A Tale of Two Cities — Vocabulary
Charles Dickens
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	4	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book Sow the same seed of rapacious license and oppression over again, and it will surely yield the same fruit according to its kind.15 more produce Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	12	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book An hour or two hence, and the low companions and low habits that I scorn but yield to, will render me less worth such tears as those, than any wretch who creeps along the streets.15 more Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	44	top 2000
republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws The United States and each of its states are republics.more Show sample from book My husband, fellow-citizen, is a good Republican and a bold man; he has deserved well of the Republic, and possesses its confidence.43 more republic → republican:of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives … Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
	43	top 2000
vengeancerevenge Most Americans wanted vengeance after the 9-11 attacks.more Show sample from book Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule.†42 more the act of taking revenge Show general definition for vengeance (as in: vengeance is mine) the act of taking revenge (Revenge means to harm someone to get them back for something harmful that they have done.)
	20	top 2000
denouncedenounce → denounced:strongly criticized or accused publicly She denounced him as a liar.more Show sample from book I denounce them to Heaven and to earth.19 more to strongly criticize or accuse publicly Show general definition to strongly criticize or accuse publicly or more rarely: to inform against someone (turn someone into the authorities)
	17	top 1000
compassionsympathy for another's suffering and wanting to help If I see one hungry child, I feel compassion, but when I hear of a million hungry children, I'm overwhelmed and turn my mind to other things.more Show sample from book O dear, good, compassionate sir, for the truth!†16 more compassion → compassionate:feeling or showing sympathy for another's suffering
	5	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book It had been established voluntarily some time ago, among the more thorough patriots; but, was now law for everybody.5 more establish → established:set in place (accepted and expected) Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	1	top 100
establish#2establish → establishing:showing or demonstrating The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more Show sample from book Here again: Mr. Lorry's inquiries into Miss Pross's personal history had established the fact that her brother Solomon was a heartless scoundrel who had stripped her of everything she possessed, as a stake to speculate with, and had abandoned her in her poverty for evermore, with no touch of compunction.5 more establish → established:shown Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	11	top 100
conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book She might think it was contrived, in case of the worse, to convey to him the means of anticipating the sentence.†10 more Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
	15
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book I entreat you to tell me more, sir.†14 more ask earnestly Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	13	top 1000
peasantpeasant → peasants:an historical term describing people of low income, education, and social standing Most people in the Middle Ages were peasants.more Show sample from book It was hard by the fountain, and the peasants suspended their operations to look at him.†12 more peasant → peasants:used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: people of low income, education, and social standing -- especially those who raise crops or livestock Show general definition used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of low income, education, and social standing -- especially one who raises crops or livestock
	13	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book Crowds of the wicked and the wretched had been reflected in it, and had passed from its surface and this earth's together.†12 more miserable or very bad Show general definition very bad in various senses, including: unfortunate or miserable -- as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor" of poor quality -- as in "wretched roads" morally bad -- as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
	9	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book It would be worse than useless now to make any inquiries, because it would be dangerous.†8 more inquiry → inquiries:questions or investigations Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	11	top 2000
bestowgive (as an honor) They gave her the highest honor they can bestow.more Show sample from book Bestowing a word of promise here and a smile there, a whisper on one happy slave and a wave of the hand on another, Monseigneur affably passed through his rooms to the remote region of the Circumference of Truth.†10 more bestow → bestowing:giving Show general definition to give -- typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
	28
chateauimpressive country house (or castle) in France She restored the chateau and turned it into a small hotel.†more Show sample from book A supper-table was laid for two, in the third of the rooms; a round room, in one of the chateau's four extinguisher-topped towers.†27 more an impressive country house (or castle) in France Show general definition an impressive country house (or castle) in France
	27
guillotinea device used to behead people During the French Revolution, the guillotine was used as a method of execution for those who were condemned to death.more Show sample from book The word "wife" seemed to serve as a gloomy reminder to Defarge, to say with sudden impatience, "In the name of that sharp female newly-born, and called La Guillotine, why did you come to France?"†26 more a device used to behead people (most associated with the French Revolution)… Show general definition a device used to behead people (most associated with the French Revolution); or executing someone in such a manner Show editor's word notes A guillotine consists of a weighted blade that falls downward between two vertical poles.
	7
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book But, there my Lord interposed (with as grave a face as if it had not been true), saying that he could not sit upon that Bench and suffer those allusions.†6 more interpose → interposed:to insert between other elements; OR to interrupt or stop action by others Show general definition to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
	6
illustriousfamous and respected The university invited an illustrious scientist to speak at the graduation ceremony.more Show sample from book I see him winning it so well, that my name is made illustrious there by the light of his.†5 more famous and admired; OR worthy of admiration Show general definition famous and admired; or worthy of admiration
	6
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book sufficiently disturbing the darkness to elicit loud remonstrance from an owl5 more remonstrate → remonstrance:protest Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize
	5
engendercause (bring into being) The police in Mexico don't engender confidence.more Show sample from book Physical diseases, engendered in the vices and neglects of men, will seize on victims of all degrees;4 more engender → engendered:caused Show general definition cause -- usually a feeling (possibly a situation)