My Antonia — Vocabulary
Willa Cather
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	8	top 2000
directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected) This flower does best in direct sunlight.more Show sample from book I worked at a commodious green-topped table placed directly in front of the west window which looked out over the prairie.†10 more direct → directly:close Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	3	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book Grandmother went on talking in her polite Virginia way, not admitting their stark need or her own remissness, until Jake arrived with the hamper, as if in direct answer to Mrs. Shimerda's reproaches.†10 more clear, or straightforward Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	6	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 I was indignant.5 more angered at something unjust or wrong Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	6	top 500
indifferentwithout interest About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more Show sample from book She seemed indifferent to her possessions,5 more without interest (unconcerned) Show general definition without interest in various senses, including: unconcerned -- as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat." unsympathetic -- as in "She is indifferent to his needs." not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) -- as in "an indifferent performance" impartial -- as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
	6	top 500
cultivatedevelop or grow We encourage our representatives to cultivate a close relationship with their clients.more Show sample from book Marek was strong, and Ambrosch worked him hard; but he could never teach him to cultivate corn, I remember.5 more grow Show general definition enhance growth or development in various senses, including: to grow crops or prepare land for them enhance a relationship -- especially for a purpose develop discernment (better recognition of differences) in taste or judgment to grow a culture in a petri dish
	5	top 1000
perplexperplex → perplexed:confused She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more Show sample from book He seemed to find this case very perplexing,4 more perplex → perplexing:confusing due to complexity Show general definition to confuse
	3	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, that legend has stuck in my mind, and sunflower-bordered roads always seem to me the roads to freedom.†2 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.
	6	top 2000
tormenttorment → tormenting:causing great mental or physical suffering She enjoys tormenting others.†more Show sample from book It was as if I had let the old man in out of the tormenting winter, and were sitting there with him.†5 more Show general definition to cause or to experience great mental or physical suffering
	5	top 1000
contemptlack of respect Familiarity breeds contempt.more Show sample from book I looked with contempt at the dark, silent little houses about me as I walked home, and thought of the stupid young men who were asleep in some of them.4 more dislike and disrespect Show general definition for contempt (as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust Show editor's word notes A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC) When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
	5	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book with a quite blissful expression of countenance.4 more face Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	5	top 1000
coaxgently persuade Although she has retired from public life, we are going to try to coax her to accept the award.more Show sample from book While Krajiek was translating for Mr. Shimerda, Antonia came up to me and held out her hand coaxingly.†4 more coax → coaxingly:in a manner that tries to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gently persuading Show general definition for coax (as in: coax her to join us) try to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gentle persuasion
	3	top 200
skepticaldoubtful I am skeptical about her plan.more Show sample from book 'See that you don't forget to,' said Mrs. Harling sceptically, as she took up her crocheting again and sent the hook in and out with nimble fingers.†2 more skeptical → sceptically:doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile); OR more rarely:… Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use skeptically. Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile) or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe
	4	top 2000
docileeasily led or managed It is a gentle old horse, docile and obedient.more Show sample from book It seemed to me that he despised him for being so simple and docile.†3 more easily led or managed -- perhaps submissive or well-behaved Show general definition easily led or managed -- perhaps submissive or well-behaved
	4	top 2000
indolentindolent → indolence:laziness She never recovered from the indolence of her youth.more Show sample from book We rode slowly, with a pleasant sense of Sunday indolence.3 more Show general definition for indolent (as in: she is naturally indolent) lazy; disinclined to work
	2	top 500
anecdoteanecdote → anecdotes:short true stories Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more Show sample from book Even for his classroom he had no platitudes, no stock of professorial anecdotes.†1 more anecdote → anecdotes:short, true stories Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
	2	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book "I can't see," he said impetuously, "why you have never written anything about Antonia."1 more impetuous → impetuously:impulsively (without much thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	3	top 2000
solicitousshowing great care or concern for someone (in this case, for guests) It's a mid-price hotel in a great location with a solicitous staff.more Show sample from book His fresh color and sandy hair and quick-changing blue eyes are those of a young man, and his sympathetic, solicitous interest in women is as youthful as it is Western and American.†2 more showing care or concern for someone Show general definition showing care or concern for someone
	2	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book He came down, not very cordially.†1 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
	3	top 500
dispositionnormal mood or typical way of behaving She has a cheerful disposition.more Show sample from book As for Jim, no disappointments have been severe enough to chill his naturally romantic and ardent disposition.3 more inclination or desire Show general definition for disposition (as in: a kind disposition) someone's personality, nature, or typical way of behaving
	1	top 500
disposition#2transferring Our lawyer is handling disposition of the estate property.more Show sample from book As the couple grew older, they quarrelled more and more often about the ultimate disposition of their 'property.'3 more transferring of ownership Show general definition for disposition (as in: disposition of the assets) the giving, selling, or transferring of something to another