ACT: Multiple-Meaning Words: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 16

On the ACT Reading Test, you'll encounter questions that ask you to determine the meanings of common words in context. We've identified 200 high-frequency, multiple-meaning words of the sort that you'll see on the exam. As you practice this list, you'll have to rely on context clues in order to determine each word’s meaning in a particular sentence. Be careful! Several of a word's meanings might show up as answer choices — but only one answer will capture the meaning of the word in the context of the sentence.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. scrupulous
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  2. charm
    attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
  3. scan
    examine minutely or intensely
  4. credit
    an estimate of ability to fulfill financial commitments
  5. emit
    give off, send forth, or discharge
  6. grace
    elegance and beauty of movement or expression
  7. margin
    the boundary line or area immediately inside the boundary
  8. hearty
    showing warm and sincere friendliness
  9. stroke
    a single complete movement
  10. apparent
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  11. core
    the center of an object
  12. impertinent
    improperly forward or bold
Created on Fri Jun 06 12:08:54 EDT 2025

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