Anna Karenina — Vocabulary
Leo Tolstoy
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	243	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 Parish clerks, teachers, and one in a thousand of the peasants, maybe, know what it's all about.242 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
	52	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Instinctively feeling the approach of spring, and knowing that there would be days of rough weather too, she built her nest as best she could, and was in haste at the same time to build it and to learn how to do it.52 more coming 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 After that, with an irrepressible smile of tenderness, Kitty recalled her husband's shamefaced embarrassment, his repeated awkward efforts to approach the subject, and how at last, having thought of the one means of helping Dolly without wounding her pride, he had suggested to Kitty—what had not occurred to her before—that she should give up her share of the property.52 more begin communication with someone about 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
	10	top 1000
interprettranslate Can she interpret Spanish to English for us?more Show sample from book She went up to them, entered into conversation with them, and served as interpreter for the woman, who could not speak any foreign language.†23 more interpret → interpreter:someone who translates language Show general definition for interpret (as in: interpret Spanish to English) to translate someone’s words into spoken words of another language while they are speaking
	14	top 10
interpret#2understand (In this case: Why did she smile? What does it mean?) I don't know how to interpret her smile.more Show sample from book He was a believer, who was interested in religion primarily in its political aspect, and the new doctrine which ventured upon several new interpretations, just because it paved the way to discussion and analysis, was in principle disagreeable to him.23 more interpret → interpretations:ways of understanding or explaining things Show general definition for interpret (as in: her interpretation of the data) to understand or explain something in a particular way -- often the meaning or significance of something
	43	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book She went over all her Moscow recollections.†42 more recollect → recollections:memories 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.
	32	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 ...in a tone of ironical submission to destiny.32 more irony → ironical:when what is happens is very different than what might be 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 "Oh, of course, there's no reason whatever," he said, frowning. "That's just what I say," she said, willfully refusing to see the irony of his tone, and quietly turning back her long, perfumed glove.32 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.
	39	top 1000
resolutedetermined and unwavering She stood resolute as some complained that she was asking too much of the team.more Show sample from book Levin felt so resolute and serene that no answer, he fancied, could affect him.†38 more firm in purpose, belief, or action Show general definition firm in purpose, belief, or action
	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 He saw where his boat leaked, but he did not look for the leak, perhaps purposely deceiving himself.†37 more deceive → deceiving:lying or misleading 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 In the habitual conditions of her life she felt again resolute and irreproachable.†39 more reproach → irreproachable:beyond criticism Show context notes The prefix ir- is often used in front of words that start with R to mean not. That reverses the meaning of the word as seen in words like irrational, irregular, and irresistible. The suffix "-able" means able to be. This is the same pattern you see in words like breakable, understandable, and comfortable. 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.
	8	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book Left alone in the room assigned him, lying on a spring mattress that yielded unexpectedly at every movement of his arm or his leg, Levin did not fall asleep for a long while.13 more yield → yielded:produced or gave Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	6	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book Unconsciously yielding to the weakness of Anna—who had surrendered herself up to him utterly, and simply looked to him to decide her fate, ready to submit to anything—he had long ceased to think that their tie might end as he had thought then.13 more yield → yielding:giving in, giving up, or giving way (easily moved or soft) Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	10
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book In the same way Levin in his heart despised the town mode of life of his friend, and his official duties, which he laughed at, and regarded as trifling.†10 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	1
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book He doesn't understand that she's one of those women who can't trifle with their feelings.†10 more Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	12	top 500
superfluousmore than is needed, desired, or required Eliminate superfluous words.more Show sample from book "Come now, let us talk of you," she added, tossing her head, as though she would physically shake off something superfluous oppressing her.†11 more
	11	top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong When her anger passed, she was penitent.more Show sample from book "But how can it be helped?" said Levin penitently.†10 more penitent → penitently:with sorrow and regret for having done wrong Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
	8	top 500
materialistictoo concerned with wealth and possessions She thinks Americans are too materialistic.more Show sample from book The professor was carrying on a hot crusade against materialists.†7 more materialistic → materialists:overly concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests Show general definition overly concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
	10
suppositionsomething supposed (rather than something known to be so) She paints a vivid picture, but we must remember it is all mere supposition.more Show sample from book A feeling such as his was profaned by talk of the rivalry of some Petersburg officer, of the suppositions and the counsels of Stepan Arkadyevitch.†9 more Show general definition something supposed (rather than something known to be so) -- such as a disputed belief or assumption
	8
conclusivedefinite (leaving no doubt) The fingerprints are conclusive evidence that she had touched the doorknob.more Show sample from book I have had to do business with him, 'positively and conclusively.'†7 more conclusive → conclusively:putting an end to doubt or question Show general definition putting an end to doubt or question