Vocabulary in Context (SAT Reading)

What Are Vocabulary in Context Questions?

Format: "As used in line X, [word] most nearly means..."

NOT about:

• Memorizing obscure vocabulary
• Dictionary definitions

ABOUT:

• Understanding words in context
• How the word functions in this specific passage

Key Strategy

The "Plug-In" Method

Steps:

1. Read the sentence (and surrounding sentences)
2. Cover the word with your hand/finger
3. Predict your own word that fits
4. Compare to answer choices - pick closest match
5. Plug it back in to verify it works

Example:

"The scientist was skeptical of the new theory."

1. Cover "skeptical"
2. Think: "The scientist was doubtful/questioning of the new theory"
3. Look for answer choice meaning "doubtful"
4. Check: Does "doubtful" fit? Yes!

Common Tricks to Watch For

Trap 1: Common Definition (Wrong Context)

Word has multiple meanings - SAT tests the less common one

Example: "Current"

• Common meaning: Present/now
• In science passage: Flow of electricity
• In river passage: Movement of water

Always check context!

Trap 2: Looks Right But Wrong Tone

Answer choice is related but wrong connotation

Example: "The politician was calculating"

Could mean:

• Doing math ❌ (wrong context)
• Strategic/scheming ✓ (fits negative tone)

Trap 3: Synonym But Wrong Intensity

Too strong or too weak for context

Example: If passage says "somewhat worried"

• "Concerned" ✓ (moderate)
• "Terrified" ❌ (too strong)

Types of Words Tested

1. Multiple Meaning Words

Same spelling, different meanings

• "Appreciate" → understand OR increase in value
• "Charged" → accused OR filled with emotion
• "Bear" → animal OR endure
• "Express" → state OR fast train

2. Academic/Formal Words

Words common in academic writing

• "Undermine" → weaken
• "Substantiate" → prove/support
• "Mitigate" → lessen/reduce
• "Corroborate" → confirm

3. Connotation Words

Shades of meaning - positive vs negative

• "Stubborn" (negative) vs "Determined" (positive)
• "Cheap" (negative) vs "Economical" (positive)
• "Curious" (positive) vs "Nosy" (negative)

Context Clues in Passages

1. Definition Clues

Passage defines the word directly

"Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light to energy, is essential."

2. Example Clues

Examples illustrate meaning

"The cacophony - horns blaring, people shouting, sirens wailing - was overwhelming."

3. Contrast Clues

Opposite word provides hint

"Unlike his reticent brother, Tom was outgoing and talkative."

Reticent = opposite of outgoing = shy/quiet

4. Synonym Clues

Similar word appears nearby

"She was elated, absolutely thrilled by the news."

Elated = thrilled

Testing Your Answer

The "Substitution Test"

Replace the original word with your answer choice

Does the sentence:

• ✓ Make sense?
• ✓ Keep the same meaning?
• ✓ Match the tone?

If no to any → wrong answer!

SAT Vocabulary Strategies

Don't Rely on First Instinct

First meaning that comes to mind often wrong

Read Before and After

Context is usually in surrounding sentences

Eliminate Obvious Wrong Answers

Cross out choices that clearly don't fit

Match Tone

Positive passage → positive word Negative passage → negative word

Consider All Answer Choices

Sometimes multiple could work - pick BEST fit

Common SAT Words to Know

Words Meaning "Support"

• Corroborate, substantiate, bolster, buttress, validate

Words Meaning "Weaken"

• Undermine, refute, contradict, debunk, invalidate

Words Meaning "Lessen"

• Mitigate, alleviate, diminish, abate, assuage

Words Meaning "Increase"

• Augment, amplify, exacerbate, intensify, escalate

Words Meaning "Criticize"

• Denounce, censure, disparage, rebuke, admonish

Words Meaning "Praise"

• Laud, extol, commend, acclaim, venerate

Context Categories

Scientific Passages

Look for technical vs common usage

"Compound" → chemical substance (not housing complex)

Literary Passages

Look for figurative vs literal

"Consumed" → obsessed with (not ate)

Historical Passages

Look for period-specific meanings

"Civil" → polite (in social context) OR relating to citizens (in government)

SAT Tips

• Always read full sentence (minimum)
• Use context clues - don't just use dictionary knowledge
• Plug in your answer to test if it works
• Match the tone (positive/negative/neutral)
• Eliminate extremes first (usually wrong)
• Multiple meanings → use context to pick right one
• Don't overthink → simplest answer often correct
• "Most nearly means" → doesn't have to be exact synonym, just closest