The Magician's Nephew — Vocabulary
C. S. Lewis
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	7	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 Within two seconds, however, they had something to think about that drove their own quarrels quite out of their minds.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.
	4	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book Yes, you used to tie a horrid black thing behind me and then hit me to make me run, and however far I ran this black thing would always be coming rattle-rattle behind me.10 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	8	top 1000
solemnvery serious He took a solemn oath.more Show sample from book ...there was a solemn promise that neither side would use Magic.7 more serious Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
	5	top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book And he began to see that there might be some sense in that last line about getting your heart's desire and getting despair along with it.4 more hopelessness Show general definition for despair (as in: she felt despair) hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
	6	top 2000
manelong coarse hair growing around the head It was a healthy male lion with a golden mane.more Show sample from book ...she turned pale and bent down till her face touched the mane of the horse. You could see she felt deadly sick.5 more hair on the neck Show general definition long coarse hair such as that which grows around a lion's head or on the back of a horse's neck
	1	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book Things always work according to their nature.1 more accord → according to:in keeping with (or in agreement with) Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	1	top 2000
accord#2accord → own accord:own mind -- voluntarily (without anyone asking) She was not forced. She did it of her own accord.more Show sample from book ...the gates closed behind him of their own accord.1 more accord → own accord:own mind (without anyone making them) Show general definition for accord (as in: done of her own accord) mind Show editor's word notes This sense of accord is typically seen in the form own accord or one accord.
	3	top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book All the sharpness and cunning and quarrelsomeness ... seemed to have been washed away,2 more cleverness Show general definition for cunning (as in: a cunning thief) being good at achieving goals through cleverness -- and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
	2	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book "London isn't a Hole," said Polly indignantly.1 more indignant → indignantly:angered at the injustice of his statement Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	2	top 1000
witherwither → withered:shriveled (wrinkled as they dried out) The grapes withered on the vine.more Show sample from book It looks dreadfully withered,1 more wither → withered:weakened Show general definition for wither (as in: wither on the vine) to shrivel (wrinkle and contract -- usually from lack of water)
	1	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book At any moment I was ready to make peace — yes and to spare her life too, if only she would yield me the throne. give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	2	top 2000
treacherybetrayal Benedict Arnold remains the U.S.'s symbol of ultimate treachery.more Show sample from book If you attempt treachery I will...1 more Show general definition the behavior of someone who pretends to be a friend and then tricks, cheats, or betrays
	2	top 2000
focusinto view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book Then they could see Uncle Andrew, very vague and shadowy, but getting clearer and more solid-looking all the time, just as if he were coming into focus.1 more view (a state where something can be seen clearly) Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	1	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book "I see," she said scornfully, "you are a Magician - of a sort." scorn → scornfully:disrespectfully (with a strong feeling of dislike) Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	1	top 500
adeptskillful She is adept with numbers.more Show sample from book I am the great scholar, the magician, the adept, who is doing the experiment.† Show general definition having skill in a particular area
	1	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 You have insisted on my entertaining you to an exceedingly expensive, not to say ostentatious, lunch... showy Show general definition intended to attract notice and impress others -- especially with wealth in a vulgar way
	1	top 1000
profounddeep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence She shared a profound way of thinking about the problem.more Show sample from book ...rules of that sort ... can't possibly be expected to apply to profound students and great thinkers and sages. deep or far-reaching in intellect or insight
	1	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book Take of my fruit for others or forbear, forbearance → forbear:refrain (hold back) Show general definition patient tolerance or self-control; or holding back from taking action or enforcing a right Show editor's word notes Today, the word, forbearance, is most commonly seen in the field of law to indicate that a legal right, claim or privilege is not being enforced.
	1	top 2000
preposterouscompletely unreasonable They can't be seriously considering such a preposterous idea.more Show sample from book I never heard anything so preposterous in my life!† absurd, outrageous, silly, or completely unreasonable Show general definition absurd, outrageous, silly, or completely unreasonable
	1	top 2000
stiflestifle → stifling:making it difficult to breath It was a hot, humid, stifling day.more Show sample from book And she was stooped and seemed to be finding it hard to breathe, as if the air of that place stifled her. stifle → stifled:made breathing difficult Show general definition for stifle (as in: the heat is stifling) to make breathing difficult or impossible -- often from heat or humidity