SAT

extreme or alarming seriousness or importance; solemnity

the gravity of the crime

momentary; temporary; lasting for a short time; impermanent

transient symptoms

opponent; enemy

a fierce adversary

not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional; negligent; careless

messing up inadvertently

departure from the main subject; wandering off-topic; aside

going off on a digression

abundantly fruitful; highly productive; fertile

prolific breeders

sociable; fond of company

gregarious penguin flocks

violently agitated; tumultuous; chaotic; unruly

turbulent waters

serving as a model; outstanding; worthy of imitation; illustrative

• exemplary conduct

close and critical examination; inspection; a searching look

public scrutiny

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; wise; shrewd; keen

an astute observer

brief and to the point; using few words

the laconic answer, "nope".

glowing ardor; intense and passionate feeling; earnestness of emotion

patriotic fervor

unnecessary; excessive; more than required

delete superfluous words!

short-lived; fleeting; transient

as ephemeral as a cloud

determination; firmness of purpose; formal expression of opinion; separation into elements

a firm resolution

expose as false or exaggerated; ridicule as a sham

debunk myths

make impossible; prevent; keep from happening; exclude the possibility

preclude a meaningful comparison

suitable; convenient and practical (although possibly improper or immoral); advantageous; profitable

a politically expedient policy

doubter; a person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions

a global warming skeptic

accept and allow behaviour that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue (with reluctance)

condoning torture

individual who exploits circumstances to gain immediate advantage rather than being guided by consistent principles or plans

unprincipled opportunists

shorten without losing the sense

abridge a text

weaken or damage

impair one's health

theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational

an abstract notion

extract or remove (something)

in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless; flawless; irreproachable

an impeccable reputation

praise enthusiastically and publicly

acclaim the conquering hero

delay or prevent by obstruction; hinder

roadblocks impede traffic

obsequious (excessive) flattery; excessive admiration or praise

flattering adulation

put into effect; supply with tools

implement a program

difficulties; misfortune

struggling with adversity

silly; stupid

inane questions

publicly recommend or support

advocate gun control

encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behaviour)

incite a riot

concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

aesthetically pleasing

not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something; inappropriate; incompatible

an incongruous juxtaposition

positive assertion; confirmation; solemn declaration made by a person who refuses to take an oath

solemn affirmations

incapable of being reformed, correctable or improved; irredeemable

an incorrigible practical joker

make less severe; make more bearable; relieve; mitigate

alleviate suffering

unmoved or unconcerned by; apathetic; uninterested and unsympathetic

indifferent toward suffering

indirect reference; passing or casual mention

literary allusion

persuade; convince; stimulate

induce someone to do something

unselfishly generous; concerned for others; charitable; philanthropic

altruistic generosity

permanent, essential, characteristic; firmly established; built in; intrinsic

an inherent task

open to interpretation; having a double meaning; unclear or inexact

ambiguous instructions

inborn, natural; inherent

innate talent

mixed or contradictory feelings about something

divided by ambivalence

not harmful or offensive; insipid

an innocuous home remedy

a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority

lawlessness and anarchy

lacking flavour; dull; bland

insipid fruit

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

telling a personal anecdote

bring about or initiate; start; provoke

instigate a fight

lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern

political apathy

fearless; adventurous

an intrepid warrior

based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason; unrestrained and autocratic in the use of authority

make arbitrary decisions

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour

a capricious climate

resulting in an unexpected and poignantly incongruous or unwanted outcome

an ironic twist

evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

a poignant reminder

practicing self-denial; severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence

ascetic discipline

joking; humorous or playful

a jocular comedian