Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Vocabulary
J. K. Rowling
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	77	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 They have, however, great difficulty with the idea of goblin-made objects passing from wizard to wizard.77 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.
	1	top 2000
however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book After another quarter of an hour, however he was forced to conclude that the rest of his mother's letter was gone.77 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	44	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Harry did not need to kneel or even approach very close to it to make out the words engraved upon it.44 more get near Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	1	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book While he tried to decide on the best way to approach his request, the goblin broke the silence.44 more speak with someone about Show general definition for approach (as in: approached her with the proposal) to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic
	11	top 100
accompanyaccompany → accompanies:travels with The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.more Show sample from book There will be no need for you to accompany us, Arthur.12 more come with Show general definition for accompany (as in: accompany on the journey) to travel along with
	2	top 100
accompany#2accompany → accompanying:provided together The trend is easily seen in the accompanying graph.more Show sample from book Harry finished reading, but continued to gaze at the picture accompanying the obituary.12 more accompany → accompanying:complementing (provided at the same time to make the whole better) Show general definition for accompany (as in: the accompanying chart) to be present with at the same time and/or location -- sometimes provided to make something more complete or better
	10	top 100
assumebelieve (without knowing for sure) I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.more Show sample from book I assume that you are familiar with 'The Tale of the Three Brothers'?11 more accept as true (without really knowing for sure) Show general definition for assume (as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof
	2	top 100
assume#2assume → assumed:took on (or adopted) She assumed the identify of her victim until the body was found.more Show sample from book Mr. Weasley gave a maniacal laugh; Mrs. Weasley threw him a look, upon which he became immediately silent and assumed an expression appropriate to the sickbed of a close friend.11 more assume → assumed:took on (an appearance) Show general definition for assume (as in: She assumed a false identity) to take on (adopt, wear, strike a pose or appearance of) -- often while pretending or disguising
	14	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Ginny did not seek another one-to-one meeting with Harry for the rest of the day, nor by any look or gesture did she show that they had shared more than polite conversation in her room. Nevertheless, Charlie's arrival came as a relief to Harry. It provided a distraction...13 more Show general definition despite that 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 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	2	top 1000
bindtie Make sure the string is tight to securely bind the package.more Show sample from book Scrimgeour now pulled out of the bag a small book that looked as ancient as the copy of Secrets of the Darkest Art upstairs. Its binding was stained and peeling in places.11 more bind → binding:the part of a book that holds the pages together Show general definition for bind (as in: bind hands, a wound, or a people) to tie, hold, or unite together; or something that does so
	10	top 1000
bind#2bind → binding:constraining (must be obeyed) It is a binding contract.more Show sample from book "Did I?" muttered Harry, tugging at the chains binding her arms, "Well, I've had a change of heart."11 more bind → binding:constraining in some way -- such as tying up, requiring, or obligating Show general definition for bind (as in: a binding contract) constrain or require
	7	top 2000
appreciateam grateful for I appreciate your wanting to help, but this is something I need to do myself.more Show sample from book Simply to be alive to watch the sun rise over the sparkling snowy hillside ought to have been the greatest treasure on earth, yet he could not appreciate it:8 more recognize the value or importance of; and/or be grateful for Show general definition for appreciate (as in: I appreciate your help.) to recognize the value or importance of and/or: to be grateful for
	2	top 500
appreciate#2understand I didn't appreciate how long it would take to write a good report.more Show sample from book He was only just beginning to appreciate what had happened.8 more understand (a situation) Show general definition for appreciate (as in: I appreciate the complexities) to understand a situation-often one with important complications
	12	top 1000
bewilderconfuse Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more Show sample from book For one bewildered moment he thought that Ron had left the tent, then realized that Ron was lying in the shadow of a bunk,11 more bewilder → bewildered:confused Show general definition to confuse someone
	8
decoysomething used to lure or distract The thieves used a fake emergency call as a decoy to draw the security guard away from the vault.more Show sample from book Our only chance is to use decoys.†7 more decoy → decoys:someone or something used for trickery -- especially to lure Show general definition someone or something used for trickery -- especially to lure
	7
disillusiondisillusion → disillusioned:disappointed from losing false belief that something is better than it is She was at first excited to be involved, but soon grew disillusioned by the hard realities of politics.more Show sample from book He didn't need a Cloak, he could perform a Disillusionment Charm so powerful that he made himself completely invisible without one!†6 more disillusion → disillusionment:disappointment resulting from losing false belief that something is better than it is Show general definition disappoint by removal of false belief that something is better than it is
	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 Harry wondered how many centaurs were watching their procession pass; he dared not open his eyes to look.†6 more centaur → centaurs:mythical beings that are half man and half horse
	6
obituarya notice of someone's death with a short biography Her eldest daughter wrote an obituary that was published in the local paper and online.more Show sample from book He had thought he knew Dumbledore quite well, but ever since reading this obituary he had been forced to recognize that he had barely known him at all.5 more published notice of death with a short biography Show general definition a published notice of someone's death -- usually printed in a newspaper with a short biography Show editor's word notes The section of the newspaper that reports deaths is called the "Obituaries".
	4	top 2000
vanquishvanquish → vanquished:completely defeated The team vanquished all competition.more Show sample from book Hermione put the vanquished Horcrux into the beaded bag, then climbed back into her bed and settled down without another word.†3 more Show general definition to defeat completely
	3	top 1000
cruxmost important part I see the crux as whether you trust people to make those kinds of decisions for themselves.more Show sample from book I mean, are we sure it's still a Hor-crux?†2 more the most important or difficult part of a problem, argument, or situation Show general definition the most important or difficult part of a problem, argument, or situation