The Awakening — Vocabulary
Kate Chopin
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	15
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book he asked again, this time fondly, with a note of entreaty.14 more entreat → entreaty:pleading or attempt at persuasion Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	7	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book She was dragging a chair in and out of her room, and at intervals objecting to the crying of a baby, which a nurse in the adjoining cottage was endeavoring to put to sleep.†6 more endeavor → endeavoring:trying or attempting Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	5	top 100
yieldgive in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book If she replied to it in a serious spirit it would still leave in his mind the impression that she had in a susceptible moment yielded to his influence.†4 more yield → yielded:gave in, gave way, or gave up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	7	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book He did not mind the entreaty, but the tone with its delicate note of pathos was like a reproach.6 more a criticism; or to express 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.
	5	top 100
candidhonest and direct Don't worry about my feelings. I'd like your candid opinion.more Show sample from book The candor of Mrs. Pontellier's admission greatly pleased Mademoiselle Reisz.4 more candid → candor:honesty and directness
	7	top 2000
despondentemotionally depressed When her mother died, she was so despondent it was hard for her to get out of bed.more Show sample from book Despondency had come upon her there in the wakeful night, and had never lifted.6 more despondent → despondency:depression Show general definition emotionally depressed -- especially a feeling of grief and hopelessness after a loss
	5	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book It moved her with recollections.†4 more recollect → recollections:memories Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	7
impromptumade without advance preparation Her impromptu remarks cleared up the confusion before rumors could start.more Show sample from book 'If Mrs. Pontellier should call upon you, play for her that Impromptu of Chopin's, my favorite.†6 more without advance preparation Show general definition without advance preparation
	5	top 1000
languidslow, unhurried No urging could increase his languid pace.more Show sample from book The sun was low in the west, and the breeze soft and languorous that came up from the south, charged with the seductive odor of the sea.†4 more languid → languorous:slow, relaxed, or with little energy Show general definition lacking energy or relaxed or moving slowly
	4	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 He walked between them, whether with malicious or mischievous intent was not wholly clear, even to himself.†3 more malice → malicious:the intention or desire to see others suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	5	top 1000
speculatespeculate → speculated:thought and guessed without certainty Philosophers have speculated on the question for thousands of years.more Show sample from book "Granted; as many as you like," he returned, glancing down into her eyes that were full of thoughtfulness and some speculation.4 more speculate → speculation:guessing or theorizing Show general definition for speculate (as in: don't know, but I'll speculate) to think about, wonder, guess or theorize with much uncertainty
	5	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book Yet there were other days when she listened, was led on and deceived by fresh promises which her youth held out to her.†4 more deceive → deceived:lied or misled Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	3	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book Her face was captivating by reason of a certain frankness of expression and a contradictory subtle play of features.†2 more contradict → contradictory:in disagreement Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	4	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book I don't understand your motive for silence and mystery, never saying a word to me about it this morning.†3 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	5	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book He was a dark-browed, good-looking youngster of nineteen, greatly resembling his mother, but with ten times her impetuosity.4 more impetuous → impetuosity:impulsiveness (the trait of 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
	5
sensuouspleasing to the physical senses (sexy) She claims the tango as the most sensuous of dance forms.more Show sample from book The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.4 more relating to pleasure from the body's senses rather than from the intellect Show general definition relating to pleasure from the body's senses rather than from the intellect
	4	top 2000
capriciousunpredictable Nothing seems more capricious than a tornado.more Show sample from book curtains which draped the windows, and which puffed, floated, and flapped at the capricious will of a stiff breeze3 more Show general definition impulsive or unpredictable or tending to make sudden changes -- especially impulsive behavior
	2	top 500
anecdoteanecdote → anecdotes:short true stories Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more Show sample from book He talked to her while he undressed, telling her anecdotes and bits of news and gossip that he had gathered during the day.†1 more anecdote → anecdotes:short, true stories Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
	4
persistencecontinuing effort despite difficulties She hasn't succeeded yet, but I admire her persistence.more Show sample from book Her "condition" was in no way apparent, and no one would have known a thing about it but for her persistence in making it the subject of conversation.†3 more continuing or repeating behavior Show general definition continuing or repeating behavior -- especially in spite of difficulties or: continuing or prolonged existence of something
	2	top 500
antagonistenemy or opponent In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.more Show sample from book The street, the children, the fruit vender, the flowers growing there under her eyes, were all part and parcel of an alien world which had suddenly become antagonistic.†1 more antagonist → antagonistic:with opposition or hostility Show general definition for antagonist (as in: the antagonist in the film) someone who offers opposition or is hostile