test tone and logic.
Although initial reactions to the proposal were mixed, the committee ultimately recognized its ____ and voted to implement it immediately.
- A) volatility
- B) merit
- C) obscurity
- D) redundancy
Show Explanation
Answer: B) merit
Reasoning: The phrase “voted to implement it immediately” shows approval. Only "merit" conveys positive value. The other options contradict that tone.
2. Morphology and Etymology Mastery
SAT passages often feature elevated vocabulary—words you may not have memorized but can decode using word parts. Mastering roots/prefixes multiplies your ability to guess with accuracy.
Common Prefixes: bene- (good), sub- (under), ante- (before), trans- (across)
Latin Roots: cred (believe), dict (speak), port (carry), vert (turn)
Greek Roots: bio (life), chrono (time), geo (earth), graph (write)
The scientist emphasized the need for a more ____ framework, one that would account for both local variation and global patterns.
- A) myopic
- B) holistic
- C) illicit
- D) frenetic
Show Explanation
Answer: B) holistic
Root Analysis: "holos" (Greek: whole). Only this term matches the idea of broad, inclusive understanding.
3. Tone & Connotation Sensitivity
You must distinguish between words that are technically correct but stylistically or emotionally wrong. For example, "meticulous" and "nitpicky" both suggest attention to detail—but the former is complimentary and the latter is critical.
Use this 3-part lens:
- Register: Is this academic, casual, poetic, sarcastic?
- Polarity: Is the emotion positive, neutral, or negative?
- Precision: Which word best captures the nuance the author intends?
The artist's new exhibit was widely praised for its ____ interpretation of tradition, blending old forms with surprising materials.
- A) irreverent
- B) innovative
- C) derivative
- D) complacent
Show Explanation
Answer: B) innovative
Connotation: Positive and fits the idea of "blending" and "surprising" in a creative way. Others are too negative or critical.
4. Precision in Claims and Evidence
This type of vocabulary question is common when a writer introduces data, consequences, or a shift in reasoning. All choices might work grammatically, but only one will:
- Correctly reflect the evidence introduced.
- Align with the author's intentional tone.
- Preserve the logical structure of the paragraph.
The data revealed a surprising trend: regions with the least rainfall saw the highest crop yields, a result that initially appeared ____.
- A) paradoxical
- B) inevitable
- C) deliberate
- D) insignificant
Show Explanation
Answer: A) paradoxical
Logic: "Surprising trend" indicates contradiction to expectation. "Paradoxical" means seemingly contradictory but possibly true.
Vocabulary Mastered
You've gone beyond definitions—you now see how words behave in SAT logic, tone, and argument.
Next Up
21: one variable linear equations
solve for x in one variable linear equations