164 VOCABULARY FOR TOEFL iBT
salutary ('sal·yu ̆·ter·ee) adj. producing a beneficial or wholesome effect; reme-
dial. To promote better health, I’ve decided to move to a more salutary climate.
sanctimonious (sank·t ̆·'moh·nee·u ̆s) adj. hypocritically pious or devout;
excessively self-righteous. The thief’s sanctimonious remark that “a fool and his
money are soon parted” only made the jury more eager to convict him.
sanction ('sank·sho ̆n) n. 1. official authorization or approval. 2. a penalty
imposed to coerce another to comply or conform. v. 1. to approve or permit;
to give official authorization or approval for, ratify. The city council has sanctioned
our request to turn the empty lot into a community garden.
sangfroid (sahn·'frwah) n. composure, especially in dangerous or difficult circum-
stances. I wish I had Jane’s sangfroid when I find myself in a confrontational situation.
sanguine ('san·win) adj. 1. confidently cheerful, optimistic. 2. of the color of
blood; red. People are drawn to her because of her sanguine and pleasant nature.
sardonic (sahr·'don·ik) adj. sarcastic, mocking scornfully. I was hurt by his sardonic
reply.
saturnine ('sat·u ̆r·n ̄n) adj. gloomy, dark, sullen. The saturnine child sulked for
hours.
savoir faire ('sav·wahr 'fair) n. knowledge of the right thing to do or say in a social
situation; graceful tact. Adele’s savoir faire makes her the quintessential hostess.
schism ('siz·e ̆m) n. a separation or division into factions because of a difference
in belief or opinion. The schism between the two parties was forgotten as they united
around a common cause.
scintilla (sin·'til·a ̆) n. a trace or particle; minute amount, iota. She has not one
scintilla of doubt about his guilt.
scintillating ('sin·t ̆·lay·tin) adj. 1. sparkling, shining brilliantly. 2. brilliantly
clever and animated. I had planned to leave the dinner party early, but the conversa-
tion was so scintillating that I stayed until 2:00 in the morning.
scurvy ('skur·vee) adj. contemptible, mean. That scurvy knave has ruined my plans
again.
seditious (si·'dish·u ̆s) adj. arousing to insurrection or rebellion; engaging in or
promoting sedition (conduct or language which incites resistance or opposi-
tion to lawful authority). Toby’s seditious behavior nearly started a riot at the town
meeting.