Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince — Vocabulary
J. K. Rowling
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	94	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 Harry, however, remained behind, taking a seat beside the fire and looking down into the dying embers.97 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 However miserable he has been here, however unwelcome, however badly treated, you have at least, grudgingly, allowed him houseroom.97 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)
	55	top 1000
gauntvery thin She looked gaunt from the chemotherapy.more Show sample from book And you, I take it, are Mr. Gaunt?†54 more very thin and bony Show general definition very thin and bony -- often from hunger or as though having been worn to the bone
	53	top 2000
prophecyprediction of the future The prophecy came true.more Show sample from book Where were you a few weeks ago when we battled to retrieve the prophecy for the Dark Lord?†52 more Show general definition a prediction of the future (usually said to be obtained in a supernatural way)
	13	top 1000
flourishflourish → flourishing:growing or developing well The children are flourishing.more Show sample from book many flourishing potted plants13 more flourish → flourishing:thriving (growing well) Show general definition for flourish (as in: the business is flourishing) to thrive (grow or develop well)
	1	top 1000
flourish#2showy gesture She entered with a great flourish.more Show sample from book Seized with an immediate desire to reveal himself, Harry pulled off the cloak with a flourish.13 more a showy gesture Show general definition for flourish (as in: dismissed them with a flourish) a showy gesture or: the act of waving -- a hand or an item
	26	top 2000
apparitiona ghostlike figure Hamlet saw an apparition at midnight.more Show sample from book My name is Wilkie Twycross and I shall be your Ministry-Apparition Instructor for the next twelve weeks.†25 more a ghostlike figure or its appearance Show general definition for apparition (as in: a headless apparition) a ghostlike figure or its appearance
	13	top 500
confideconfide → confided:placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more Show sample from book It had been here, in this very room, that Dumbledore had told him that he was to confide the contents of their lessons to nobody but Ron and Hermione.12 more tell confidentially Show general definition to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
	5	top 200
inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something I'm inclined to believe him.more Show sample from book Personally, I am inclined to think that she used a love potion.6 more favoring (tending toward) 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 Voldemort inclined his head, unsmiling, and took another sip of wine.6 more incline → inclined:angled Show general definition for incline (as in: on an incline or incline his head) to be at an angle or to bend
	11	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 To general indignation, a sign went up on all common-room noticeboards that the next trip into Hogsmeade had been cancelled.10 more indignant → indignation:anger at something unjust Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	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 The whole Wizarding community has been screaming for my resignation for a fortnight.6 more quitting (from a 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
	6	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 I think we must resign ourselves to the fact that they will, at some point, realize we are not Lord Voldemort.6 more resignation → resign:accept something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	19
antidotecure The doctor gave her an antidote to counteract the snake venom.more Show sample from book But there are some injuries you can't cure...old curses...and there are poisons without antidotes......†18 more antidote → antidotes:cures for something bad Show general definition a cure for something bad -- especially for poison
	12	top 2000
divinepredict supernaturally She claims she can divine the future with a crystal ball.more Show sample from book Perfect deliberation, divination, and desperation11 more divine → divination:the act of predicting something by magic Show general definition for divine (as in: divined from tea leaves) to discover or predict something supernaturally (as if by magic)
	11
incantationincantation → incantations:combinations of words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud She believes in the power of magical incantations.more Show sample from book So you just decided to try out an unknown, handwritten incantation and see what would happen?10 more words or sounds believed to have a magical effect Show general definition words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud; or the saying of such words
	7
centaura mythical being that is half man and half horse Firenze is the name of a centaur character in the Harry Potter stories.more Show sample from book I think you, Horace, would have known better than to stride into the forest and call a horde of angry centaurs 'filthy half-breeds.'†6 more centaur → centaurs:mythical beings that are half man and half horse
	2
tributepraise (expressing admiration) I was moved by her tearful tribute to her deceased colleague.more Show sample from book It was, Harry knew, the centaurs' tribute: he saw them turn tail and disappear back into the cool trees.2 more expression of admiration Show general definition for tribute (as in: a tribute to the great actor) praise or something done to express admiration or respect
	1	top 2000
tribute#2payment to someone so they will not harm you The Second Barbary War ended the American practice of paying tribute to pirates along the north coast of Africa.more Show sample from book Harry wiped his grazed forearm upon the stone: Having received its tribute of blood, the archway reopened instantly.2 more payment demanded Show general definition for tribute (as in: demanded they pay tribute) payment by one nation for protection by another; or: payment extorted by gangsters on threat of violence
	5	top 2000
disgruntleddissatisfied We have a line of disgruntled customers who have been waiting too long.more Show sample from book Ron looked slightly disgruntled.†4 more dissatisfied - typically unhappy and annoyed Show general definition dissatisfied - typically unhappy and annoyed