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 13 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Time & Duration guide.
01
arrivingverb
reaching a destination or coming to a place
Guests are arriving at the venue for the ceremony, clarifying whether the condition or event was brief, repeated, or long-lasting.
Memory cueCrossing the destination marker means you are arriving: finally reaching the place.
02
briefadjective
of short duration
The meeting was surprisingly brief, showing how timing and duration affected the situation described in the example.
Memory cueA brief event fits between two nearby ticks of a clock.
03
chronicadjective
persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
He suffers from chronic back pain, showing how timing and duration affected the situation described in the example.
Memory cueA chronic condition stretches along a long calendar and repeatedly returns.
04
constantadjective
occurring continuously; unchanging
The constant noise from construction made it hard to concentrate, clarifying whether the condition or event was brief, repeated, or long-lasting.
Memory cueA constant light never flickers and a constant rhythm never stops or changes.
05
continuousadjective
forming an unbroken whole; without interruption
The continuous line stretched for miles, clarifying whether the condition or event was brief, repeated, or long-lasting.
Memory cueA continuous line runs unbroken from start to finish.
06
eternaladjective
lasting or existing forever
The philosopher pondered eternal truths, clarifying whether the condition or event was brief, repeated, or long-lasting.
Memory cueAn eternal loop has no beginning or ending point.
07
incidentnoun
an event or occurrence, especially one that is unusual or unpleasant
The security team investigated the incident thoroughly, showing how timing and duration affected the situation described in the example.
Memory cueAn incident is one event circled on the timeline, often because it was unusual or unpleasant.
08
ongoingadjective
continuing without interruption; still in progress
The ongoing investigation has uncovered new evidence, making the sequence and length of the relevant events easier to understand.
Memory cueAn ongoing road continues past the horizon with no interruption or finish marker.
09
permanentadjective
lasting or remaining without change
The injury caused permanent damage, making the sequence and length of the relevant events easier to understand.
Memory cueA permanent mark is carved into stone to remain without change.
10
rarelyadverb
not often; seldom
She rarely misses a day of work, making the sequence and length of the relevant events easier to understand.
Memory cueA rare event appears on only one square of a long calendar.
11
scheduledverb/adjective
planned for a certain time; arranged according to a timetable
The meeting is scheduled for three o'clock, showing how timing and duration affected the situation described in the example.
Memory cueA scheduled event is pinned to one exact square and time on the calendar.
12
temporaryadjective
lasting for only a limited time
The temporary shelter housed flood victims, making the sequence and length of the relevant events easier to understand.
Memory cueA temporary structure carries an expiration date and will not remain.
13
traditionaladjective
existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established
The family prepared a traditional meal for the holiday celebration, clarifying whether the condition or event was brief, repeated, or long-lasting.
Memory cueA traditional practice travels down a long chain from earlier generations.
