The Fountainhead — Vocabulary
Ayn Rand
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	55	top 500
contracta written agreement that is enforceable by law She signed the contract.more Show sample from book ...he signed the contract...58 more legal agreement Show general definition for contract (as in: legal contract) an agreement - typically written and enforceable by law
	4	top 500
contract#2contract → contracts:gets shorter When it is cold, the metal in the bridge contracts and the joints are further apart.more Show sample from book It had merely become distasteful; not enough to force a decision; not enough to make him clench his fists; just enough to contract his nostrils.58 more make smaller Show general definition for contract (as in: the metal contracted in the cold) when something gets shorter or smaller
	1	top 1000
resignationa document expressing that someone is quitting a job I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.more Show sample from book He hoped she would resign. He could not face the thought of having to fire her.20 more resignation → resign:quit (from her job) Show general definition for resignation (as in: submitted her resignation) to quit -- especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
	20	top 1000
resignation#2(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 Then he stood straight, but with a kind of quiet resignation,20 more look of having accepted the need to endure (suffer through) something undesired Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	13	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book He saw a nurse in white uniform walking down the hall—an emergency first-aid station had been established on the ground floor.13 more Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	1	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 He stared at the flames, unblinking, to force himself into a complete obedience to an established truth.13 more establish → established:known Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	28	top 500
integritystrong moral principles They agreed to have her judge the contest because everyone admires her integrity.more Show sample from book he took it as an insult to his journalistic integrity27 more honesty and other moral principles Show general definition for integrity (as in: a person of high integrity) having strong moral principles -- especially honesty
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book Well, you see, one can make one's point best by contrast, by comparison.10 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
	10	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 Keating thought with relief that there was nothing frightening about her; there was only a disquieting contrast between her words and the candid innocence of the manner she used to utter them; he did not know which to trust.10 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
	24	top 500
competentsufficiently capable She is a competent student and I have no doubt she will be a competent lawyer one day.more Show sample from book She had a capacity for action, a competence that clashed incongruously with her appearance.†23 more competent → competence:ability Show general definition capable (able to do something in a generally satisfactory manner) -- sometimes specifically to have legal capability
	8	top 10
illustratemake clear Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.more Show sample from book Our Mr. Parker's son is studying architecture and we had him draw us up a sketch, just a rough sketch to illustrate what we had in mind and to show the members of the board, because they couldn't have visualized the compromise we offered.8 more help make clear Show general definition for illustrate (as in: as illustrated by this example) to help make clear -- typically by example
	1	top 2000
illustrate#2draw pictures to accompany I write and illustrate children's books.more Show sample from book He ran a series of illustrated articles on "The Churches of Our Childhood."8 more illustrate → illustrated:accompanied by drawings Show general definition for illustrate (as in: an illustrated children's book) to draw pictures (or provide photographs) to accompany a book or other writing
	24	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book "I don't want you to make excuses for me." He said it simply, without reproach.23 more criticism Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	26	top 2000
insolentrudely disrespectful Even though the officer remained calm, the driver continued to be insolent and uncooperative.more Show sample from book You'd better not be insolent.†25 more rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority Show general definition rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority
	33
altruismselflessness (putting others first) Even as a child, she was known for her altruism—always putting her classmates’ needs before her own.more Show sample from book Suppose I had never wished to take any money at all, but had set out in pure altruism to serve the people.32 more unselfish concern for others Show general definition unselfish concern for the welfare of others
	19
egotisticalconceited and self-centered She is accused of being egotistical and aloof.more Show sample from book You look like an insufferable egotist.†18 more egotistical → egotist:someone who is conceited and self-centered
	11
sacrilegedisrespect of something sacred They consider it sacrilege to depict Muhammad in a drawing.more Show sample from book I remember: a sacrilegious church or some such object that gave the Bible brigade a howling spree.†10 more sacrilege → sacrilegious:disrespectful of something others consider important -- especially something sacred Show general definition disrespect of something others consider important or sacred
	9
proletariata social class consisting of those who must work for wages to support themselves Marx did not envision a generally satisfied proletariat that found meaning and financial reward in their work.more Show sample from book He said it without defiance, bitterness or proletarian arrogance; he said it as if it were a joke on him and—if one looked closely into his smile—on them.†8 more
	8
contemptiblevery bad (deserving no respect) She is uninformed and her views are contemptible.more Show sample from book The kindliness was so great that it made their love seem small and mean, because only something contemptible could evoke such immensity of compassion.†7 more deserving no respect (worthless or of bad quality)
	7	top 2000
diffidenthesitant and unassertive She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.more Show sample from book The sketch lay on the Chinese artist's table, and the artist stepped aside diffidently, in silence.†6 more diffident → diffidently:with hesitancy and unassertiveness Show general definition hesitant and unassertive -- often due to a lack of self-confidence