Intermediate Vocabulary Words

Academic vocabulary common across TOEFL, IELTS, and multi-test contexts. These words appear in university-level texts and are essential for scoring well on standardized English proficiency tests.

6223 words · Page 83 of 104

rumble TOEFL

A deep, heavy, continuous sound; also refers to a fight or struggle.

rummage GRE TOEFL

To search through something in a disorganized or hurried way.

rumour TOEFL IELTS

Unverified information or gossip that is spread from person to person.

rupture SAT GRE TOEFL

A sudden breaking or bursting, often referring to physical structures or relationships.

rural GRE TOEFL

Relating to the countryside, often characterized by low population density and open land.

rust TOEFL IELTS

A reddish-brown substance formed by the oxidation of iron or steel when exposed to moisture.

rustic SAT GRE TOEFL

Having a charm that is simple and rural, often referring to style or decoration.

rustproof TOEFL

Treated or made to resist the formation of rust.

sabotage GRE IELTS

To deliberately destroy or obstruct something, often for political or personal gain.

sac TOEFL

A bag-shaped structure in the body that holds fluid or an organ, or a similar natural cavity.

sack GRE TOEFL IELTS

A large bag, typically made of paper or fabric, used for storage or carrying goods.

sacred GRE TOEFL IELTS

Dedicated or set apart for religious purposes; considered holy.

sacrosanct GRE TOEFL

Regarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with.

saddle GRE TOEFL IELTS

A seat for a rider on a horse, or the act of placing such a seat on the animal.

saga GRE TOEFL

A long, involved story, especially about heroic achievements or family history.

sagacious SAT TOEFL

Having keen mental discernment and deep insight; wise.

sagacity TOEFL

The quality of being discerning, intelligent, and wise.

sage GRE TOEFL

A profoundly wise person, especially one who gives advice; also refers to a type of aromatic herb or...

sake TOEFL IELTS

For the purpose of or for the benefit of something; interest or advantage.

salient SAT GRE TOEFL

Most noticeable or important; prominent.

saline SAT TOEFL IELTS

Containing salt, especially sodium chloride; a salt solution.

salinity TOEFL

The saltiness or dissolved salt content of a substance, especially water.

saliva GRE TOEFL

The clear liquid produced in the mouth by the salivary glands that aids in digestion and lubrication...

salmon GRE TOEFL IELTS

A large fish that lives in the ocean and spawns in freshwater rivers; commonly eaten as food.

saltiness TOEFL

The quality or taste of being salty.

salutary SAT TOEFL

Producing a beneficial or positive effect, often through discipline or correction.

salutation SAT TOEFL

A greeting or the form of address used in a letter or conversation.

salute TOEFL IELTS

A gesture or act of respect, such as raising the hand to the forehead, often used in military contex...

salvage SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

To save something from destruction or abandonment, especially after loss or damage.

sample TOEFL IELTS

A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.

sanctimonious SAT GRE TOEFL

Appearing or claiming to be morally superior, often in an irritating or insincere way.

sanction SAT GRE TOEFL

Official permission or approval; or a penalty imposed to enforce compliance.

sanctuary TOEFL

A place of refuge or safety, often protected from danger or persecution.

sandy TOEFL IELTS

Consisting of or covered with sand; or having a light yellow-brown color like sand.

sane GRE TOEFL

Of sound mind; mentally healthy or reasonable.

sanguine SAT TOEFL

Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad situation.

sanitary GRE TOEFL IELTS

Free from dirt, infection, or harmful bacteria; promoting health and cleanliness.

sanitation GRE TOEFL

The process of keeping places clean and free of health hazards, especially through sewage and waste ...

sanity GRE IELTS

The state of being mentally sound; reasonableness or rationality.

sap GRE TOEFL

A fluid that circulates in the vessels of a plant; or a foolish person easily deceived.

sapphire GRE TOEFL

A precious gemstone, typically blue, made of transparent corundum; also the color of this gem.

sarcasm SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

The use of irony to mock or convey contempt, often through saying the opposite of what is meant.

sarcastic GRE TOEFL IELTS

Using sarcasm; characterized by mocking or bitter irony.

sartorial GRE TOEFL

Relating to men's clothing, tailoring, or style of dress.

sate TOEFL

To satisfy (an appetite or desire) fully; to fill to the point of excess.

satellite TOEFL

A man-made object or natural body that orbits a planet; also refers to a country or organization und...

satire SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

satiric SAT TOEFL

Relating to or involving satire; using humor or irony to criticize.

satirist TOEFL

A person who uses satire to mock or critique individuals or society.

satisfaction TOEFL

The pleasure or contentment derived from fulfilling a desire or achieving success.

satisfactory TOEFL IELTS

Adequate or acceptable in quality or performance; meeting expectations.

saturate TOEFL

To soak thoroughly; to fill something to its full capacity.

sauce TOEFL IELTS

A liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add flavor.

saucer TOEFL IELTS

A small, shallow dish used to support a cup, typically for tea or coffee.

savage SAT GRE IELTS

Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled; also refers to something extremely critical or harsh.

save TOEFL

To keep safe from harm, danger, or loss; to store for future use.

savings TOEFL IELTS

Money saved, especially in a bank or over time; the act of saving resources.

scabbard SAT GRE TOEFL

A sheath, usually made of leather or metal, used to hold a sword or dagger.

scaffold TOEFL

A temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction or repair of a b...

scale GRE TOEFL

A set of levels or numbers used to measure or compare something; to climb a steep surface.

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