The PSAT 8/9 tests vocabulary in context: a Reading and Writing question gives you a passage and asks which word fits, and the wrong answers are usually words that are close in meaning. Studying a whole theme at once is what builds that discrimination — you learn not just what each word means, but how it differs from its neighbors.
Read the definition, then the example, then the memory cue. Come back a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.
The 16 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Attitude & Behavior guide.
01
aggressiveadjective
ready to attack or confront; forceful in pursuit of goals
The company adopted an aggressive marketing strategy to gain market share, giving observers a clearer basis for interpreting the person's motives and behavior.
Memory cueAn aggressive ram charges first, ready to attack or push forcefully toward its goal.
02
carefuladjective
taking caution to avoid mistakes or danger
Be careful when handling the fragile glassware, giving observers a clearer basis for interpreting the person's motives and behavior.
Memory cueCarry a full glass without spilling it: being careful means watching for mistakes and danger.
03
committedadjective
dedicated to a cause or activity
She is committed to improving education in underserved communities, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueA committed climber anchors the rope to the goal and refuses to abandon it.
04
discretionnoun
the quality of behaving in a way that avoids causing offense; freedom to decide
The matter was handled with the utmost discretion to protect everyone's privacy, showing how personal conduct affected the outcome of the broader situation.
Memory cueDiscretion quietly chooses considerate words; it can also hold the key to a personal decision.
05
earnestadjective
sincere and serious in intention; showing deep conviction
His earnest apology convinced her that he truly regretted his actions, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueAn earnest promise joins a serious face to a sincere heart.
06
gentleadjective
mild, soft, or kind in manner or action; not harsh or severe
The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, showing how personal conduct affected the outcome of the broader situation.
Memory cueA gentle hand holds a butterfly softly rather than squeezing it.
07
harshadjective
unpleasantly rough or severe; cruel or unkind
The harsh winter conditions forced many animals to migrate south, giving observers a clearer basis for interpreting the person's motives and behavior.
Memory cueHarsh sandpaper feels rough; harsh treatment feels severe and unkind.
08
mothernoun
a female parent; to care for or protect like a mother
His mother taught him the importance of honesty and hard work, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueA mother is a female parent; to mother is to wrap someone in parental care.
09
neglectverb
to fail to care for properly; to disregard or ignore
Parents should never neglect their children's emotional needs, showing how personal conduct affected the outcome of the broader situation.
Memory cueA dusty, wilted plant shows what happens when someone neglects proper care.
10
neglectedadjective
not receiving proper attention or care; ignored
The neglected garden was overgrown with weeds and dead plants, showing how personal conduct affected the outcome of the broader situation.
Memory cueCobwebs and dry soil show that the plant was neglected and ignored.
11
outgoingadjective
friendly and socially confident; leaving a position
Her outgoing personality made her popular at social gatherings, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueAn outgoing person walks toward the crowd; an outgoing official walks toward the exit.
12
recklessadjective
without thinking about the consequences
His reckless driving caused the accident, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueA reckless driver races past the CONSEQUENCES sign without looking.
13
reservenoun/verb
to keep back for future use; a supply kept for use when needed
Please reserve a table for four at seven o'clock, giving observers a clearer basis for interpreting the person's motives and behavior.
Memory cueReserve a supply by placing it behind a FOR LATER label.
14
reservedverb/adjective
kept for future use; slow to reveal emotions or opinions
She was quiet and reserved at social gatherings, showing how personal conduct affected the outcome of the broader situation.
Memory cueA reserved seat is saved for later; a reserved person keeps feelings behind a quiet door.
15
restraintnoun
the action of keeping something under control; self- control
He showed great restraint by not responding to the insults, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueRestraint is the control brake that stops an impulse from going too far.
16
tolerateverb
to allow the existence or occurrence of something without interference; to endure
The teacher would not tolerate any disruptions during the exam, revealing an attitude that strongly influenced how the other people responded.
Memory cueTo tolerate noise is to let it continue without interference while enduring it.
