SAT Words in Context study notes

Cover the answer choices and replace the tested word with an everyday phrase of your own. Then read the whole sentence again. A familiar word can have several meanings, and the surrounding contrast or example tells you which one the author intends.

Worked example

A scientist does not reject an early result but says a small sample should ‘temper’ confidence in it. What does ‘temper’ mean?

It means moderate or make less extreme. The scientist still accepts the result as evidence, just with less certainty.

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