Heart of Darkness — Vocabulary
Joseph Conrad
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	12	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book However, through this glorious affair I got my appointment, before I had fairly begun to hope for it.12 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	1	top 2000
however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book However he had got much worse suddenly.12 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	8	top 500
desolatevery sad I heard a low desolate wail.more Show sample from book the sound of her low voice seemed to have the accompaniment of all the other sounds, full of mystery, desolation, and sorrow, I had ever heard8 more desolate → desolation:extreme sorrow and loneliness Show general definition for desolate (as in: felt desolate) sad or miserable--and often lonely
	1	top 500
desolate#2empty, providing no shelter or sustenance The photos show the desolate surface of the moon.more Show sample from book It was a distinct glimpse: the dug-out, four paddling savages, and the lone white man turning his back suddenly on the headquarters, on relief, on thoughts of home—perhaps; setting his face towards the depths of the wilderness, towards his empty and desolate station.8 more empty, lonely, providing no support
	11	top 500
profoundintense (of great emotional depth) Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more Show sample from book ...to the hidden evil, to the profound darkness of its heart.10 more intense Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
	9	top 1000
eloquenteloquent → eloquence:powerful use of language Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.more Show sample from book This was the unbounded power of eloquence--of words--of burning noble words.8 more Show general definition powerful use of language
	8	top 1000
ominousthreatening I'm beginning to hear ominous rumblings of discontent.more Show sample from book It was the same kind of ominous voice; but these men could by no stretch of imagination be called enemies.7 more threatening of bad things to come Show general definition threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come)
	8	top 1000
appallingshockingly terrible or horrible The live in appalling conditions.more Show sample from book One, with his chin propped on his knees, stared at nothing, in an intolerable and appalling manner:7 more causing strong feelings of disapproval or horror
	5	top 100
alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book What we afterwards alluded to as an attack was really an attempt at repulse.4 more Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
	6	top 1000
languidslow, unhurried No urging could increase his languid pace.more Show sample from book the languid beat of the stern-wheel came plainly to my ears.5 more slowly moving Show general definition lacking energy or relaxed or moving slowly
	1	top 2000
bronzea brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.more Show sample from book It was as though an animated image of death carved out of old ivory had been shaking its hand with menaces at a motionless crowd of men made of dark and glittering bronze.3 more a brownish metal Show general definition for bronze (as in: bronze won't corrode in salt water) a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin Show editor's word notes Bronze metals in the Olympics and many other contests are awarded for third place. With the discovery of bronze (about 3,000 BC), people could make tools and weapons that were harder and more durable than those made of copper and stone that preceded bronze.
	3
bronze#2reddish-brown or yellowish-brown He was attracted by her shining bronze hair.more Show sample from book When next day we left at noon, the crowd, of whose presence behind the curtain of trees I had been acutely conscious all the time, flowed out of the woods again, filled the clearing, covered the slope with a mass of naked, breathing, quivering, bronze bodies.3 more suntanned Show general definition for bronze (as in: a bronze tan) a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown color like that of one of the metals with the same name -- often used to refer to a suntan or a dark glowing complexion
	5	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book I did not know the motive.†4 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	1	top 500
obscureobscure → obscured:hidden or made less visible The stars are obscured by the clouds.more Show sample from book A dark figure obscured the lighted doorway of the manager's hut, vanished, then, a second or so after, the doorway itself vanished too.1 more obscure → obscured:blocked the view of Show general definition for obscure (as in: it obscured my view) to block from view or make less visible or understandable Show editor's word notes Although this meaning of obscure typically refers to seeing or understanding, it can also refer to situation where something makes something else harder to detect or as when a noise makes another noise difficult to hear. Similarly it can reference something overshadowing something else, as in "Her memory of her dog's death was obscured by her brother's death the next day."
	3
farceridiculous situation What started as a serious debate quickly turned into a farce, with people shouting over each other and making jokes.more Show sample from book Every day the coast looked the same, as though we had not moved; but we passed various places—trading places—with names like Gran' Bassam Little Popo, names that seemed to belong to some sordid farce acted in front of a sinister backcloth.†2 more a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously… Show general definition a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously; or a type of comedy that relies on absurd humor, using physical slapstick, unlikely situations, and deliberate misunderstandings
	3
primevalancient She found the fossilized remains of a primeval palm tree.more Show sample from book The smell of mud, of primeval mud, by Jove!†2 more Show general definition ancient (of or from a long time ago); or having existed from ancient times
	3
adieugoodbye She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more Show sample from book Adieu.†2 more Show general definition a farewell remark (an alternative to goodbye) Show editor's word notes Adieu is typically more formal than bye. It comes from the French, à Dieu which literally means "to God" — as in I entrust you to God's care.
	3
infernalvery annoying Please stop making that infernal noise!more Show sample from book I lived in an infernal mess of rust, filings, nuts, bolts, spanners, hammers, ratchet-drills—things I abominate, because I don't get on with them.†2 more very bad; OR very annoying; OR characteristic of hell or the underworld Show general definition very bad; or very annoying; or characteristic of hell or the underworld
	3
scoundrelsomeone without moral principles He's a scoundrel. Don't trust him.more Show sample from book The half-caste, who, as far as I could see, had conducted a difficult trip with great prudence and pluck, was invariably alluded to as 'that scoundrel.'†2 more Show general definition someone without moral principles
	2	top 2000
askewnot straight (not in proper alignment) She came out of the water with her glasses askew but still on her head.more Show sample from book And the village was deserted, the huts gaped black, rotting, all askew within the fallen enclosures.†1 more not straight; or not right Show general definition not straight (not in proper alignment) or: (when used figuratively) not right, or not as planned