The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass — Vocabulary
Frederick Douglass
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	12	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book The very decided manner with which he spoke, and strove to impress his wife with the evil consequences of giving me instruction, served to convince me that he was deeply sensible of the truths he was uttering.12 more 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 The whisper that my master was my father, may or may not be true; and, true or false, it is of but little consequence to my purpose whilst the fact remains, in all its glaring odiousness, that slaveholders have ordained, and by law established, that the children of slave women shall in all cases follow the condition of their mothers;12 more importance or significance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	9	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book He resolved to put me out, as he said, to be broken; and, for this purpose, he let me for one year to a man named Edward Covey.10 more 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.
	2	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book I did not allow myself a single word; but was resolved, if he laid the weight of his hand upon me, it should be blow for blow.10 more resolve → resolved:determined Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	10	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book Every thing he possessed in the shape of learning or religion, he made conform to his disposition to deceive.†9 more lie or mislead Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	12	top 2000
deemedbelieved or judged The producer deemed her too old to play the role.more Show sample from book I deemed this knowledge of the utmost importance.11 more believed
	8	top 500
dispositionnormal mood or typical way of behaving She has a cheerful disposition.more Show sample from book Every thing he possessed in the shape of learning or religion, he made conform to his disposition to deceive.7 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
boundtravelling (in that direction) There was an accident in the south-bound lanes.more Show sample from book He would sometimes mount his horse, as if bound to St. Michael's, a distance of seven miles, and in half an hour afterwards you would see him coiled up in the corner of the wood-fence, watching every motion of the slaves.3 more traveling (to a specific location) Show general definition for bound (as in: south-bound lanes) traveling in a particular direction or to a specific location
	3	top 2000
bound#2tied or held together Her hands were bound with chains.more Show sample from book She took a chair by me, washed the blood from my face, and, with a mother's tenderness, bound up my head, covering the wounded eye with a lean piece of fresh beef.3 more wrapped Show general definition for bound (as in: bound together or bound by law) constrained and/or held together or wrapped The sense of constrained, can mean tied up or obligated depending upon the context. For example: "Her wrists were bound." -- tied up "I am bound by my word." -- required or obligated (in this case to keep a promise) "He is muscle bound." -- prevented from moving easily (due to having such large, tight muscles) The exact meaning of the senses of held together or wrapped also depend upon context. For example: "The pages of the book are bound with glue." -- held together physically "The book is bound in leather." -- wrapped or covered "The United States and England are bound together by a common language." -- connected or united (tied together, figuratively) "She cleaned the wound and bound it with fresh bandages." -- wrapped "She is wheelchair-bound." -- connected (moves with a wheelchair because she is unable to walk) "The jacket has bound buttonholes." -- edges wrapped by fabric or trim rather than stitches
	2	top 1000
bindtie Make sure the string is tight to securely bind the package.more Show sample from book It is my opinion that thousands would escape from slavery, who now remain, but for the strong cords of affection that bind them to their friends.4 more hold together (connect or unite) or wrap 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
	3	top 1000
bind#2bind → binding:constraining (must be obeyed) It is a binding contract.more Show sample from book They'll loudly talk of Christ's reward, And bind his image with a cord,4 more tie up Show context notes This is part of a famous poem by Douglas that pokes fun at people who claim to lead a Christian life and yet enslave others. "His image", refers to "any person" since Christians believe that people are made in God's image and so look like God. Show general definition for bind (as in: a binding contract) constrain or require
	5	top 500
sustainsustain → sustained:supported We sustained ourselves on bread and water.more Show sample from book The reading of these documents enabled me to utter my thoughts, and to meet the arguments brought forward to sustain slavery;5 more support Show general definition for sustain (as in: sustained by her faith) provide support or necessities
	1	top 100
sustain#2sustain → sustained:suffered Every building within two miles of the center of the earthquake sustained damage.more Show sample from book The appalling defeat I then sustained returned to torment me.5 more Show general definition for sustain (as in: sustained wounds) to suffer (as of injury, damage, or loss)
	8
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 Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson took a deep and lively interest in our welfare. They proved themselves quite worthy of the name of abolitionists.7 more abolition → abolitionists:reformers who favor abolishing 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
	4	top 200
inconsistentnot the same at different times Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more Show sample from book He did nothing reluctantly, no matter how disagreeable; always at his post, never inconsistent.†3 more not the same in different parts or at different times… Show general definition not the same in different parts or at different times or: not in agreement [with something else]
	6
infernalvery annoying Please stop making that infernal noise!more Show sample from book She now stood fair for his infernal purpose.5 more characteristic of hell Show general definition very bad; or very annoying; or characteristic of hell or the underworld
	2	top 10
inferfigure out or guess by reasoning Which of the following facts can you infer from the first paragraph?more Show sample from book Such being my conjectures, any one acquainted with the appearance of New Bedford may very readily infer how palpably I must have seen my mistake.†1 more conclude or guess by reasoning Show general definition to figure out or guess by reasoning
	4	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book He was one of those who could torture the slightest look, word, or gesture, on the part of the slave, into impudence, and would treat it accordingly.†3 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
	3	top 1000
pioushighly religious The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.more Show sample from book When I went there, she was a pious, warm, and tender-hearted woman.10 more highly moral Show general definition for pious (as in: a good, pious woman) religious or highly moral
	8
pious#2self-righteous (acting as though one is, or believing one is highly moral when it is not true) He was another pious slave owner who treated his slaves mercilessly.more Show sample from book It is said to have been drawn, several years before the present anti-slavery agitation began, by a northern Methodist preacher, who, while residing at the south, had an opportunity to see slaveholding morals, manners, and piety, with his own eyes.10 more pious → piety:self-righteous belief (believing one is highly moral when it is not true)