SAT: Vocabulary in Context Glossary
10 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in SAT: Vocabulary in Context.
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A word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
Characteristic of informal, everyday speech rather than formal writing. Colloquial language is conversational and may include slang.
The emotional or evaluative association a word carries beyond its dictionary definition.
A hint within the text -- such as a definition, example, synonym, or contrast -- that helps the reader determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
The literal, dictionary definition of a word, stripped of emotional associations.
An author's choice of words, considered in terms of correctness, clarity, or effectiveness.
Language that uses words in a non-literal way to create imagery, comparisons, or emphasis (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification).
A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than from an explicit statement in the text.
The level of formality in language use, ranging from casual (colloquial) to formal (academic).
A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context.