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 15 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Praise & Criticism guide.
01
admireverb
to regard with respect and approval
I admire her dedication to helping others in need, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cueTo admire someone is to place that person high in your mind and look up with respect.
02
appreciatedverb
recognized the value or significance of something
Her hard work was appreciated by everyone on the team, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cueA valued painting gains a bright price tag; appreciated means recognized as valuable or significant.
03
celebratedadjective
widely known and praised; honored with festivities
The celebrated author received a standing ovation at the ceremony, making the speaker's evaluation unmistakable to everyone who heard the response.
Memory cueA celebrated person stands beneath confetti with a trophy: widely known, praised, and honored.
04
complainingverb
expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance
Instead of complaining, he decided to take action, making the speaker's evaluation unmistakable to everyone who heard the response.
The customer filed a formal complaint about the defective product, revealing whether the work received approval or disapproval from the people reviewing it.
Memory cueA complaint is dissatisfaction placed into words, like a grievance written on a red form.
06
complimentverb
to politely express praise or admiration
She complimented him on his excellent work, making the speaker's evaluation unmistakable to everyone who heard the response.
Memory cueA compliment is a polite verbal medal of praise or admiration.
07
condemnverb
to express complete disapproval of
World leaders condemned the terrorist attack, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cueA judge's severe CONDEMNED stamp expresses complete disapproval.
08
criticismnoun
the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults
She accepted the constructive criticism gracefully, revealing whether the work received approval or disapproval from the people reviewing it.
Memory cueCriticism is disapproval expressed as red marks beside perceived faults.
09
criticizeverb
to express disapproval of someone or something
It is easy to criticize but harder to offer solutions, revealing whether the work received approval or disapproval from the people reviewing it.
Memory cueTo criticize is to point a red pen at faults and express disapproval.
10
esteemnoun/verb
respect and admiration; to regard highly
She is held in high esteem by her colleagues and students alike, revealing whether the work received approval or disapproval from the people reviewing it.
Memory cueEsteem places someone on a pedestal of respect and admiration.
11
insultverb
to speak or treat disrespectfully
His remarks insulted the entire community, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cueAn insult throws disrespectful words that crack another person's dignity.
12
praiseverb
to express approval or admiration for someone or something
Critics praise the film for its innovative storytelling, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cuePraise places a gold approval medal around someone or something admired.
13
prestigenoun
widespread respect and admiration based on achievement or quality
The university has gained international prestige for its research, making the speaker's evaluation unmistakable to everyone who heard the response.
Memory cuePrestige is a high pedestal built from achievement, quality, and widespread respect.
14
reputationnoun
the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something
She built her reputation through years of honest business dealings, revealing whether the work received approval or disapproval from the people reviewing it.
Memory cueReputation is the cluster of opinion stars that other people place beside a name.
15
respectedverb/adjective
admired deeply as a result of one's abilities, qualities, or achievements
He is widely respected in the scientific community, shaping how the audience judged the person or achievement being discussed.
Memory cueA respected person stands beside medals earned through admired ability, quality, or achievement.
