Pygmalion — Vocabulary
George Bernard Shaw
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	1	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book This makes him a standing puzzle to the huge number of uncultivated people who have been brought up in tasteless homes by commonplace or disagreeable parents, and to whom, consequently, literature, painting, sculpture, music, and affectionate personal relations come as modes of sex if they come at all.1 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)
	1	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book The pathos of this deplorable figure, with its innocent vanity and consequential air, touches Pickering, who has already straightened himself in the presence of Mrs. Pearce.1 more Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	9	top 2000
dialectregional variety of a language It's not uncommon to hear "y'all" when talking in the American south where the rural areas still have a distinct dialect.more Show sample from book I am myself a student of Indian dialects;8 more dialect → dialects:regional varieties of a language Show general definition a regional variety of a language Show editor's word notes A dialect can use a different accent, vocabulary, and grammar than other dialects of the same language.
	7	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 [He makes resolutely for the door]6 more resolute → resolutely:with firm purpose Show general definition firm in purpose, belief, or action
	7	top 1000
coaxgently persuade Although she has retired from public life, we are going to try to coax her to accept the award.more Show sample from book But I haven't forgot what you said a minute ago; and I won't be coaxed round as if I was a baby or a puppy.†6 more coax → coaxed:tried to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gently persuaded Show general definition for coax (as in: coax her to join us) try to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gentle persuasion
	6	top 1000
intimidateintimidate → intimidated:made afraid (of being inadequate) I was intimidated on my first day at the job, but I'm comfortable now.more Show sample from book We're all intimidated.†5 more intimidate → intimidated:fearful or threatened Show general definition to cause fear, nervousness, or a sense of inadequacy
	3	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book The future of phonetics rests probably with his pupils, who all swore by him; but nothing could bring the man himself into any sort of compliance with the university, to which he nevertheless clung by divine right in an intensely Oxonian way.†2 more Show general definition despite that 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 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	3	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book He takes off his hat to Mrs. Pearce, who disdains the salutation and goes out.2 more disdain → disdains:ignores (as though not worthy of her notice) Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	3	top 200
enableenable → enables:makes possible The test enables earlier identification of autism.more Show sample from book His great ability as a phonetician (he was, I think, the best of them all at his job) would have entitled him to high official recognition, and perhaps enabled him to popularize his subject, but for his Satanic contempt for all academic dignitaries and persons in general who thought more of Greek than of phonetics.†2 more enable → enabled:made possible Show general definition to make possible in various senses, including: to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion." to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page." to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
	4	top 1000
resignation(accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more Show sample from book MRS. PEARCE [only half resigned to it] Very well, sir. It's for you to say.3 more resignation → resigned:acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	4	top 1000
contemptlack of respect Familiarity breeds contempt.more Show sample from book I am expressing my righteous contempt for Commercialism.3 more disrespect and dislike Show general definition for contempt (as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust Show editor's word notes A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC) When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
	2	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 His manner varies from genial bullying when he is in a good humor to stormy petulance when anything goes wrong; but he is so entirely frank and void of malice that he remains likeable even in his least reasonable moments.†1 more the desire to hurt others or see them suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	3	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book THE FLOWER GIRL [subsiding into a brooding melancholy over her basket, and talking very low-spiritedly to herself] I'm a good girl, I am.†2 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	2	top 200
deferencerespect They changed their strategy in deference to the President's wishes.more Show sample from book He gets out of her way deferentially and apologizes.1 more deference → deferentially:with polite respect Show general definition polite respect -- often when submitting to another's wishes
	2	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book He is, in fact, but for his years and size, rather like a very impetuous baby "taking notice" eagerly and loudly, and requiring almost as much watching to keep him out of unintended mischief.1 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
	3	top 2000
deprecatetreat as unimportant You should not deprecate her efforts.more Show sample from book General hubbub, mostly sympathetic to the flower girl, but deprecating her excessive sensibility.2 more deprecate → deprecating:belittling or disapproving OR belittling (minimizing or diminishing the value of) oneself Show general definition to diminish or treat something as unimportant or of low quality; or to express disapproval
	2	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book MRS. HIGGINS [cordially] Quite right: I'm very glad indeed to see you.†1 more cordial → cordially:in a friendly way Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
	3
infatuatedobsessed or intensely attracted She was completely infatuated with her new neighbor and couldn't stop thinking about him.more Show sample from book Freddy bows and sits down in the Elizabethan chair, infatuated.†2 more deeply but often foolishly in love with or obsessed with someone or something Show general definition deeply but often foolishly in love with or obsessed with someone or something
	3
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book PICKERING [in good-humored remonstrance] Does it occur to you, Higgins, that the girl has some feelings?2 more remonstrate → remonstrance:arguing in protest Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize
	3
relapsereturn (to an undesirable previous condition) She returned to the hospital due to difficulty breathing after a relapse of the flu.more Show sample from book HIGGINS [relapsing into gloom] Lord forbid!†2 more relapse → relapsing:returning to an undesirable previous condition Show general definition to return to an undesirable previous condition -- especially illness, addiction, or bad behavior