Kidnapped — Vocabulary
Robert Louis Stevenson
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	32	top 500
scarcityshortage There is a scarcity of work in the region.more Show sample from book Alan took the first watch; and it seemed to me I had scarce closed my eyes before I was shaken up to take the second.31 more scarcity → scarce:barely or hardly (by a small margin; or an amount that is less than desired) Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
	13	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 At last, however, I could hear the noise of a window gently thrust up, and knew that my uncle had come to his observatory.†13 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#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book Their chief, Macgregor of Macgregor, was in exile; the more immediate leader of that part of them about Balquhidder, James More, Rob Roy's eldest son, lay waiting his trial in Edinburgh Castle; they were in ill-blood with Highlander and Lowlander, with the Grahames, the Maclarens, and the Stewarts; and Alan, who took up the quarrel of any friend, however distant, was extremely wishful to avoid them.13 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)
	10	top 1000
perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book The brightness of the night showed us these perils as clearly as by day, which was, perhaps, the more alarming.†9 more Show general definition danger
	10	top 1000
condemncondemn → condemned:legally sentenced (to punishment) The murderer was condemned to death by injection.more Show sample from book I pitied all poor souls that were condemned to sail in her.9 more condemn → condemned:forced (into an undesired activity or situation) Show general definition for condemn (as in: was condemned to life in prison) to declare someone guilty of a crime and often sentence them to punishment; or more broadly, to cause someone to be judged guilty or doomed to an unwanted fate (as when evidence condemns a suspect)
	10	top 2000
sentryperson standing guard She successfully bluffed her way past the sentry.more Show sample from book A man had need of a hundred eyes in every part of him, to keep concealed in that uneven country and within cry of so many and scattered sentries.†9 more sentry → sentries:people standing guard Show general definition someone who stands guard
	6	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book There would be another factor in his shoes, as fast as spur can drive.†5 more thing that affects a result or outcome Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
	7	top 1000
heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book But I took little heed at the moment, for all my mind was occupied with the generosity of these poor Highlanders.6 more consideration (to pay attention or to do what was suggested) Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	6	top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book "I have nae clear mind about his coat," said Alan cunningly, "but it sticks in my head that it was blue."†5 more cunning → cunningly:in a manner that is clever and typically that includes tricking others 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)
	7	top 2000
exileeviction from one's home country She fled Tibet and is living in exile in India.more Show sample from book The ship was bound for the Carolinas; and you must not suppose that I was going to that place merely as an exile.†6 more to force someone to live outside of their homeland… Show general definition to force someone to live outside of their homeland; or living in such a condition or more rarely: voluntary absence from a place someone would rather be
	6	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book For long, we said nothing; marching alongside or one behind the other, each with a set countenance: I, angry and proud ... Alan angry and ashamed,5 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	6	top 2000
forfeitlose We had to forfeit the deposit.more Show sample from book My chief, let me tell you, sir, is forfeited, like every honest man in Scotland.†5 more forfeit → forfeited:to lose or surrender something -- often as a penalty Show general definition to lose or surrender something -- often as a penalty
	6
breechrear (in this case indicating that the baby came out of the birth canal butt-first) It was a difficult breech birth.†more Show sample from book It was strange indeed to see this valley, which had lain so solitary in the hour of dawn, bristling with arms and dotted with the red coats and breeches.†5 more breech → breeches:pants Show general definition rear Most commonly used today in the phrase breech birth in reference to a baby who comes out of the birth canal butt-first rather than head-first. More-archaic senses seen in classic literature include: breechcloth -- a form of loincloth consisting in a strip of material passed between the thighs and held up in front and behind by a belt or string breeches -- pants a cannon's breech -- the rear of a gun
	3	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 I had no sooner moved, moreover, than one of the men brought me a drink of something healing which Mr. Riach had prepared, and bade me lie still and I should soon be well again.†2 more
	5
balladslow, emotional song that tells a story The singer ended the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.more Show sample from book He declared it was like a ballad; that he would do his best to help me; that I should have paper, pen, and ink, and write one line to Mr. Campbell and another to Mr. Rankeillor; and that if I had told the truth, ten to one he would be able (with their help) to pull me through and set me in my rights.†4 more a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings Show general definition a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings -- typically slow in tempo
	5
blithecarefree and happy She spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation.more Show sample from book For as poor as I appear, I have friends of my own that will be blithe to help me.4 more happy Show general definition carefree and happy -- often unaware of or ignoring something that should be of concern
	5
drollunusual I appreciate her droll sense of humor.†more Show sample from book "Well," said Alan, with one of his droll looks, "I was rather in hopes it would maybe get us that boat."†4 more comical in an unusual way Show general definition comical in an unusual way -- often clever and understated
	2	top 1000
scrupulouscareful and thorough You can count on her. She is scrupulous in her work.more Show sample from book "Ye're unco scrupulous," sneered Alan1 more careful to behave ethically. Show general definition careful to behave ethically and/or diligently (with great care and attention to detail)
	3
farceridiculous situation What started as a serious debate quickly turned into a farce, with people shouting over each other and making jokes.more Show sample from book The scene must have been highly farcical.†2 more farce → farcical:a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously… Show general definition a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously; or a type of comedy that relies on absurd humor, using physical slapstick, unlikely situations, and deliberate misunderstandings
	3
reputabletrusted and respected It is a reputable business.more Show sample from book But the name of that family, Davie, boy, is the name you bear—Balfours of Shaws: an ancient, honest, reputable house, peradventure in these latter days decayed.†2 more respected (with good reputation) Show general definition trusted and respected (having a good reputation)