The House of Mirth — Vocabulary
Edith Wharton
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	11	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book She had decided to defer the purchase of the dressing-case till she should receive the bill for her new opera-cloak, and the resolve made her feel much richer than when she had entered the shop.24 more decision Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	14	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book She came forward smiling, eager almost, in her resolve to intercept him.24 more firmness of purpose Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	16	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book But if you have run into debt, you must suffer the consequences16 more consequence → consequences:results (of that) Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	1	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book As became persons of their rising consequence, the Gormers were engaged in building a country-house on Long Island; and it was a part of Miss Bart's duty to attend her hostess on frequent visits of inspection to the new estate.16 more importance or significance (often used in that day to refer to wealth) Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	23	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book it struck her now with a peculiar irony that the money she had used had been Gus Trenor's.23 more when what happened was very different than what might have been expected Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	1	top 2000
irony#2irony → ironic:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more Show sample from book she remarked to Miss Bart with a faint touch of irony: "I suppose I ought to say good morning."23 more saying one thing while meaning the opposite Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony) saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasm Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "verbal irony." Typically, the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, and the tone of voice or the context of the situation makes the true, contradictory meaning clear. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	24	top 500
legacya gift left in a will She left her vacation home as a legacy for her family.more Show sample from book In her ignorance of legal procrastinations she had supposed that her legacy would be paid over within a few days of the reading of her aunt's will; and after an interval of anxious suspense, she wrote to enquire the cause of the delay.23 more Show general definition coming from the past or left to the future in various senses including: in law -- a gift given through a will -- "She left a legacy of $10,000 to her niece." of a situation -- resulting from the past -- "Today's debt problem is a legacy of profligate spending by prior administrations." of culture -- a practice passed from one generation to the next -- "The city has along legacy of bribes and corruption." of technology -- something that still uses old technology -- "We're using a legacy software that only the old-timers know how to update." of a member or potential member of an organization -- the child of a previous member -- "She is a legacy candidate."
	14	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book The force of contrast gave an added keenness to the luxury of lying once more in a soft-pillowed bed, and looking across a spacious sunlit room at a breakfast-table set invitingly near the fire.†13 more Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	19	top 500
perceivesee (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book but she had a fatalistic sense of being drawn from one wrong turning to another, without ever perceiving the right road till it was too late to take it.18 more perceive → perceiving:seeing Show general definition for perceive (as in: though blind, can perceive light) to become aware of -- especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
	12	top 100
adaptadapt → adapted:changed (to fit this situation) Ideas contained in passages for this test, some of which are excerpted or adapted from published material, do not necessarily represent the opinions of the College Board.more Show sample from book Mrs. Peniston, however, did not suffer from her niece's adaptability.†11 more adapt → adaptability:the degree to which something can change to fit a different situation Show general definition for adapt (as in: adapted to the new rules) changed to fit a different situation; or made suitable
	15	top 500
conspicuouseasy to notice She tried not to look conspicuous as she slipped into class after the tardy bell.more Show sample from book this group of rich and conspicuous people.14 more prominent (easily noticed) Show general definition easily noticed -- typically attracting attention such as by being large, flashy, or unusual
	13	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book Selden saw that for the moment all he could do was to ... offer sympathy and to counsel prudence.12 more prudent → prudence:good sense and caution
	10	top 2000
scruplesprinciples that discourage certain kinds of action She doesn't share my scruples on the subject.more Show sample from book Hitherto Lily had been undisturbed by scruples.†9 more
	8	top 1000
repugnantdisgusting Her behavior is shocking and repugnant.more Show sample from book But some intuitive repugnance, getting the better of years of social discipline, had made her push Mr. Rosedale into his OUBLIETTE without a trial.†7 more repugnant → repugnance:strong disgust
	10
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book "He is my father's cousin," Miss Bart interposed.†9 more interpose → interposed:to insert between other elements; OR to interrupt or stop action by others Show general definition to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
	9	top 2000
odiousworthy of hate Though they think the country's government is odious, they're unwilling to help topple it for fear of the consequences.more Show sample from book Could one never do the simplest, the most harmless thing, without subjecting one's self to some odious conjecture?†8 more extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate Show general definition extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate
	7	top 1000
constraintlimitation I will devote my full energy to the project, without constraint.more Show sample from book The stir of the pulses which his nearness always caused was increased by a slight sense of constraint.†6 more something that limits something else Show general definition limitation (something that limits something else)
	8	top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong When her anger passed, she was penitent.more Show sample from book She "went through" the linen and blankets in the precise spirit of the penitent exploring the inner folds of conscience; she sought for moths as the stricken soul seeks for lurking infirmities.†7 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
	10	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book she seated herself with a beaming countenance beside her visitor.11 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	2	top 2000
countenance#2to tolerate or approve We will not countenance torture.more Show sample from book I shall certainly not do anything to give the impression that I countenance your behaviour.11 more approve Show general definition for countenance (as in: giving countenance) to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support