The War of the Worlds — Vocabulary
H. G. Wells
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	10	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 It was only about five, however, that a field gun reached Chobham for use against the first body of Martians.10 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 it is done, it is certain that a beam of heat is the essence of the matter.10 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	4	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book Close on its apparition, and blindingly violet by contrast, danced out the first lightning of the gathering storm, and the thunder burst like a rocket overhead.8 more contrast → by contrast:in a comparison that shows differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	5	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book Across the Thames, except just where the boats landed, everything was quiet, in vivid contrast with the Surrey side.8 more difference Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	8	top 200
inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something I'm inclined to believe him.more Show sample from book I am inclined to think that...9 more tending (having an attitude favoring) Show general definition for inclined (as in: I'm inclined to) a tendency, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
	2	top 200
inclinesomething sloping upward (such as a hill) It is a steep incline.more Show sample from book I rose and walked unsteadily up the steep incline of the bridge.9 more hill (angle) Show general definition for incline (as in: on an incline or incline his head) to be at an angle or to bend
	16	top 1000
tumultconfusion or disorder There was tumult in Tijuana as drug cartels fought for control.more Show sample from book I splashed through the tumultuous water,15 more tumult → tumultuous:turbulent (confused and disordered)
	4	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book I resolved to leave him--would that I had!5 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	2	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book I stopped to look at them, drawing a lesson from their stout resolve to live.5 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	14	top 1000
fugitivefugitive → fugitives:people hiding from law enforcement officers She is one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.more Show sample from book Here we found an excited and noisy crowd of fugitives.13 more fugitive → fugitives:people fleeing an unpleasant situation Show general definition for fugitive (as in: she is a fugitive) someone who is running away or hiding to avoid arrest or an unpleasant situation
	1	top 100
conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book Plenty of Londoners did not hear of the Martians until the panic of Monday morning. Those who did took some time to realise all that the hastily worded telegrams in the Sunday papers conveyed.3 more convey → conveyed:communicated
	3	top 2000
convey#2transport I was ordered to convey her to London.more Show sample from book Some of the people who crowded in the carts whipped stupidly at their horses and quarrelled with other drivers; some sat motionless, staring at nothing with miserable eyes; some gnawed their hands with thirst, or lay prostrate in the bottoms of their conveyances.3 more convey → conveyances:carriages (means of transport) Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her safely to) transport Show editor's word notes Today, this sense of convey is seldom seen outside of historic literature.
	3	top 500
obscureobscure → obscured:hidden or made less visible The stars are obscured by the clouds.more Show sample from book Dense clouds of smoke or dust ... spread through the clearness of the planet's atmosphere and obscured its more familiar features.4 more obscure → obscured:made less visible 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."
	2
obscure#2dark or dingy The once shiny silver was now tarnished and obscure.more Show sample from book In the obscurity I could see he made a gesture of despair.4 more obscure → obscurity:darkness Show general definition for obscure (as in: was obscure, but now bright) dark or dingy; or inconspicuous (not very noticeable) Show editor's word notes This meaning of obscure is more commonly seen in classic literature than in modern writing.
	9
forthwithimmediately The judge ordered her release "forthwith."more Show sample from book I heard it give a peculiar thick cry, and forthwith another of these creatures appeared darkly in the deep shadow of the aperture.†8 more Show general definition immediately -- (most typically seen in legal documents, formal use, or classic literature)
	6	top 500
antagonistenemy or opponent In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.more Show sample from book And meanwhile the military and naval authorities, now fully alive to the tremendous power of their antagonists, worked with furious energy.†5 more antagonist → antagonists:people who offer opposition or are hostile Show general definition for antagonist (as in: the antagonist in the film) someone who offers opposition or is hostile
	2	top 2000
minutetiny Don't eat a lot of poppy seeds for a few days before a drug test. They have a minute amount of a chemical that can cause a false positive when testing for heroin use.more Show sample from book I wished I had a light to smoke by, little suspecting the meaning of the minute gleam I had seen and all that it would presently bring me.2 more small Show general definition for minute (as in: minute size) small, exceptionally small, or insignificant
	1
minute#2including even small considerations We discussed it in minute detail.more Show sample from book It seemed indeed as if the whole country in that direction was on fire—a broad hillside set with minute tongues of flame, swaying and writhing with the gusts of the dying storm, and throwing a red reflection upon the cloud-scud above.2 more detailed Show general definition for minute (as in: minute description) detailed (including even small considerations); and/or careful (done with care)
	3	top 2000
gesticulategesticulate → gesticulations:gestures (hand or body movements) made while speaking or to express something The moderator turned her microphone off, leaving us to see her gesticulations, but not hear her words.more Show sample from book It is commonly supposed that they communicated by sounds and tentacular gesticulations;2 more gesticulate → gesticulations:movements Show general definition to make gestures (hand or body movements) while speaking or to express something
	3
inertunmoving The snake had recently eaten and lay inert in the grass.more Show sample from book Even within the five-mile circle the great majority of people were inert.†2 more unmoving, inactive, or unable to move; OR slow, lethargic, or without interest… Show general definition unmoving, inactive, or unable to move or: slow, lethargic, or without interest or (in chemistry/medicine): chemically inactive (not having an effect)