The Idiot — Vocabulary
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	49	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book A painful recollection flashed into his mind.48 more recollect → recollection:memory Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	38	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book If I reckoned on that I should certainly be deceived, for I am still too weak in mind and character.†37 more deceive → deceived:lied or misled Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	40	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book I reproach myself bitterly for it sometimes.39 more criticize Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	9	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book But after all he is half justified; publicity is the lawful right of every man; consequently, Burdovsky is not excepted.12 more consequence → consequently:resultantly (as a result) Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	4	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book Forgive me all my absurdity of just now, which, of course, meant nothing, and could not have the slightest consequence.†12 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	21	top 100
candidhonest and direct Don't worry about my feelings. I'd like your candid opinion.more Show sample from book with the most childlike candour20 more candid → candour:honesty and directness Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use candor.
	34	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book "Oh, that wretched donkey again, I see!" cried the lady.†33 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."
	20	top 200
malicemalice → malicious:evil; or made with the intent to make others suffer I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.more Show sample from book And Rogojin burst out laughing, this time with unconcealed malice, as though he were glad that he had been able to find an opportunity for giving vent to it.19 more wanting to see others suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	23	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book I felt how lovely it was, but the loveliness weighed upon me somehow or other, and made me feel melancholy.†22 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	20	top 500
haughtyarrogant or condescending (acting superior or self-important) It is a story about a haughty princess who has a great fall.more Show sample from book Aglaya raised her head haughtily.19 more haughty → haughtily:condescendingly (in a superior or self-important manner)
	20	top 2000
amiablefriendly and likable She seemed an ideal candidate--attractive, amiable, intelligent, and energetic.more Show sample from book Varia did not try to look amiable, and kept her gloomy expression.19 more friendly, agreeable, and likable Show general definition friendly, agreeable, and likable
	20	top 1000
wrathextreme anger She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.more Show sample from book Gania darted a terrible glance of wrath at her for this, but Nina Alexandrovna, mended matters a little when Gania introduced her at last.†19 more Show general definition extreme anger or angry punishment
	17	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book His whole appearance gave one the idea of impudence; his dress was shabby.†16 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
	7
sacrilegedisrespect of something sacred They consider it sacrilege to depict Muhammad in a drawing.more Show sample from book Why, I can get him sent off to Siberia for that alone, if I like; it's sacrilege.†6 more disrespect of something others consider important or sacred Show general definition disrespect of something others consider important or sacred
	1	top 1000
contrarydisagreeable She has a contrary personality.more Show sample from book Lizabetha Prokofievna, who disliked Varvara, although she had a great respect for her mother, was much annoyed by this sudden intimacy, and put it down to the general "contrariness" of her daughters, who were "always on the lookout for some new way of opposing her."30 more contrary → contrariness:disagreeableness Show general definition for contrary (as in: a contrary personality) disagreeable -- typically in reference to someone's personality
	3	top 2000
contrary toin opposition to Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico--not Egypt.more Show sample from book We sometimes have strange, impossible dreams, contrary to all the laws of nature.30 more Show general definition for contrary to (as in: contrary to) in opposition to Show editor's word notes You could also think of this as meaning, despite, or in spite of, or in conflict with; but since a common meaning of contrary is opposite, you many find it easiest to think of contrary to as in opposition to.
	27	top 2000
on the contraryan expression used to intensify denial of an idea She was not smiling. On the contrary, she frowned.more Show sample from book Then she took to helping him without leave; and he saw how valuable her assistance was to him, and did not drive her away again; on the contrary, he occasionally gave her the remnants of his dinner, bread and cheese.30 more Show general definition for on the contrary (as in: on the contrary) an expression used to intensify denial of an idea
	4	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book She too, had passionate desires, but they were persistent rather than impetuous.3 more impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	6
patronagepolitical appointment in return for political support Most ambassadors are selected from career Foreign Service officers, but many are appointed through political patronage.more Show sample from book if he is to be under special patronage, I withdraw my claws.†5 more support or favor given Show general definition support or favor given The exact sense of patronage depends upon its context. For example:: "wants to increase federal patronage of the arts" -- donations made to support an organization or person "a political patronage appointee" -- favors given such as political appointments or contracts given in return for political support "rewards repeat patronage" -- business from customers -- especially recurring business
	4	top 1000
repugnantdisgusting Her behavior is shocking and repugnant.more Show sample from book You all hate Burdovsky because his behaviour with regard to his mother is shocking and repugnant to you; do you not?†3 more Show general definition disgusting