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 20 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Change & Transformation guide.
01
acquireverb
to obtain or gain possession of something
She worked hard to acquire the skills needed for the promotion, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueA choir acquires a new piano; it obtains the instrument and now possesses it.
02
acquiredverb
obtained or gained possession of something
He acquired a taste for classical music during his time abroad, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueThe choir acquired the piano: the group obtained it and made it theirs.
03
adjustedverb
altered or modified to fit new circumstances
She adjusted her schedule to accommodate the new meeting time, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueTurn an adjustable dial until it fits the new setting; adjusted means altered to fit.
04
alterverb
to change or make different
The accident altered his perspective on life, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueAlter a design by making it visibly different from its earlier form.
05
convertverb
to change from one form or function to another
They converted the warehouse into luxury apartments, marking a noticeable shift from the conditions that had existed before.
Memory cueA converter takes one form in and sends a different form out.
06
developverb
to grow or cause to grow more mature, advanced, or elaborate
The company plans to develop a new software application next year, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueA seed develops through stages into a mature, more elaborate plant.
07
developedverb
grew or caused to grow more mature, advanced, or elaborate
Scientists developed a new vaccine in record time, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueThe finished plant developed from a small seed through increasingly mature stages.
08
gainingverb
acquiring or obtaining something; increasing in amount or degree
The company is gaining market share through its innovative products, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueAn upward arrow enters the basket as it gains possessions, amount, or strength.
09
improveverb
to make or become better; to enhance in quality or condition
Regular practice will help improve your musical skills, marking a noticeable shift from the conditions that had existed before.
Memory cueMove the quality dial upward to improve something and make it better.
10
improvedverb
made better; enhanced in quality or condition
The patient's condition improved significantly after the treatment, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueThe after-picture sits higher on the quality scale because it has been improved.
11
innovativeadjective
featuring new methods or ideas; original and creative
The company is known for its innovative approach to technology, marking a noticeable shift from the conditions that had existed before.
Memory cueAn innovative workshop opens a NEW box filled with original methods and ideas.
12
introducedverb
brought something into use or operation for the first time; presented formally
The scientist introduced a revolutionary new theory, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueA curtain opens as something is presented formally or brought into use for the first time.
13
modifyverb
to make partial changes to something
The engineer modified the design to improve efficiency, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueModify a machine by changing one part while leaving the whole recognizable.
14
preserveverb
to maintain something in its original state; to protect from harm
The museum works to preserve artifacts for future generations, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueA glass shield preserves the object in its original state and protects it from harm.
15
progressverb
to move forward or develop
The negotiations progressed smoothly, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueProgress moves forward and upward along the development path.
16
replacedverb
took the place of; provided a substitute for something
Digital cameras have largely replaced film cameras, marking a noticeable shift from the conditions that had existed before.
Memory cueA new part moved into the exact space of the old one; the old part was replaced.
17
replacingverb
taking the place of; providing a substitute for
The company is replacing outdated equipment with modern technology, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueReplacing means removing one item while a substitute takes its place.
18
retainverb
to continue to have; to keep possession of
The company wants to retain its best employees, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueRetain the key by closing your hand and continuing to keep it.
19
transitionnoun
the process of changing from one state to another
The transition to renewable energy will take decades, allowing observers to compare the new result with its earlier form.
Memory cueA transition bridge carries something from one state into the next.
20
variablenoun/adjective
not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change
The variable winds made sailing conditions challenging that day, showing how substantially the original situation changed over the course of events.
Memory cueA variable line changes height instead of remaining fixed.
