SAT Vocabulary 3 Quiz
- 1.
Scapegoat n.
- A.
One who bears the blame for others
- B.
A variation of the mountain goat
- C.
A special escape route
- D.
A Broadway play
Correct Answer
A. One who bears the blame for othersExplanation
The correct answer is "one who bears the blame for others". A scapegoat is someone who is unfairly blamed or punished for the mistakes or wrongdoings of others. This term originated from an ancient Jewish ritual in which a goat would be symbolically burdened with the sins of the community and then driven away into the wilderness. In modern usage, a scapegoat refers to a person who takes the blame for something they may not have been responsible for, often to protect others or divert attention from the true culprits.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Peremptory adj.
- A.
The cost per unit
- B.
Scientific term for procrastination
- C.
Not allowing refusal or delay; imperative
- D.
Severe weather warning
Correct Answer
C. Not allowing refusal or delay; imperativeExplanation
The word "peremptory" is an adjective that means not allowing refusal or delay; imperative. It suggests that something must be done without question or hesitation, leaving no room for refusal or delay. This term is often used to describe commands or orders that must be followed immediately and without objection.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Atelier n.
- A.
The horns on top of a deer's head
- B.
An artist’s or designer’s workshop
- C.
A severe liar
- D.
An eating disorder
Correct Answer
B. An artist’s or designer’s workshopExplanation
The correct answer is "an artist's or designer's workshop". An atelier refers to a creative workspace where artists or designers work on their projects. It is a place where they can explore their ideas, create art, and develop their skills. This term is commonly used in the art and fashion industries to describe a space dedicated to artistic production and craftsmanship.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Axiom n.
- A.
Scientific term for a galaxy
- B.
The name of the Green Knight's ax
- C.
A universal truth; an established rule
- D.
A planetarium
Correct Answer
C. A universal truth; an established ruleExplanation
The word "axiom" refers to a universal truth or an established rule. In scientific and mathematical contexts, an axiom is a statement that is accepted as true without needing proof. It serves as a foundational principle upon which other statements or theories are built. Therefore, the given answer accurately captures the meaning of the term "axiom" as a universal truth or an established rule.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Dulcet adj.
- A.
A Roman coin
- B.
Melodious; pleasing to the ear
- C.
A chunk of soil; clump of dirt
- D.
A boring person
Correct Answer
B. Melodious; pleasing to the earExplanation
The word "dulcet" is an adjective that means melodious and pleasing to the ear. This suggests that when something is described as "dulcet," it has a sweet and pleasant sound. The other options, such as a Roman coin, a chunk of soil, or a boring person, do not fit the definition of "dulcet." Therefore, the correct answer is "melodious; pleasing to the ear."Rate this question:
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- 6.
Usurp v.
- A.
Your favorite flavor of syrup
- B.
Unpredictable behavior
- C.
To take over; to seize power
- D.
An electronic source
Correct Answer
C. To take over; to seize powerExplanation
The word "usurp" means to take over or seize power. This definition is different from the other options provided, which do not relate to gaining control or power. Therefore, "to take over; to seize power" is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Patronizing adj.
- A.
Treating with condescension; acting superior
- B.
Displaying patriotism to your country
- C.
Person who lacks patriotism
- D.
To show patience
Correct Answer
A. Treating with condescension; acting superiorExplanation
The word "patronizing" is an adjective that describes the act of treating someone with condescension or acting superior towards them. This means that when someone is being patronizing, they are looking down on others and behaving in a way that suggests they are better or more knowledgeable. This explanation aligns with the definition given in the question, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Iniquity n.
- A.
An antique chair
- B.
Evil or wicked act
- C.
An indoor swimming pool
- D.
To create equality
Correct Answer
B. Evil or wicked actExplanation
The word "iniquity" refers to an evil or wicked act. It is used to describe actions that are morally wrong or unjust. This term is often associated with wrongdoing, immorality, or sinfulness. An antique chair, an indoor swimming pool, and creating equality are unrelated to the meaning of "iniquity."Rate this question:
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- 9.
Archaic adj.
- A.
No longer current or applicable; antiquated
- B.
A hopping arcade
- C.
A game from the 80s
- D.
Chaos in the world
Correct Answer
A. No longer current or applicable; antiquatedExplanation
The correct answer is "no longer current or applicable; antiquated". This definition of "archaic" aligns with the given explanation "no longer current or applicable; antiquated". It indicates that something is outdated or no longer in use, suggesting that it belongs to a previous era or time period. The other options provided, such as "a hopping arcade" or "a game from the 80s", do not accurately capture the meaning of "archaic" as being outdated or no longer applicable.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Vacillate v.
- A.
An oscillating fan
- B.
The act of vacuuming
- C.
To waver; to sway indecisively
- D.
To cancel a subscription
Correct Answer
C. To waver; to sway indecisivelyExplanation
The correct answer is "to waver; to sway indecisively". This is because the word "vacillate" means to be indecisive or uncertain about something, often changing opinions or actions. It implies a back-and-forth movement or hesitation in making a decision, similar to the action of wavering or swaying. The other options provided, such as "an oscillating fan" or "the act of vacuuming", do not accurately capture the meaning of the word "vacillate".Rate this question:
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- 11.
Perspicacious adj.
- A.
To act silly
- B.
Keen; mentally sharp
- C.
Expressing care to one another
- D.
To sweat profusely
Correct Answer
B. Keen; mentally sharpExplanation
The word "perspicacious" is an adjective that describes someone who is keen and mentally sharp. This means that they have the ability to understand things quickly and accurately, and they are able to perceive and analyze situations effectively. This word does not have any relation to acting silly, expressing care, or sweating profusely.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Abstemious adj.
- A.
The stem of a flower
- B.
An abdominal exercise
- C.
Using or consuming sparingly
- D.
To behave immaturely
Correct Answer
C. Using or consuming sparinglyExplanation
The word "abstemious" is an adjective that describes someone who uses or consumes things sparingly. This means that they show self-restraint and moderation in their behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in food or drink. They are able to control their desires and limit their consumption, often for health or moral reasons. This word does not refer to the stem of a flower, an abdominal exercise, or behaving immaturely.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Talisman n.
- A.
A magic charm or superstitious object for protection or luck
- B.
The tail of a donkey
- C.
A really tall man
- D.
Technical term for an ax
Correct Answer
A. A magic charm or superstitious object for protection or luckExplanation
HINT: the green sashRate this question:
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- 14.
Expurgate v.
- A.
An award winning artist
- B.
To remove vulgar or objectionable material
- C.
To expedite a transaction
- D.
The iron bars on a metal gate
Correct Answer
B. To remove vulgar or objectionable materialExplanation
The correct answer is "to remove vulgar or objectionable material." The word "expurgate" means to eliminate or censor content that is considered offensive or inappropriate. It is often used in the context of editing or revising written works to remove explicit or offensive language, sensitive topics, or any content that may be deemed objectionable to a particular audience.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Pellucid adj.
- A.
A heartburn medicine
- B.
To hallucinate
- C.
Transparent or clear
- D.
A type of grant for school
Correct Answer
C. Transparent or clearExplanation
The correct answer is "transparent or clear." The word "pellucid" is an adjective that means transparent or clear. It is often used to describe something that is easily understood or easily seen through. It does not mean a heartburn medicine, to hallucinate, or a type of grant for school.Rate this question:
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- 16.
When an obscene photo appeared in the school yearbook, the administration immediately sought a _______________ to take the blame for the ______________.
- A.
Scapegoat; iniquity
- B.
Talisman; iniquity
- C.
Scapegoat; expurgate
- D.
Patronize; vacillated
Correct Answer
A. Scapegoat; iniquityExplanation
The administration sought a scapegoat to take the blame for the obscene photo in the school yearbook. This suggests that they wanted to find someone to blame and hold responsible for the wrongdoing. The word "iniquity" further emphasizes the seriousness and immorality of the act, indicating that the administration was looking for someone to bear the burden of their wrongdoing.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Angry students and parents blamed Dora, the yearbook editor, for not being ______________________ enough to have spotted the photo before the yearbook was sent to the printer.
- A.
Archaic
- B.
Perspicacious
- C.
Axiom
- D.
Talisman
Correct Answer
B. PerspicaciousExplanation
The correct answer is "perspicacious". In this context, the angry students and parents are blaming Dora for not being perceptive or insightful enough to have noticed the problematic photo in the yearbook before it was sent to the printer.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Now, the school must collect the yearbooks and return them to the printer to _________________ the photograph.
- A.
Enlarge
- B.
Expurgate
- C.
Patronize
- D.
Usurp
Correct Answer
B. ExpurgateExplanation
The correct answer is "expurgate." In this context, the school needs to return the yearbooks to the printer in order to expurgate the photograph. Expurgate means to remove or censor material that is considered offensive or inappropriate. Therefore, the school must remove or censor the photograph before returning the yearbooks to the printer.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Dora, a junior, ___________________ over whether she would sign up for the yearbook staff again next year.
- A.
Vacillated
- B.
Scapegoated
- C.
Pellucid
- D.
Patronized
Correct Answer
A. VacillatedExplanation
The word "vacillated" means to be indecisive or uncertain about something. In this context, Dora, a junior, was unsure or hesitant about whether she would sign up for the yearbook staff again next year.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Bob carried a rabbit’s foot around the office as though it were some kind of __________________ that would protect him from any evil spirits hiding around the office.
- A.
Usurp
- B.
Peremptory
- C.
Talisman
- D.
Iniquity
Correct Answer
C. TalismanExplanation
Bob carried a rabbit's foot around the office as though it were some kind of talisman that would protect him from any evil spirits hiding around the office. A talisman is an object believed to have magical powers or bring good luck. In this context, Bob believes that the rabbit's foot will protect him from any harm or negative energy in the office, similar to how a talisman is believed to ward off evil spirits.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 24, 2014Quiz Created by
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