Advanced Vocabulary - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

1. What does the word "enervate" most nearly mean?

   To weaken; to drain energy. From Latin 'enervare' meaning to weaken by removing nerves, indicating energy depletion.

2. What does the word "aberration" most nearly mean?

   A departure from what is normal; an anomaly. Derived from Latin 'aberrare' meaning to wander away, this term describes deviations from expected norms in behavior or events.

3. What does the word "conundrum" most nearly mean?

   A difficult problem; a puzzle. Possibly from Latin 'con' and 'undrum' (uncertain origin), used for perplexing dilemmas.

4. What does the word "diffident" most nearly mean?

   Shy; lacking self-confidence. From Latin 'diffidere' meaning to mistrust, describing timid lack of confidence.

5. What does the word "abrogate" most nearly mean?

   To repeal or abolish formally. From Latin 'abrogare' meaning to repeal, it applies to formally annulling laws or agreements.

6. What does the word "admonish" most nearly mean?

   To warn or reprimand. From Latin 'admonere' meaning to warn, used for firm corrections or cautions.

7. What does the word "acquiesce" most nearly mean?

   To accept or comply reluctantly. Rooted in Latin 'acquiescere' for finding rest, it implies passive acceptance despite reluctance.

8. What does the word "capricious" most nearly mean?

   Impulsive and unpredictable. From Latin 'capriciosus' related to whims, indicating sudden changes in mood or behavior.

9. What does the word "apocryphal" most nearly mean?

   Of doubtful authenticity; probably false. From Greek 'apokryphos' meaning hidden, referring to stories of questionable truthfulness.

10. What does the word "conflagration" most nearly mean?

    A large destructive fire. From Latin 'conflagratio' for burning together, denoting widespread and intense fires.

11. What does the word "gregarious" most nearly mean?

    Sociable; enjoying the company of others. From Latin 'gregarius' meaning belonging to a flock, indicating fondness for social groups.

12. What does the word "deleterious" most nearly mean?

    Harmful; damaging. From Latin 'deleteri' meaning destructive, applied to things causing harm or injury.

13. What does the word "anathema" most nearly mean?

    Something intensely disliked or cursed. From Greek 'anathema' for something dedicated to evil, used for objects of intense loathing.

14. What does the word "ebullient" most nearly mean?

    Exuberant; high-spirited. From Latin 'ebullire' meaning to boil up, conveying bubbling enthusiasm and energy.

15. What does the word "garrulous" most nearly mean?

    Excessively talkative. From Latin 'garrulus' meaning chattering, describing excessive and often trivial talk.

16. What does the word "equivocal" most nearly mean?

    Ambiguous; open to multiple meanings. From Latin 'aequivocus' meaning equal voice, suggesting unclear or dual interpretations.

17. What does the word "ambivalent" most nearly mean?

    Having mixed or conflicting feelings. From Latin 'ambi' meaning both and 'valere' for strength, it captures simultaneous opposing emotions.

18. What does the word "fervid" most nearly mean?

    Intensely passionate; fervent. From Latin 'fervidus' meaning boiling hot, expressing intense emotional fervor.

19. What does the word "circumspect" most nearly mean?

    Cautious; considering all circumstances. From Latin 'circumspicere' meaning to look around, implying careful consideration of risks.

20. What does the word "alacrity" most nearly mean?

    Eager readiness; cheerful promptness. Originates from Latin 'alacritas' for liveliness, denoting eager and cheerful responsiveness.

21. What does the word "fastidious" most nearly mean?

    Very attentive to detail; hard to please. From Latin 'fastidiosus' meaning disdainful, denoting meticulous attention and pickiness.

22. What does the word "disparate" most nearly mean?

    Fundamentally different; not alike. From Latin 'disparatus' meaning separated, emphasizing fundamental differences.

23. What does the word "assiduous" most nearly mean?

    Diligent and persistent; hardworking. From Latin 'assiduus' meaning constantly attentive, it highlights persistent effort in tasks.

24. What does the word "censure" most nearly mean?

    Strong disapproval; to criticize harshly. From Latin 'censura' for judgment, used for formal expressions of strong criticism.

25. What does the word "austere" most nearly mean?

    Severe or plain; without luxury. Derived from Latin 'austerus' for severe, describing strict simplicity without indulgence.

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