Many of the words that you’ll find on the SAT and GRE vocabulary tests are useful and interesting and will add color and spice to your daily conversation. We hope that you’re planning to keep these words in your working vocabulary, and that you enjoy learning today’s words: rescind, squander, tantamount, and unctuous.

rescind

Rescind means “to take back.” This word is often used in the legal field, referring to rights that are rescinded, for example. When something is rescinded, in legal terms it means it’s as if it never existed. Some synonyms of rescind are revoke and repeal.

Example: The president of the university rescinded her permission for the student demonstration on campus when she discovered that they were planning on staging a mock execution.

squander

To squander means to carelessly throw away, to spend thoughtlessly, or to waste resources.

Example: We thought Harold was going to enjoy a carefree life after he won the lottery, but he squandered his money on gambling and bad investments, and now he’ll have to look for work again.

tantamount

The word tantamount is equivalent to … well, the word equivalent. Tantamount means “having the same value” or “being essentially equal.”

Example: Things have gotten so tense between those two countries that the proposed missile test launch might be seen as tantamount to a declaration of war.

unctuous

If you read a lot of cooking magazines, you might find a food described as having an “unctuous mouthfeel” or “unctuous texture.” It means that the food coats the tongue with a smooth, almost oily layer of flavor. When discussing food, unctuous can be a good thing. It’s not a good thing when applied to a person. Someone with a smooth, oily manner is usually not to be trusted. To speak in an unctuous fashion means to be overly but insincerely polite and flattering or ingratiating. You might call a person who speaks like that “smarmy.”

Example: The shop clerk tried to make more sales with his unctuous treatment of the customers, but all except the most fatuous saw right through him.

We’re completely sincere, of course, when we tell you that you’re doing a great job with vocabulary review this week. Don’t stop now – after tomorrow’s review, we’ll be posting a quiz.