SAT A-16.txt

(adj) [ak r€ mo ne €s] bitter in language or tone; rancorous. The debate in Congress over the Brady Bill became acrimonious as the members began hurling insults at each other.

(n) [a the ist] one who denies the existence of God. Although an atheist himself, Shaw still admired the writings of those poets and novelists who expressed their belief in God in their works.

(n) [ben € dik sh€n] a blessing; the invocation of divine blessing. The chaplain uttered a brief benediction before the banquet was served.

(adj) [ko pe €s] abundant. Popcorn filled the retiree’s copious overcoat pockets as she set out to feed the flocks of pigeons in the park.

(n) [kyoo pid € te] avarice; greed. Magnifying his cupidity for material wealth was the equally despicable quality of flaunting the extravagant life style he felt he had earned.

(adj) [dis trot] in a state of mental conflict and confusion; distracted. Ophelia’s distraught brother flung himself into her grave and shouted that he wished to be buried with her.

(adj) [dul sit] pleasing to the ear; melodious. The tourists stood transfixed as the dulcet voices of the rehearsing choir filled the church with sweet music.

(adj) [e klek tik] consisting of selections from various sources; choosing the best from a number of sources. With an eclectic interest in books, Sheila read everything from Shakespeare to Superman.

(adj) [im m€ tir e €l] insignificant; unimportant. The loss of Freddy’s wallet was immaterial, since it contained no money, no credit cards, nor his house key.

(adj) [kwer € les] peevish; faultfinding; expressing or suggestive of complaint. The more toys the spoiled child was given, the more querulous he became.

(v) [ri trakt] to draw back or draw in; to take back a statement; to promise or to offer. Dr. Grindi had to retract the skin around the wound in order to see the source of the bleeding.

(adj) [riz € bel capable of laughing or inclined to laugh; ridiculous. In contrast to the serious and businesslike supervisor, Compton’s risible nature kept the workers in the outer office entertained and amused.

(adj) [un ten € bel] that which cannot be maintained or occupied; incapable of being defended or held. The captain did not give the order to retreat until the appearance of the hoards of mounted knights made his position untenable.

(adj) [vo ra shes] ravenous; greedy; gluttonous. The voracious babysitter departed, leaving the refrigerator and pantry depleted.

(adj) [yoo til € tar e €n] pertaining to or associated with usefulness; stressing the value of practical over aesthetic qualities. The director of the research lab persisted in asking the utilitarian question, “That’s all well and good, but what can it be used for?”