Arts & Humanities Vocabulary

Vocabulary words related to arts & humanities that appear on standardized tests including GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.

343 words · Page 4 of 6

madrigal GRE

A type of secular vocal music composition, typically polyphonic and unaccompanied, popular during th...

makeup SAT TOEFL

The composition or structure of something; also refers to cosmetics applied to the face.

manuscript GRE IELTS

A handwritten or typed document, especially one submitted for publication.

marble TOEFL IELTS

A hard, polished stone often used in sculpture and architecture; also a small glass ball used in chi...

medieval SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Relating to the Middle Ages, roughly the 5th to the late 15th century; often implying outdated or pr...

medium GRE TOEFL IELTS

A means by which something is communicated or expressed, such as paint or television; also, somethin...

mendicant SAT GRE

A person who begs for a living; a beggar.

meretricious SAT GRE TOEFL

Appearing attractive but having no real value; gaudy or deceptive.

metaphor SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally ap...

metaphysical SAT

Relating to a division of philosophy that explores the nature of existence and reality.

meteorite TOEFL

A fragment of a meteoroid that survives its journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

mimetic TOEFL

Relating to or resembling imitation, especially of natural forms or behaviors.

moat SAT GRE TOEFL

A deep, wide ditch around a castle, often filled with water for defense.

morality SAT IELTS

Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

mosaic GRE

A picture or pattern made from small colored tiles or pieces; also, a diverse mixture of elements.

motif GRE TOEFL

A recurring theme, subject, or design element in art, literature, or music.

multiform SAT

Taking many forms or shapes; existing in a variety of forms.

mythology SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular culture or religion. It can also ref...

narrative SAT

A spoken or written account of events; a story.

nautical SAT GRE TOEFL

Relating to sailors, ships, or navigation.

neoclassical TOEFL

Relating to a revival of classical styles or principles, especially in art, architecture, or literat...

nihilist SAT

A person who believes that life is meaningless and that all traditional values should be rejected.

novel TOEFL IELTS

New or unusual in an interesting way; a long work of fiction.

nubile GRE

(Of a young woman) sexually attractive and marriageable; reaching the age when one is suitable for m...

nudity GRE

The state of being naked, especially in a public or artistic context.

nymph GRE

In classical mythology, a minor nature goddess often associated with forests, springs, or rivers; al...

object IELTS

A thing that can be seen or touched; also, to express disapproval or disagreement.

obscure GRE TOEFL IELTS

Not clearly expressed or easily understood; hidden or unknown.

obscurity GRE TOEFL

The state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or difficult to understand.

occult SAT GRE

Involving mysterious or supernatural powers or phenomena beyond scientific understanding.

omniscient SAT GRE

Knowing everything; having unlimited knowledge.

opera TOEFL IELTS

A dramatic work combining text (libretto) and music, performed by singers and musicians in costume.

orchestra TOEFL IELTS

A large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, typically including strings, wo...

original SAT TOEFL IELTS

Existing from the beginning; not derived from something else; also refers to something innovative or...

overture SAT GRE

An introductory movement in a musical composition; a preliminary proposal or gesture.

paean GRE

A song or poem of praise or triumph.

pageant SAT GRE IELTS

A lavish show, processional drama, or beauty contest.

painting TOEFL IELTS

The art or practice of applying paint to a surface to create a picture or design.

pamphlet SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A small printed booklet or leaflet, often on a single subject.

pastiche GRE

A work of art, music, or literature composed of模仿 various styles or borrowed elements.

pastoral SAT TOEFL

Relating to country life, shepherds, or the clergy; often idyllic or peaceful in tone.

pathos SAT GRE TOEFL

A quality that evokes pity or sadness, often used in literature or art to stir emotions.

pedestal SAT GRE

A base or support on which a statue, column, or other object is mounted.

pestilence SAT TOEFL

A highly infectious and devastating disease; a plague.

philharmonic SAT TOEFL

Relating to an orchestra that specializes in classical or serious music.

philistine GRE

A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts; uncultured.

philology SAT GRE TOEFL

The study of language and literature, especially historical and comparative aspects.

philosophy SAT TOEFL IELTS

The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and more.

pilgrim GRE TOEFL IELTS

A person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons.

planetarium IELTS

A theater with a domed ceiling used to simulate and display celestial phenomena.

plate TOEFL IELTS

A flat dish, typically circular and made of ceramic, used for serving food.

playwright SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

A person who writes plays for theater.

pliable GRE TOEFL

Easily bent or shaped; also, open to influence.

plot GRE IELTS

A plan, often secret, to achieve something, usually harmful; also, the storyline of a narrative.

popcorn TOEFL

Popped corn kernels, typically eaten as a snack, often salted or buttered.

porcelain GRE TOEFL IELTS

A hard, white, translucent ceramic material made by baking refined clay, often used for tableware or...

portent SAT GRE

An omen or sign, especially of something momentous or threatening.

portrait TOEFL IELTS

A painted, photographed, or sculpted representation of a person.

portraitist TOEFL

An artist who specializes in painting or drawing portraits.

pose GRE TOEFL IELTS

To present or place in a particular position, often for artistic or deceptive purposes; also, a ques...

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