The Hound of the Baskervilles — Vocabulary
Arthur Conan Doyle
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	7	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book I have established a right of way through the centre of old Middleton's park, slap across it, sir, within a hundred yards of his own front door.10 more Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	4	top 100
establish#2establish → establishing:showing or demonstrating The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more Show sample from book "We have established a most important fact by these questions, Watson," he continued in a low voice as we went upstairs together.10 more establish → established:learned or demonstrated Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	12	top 500
presumepresume → presumed:assumed I presumed she was an expert since she spoke so confidently.more Show sample from book ...presuming that all our conjectures are correct --12 more presume → presuming:assuming Show general definition for presume (as in: presumption of innocence) to think of something as true or likely, even though it is not known with certainty Show editor's word notes Something can be presumed because it seems reasonable or because there is a rule or law demanding such an assumption. For example, in the United States someone charged with a crime is presumed by law to be innocent unless they are proven guilty at a trial.
	1	top 1000
presumptuousexercising privileges to which one is not entitled She is pushy and presumptuous. I can't stand to be around her.more Show sample from book You will, I am sure, excuse my presumption12 more presumptuous → presumption:exercise of social privileges to which one might not entitled Show general definition for presumptuous (as in: she is presumptuous) exercising privileges to which one is not entitled -- such as being too familiar or too bossy
	6	top 100
directstraightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book We had arranged no plan of campaign, but the baronet is a man to whom the most direct way is always the most natural.8 more straightforward (uncomplicated) Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	3	top 100
direct#2instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book When a crisis comes, as it will do, I will direct how you shall act.8 more Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
	13	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book No, sir; I have made inquiry all over the hotel, but I can hear no word of it.12 more investigation and questions Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	10	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book To his eyes all seemed beautiful, but to me a tinge of melancholy lay upon the country-side9 more sadness Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	9	top 1000
narrativeStory He titled his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.more Show sample from book I shall soon be in the position of being able to put into a single connected narrative one of the most singular and sensational crimes of modern times.8 more story Show general definition for narrative (as in: Narrative of the Life of...) a story; or related to a story
	8	top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book You perceive the devilish cunning of it, for really it would be almost impossible to make a case against the real murderer.7 more cleverness Show general definition for cunning (as in: a cunning thief) being good at achieving goals through cleverness -- and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
	6	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book So far as the Barrymores go we have found the motive of their actions, and that has cleared up the situation very much.†5 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	8	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 Oh, you know the stories that the peasants tell about a phantom hound, and so on.7 more peasant → peasants:a person of low income, education, and social standing -- especially one who raises 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
	5	top 100
alternativealternative → alternatives:possibilities Let's think of at least three alternatives before we decide what to do.more Show sample from book There is no alternative, I assure you.4 more other possibility Show general definition for alternative (as in: an alternative plan) a different choice or possibility, or describing something that offers a different choice or possibility
	1	top 100
hypothesisa seemingly reasonable, but unproven, idea The study will test the hypothesis that a good marriage is more important than a higher income when measuring happiness.more Show sample from book But we are bound to exhaust all other hypotheses before falling back upon this one.2 more hypothesis → hypotheses:explanations that are seemingly reasonable, but unproven Show general definition for hypothesis (as in: a study to test her hypothesis) a seemingly reasonable, but unproven idea or explanation based upon known facts Show editor's word notes In casual conversation, theory is a synonym for hypothesis, but a scientist would say that a hypothesis needs to pass rigorous tests before it could be accepted as a theory.
	2
hypothesis#2something that may or may not be true, but is temporarily treated as true to advance a discussion or to further investigation For the purpose of discussion, let's accept that the hypothesis that she is guilty as true. What would we have expected her to do after the incident?more Show sample from book Supposing that anything happened to our young friend here—you will forgive the unpleasant hypothesis!2 more something that may or may not happen, but is temporarily treated as though it will happen to investigate possible outcomes Show general definition for hypothesis (as in: assume as a working hypothesis) something that may or may not be true, but is temporarily treated as true to advance a discussion or to further investigation Show editor's word notes This sense of hypothesis is typically seen in the form, hypothetical, or hypothetically.
	8
regentregent → regental:members of a governing board The California Board of Regents voted to increase student fees at all University of California schools.more Show sample from book Then, still keeping a hundred yards behind, we followed into Oxford Street and so down Regent Street.†7 more a member of a governing board Show general definition a member of a governing board -- especially at a state university or: someone who rules a country temporarily while the king or queen is too young, too sick, or away
	3	top 10
inferfigure out or guess by reasoning Which of the following facts can you infer from the first paragraph?more Show sample from book C.H.' does stand for 'Charing Cross Hospital,' what further inferences may we draw?†2 more infer → inferences:things concluded or guessed by reasoning Show general definition to figure out or guess by reasoning
	5
inquestformal inquiry or investigation The coroner's inquest ruled the death a homicide.more Show sample from book I checked and corroborated all the facts which were mentioned at the inquest.†4 more formal investigation Show general definition a formal inquiry or investigation -- typically into the cause of an undesirable event -- often an investigation of an unexpected death
	3
diabolicalevil and clever As part of her diabolical plan, she spent the first year gaining their trust.more Show sample from book The original hound was material enough to tug a man's throat out, and yet he was diabolical as well.†2 more evil; very bad; OR cruel and clever (like something of the devil) Show general definition evil; very bad; or cruel and clever (like something of the devil)
	2	top 1000
corroboratesupport The detectives looked for evidence to corroborate her story.more Show sample from book Their evidence, corroborated by that of several friends, tends to show that Sir Charles's health has for some time been impaired,1 more corroborate → corroborated:supported Show general definition to support an opinion -- typically with additional evidence or testimony