Important SAT and ACT Diction Words with definitions and tips

Here are some definitions and tips regarding important SAT and ACT Diction words. 

*All the definition below are based on “Collins Dictionary”

1. Subject to (adjective) vs. Subjected to (verb)

 
I’m going to give you both 1) dictionary definitions and 2) a super easy way to memorize the difference.
 

Dictionary definition

‘subject to’ is an adjective. It means ‘affected by’ or ‘likely to be affected by’

e.g. The company is not subject to tax.
 

‘subjected to’ is a verb. If you subject someone to something unpleasant, you make them experience it.

e.g. People were subjected to torture and ill tremeant.
 

Easy way to distinguish them:
 
if it has already happened -> use 'subjected to'
if it is something that ‘can’ happen soon-> use 'subject to'

*So far, ‘subject to’ has always been the answer in the SAT.
 

 
2. Ensure vs Assure
 
For these two, memorizing the meanings is not enough.

They have similar meanings: “to make sure that it happens” or “gurantee.”
 
You need to understand the usage: 

Assure is followed by “person,” while ensure isn’t.
 
e.g. I assured Jack that everything would be fine.

e.g. They ensured that the treaty would be approved by the government.

e.g. You need to ensure her happiness.

 

3. Lie vs. Lay
 
Lie – lay - lain

1. Recline
2. Remain / exists / rest flat on a position

e.g. The town lies on the coast

e.g. A book lay on the table

 
Lay- laid – laid

1. put down

e.g. She laid the baby on the crib
 
*an easy way to remember the difference is that ‘lie’ is NOT used with direct object (noun right after), while ‘lay’ is used with direct object (noun should follow immediately)

 
 
4. Everyday vs. Every day
 
‘everyday’, which is an adjective, refers to ‘ordinary’ or ‘typical.’

e.g. everyday clothing
 

‘every day’ refers to ‘each day’

e.g. Every day, I sing. I sing every day.

5. Evoke vs. Invoke
 
‘evoke’ is used with memories, feelings, and sentiments, while ‘invoke’ is used with law, ‘god,’ or ‘spirit’
 
 
 
6. Adapt vs. Adopt
 
While all of us are familiar with their first meanings, the word ‘adopt’ has another meaning that confuses us.
 
‘adopt’ can also refer to “Choose to take up, follow, or use”

e.g. This approach has been adopted by many big banks

e.g. To my surprise, small businesses began to adopt this technology

7. exhaustive vs exhausting

exhausting means ‘tired.’

exhaustive means ‘very thorough or very detailed.’

e.g. This is an exhaustive book on world history.

8. site vs cite

site is a ‘place / location’

e.g. Website (internet place / location)

e.g. burial site, building site

cite is quoting from books / journals

9. perspective vs prospective

an easy way to remember ‘prospective’ is by replacing the word with ‘potential.”

e.g. prospective employee

e.g. prospective customer

10. detract vs distract

detract refers to ‘to diminish,’ or to take away a part (of) something.

e.g. He thought having a girlfriend would detract from his goal.

11. Fair vs. Fare

In addition to ‘fair / unfair,’ the word ‘fair’ also refers to ‘an event where there are amusements, games, and competitions.”

e.g. the science fair
 
In addition to ‘the bus fare (fee),’ the word ‘fare also refers to ‘food’

e.g. traditional Scottish fare