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 11 of 13

series IELTS

A number of related things coming one after another; a sequence or set.

session IELTS

A period of time devoted to a particular activity, such as learning or discussion.

setback IELTS

A reversal or check in progress; a difficulty that delays or prevents success.

settle IELTS

To resolve a disagreement or dispute, often by reaching an agreement.

shave IELTS

To cut off hair close to the skin, especially from the face or legs.

sheet IELTS

A large piece of cloth used on a bed, or a flat piece of material such as paper or metal.

shower IELTS

A bathroom fixture that sprays water for washing, or a brief heavy fall of rain.

sigh IELTS

An audible exhalation of breath, often expressing relief, sadness, or fatigue.

sign IELTS

A gesture, object, or symbol that conveys a meaning or indicates something.

signal IELTS

A gesture, sound, or action used to convey information or instructions.

similar SAT IELTS

Having likeness or resemblance in quality, form, or character but not necessarily identical.

simplify SAT

To make something easier to understand or deal with by reducing complexity.

sincere IELTS

Free from pretense or deceit; genuinely felt or expressed.

single IELTS

One only; not one of several, multiple, or married; individual.

sink IELTS

To descend or move downward, especially into or through a liquid or substance; to fall below the sur...

site IELTS

A place where something happens, is located, or is to be constructed.

skeptic SAT

A person who doubts the truth of claims or beliefs without sufficient evidence.

skim IELTS

To remove something from the surface; to read quickly to get the main ideas.

slam IELTS

To shut something forcefully and loudly; also means to criticize harshly.

slap IELTS

To strike someone sharply with the open hand; a sharp blow.

slaughter IELTS

The act of killing animals for food or killing on a large, violent scale.

slogan IELTS

A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or as a motto to promote a cause or idea.

slot IELTS

A narrow opening, especially one for receiving something such as a coin or card.

smash IELTS

To break or shatter something with force; or a resounding success.

smooth IELTS

Having an even and regular surface; free from roughness, lumps, or irregularities; also describes so...

snack IELTS

A small amount of food eaten between meals.

sociology SAT IELTS

The study of human society, social relationships, and institutions.

somehow IELTS

In some way or by some means, often when the exact method is unknown or unclear.

sore IELTS

Painful to the touch or physically tender; also used figuratively to mean emotionally hurt.

sound IELTS

Vibrations that travel through the air and can be heard; also refers to something healthy or reliabl...

source IELTS

The origin or cause of something; a place where information or material comes from.

specialize SAT IELTS

To focus one's efforts or skills on a particular subject or activity.

spokesman IELTS

A person, often officially appointed, who speaks on behalf of a group, organization, or individual.

sponsor IELTS

A person or organization that supports an event, activity, or individual financially or by providing...

squabble SAT

A noisy quarrel over something trivial; a petty argument.

square IELTS

A four-sided shape with equal sides and 90-degree angles; can also mean fair or honest, or a public ...

stadium IELTS

A large outdoor structure with tiers of seats for sports or entertainment events.

startle IELTS

To suddenly surprise or alarm someone.

stealth SAT

The act of moving or proceeding inconspicuously and secretly.

stereo IELTS

A system for reproducing sound using two or more channels to create a sense of direction and depth.

stigma SAT

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

stratagem SAT

A clever plan or scheme designed to turn a situation to one's advantage, often in warfare or competi...

strategic IELTS

Carefully planned to gain a specific long-term advantage, especially in military or political contex...

strategy IELTS

A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.

stress IELTS

A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from demanding circumstances; emphasis on a particul...

stuff IELTS

Things in general or unspecified items; also used to refer to material or contents.

stuffing IELTS

A mixture used to fill poultry or other meats before cooking, or material used to fill cushions.

stultify SAT

To cause someone to lose enthusiasm and initiative; to impair the growth or effectiveness of somethi...

style IELTS

A distinctive appearance, manner, or way of doing something; also refers to elegance in design or be...

subject IELTS

A person or thing being discussed, studied, or operated on; also refers to a branch of knowledge stu...

submission SAT

The act of accepting control or authority; also refers to the act of presenting something for consid...

successor SAT

A person who comes after another in a position or role, especially in a job or inheritance.

suck IELTS

To draw liquid or air into the mouth by creating a partial vacuum; often used informally to express ...

sum IELTS

The total amount resulting from the addition of numbers.

summary SAT IELTS

A brief statement or account of the main points of something.

suspension SAT IELTS

The act of temporarily suspending or the state of being suspended; a temporary halt or delay.

sweater IELTS

A knitted garment for the upper body, typically worn over a shirt or blouse.

swing IELTS

To move back and forth or from side to side while suspended or on an axis.

sybarite SAT

A person devoted to luxury and pleasure.

syllabus SAT

An outline of topics and assignments for a course of study.

Browse all vocabulary → Themed word lists