To Kill a Mockingbird SAT Vocabulary Words - DUE Friday, January 21, 2022

1. Contentious kuhn TEN shuhs Synonyms: heated, violent, fierce, disputed, unsure

Definition: causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

TKAM: "Ain't got no mother," was the answer, "and their paw's right contentious."

Sentence: Brothers and sisters often have contentious relationships in that they argue and fight a lot.

Complex Sentence: While going to the gym, my friend was having some contentious statements.

2. Tentative TEN tuh tiv Synonyms: Unsettled, hesitant, uncertain, timid

Definition: not certain or fixed; provisional.

TKAM: Francis appeared at the kitchen door. "You still mad, Jean Louise?" he asked tentatively.

Sentence: We have tentative plans for Homecoming; however, the plans could still change if it begins to rain while we are
outside.

Complex Sentence: While putting my food in the microwave, I was tentative on how long to leave it in there for.

3. Dictum DIK tum Synonyms: direction, assertion, saying, maxim

Definition: a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source.

TKAM: So Simon, having forgotten his teacher's dictum on the possession of human chattels, bought three slaves . . .

Sentence: The dictum listed in Carmel High School’s student handbook asserts that students will have to participate in
community service if they are tardy to class too many times.

Complex Sentence: While I was going to class, my teacher wanted to say a dictum.

4. Taciturn TAS eh turn Synonyms: untalkative, reticent, quiet

Definition: (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

TKAM: Their sister Alexandra was the Finch who remained at the Landing: she married a taciturn man who
spent most of his time lying in a hammock by the river wondering if his trot-lines were full.

Sentence: A shy person is usually taciturn.

Complex Sentence: Because I was not social with anyone, people kept calling me taciturn.

5. Quaint KWAYNT Synonyms: sweet, attractive, charming

Definition: attractively unusual or old-fashioned.

TKAM: Thus we came to know Dill as a pocket Merlin, whose head teemed with eccentric plans,
strange longings, and quaint fancies.

Sentence: 1. He had a quaint sense of humor which only his friends understood. 2. When my family visited the small
town in Maine, we chose to stay in a quaint inn with traditional New England décor rather than in a Radison Hotel.

Complex Sentence: While going into class, I saw a very quaint girl.

6. Malevolent muh LEV uh lent Synonyms: evil bad

Definition: having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

TKAM: Inside the house lived a malevolent phantom. People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him.

Sentence: Your parents may be fearful of you walking the streets alone at night due to malevolent strangers possibly
lurking in the shadows.

Complex Sentence: Because of the dude cutting in line, I had malevolent thoughts.

7. Predilection pred uh LEK shun Synonyms: bias like

Definition: a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something.

TKAM: The Radleys, welcome anywhere in town, kept to themselves, a predilection unforgivable in Maycomb.

Sentence: If you have a predilection for water skiing in the summer, you will want to visit the many lakes in Michigan.

Complex Sentence: After going to Asia, I had a predilection for Asian food.

8. Domicile DOM eh sile Synonyms: house

Definition: the country that a person treats as their permanent home, or lives in and has a substantial connection with.

TKAM: According to neighborhood legend, when the younger Radley boy was in his teens he became acquainted with
some of the Cunninghams from Old Sarum, an enormous and confusing tribe domiciled in the northern part of the
county, and they formed the nearest thing to a gang ever seen in Maycomb.

Sentence: For many students their domicile has been Carmel, Indiana since they were born.

Complex Sentence: Before moving into a new Domicile, I wanted to take a couple of things from my old one.

9. Profane pruh FANE Synonyms: rude or disrespectful

Definition: treat (something sacred) with irreverence or disrespect.

TKAM: . . . so the boys came before the probate judge on charges of disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace,
assault and battery, and using abusive and profane language in the presence and hearing of a female.

Sentence: The principal made it clear that students who use profane language at the game will be asked to leave.

Complex Sentence: Before going to church, my mom said not to be profane.

10. Auspicious aw SPISH us Synonyms: successful fortune

Definition: conducive to success; favorable.

TKAM: The remainder of my schooldays were no more auspicious than the first.

Sentence: After reading her horoscope in the paper, Mary felt it was an auspicious time to purchase a lottery ticket.

Complex Sentence: While leaving the school, I had an auspicious feeling to do something.

11. Indigenous In DIJ eh nus Synonyms: origin natural

Definition: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.

TKAM: “I am from North Alabama, from Winston County." The class murmured apprehensively, should she prove to
harbor her share of the peculiarities indigenous to that region.

Sentence: Gray squirrels are indigenous to the Midwest, and if you travel to California, you will see different species of
squirrels.

Complex Sentence: While going to a new country, I saw a couple of indigenous people there.

12. Diminutive dih MIN yuh tiv Synonyms: small not big

Definition: extremely or unusually small.

TKAM: He was among the most diminutive of men, but when Burris Ewell turned toward him, Little Chuck's right hand
went to his pocket.

Sentence: The store which specialized in selling doll houses was filled with diminutive versions of the houses one will find
on Main Street.

Complex Sentence: While taking away the sponge from the water, it became diminutive.

13. Fractious FRAK shus Synonyms: conflict annoying

Definition: (typically of children) irritable and quarrelsome.

TKAM: She had always been too hard on me, she had at last seen the error of her fractious ways, she was sorry and too
stubborn to say so. I was weary from the day's crimes.

Sentence: During the pep-rally the fractious students began to push each other, and soon there was a big fight among
them.

Complex Sentence: While taking care of the kids, they suddenly became fractious.

14. Disapprobation dis ap ruh BAY shun Synonyms: not wanting no

Definition: strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds.

TKAM: "I'm afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities."

Sentence: The unruly child faced the disapprobation of his parents when they learned he scribbled all over his bedroom wall
with a Sharpie marker.
Complex Sentence: Before leaving the state, my mother had a disapprobation.

15. Furtive FUR tiv Synonyms: alone silent

Definition: attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble;
secretive.

TKAM: Atticus asked, "What on earth could Ewell do to me, sister?" "Something furtive," Aunt Alexandra said. "You may
count on that."

Sentence: During the test, Blaine made furtive glances at Greyson’s test answers.

Complex Sentence: After my flight, i was surprised that the baby was furtive.

16. Impudent IM pyuh dunt Synonyms: disrespectful

Definition: not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.

TKAM: "Are you being impudent to me, boy?," asked Mr. Gilmer.

Sentence: The student’s impudent act of swearing at his teacher and then skipping school lead to his expulsion.

Complex Sentence:While going to the market, an impudent boy was talking to me.

17. Benevolence Buh NEV uh lunz Synonyms: kind nice

Definition: the quality of being well meaning; kindness.

TKAM: Miss Maudie's benevolence extended to Jem and Dill, whenever they paused in their pursuits: we reaped the
benefits of a talent Miss Maudie had hitherto kept hidden from us.

Sentence: Donating to the poor or needy is an act of benevolence.

Complex Sentence: Before the time of humans, it was rare to see an animal have benevolence.

18. Irascible ih RAS uh buhl Synonyms: bad tempered short tempered

Definition: having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.

TKAM: High above us in the darkness a solitary mocker poured out his repertoire in blissful unawareness of whose tree he
sat in, plunging from the shrill kee, kee of the sunflower bird to the irascible qua-ack of a bluejay, to the sad lament of
Poor Will, Poor Will, Poor Will.

Sentence: Just about anything could set off his irascible temper.

Complex Sentence: After leaving the game, a lot of people were irascible since they lost.

19. Caricature KARE uh kuh chur Synonyms: cartoon parody mimic

Definition: a picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to
create a comic or grotesque effect.

TKAM: "You can't go around making caricatures of the neighbors," said Atticus to Scout and Jem.

Sentence: His caricature of the mayor in this morning's paper is the best he's ever drawn.

Complex Sentence: While passing the mall, there were many caricatures of John Cena.

20. Inordinate in OR duh nit Synonyms: undue excessive

Definition: unusually or disproportionately large; excessive.

TKAM: He wore a General Hood type beard of which he was inordinately vain.

Sentence: It is a sign of trouble when a student has an inordinate number of absences.

Complex Sentence: After leaving the pool, my pants were inordinate.

21. Ingenuous in JEN yoo uhs Synonyms: naive innocent simple

Definition: (of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting.

TKAM: He was a year older than I, and I avoided him on principle: he enjoyed everything I disapproved of, and disliked
my ingenuous diversions.

Sentence: Because of the ingenuous nature of young children, they most often tell the truth when questioned by an
adult. Zoey’s mother asked her, “Why did you hit your brother?” Zoey ingenuously replied, “Because he was bothering
me.”

Complex Sentence: Before leaving the class, I looked at the ingenuous girl.

22. Innate ih NATE Synonyms: inbred inherent

Definition: inborn; natural.

TKAM: Uncle Jack raised his eyebrows and said nothing. I was proceeding on the dim theory, aside from the innate
attractiveness of such words, that if Atticus discovered I had picked them up at school he wouldn't make me go.

Sentence: Many researchers believe that personality is an innate quality rather than a series of traits we learn from our
parents and society.

Complex Sentence: While leaving the facility, the innate babies were inside their mother.

23. Guileless GILE les Synonyms:artless open honest

Definition: devoid of guile; innocent and without deception.

TKAM: The internal arrangements of the Finch house were indicative of Simon's guilelessness and the absolute trust
with which he regarded his offspring.

Sentence: Is it possible to find a guileless politician in Washington D.C., or do they all have the potential for dishonesty?
Complex Sentence: Before telling my family about leaving, I had to act Guileless.

24. Fanatic fuh NAT ik Synonyms: zealot radical

Definition: a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause.

TKAM: Aunt Alexandra was fanatical on the subject of my attire. I could not possibly hope to be a lady if I wore breeches;. . .

Sentence: Miss Maudie explained to Scout that Mr. Radley was a religious fanatic who took every word of the Bible
literally and who believed that it was best to leave happiness out of one’s life.

Complex Sentence: After leaving the thethear, some fanatics are outside screaming.

25. Piety PIE eh tee Synonyms:religion devotion

Definition: the quality of being religious or reverent.

TKAM: All we had was Simon Finch, a fur-trapping apothecary from Cornwall whose piety was exceeded only by his
stinginess.

Sentence: The reverend’s pious sermon motivated the congregation to pray with piety.

Complex Sentence: Before our modern world, people were pious on god.

26. rudiments

Definition: the first principles of (a subject).

TKAM: “When he gave us our air-rifles Atticus wouldn’t teach us to shoot. Uncle Jack instructed us in the rudiments
thereof; he said Atticus wasn’t interested in guns” (Lee 119).

Because he was not good at the rudiments of English, he had difficulty writing his English paper.

Complex Sentence: While my teacher was teaching the rudiments of science, I had to go to the bathroom

27. articulate are TIK yuh late Synonyms: fluent vocal vivid

Definition: (of a person or a person's words) having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.

TKAM: “Jem became vaguely articulate: ‘d you see him, Scout?’” (129).

An announcer must be articulate. A good politician must be able to articulate his views.

Complex Sentence: Before leaving my class, the articulated language coming from the teacher was amazing.

28. melancholy MEL un kol ee Synonyms:sadness sorrow misery

Definition: a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.

TKAM: “If [Mrs. Dubose] was on the porch when we passes, we would be rakes by her wrathful gaze, subjected to
ruthless interrogation regarding our behavior, and given a melancholy prediction on what we would amount to when we
 grew up, which was always nothing” (132).

After Dad lost his job, he fell into a state of melancholy.

Complex Sentence: After going to dinner, the melancholy coming through me was immaculate.

29. palliate/ palliation PAL ee ate Synonyms:assuagement, relief, succor

Definition: to reduce the violence of (a disease)

TKAM: “[Calpurnia] was a les than satisfactory source of palliation, but she did give Jem a hot biscuit-and butter which
he tore in half and shared with me” (137).

The doctor attempted to palliate the patient’s suffering by prescribing drugs.

Complex Sentence: After going to the park, my goal was to palliate the covid 19.

30. rectitude REK teh tood Synonyms: goodness virtue honor

Definition: morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

TKAM: “In later years, I sometimes wondered exactly what made Jem do it, what made him break the bonds of ‘You just
be a gentleman, son,’ and the phase of self-conscious rectitude he had recently entered” (136).

When the preacher’s rectitude was questioned, many left his congregation.

Complex Sentence: After leaving the class, i had a rectitude to give food away.

31. tranquil TRANG kwul Synonyms: restful peaceful mild

Definition: free from disturbance; calm.

TKAM: “[. . .] [Atticus] had a naturally tranquil disposition and a slow fuse” (136).

I enjoy vacationing at our beach house because the surroundings are tranquil, and I can relax.

Complex Sentence: While leaving the state, I had a tranquil ride.

32. protrude/ protrusion pro TROO zhun Synonyms: jut stand out peek

Definition: extend beyond or above a surface.

TKAM: “[Mrs. Dubose’s] bottom plate [of teeth] was not in, and her upper lip protruded. . .” (142).

A large protrusion on his head was the result of being hit by a car.

Complex Sentence: After leaving my beaker out, the protrusion of the gas was visible.

33. propensity pruh PEN si tee Synonyms: tendency leaning

Definition: an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

TKAM: “Mrs. Dubose would hound Jem for a while of her favorite subjects, her camellias and our father’s n****-
loving propensities” (144).

I have a propensity for staying up late and sleeping late.

Complex Sentence: After leaving detention, I had a propensity to be nice.

34. frivolous FRIV uh lus Synonyms: glib jokey senseless

Definition: not having any serious purpose or value.

TKAM: “[The cartoon] showed Atticus barefooted and in short pants, chained to a desk; he was diligently writing on a
slate while some frivolous- looking girls yelled, ‘Yoo-hoo!” at him” (155).

A teacher should limit frivolous behavior in the classroom.

Complex Sentence: After seeing my family die, My frivolous life was ending.

35. propel pro PEL Synonyms: move drive

Definition: drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forward.

TKAM: “I wanted to stay and explore, but Calpurnia propelled me up the aisle ahead of her” (163).

Urgent need of money propelled him to take a job.

Complex Sentence: Before trying to jump, I had to propel myself to get to the hoop.

36. formidable FORE meh duh bul Synonyms: intimidating forbidding alarming

Definition: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.

TKAM: “[The corset] managed to suggest that Aunt Alexandra’s was once an hour-glass figure. From any angle, it was
formidable” (171).

The retired boxer Mohammad Ali was a formidable opponent in his time.

Complex Sentence: After leaving my class, I felt formidable to do anything.

37. oblique uh BLEEK Synonyms:slanting sloping diagonal

Definition: neither parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line; slanting.

TKAM: “[. . .] but Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on
one patch of land the finer it was” (173).

Because of the suspect’s oblique answers, our interrogation of him led us in the wrong direction.

Complex Sentence: Before looking at my house, the worker told me there was an oblique pole around the house.
38. edification/ edifying ED uh fie ing Synonyms: education teaching tutoring

Definition: the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually.

TKAM: “Still, everything he read he passes along to me, but with this difference: formerly, because he thought I’d like it;
now, for my edification and instruction” (184).

Visiting the cathedral was an edifying experience.

Complex Sentence: After leaving my class, the people had an edification over life.

39. reverent/ revere reh VER ent / reh VEER Synonyms:respectful devout

Definition: feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.

TKAM: “Jem raised the broom and missed Dill’s head by an inch when it appeared. ‘God Almighty,’ Jem’s voice was
reverent” (186).

Nearly all Catholics revere the Pope.

Complex Sentence: After the funeral, everyone had a reverent sense.

40. infallible in FAL uh bul Synonyms:unerring precise true

Definition: incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.

TKAM: “[Dill] traveled with the show all over Mississippi until his infallible sense of direction told him he was in Abbott
County, Alabama. . .” (187).

Since everyone makes mistakes, no human is infallible.

Complex Sentence: Before leaving my infallible friend, I had to go eat with my family.

41. placid PLAS id Synonyms: calm tranquil quiet

Definition: (of a person or animal) not easily upset or excited.

TKAM: “It had been a placid week: I had minded Aunty. . .” (193).

The wilderness is usually a placid place where one can relax.

Complex Sentence:Before leaving my placid friend, I wanted to go to the bathroom.

42. begrudge bi GRUJ Synonyms: envy resent

Definition: envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of (something).

TKAM: “‘This is Saturday,’ Atticus said. ‘Trial’ll probably be Monday. You can keep him one night, can’t you? I don’t think
anybody in Maycomb’ll begrudge me a client, with times this hard” (194).

The child begrudged the other child his new toy.

Complex Sentence:After leaving my annoying friend, I begrudge them because they are rich.

43. ominous OM uh nus Synonyms: menacing baleful sinister

Definition: giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious.

TKAM: “There was a murmur among the group of men, made more ominous when Atticus moved back to the bottom
front step and the men drew nearer to him” (195).

The ominous clouds warned us of the tornado.

Complex Sentence: Before going into the dark room, I had an ominous feeling that something bad was going to happen.

44. vivid VIV id Synonyms: graphic realistic clear

Definition: producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.

TKAM: “When Atticus switched on the overhead light in the living-room he found Jem at the window, pale except for
the vivid mark of the screen on his nose” (195).

I have vivid memories of my trip to Europe.

Complex Sentence: While going to six flags, I had vivid flashbacks with my cousins.

45. oblivious uh BLIV ee uhs Synonyms: unaware heedless deaf

Definition: not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.

TKAM: “[Atticus] was sitting in one of his office chairs, and he was reading, oblivious of the nightbugs dancing
over his head” (201).

She was oblivious of the students talking around her as she concentrated on her book.

Complex Sentence: Before leaving my oblivious friend behind, I had to tie the rope to get us out of here.

46. succinct suh k SINGT Synonyms:concise short crisp

Definition: (especially of something written or spoken) briefly and clearly expressed.

TKAM: “‘Called ‘em off on a snipe hunt,’ was the succinct answer” (202).

Because her comments were succinct, the ceremony did not last long.

Complex Sentence: While going to the park, I had a succinct conversion with my friend.
47. acquiesce AK wee es Synonyms: permit allow

Definition: accept something reluctantly but without protest.

TKAM: “We were accustomed to prompt, if not always cheerful acquiescence to Atticus’s instructions, but from the
way he stood Jem was not thinking of budging” (203).

If you acquiesce to your child’s temper-tantrums, he will learn his behavior is acceptable.

Complex Sentence:
After leaving the store, my mom had to acquiesce to me getting a toy.

48. elucidate ed LOO se date Synonyms:explain clarify illuminate

Definition: make (something) clear; explain.

TKAM: “We asked Miss Maudie to elucidate: she said Miss Stephanie seemed to know so much about the case she
might as well be called on to testify” (213).

I will try to elucidate some of the questions you had difficulty answering.

Complex Sentence:After leaving the class, I could elucidate with my friend about algebra.

49. unobtrusive un ob TRUE siv Synonyms:shy modest quiet

Definition: not conspicuous or attracting attention.

TKAM: “I found myself in the middle of the Idlers’ Club and made myself as unobtrusive as possible” (217).

He is very unobtrusive sitting over there in the corner.

Complex Sentence:Before going to my unobtrusive friend, I had to go to the bank and get money.

50. turbulent TUR byuh lent Synonyms: stormy unstable explosive

Definition: characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm.

TKAM: “With [Atticus’s] infinite capacity for calming turbulent seas, he could make a rape case as dry as a sermon”
(226).

The turbulent winds made large waves in the sea.

Complex Sentence: After leaving my turbulent friend, I had a sense of never ever getting mad.