1. Week 1 SAT Words
December 6th-10th

2. enigma: a mystery, hard to understand or explain
Death is the ultimate enigma; we will never understand its mysteries.

3. Indifferent: having no preference

4. candor: frankness, honesty
Nicole always prided herself on her absolute candor, which extended even to her break-up methods.

5. reticent: restrained, uncommunicative

6. autonomy: self-rule
Tibet has been arguing for its autonomy for years, but China insists that it is a part of the PRC.

7. ascetic: without indulgence or luxuries
This Hindu man lives a very ascetic lifestyle, eschewing the accumulation of material wealth.

8. banal: commonplace, dull
When asked to analyze themes of Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men,” it is important to stay away from banal observations.

9. ambiguous: unclear, undecided
The ending of “Of Mice and Men” is ambiguous in terms of what exactly will happen to George.

10. ameliorate: to improve
Many aid organizations sent money and supplies to ameliorate conditions in Haiti after the earthquake there.

11. atrophy: to waste away from lack of use
Don’t let your brain atrophy over the summer—continue reading and engaging your brain!