Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl — Vocabulary
Harriet Jacobs
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	33	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book I had resolved that I would be virtuous, though I was a slave.32 more resolve → resolved:definitely decided 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.
	12	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book I was an object of her jealousy, and, consequently, of her hatred;12 more consequence → consequently:as a result 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 Had my children, then, become of so little consequence to him?12 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	10	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 It did not, however, prohibit him from retaining the silver candelabra, which had been purchased with that money.†11 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.
	2	top 2000
however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book However that might be, I was determined that I would never go to Louisiana with him.†11 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	15	top 1000
oppressoppress → oppresses:treats harshly and unfairly The regime oppresses its people.more Show sample from book It is the only weapon of the weak and oppressed against the strength of their tyrants.16 more oppress → oppressed:people treated harshly and unfairly Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive government) to dominate harshly and unfairly; or to make suffer The meaning of oppress depends upon its context. For example: "The authorities oppress political activists," or "The new nation oppressed Native Americans." -- to dominate harshly and unfairly "She is oppressed by excessive debt." - made to suffer
	2	top 2000
oppress#2oppress → oppressive:uncomfortable (weighs heavily on the senses or spirit) The heat is oppressive.more Show sample from book I did not mention the constant feeling of insecurity which oppressed my spirits.16 more oppress → oppressed:made uncomfortable (weighed heavily on) Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive heat) to make uncomfortable (weigh heavily on the senses or spirit)
	22	top 1000
persecutionvery bad and unfair treatment Everyone knows about the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.more Show sample from book He, whose persecutions had been the cause of my sin!21 more persecution → persecutions:unfair treatment Show general definition very bad and unfair treatment of others -- often because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs
	19	top 1000
obligeoblige → obliges:requires The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.more Show sample from book The woman could not read, and was obliged to employ another to read the letter.18 more oblige → obliged:required Show general definition for oblige (as in: I am obliged by law.) require (obligate) to do something
	12	top 200
moreoverin addition to what has just been said The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more Show sample from book Moreover, they thought he had spoiled his children, by teaching them to feel that they were human beings.†11 more
	16	top 1000
compelforce Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?more Show sample from book They are constantly compelled to resort to it.15 more compel → compelled:forced Show general definition to force someone to do something or more rarely: to convince someone to do something Show editor's word notes Most typically, compel describes an external influence forcing someone to do something, but it can also describe being driven by an internal desire.
	15	top 1000
fugitivefugitive → fugitives:people hiding from law enforcement officers She is one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.more Show sample from book Mrs. Bruce did not know I was a fugitive.14 more someone who is running away or hiding to avoid arrest or an unpleasant situation Show general definition for fugitive (as in: she is a fugitive) someone who is running away or hiding to avoid arrest or an unpleasant situation
	10	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book He was too prudent to come into her room.†9 more
	2	top 500
rendergive We're waiting for the jury to render a verdict.more Show sample from book They had all been kind to us, and they had rendered us a greater service than they could possibly conceive of.10 more render → rendered:given Show general definition for render (as in: rendered service or a verdict) to give or supply something
	9	top 500
render#2render → rendered:made Her verbal attack rendered me speechless.more Show sample from book My owner knew of it, and sought in every way to render me miserable.10 more make Show general definition for render (as in: rendered her unconscious) to make or cause to become
	7
abolitionending the system or practice The abolition of slavery in the United States was officially achieved with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment.more Show sample from book Some believe that the abolitionists have already made them free, and that it is established by law, but that their masters prevent the law from going into effect.†6 more abolition → abolitionists:reformers who favored ending slavery Show general definition the act of formally ending a system, practice, or institution -- most often used to refer to the movement to end slavery when no specific system is named
	7
ingratitudelack of gratefulness Despite their tireless efforts, they were greeted with ingratitude, leaving them disheartened by the lack of appreciation.more Show sample from book On such occasions he would assume the air of a very injured individual, and reproach me for my ingratitude.†6 more lack of gratefulness -- typically inappropriately so Show general definition lack of gratefulness -- typically inappropriately so
	6	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book He boasted much of the forbearance he had exercised towards me, and reminded me that there was a limit to his patience.5 more 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.
	4	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book I well remembered what a desolate feeling it was to be alone among strangers, and I went up to him and greeted him cordially.†3 more cordial → cordially:in a friendly way Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
	4
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book Peter remonstrated earnestly.3 more remonstrate → remonstrated:argued in protest or opposition Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize