The Brothers Karamazov — Vocabulary
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	180	top 2000
monka male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience The Tibetan monk wore an orange robe.more Show sample from book And this was terrible, for their words had great influence on young monks who were not yet firm in their convictions.179 more monk → monks:male members of a religious order living together and devoting themselves to contemplation, prayer and work
	150	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 Can a Russian peasant be said to feel, in comparison with an educated man?149 more used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: people of low income, education, and social standing -- especially those who raise 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
	140
monasterymonastery → monasteries:residences of religious communities Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries was the largest legally enforced transfer of property in English history since the Norman Conquest.more Show sample from book One paper had even stated that he had gone into a monastery and become a monk, in horror at his brother's crime.†139 more the residence of a religious community Show general definition the residence of a religious community
	2	top 2000
contrary toin opposition to Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico--not Egypt.more Show sample from book But before three o'clock in the afternoon that something took place to which I alluded at the end of the last book, something so unexpected by all of us and so contrary to the general hope, that, I repeat, this trivial incident has been minutely remembered to this day in our town and all the surrounding neighborhood.63 more Show general definition for contrary to (as in: contrary to) in opposition to Show editor's word notes You could also think of this as meaning, despite, or in spite of, or in conflict with; but since a common meaning of contrary is opposite, you many find it easiest to think of contrary to as in opposition to.
	62	top 2000
on the contraryan expression used to intensify denial of an idea She was not smiling. On the contrary, she frowned.more Show sample from book He is not at all angry, I assure you; on the contrary, he is surprised that you could suppose so.63 more Show general definition for on the contrary (as in: on the contrary) an expression used to intensify denial of an idea
	90
scoundrelsomeone without moral principles He's a scoundrel. Don't trust him.more Show sample from book Dmitri Karamazov is a scoundrel, but not a thief.89 more someone without good moral principles
	17	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book In the end, however, the institution of elders has been retained and is becoming established in Russian monasteries.19 more establish → established:set in place Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	3	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 But man seeks to worship what is established beyond dispute, so that all men would agree at once to worship it.19 more establish → established:demonstrated or proved Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	38	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book Fyodor Pavlovitch made her an offer; inquiries were made about him and he was refused.†37 more inquiry → inquiries:questions or investigations Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	39	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book The old man who has reproached me with what never happened does not even know of this fact; I never told any one about it.†38 more reproach → reproached:criticized 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.
	36	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 Dmitri Fyodorovitch kept persisting every day, 'You are deceiving me, you are hiding something from me!†35 more deceive → deceiving:lying or misleading Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	25	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 "To all appearances a malicious soul, full of petty pride," thought Miuesov.†24 more malice → malicious:the intention or desire to see others suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	22	top 500
attaingain or reach something with effort She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more Show sample from book Never be frightened at your own faint-heartedness in attaining love.†21 more attain → attaining:gaining or reaching something with effort Show general definition to gain or reach something with effort
	1	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 The captain, as a military man, undertook to load it, putting in a minute quantity of powder.9 more small Show general definition for minute (as in: minute size) small, exceptionally small, or insignificant
	9
minute#2including even small considerations We discussed it in minute detail.more Show sample from book This Korneplodov, after questioning him minutely, and inspecting the documents he was able to bring...9 more minute → minutely:with careful attention to detail Show general definition for minute (as in: minute description) detailed (including even small considerations); and/or careful (done with care)
	13	top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong When her anger passed, she was penitent.more Show sample from book If you are penitent, you love.†12 more feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; OR a person who does such Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
	11	top 2000
superciliousarrogant I have come to hate her supercilious smile.more Show sample from book A supercilious and condescending smile played on his lips.†10 more Show general definition arrogant (acting as if better, more important, and superior in ideas than others)
	12
debaucheryunrestrained or immoral indulgence The novel portrayed the city’s nightlife as a scene of constant debauchery.more Show sample from book The whole town is echoing with his debaucheries.†11 more debauchery → debaucheries:extreme indulgence in pleasures Show general definition extreme indulgence in pleasures -- especially those considered immoral or harmful, such as drinking, partying, or other reckless behavior
	11
metropolislarge, important city I want to live and work in the middle of a vibrant metropolis.more Show sample from book I don't know whether he saw her, but in the evening he was at the "Metropolis," where he got thoroughly drunk.†10 more city Show general definition city -- especially a large city that is considered important
	10
dowrymoney or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage She was given her inheritance in the form of a dowry.more Show sample from book To attach himself to a good family and obtain a dowry was an alluring prospect.†9 more in some societies, money or property given by a woman's family to the husband at… Show general definition in some societies, money or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage or less formally: money or property a bride brings to a marriage