accost
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “accost” mean?
verb.to approach and address someone boldly or aggressively.
SAT Usage
This verb is often found in contexts involving conflict, confrontation, or social interactions. It emphasizes an assertive or challenging approach, suggesting not just a casual interaction but an encounter that may provoke tension or discomfort, distinguishing it from milder terms like "greet" or "address."
Common Confusions
Accost implies a bold or aggressive approach to someone, while greet usually suggests a friendly or polite acknowledgment of another person.
Do not choose accost if the context emphasizes politeness or friendliness rather than approaching and addressing someone boldly or aggressively.
Example Sentences
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A stranger accosted him on the street and demanded money.
Word Parts: How to Remember “accost”
Break “accost” into its parts: ad- (to, toward). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
ad-to, toward (Latin)