The Adventures of Tom Sawyer — Vocabulary
Mark Twain
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	16	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 Their speed was slow, however, because pitfalls were somewhat common, and had to be guarded against.16 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 He had only thought it was not the treasure, however—he had not known that it wasn't—and so the suggestion of a captured bundle was too much for his self-possession.16 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	2	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book Yet shame I not to bear an o'er-full heart, Nor blush to turn behind my tearful eyes; 'Tis from no stranger land I now must part, 'Tis to no strangers left I yield these sighs.8 more give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	7	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book Huck started sorrowfully away, and Tom stood looking after him, with a strong desire tugging at his heart to yield his pride and go along too.8 more give up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	14	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit.13 more sadness Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	4	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book Consequently it was an extremely satisfactory one.4 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 place was grandly lighted, and everybody that was of any consequence in the village was there.4 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	9	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book But she fled up-stairs, nevertheless, with Sid and Mary at her heels.†8 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.
	12	top 1000
dismalterrible The coach will probably be replaced after such a dismal year.more Show sample from book Everything was dismally still.11 more dismal → dismally:depressingly Show general definition of terrible quality or depressing; or dark and dreary (as when bad weather blocks the sun or when it is drizzly)
	15	top 2000
consciencemoral judgment of personal behavior I have a guilty conscience and want to make it right.more Show sample from book Every time I let him off, my conscience does hurt me so, and every time I hit him my old heart most breaks.†14 more feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner Show general definition feeling or judgment of morally right or wrong personal behavior
	8	top 500
conspicuouseasy to notice She tried not to look conspicuous as she slipped into class after the tardy bell.more Show sample from book Profound silence; silence so deep that even their breathings were conspicuous in the hush.7 more attracting attention by being easily heard Show general definition easily noticed -- typically attracting attention such as by being large, flashy, or unusual
	8	top 500
indifferentwithout interest About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more Show sample from book grew weary at last, and then indifferent and absent-minded.7 more Show general definition without interest in various senses, including: unconcerned -- as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat." unsympathetic -- as in "She is indifferent to his needs." not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) -- as in "an indifferent performance" impartial -- as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
	5
incantationincantation → incantations:combinations of words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud She believes in the power of magical incantations.more Show sample from book They buried the shingle close to the wall, with some dismal ceremonies and incantations, and the fetters that bound their tongues were considered to be locked and the key thrown away.†4 more Show general definition words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud; or the saying of such words
	5
inquestformal inquiry or investigation The coroner's inquest ruled the death a homicide.more Show sample from book It seemed to Tom that his schoolmates never would get done holding inquests on dead cats, and thus keeping his trouble present to his mind.†4 more inquest → inquests:formal investigations Show general definition a formal inquiry or investigation -- typically into the cause of an undesirable event -- often an investigation of an unexpected death
	3	top 500
ostentatiousshowy (trying to attract notice and impress others in a manner seen as in bad taste) Although wealthy, the family is not ostentatious.more Show sample from book yielded up the pewter medal which he had worn with ostentation for months.2 more ostentatious → ostentation:an action intended to attract notice and impress others Show general definition intended to attract notice and impress others -- especially with wealth in a vulgar way
	2	top 500
notwithstandingin spite of Notwithstanding my fear, I want to try parachuting from an airplane.more Show sample from book Yet notwithstanding all this, the boy grew more and more melancholy and pale and dejected.†1 more used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go … Show general definition used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go against it Show editor's word notes Most commonly, you can substitute "in spite of" for notwithstanding. But see the first exemplary sample sentences for other common word substitutions.
	4
vagrantvagrant → vagrants:people who lack a home, job, and money She says the American hobo has nearly died out and that today's developed world is hard on vagrants in general.more Show sample from book Presently a vagrant poodle dog came idling along, sad at heart, lazy with the summer softness and the quiet, weary of captivity, sighing for change.†3 more someone who is poor and has no regular home or job Show general definition someone who is poor and has no regular home or job
	4
perceptiblecapable of being noticed The car makes a barely perceptible clicking sound at high speeds.more Show sample from book By and by, out of the stillness, little, scarcely perceptible noises began to emphasize themselves.3 more noticeable Show general definition capable of being noticed -- typically because it is different enough or large enough
	14
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book ...at a point where the Mississippi River was a trifle over a mile wide,14 more little (of small quantity or importance) 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 The thing failed this time, however, so the boys shouldered their tools and went away feeling that they had not trifled with fortune, but had fulfilled all the requirements that belong to the business of treasure-hunting.14 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