Not Without My Daughter — Vocabulary
Betty Mahmoody
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	14	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, I wanted him to get ready also.†13 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.
	10	top 1000
rationalrational → rationally:in a reasonable manner It's hard to think rationally when I'm this upset.more Show sample from book Through the haze of his interrupted sleep and his questionable abilities of discernment, he attempted to consider the problem rationally.†9 more rational → rationally:reasonable, able to think clearly, or based on logic rather than emotion Show general definition for rational (as in: rational behavior) reasonable, able to think clearly, or based on logic rather than emotion
	9	top 1000
demeanormanner of behavior His calm demeanor reassured everyone during the crisis.more Show sample from book His demeanor was threatening enough to make me obey.†8 more the manner in which a person behaves Show general definition the manner in which a person behaves
	8	top 500
empathythe understanding and sharing of others' feelings She lacks empathy and is very selfish.more Show sample from book "I told her she is not being fair," Moody said to me, his voice now filled with gentleness and empathy.†7 more the ability or tendency to understand or share in others' feelings Show general definition the ability, tendency, or act of understanding and sharing another's emotional state
	10	top 1000
wrathextreme anger She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.more Show sample from book Moody immediately turned his wrath upon me, screaming at the top of his lungs, spitting out every English obscenity he could recall.†9 more Show general definition extreme anger or angry punishment
	11
pilgrimagea journey to a special place for religious reasons A pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.more Show sample from book Why did the family have to drag Mahtob and me along on their ridiculous pilgrimages?†10 more pilgrimage → pilgrimages:a journey to a special place -- especially a sacred place for religious purposes Show general definition a journey to a special place -- especially a sacred place for religious purposes
	9	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 Indeed, my spirits brightened when I took myself off Moody's medication and steeled my will to the perilous task ahead of me.†8 more peril → perilous:dangerous Show general definition danger
	7	top 200
optimisticexpecting the best I'm optimistic that I'll get into a good college.more Show sample from book The three of us were up early the next morning, and this alone gave me farther reason for long-range optimism.†6 more optimistic → optimism:a tendency to expect and see the best in all things Show general definition expecting the best; or focusing on the good part of things
	8	top 1000
ominousthreatening I'm beginning to hear ominous rumblings of discontent.more Show sample from book Then there were the ominous pasdar, a special police force that prowled about in small white four-wheel-drive Nissan trucks.†7 more threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come) Show general definition threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come)
	1	top 2000
reflectionimage I was looking at my reflection in her sunglasses.more Show sample from book Once more I glanced at my reflection, dismissing the thought of running a brush through my brown hair.2 more image (seen on a mirror or other shiny surface) Show general definition for reflection (as in: my reflection in the mirror) an image (seen on a mirror or other shiny surface)
	2	top 200
reflection#2careful thought Upon reflection, I should have been more patient with her.more Show sample from book It was an alternative worth considering, but upon reflection we both realized that it would alert Moody to the fact that I had secret friends.2 more Show general definition for reflection (as in: After reflection, I think...) careful thought
	1	top 500
intrigueintrigue → intrigued:interested, curious, or fascinated She was intrigued by his surprising comment.more Show sample from book What intrigued me most was that the chador was optional.9 more intrigue → intrigued:interested Show general definition for intrigue (as in: she was intrigued) cause to be interested, curious, or fascinated
	9	top 2000
intrigue#2secret schemes or plots I try to avoid political intrigue.more Show sample from book What was I doing embroiled in this convoluted intrigue?9 more secret scheme or plot Show general definition for intrigue (as in: involved in intrigue) a secret scheme or plot
	13
imamthe person who leads prayers in a mosque The imam was trained in Saudi Arabia.more Show sample from book It was a book of didactic pronouncements from Imam Ali, the founder of the Shiite sect.†12 more Islamic religious leader Show general definition Islam: the person who leads prayers in a mosque or for Shiites: a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law, and a spiritual guide
	2	top 500
devourdevour → devoured:ate rapidly and completely She devoured everything on her plate in less than two minutes and asked for more.more Show sample from book The clan devoured my cooking and heaped praises upon me.3 more devour → devoured:ate Show general definition for devour (as in: devoured three sandwiches) eat rapidly and completely -- usually due to being very hungry
	2	top 500
devour#2devour → devoured:read with eager interest She devoured everything he wrote.more Show sample from book Quickly I devoured letters from Joe and John and Mum and Dad.3 more devour → devoured:read Show general definition for devour (as in: devours crime novels) to read, listen, or watch with eager interest
	1	top 200
tentativetentative → tentatively:in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence) The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.more Show sample from book One evening when I tentatively broached the subject of returning to America, Moody grew despondent rather than angry.2 more tentative → tentatively:in a careful or unsure way Show general definition for tentative (as in: said it tentatively) done in a careful or unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen)
	2	top 200
tentative#2subject to change (likely or possibly going to change) My plans are still tentative.more Show sample from book Helen and I made tentative plans to meet at three o'clock that afternoon in a park near the embassy.2 more subject to change (possibly going to change)
	7	top 2000
squalorextremely dirty and unpleasant living conditions To meet her today, you would never guess she lived in squalor as a child.more Show sample from book I tried to get him to acknowledge the squalor of Ameh Bozorg's home, but he defended his sister staunchly.†6 more Show general definition (describing a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant -- typically due to poverty
	6
clandestinesecret or hidden or: done with or marked by hidden aims or methods She is involved in clandestine intelligence operations.more Show sample from book I thought back to all of the clandestine conversations in Farsi between Moody and Mammal when Mammal was living with us in Michigan.†5 more secret or hidden Show general definition secret or hidden