War and Peace — Vocabulary
Leo Tolstoy
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	159	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book It looked as if by that slight motion the army itself was expressing its joy at the approach of the Emperors.159 more coming near Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	1	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book But as a youth in love trembles, is unnerved, and dares not utter the thoughts he has dreamed of for nights, but looks around for help or a chance of delay and flight when the longed-for moment comes and he is alone with her, so Rostov, now that he had attained what he had longed for more than anything else in the world, did not know how to approach the Emperor, and a thousand reasons occurred to him why it would be inconvenient, unseemly, and impossible to do so.159 more begin communication with Show general definition for approach (as in: approached her with the proposal) to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic
	80	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book carefully prepared in accord with the modern science of...89 more in keeping (or in agreement) Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	10	top 2000
accord#2accord → own accord:own mind -- voluntarily (without anyone asking) She was not forced. She did it of her own accord.more Show sample from book the horses began to tug at the reins of their own accord and increased their pace.89 more accord → own accord:own mind (without anyone asking) Show general definition for accord (as in: done of her own accord) mind Show editor's word notes This sense of accord is typically seen in the form own accord or one accord.
	88	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book Well, I don't think you need reproach yourself on his account.87 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.
	57	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book Napoleon turned to him with a pleasant, though slightly ironic, smile. "They tell me this is the room the Emperor Alexander occupied? Strange, isn't it, General?"57 more irony → ironic:as though amused that what happened is very different than what might have been expected Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	1	top 2000
irony#2irony → ironic:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more Show sample from book "We had our hands full last night. However, I think the regiment is not a bad one, eh?" The battalion commander perceived the jovial irony and laughed.57 more saying one thing while meaning the opposite Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony) saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasm Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "verbal irony." Typically, the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, and the tone of voice or the context of the situation makes the true, contradictory meaning clear. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	95	top 2000
animateanimate → animating:inspiring people to action The right to pursue happiness is an animating principle of American government.more Show sample from book At the men's end of the table the talk grew more and more animated.94 more animate → animated:lively Show general definition for animate (as in: animated by her strong belief) inspire, make more lively, or bring to life
	9	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book Let others—the young—yield afresh to that fraud, but we know life, our life is finished!†26 more produce or give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	18	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book But the latter's good-natured naivete was so boundless that sometimes even he involuntarily yielded to Nicholas' good humor.26 more yield → yielded:gave in, gave way, or gave up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	52	top 500
attaingain or reach something with effort She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more Show sample from book Have you sought for means of attaining your aim in religion?†51 more attain → attaining:gaining or reaching something with effort Show general definition to gain or reach something with effort
	3	top 2000
attributeattribute → attributes:characteristics The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more Show sample from book didst thou, and why did the whole world, conceive the idea of the existence of such an incomprehensible Being, a Being all-powerful, eternal, and infinite in all His attributes?†23 more attribute → attributes:characteristics (of something or someone) Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic or feature (of something or someone)
	21	top 100
attribute#2attribute → attributed:credited (pointed to as the source of) She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more Show sample from book That spring a new disease broke out among the soldiers, a swelling of the arms, legs, and face, which the doctors attributed to eating this root.23 more attribute → attributed:credited (pointed to as the cause of something) Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something) in two typical senses: "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea
	93
serfMiddle Ages Europe: a person who is bound to the land and owned with the land by the feudal lord Unlike slaves, serf families could not be broken up, but they could be sold as a group with the land to which they were attached.more Show sample from book Then came a cart, and behind that walked an old, bandy-legged domestic serf in a peaked cap and sheepskin coat.†92 more Show general definition Middle Ages Europe: a person who is bound to the land and owned with the land by the feudal lord
	24
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book It will all be wasted on trifles.†25 more trifle → trifles:things of small importance Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	2
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book Of course he was not to be trifled with either—in a word, he was a real master!†25 more trifle with → trifled with:treated thoughtlessly or without respect Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	36
anterooma room leading to a larger or more important room He was searched again in the anteroom before entering her office.more Show sample from book The elderly lady who had been sitting with the old aunt rose hurriedly and overtook Prince Vasili in the anteroom.†35 more Show general definition a room (such as a waiting room) leading to a larger or more important room
	11	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book You were not right, not quite in the right, you were impetuous.10 more impulsive (acting without adequate thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	4	top 1000
discordconflict There is too much discord in the team.more Show sample from book It would be too painful to me to think that I might be a cause of sorrow or discord in the family that has been so good to me...5 more Show general definition for discord (as in: discord amongst the group) conflict or disagreement -- especially among those expected to cooperate or (especially in the form discordant): seeming different or wrong in context
	2	top 1000
discord#2discord → discordant:unpleasant sounding She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more Show sample from book diverse discordant sounds of disorder5 more discord → discordant:sounds that don't sound right together Show general definition for discord (as in: discordant music) unpleasant sound -- especially a combination of sounds that sound wrong together (though sometimes done intentionally in music)