Beginner Vocabulary Words

Essential vocabulary for SAT and IELTS preparation. These foundational words appear frequently in everyday academic contexts and are a great starting point for building your test prep word bank.

750 words · Page 1 of 13

abduction SAT

The act of taking someone away by force or stealth

abnegate SAT

To give up or deny oneself something, especially out of self-discipline

abortion IELTS

The act of ending or terminating a pregnancy

academy SAT IELTS

An institution of higher education, or a group of people who come together to study or pursue a shar...

accountable IELTS

Responsible or answerable for something, often to someone or an authority.

accouter SAT

An item or set of items worn or carried for defense, decoration, or other purposes.

accurate SAT IELTS

Precise and correct, especially in measurements, reports, or statements.

accused IELTS

A person who is charged or suspected of a fault, wrongdoing, or crime.

address IELTS

A location, especially a building or house, where someone can be found.

admission IELTS

The act of entering or being accepted into something, especially a school, theater, or other place o...

adult IELTS

A person who is fully grown or fully developed, especially to the point where they are fully capable...

advertise IELTS

To publicize or promote something, usually by paying for advertisements or announcements.

aerial SAT

Relating to the air or sky; often describing something that is above the ground or in the air.

affix SAT

To attach or fix something to another object or surface.

affluence SAT

Wealth or prosperity, often characterized by abundance or richness.

aid IELTS

Assistance or support given to someone or something in need

alarm IELTS

A feeling of sudden fear or warning, often caused by a loud noise or a message

album SAT IELTS

A collection of photos, documents, or records, often bound together

alliance SAT IELTS

A relationship or partnership between two or more organizations, people, or groups

allowance IELTS

A regular payment or grant to help someone cover expenses, or a sum of money allowed as a reward or ...

alongside IELTS

Next to someone or something, often in a companionship or association.

ambassador IELTS

A representative or agent who is authorized to negotiate and make agreements on behalf of a governme...

ambulance SAT IELTS

A vehicle used for transporting patients who are injured or ill, often to a hospital or medical faci...

amends IELTS

to make amends means to apologize, repair, or compensate for a wrong done; a way of making up for so...

ammonia SAT

ammonia is a colorless gas that is a common industrial chemical and disinfectant; used in refrigerat...

ammunition IELTS

ammunition refers to the materials and devices used to propel the shot of a firearm or the explosive...

amuse IELTS

to amuse means to entertain, distract, or interest someone, often with a joke, story, or game.

animate SAT

to animate means to give life, enthusiasm, or energy to something or someone.

anniversary IELTS

A date marking the recurring event or milestone of a particular event or occurrence.

antarctic SAT

Relating to or located in the region around the South Pole.

antonym SAT

A word having a meaning opposite that of another word.

anxiety IELTS

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something, often without a specific reason.

anyhow IELTS

In any case; regardless of what happens.

apart IELTS

Separate or distant from one another.

appendix IELTS

A part or document added to the end of a text, document, or other material.

arch IELTS

A curved or arched structure, such as a doorway, bridge, or vault.

area IELTS

A region or space defined by boundaries, typically having a specific function or characteristic.

argue IELTS

To use reasons or evidence to support an opinion or viewpoint, often in a disagreement or debate.

arise IELTS

To come into existence or appearance; to become known or noticeable.

ashamed IELTS

Feeling regret, guilt, or embarrassment about something, often due to its foolishness or inappropria...

aside IELTS

In addition to the main subject or conversation; or, to one side of something.

aspirin IELTS

A pain-relieving tablet, especially one derived from willow bark.

attitude IELTS

A person's stance, behavior, or disposition, often reflecting their thoughts or feelings.

author IELTS

A person who writes or composes a work, such as a book, play, or poem.

automatic IELTS

Operating or functioning without human intervention; done instinctively or without conscious thought...

automobile IELTS

A road vehicle, especially a car or truck, powered by an internal combustion engine or other means.

aware IELTS

Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

awkward IELTS

Causing embarrassment or inconvenience; not graceful.

backward IELTS

Directed toward the back or rear; lacking progress or modernity; also used to describe something reg...

bacterium SAT

A single-celled microorganism, some of which can cause disease, while others are beneficial.

bake IELTS

To cook food, especially bread or pastries, using dry heat in an oven.

ballot IELTS

A system of voting in secret, typically using a piece of paper or electronic device.

bandage IELTS

A piece of material used to cover or support an injured part of the body.

baseball IELTS

A popular bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players.

batter SAT IELTS

A mixture of flour, egg, and milk used in cooking; or a person who hits the ball in baseball.

battery IELTS

A device consisting of cells that store and provide electrical energy; also, a series of similar thi...

bay IELTS

A body of water partially enclosed by land; or a dog's deep, prolonged bark.

beaten IELTS

Past participle of beat; having been struck or defeated.

becalm SAT

To make calm or peaceful; to still the motion of, especially of a ship by lack of wind.

beforehand IELTS

In advance; prior to a particular time or event.

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