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 19 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Clarity & Obscurity guide.
01
abstractadjective
existing in thought but not having physical existence
The concept of justice is abstract but essential, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
Memory cueAn abstract idea floats inside a thought bubble without a physical body.
02
concealverb
to hide or keep secret
He tried to conceal his disappointment with a forced smile, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cuePull a curtain over an object to conceal it from view and keep it secret.
03
concealedadjective
hidden from view; kept secret (also: kept from sight; hidden)
The entrance was concealed behind a bookshelf, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueA concealed object sits behind a curtain or camouflage cloak, hidden from view.
04
confusingadjective
difficult to understand; bewildering
The confusing instructions made assembly nearly impossible, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueConfusing directions point every way at once and leave the traveler bewildered.
05
covertadjective
not openly acknowledged or displayed
The covert operation was kept secret, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueA covert operation remains hidden behind an unmarked door.
06
evidentadjective
clearly seen or understood
It was evident that she was upset, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
The contract contains explicit terms and conditions, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
Memory cueAn explicit instruction labels every detail clearly and leaves nothing hidden.
08
exposedverb/adjective
revealed or uncovered; left unprotected or vulnerable
The investigation exposed widespread corruption within the organization, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueRemoving a protective cover leaves what was hidden visible and vulnerable.
09
hiddenadjective
kept out of sight; concealed
The hidden treasure remained undiscovered for centuries, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueA hidden object waits behind a curtain, kept completely out of sight.
10
hidingverb
the action of concealing something or oneself
The cat was hiding under the bed during the thunderstorm, giving observers more context for judging what could be seen or understood.
Memory cueHiding means moving oneself or an object behind cover to avoid being seen.
11
obscureadjective
not clearly understood or easily seen; not well-known (also: not clearly expressed or easily understood)
The professor specialized in obscure medieval manuscripts, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
Memory cueFog obscures an object until it is hard to see, understand, or recognize.
12
obviousadjective
easily perceived or understood; clear and evident
It was obvious from her expression that she was disappointed, giving observers more context for judging what could be seen or understood.
Memory cueAn obvious answer glows in huge letters directly under the spotlight.
13
patentadjective
easily recognizable; obvious
His patent dishonesty fooled no one, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
Memory cueA patent fact is immediately recognizable beneath an obvious sign.
14
revealverb
to make known something previously secret or unknown
The investigation will reveal the truth about what happened, giving observers more context for judging what could be seen or understood.
Memory cuePull away the curtain to reveal what was secret or unknown.
15
subtleadjective
so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; not obvious
There was a subtle change in her attitude after the meeting, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
Memory cueA subtle change is one faint shade between two nearly identical colors.
16
tangibleadjective
perceptible by touch; clear and definite
We need tangible evidence before making accusations, making its degree of transparency or comprehensibility clearer from the surrounding details.
Memory cueA tangible idea becomes a solid object that the hand can grasp.
17
transparentadjective
allowing light to pass through so objects can be seen clearly; open and honest (also: easy to perceive; obvious)
The company promised to be transparent about its financial dealings, shaping how easily the relevant information could be perceived and interpreted.
of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning
His vague response left everyone wondering what he actually meant, giving observers more context for judging what could be seen or understood.
Memory cueA vague message has blurred edges and disappears into uncertain fog.
19
vividadjective
producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind; intensely bright (also: producing powerful feelings or clear images)
She gave such a vivid description that we could picture the scene perfectly, giving observers more context for judging what could be seen or understood.
Memory cueA vivid image glows in intensely bright color and remains sharply clear in the mind.
