Are you interested in Japanese architecture and art? Guess what – SAT test writers are very interested in these topics! During the past year a number of vocabulary in context and even critical reading passages have discussed characteristics of modern Japanese buildings. The August 22, 2026, SAT added to this interest by including a difficult question on traditional Japanese tapestries.
Japanese tapestries feature scenes of sacred mountains, waterfalls, and misty valleys. These images are used to IMBUE or fill a room with a sense of natural beauty and contemplative calm. They thus connect the indoor living space with the natural beauty of the outdoors.
IMBUE officially made its debut as a new One Hit Wonder. The question also included several tempting but incorrect choices. For example, DEPICT, REGALE, and BELIE were all wrong!
IMBUE – to fill, infuse, or instill a feeling or quality
DEPICT – to show or describe something
REGALE – to entertain with interesting stories
BELIE – to misrepresent; give a false impression