O Pioneers! — Vocabulary
Willa Cather
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 1000
perplexperplex → perplexed:confused She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more Show sample from book He was a little country boy, and this village was to him a very strange and perplexing place, where people wore fine clothes and had hard hearts.5 more perplex → perplexing:confusing Show general definition to confuse
	4	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, when one considered that his chief business was horse-doctoring, it seemed rather short-sighted of him to live in the most inaccessible place he could find.†3 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.
	7	top 2000
mortgageproperty loan We are the proud owners of a new home and a $100,000 mortgage.more Show sample from book All the time I was a boy we had a mortgage hanging over us.6 more a real estate loan; or pledging something for a loan Show general definition a real estate loan; or to offer real estate as collateral for a loan (collateral is something that has to be given to the lender if the loan isn't paid as agreed)
	4	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 Alexandra looked from one to the other, her eyes full of indignation.3 more indignant → indignation:anger at something unjust or wrong Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	3	top 200
skepticaldoubtful I am skeptical about her plan.more Show sample from book Lou looked skeptical.2 more doubtful (unbelieving) Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile) or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe
	4	top 1000
resolutedetermined and unwavering She stood resolute as some complained that she was asking too much of the team.more Show sample from book His sister was a tall, strong girl, and she walked rapidly and resolutely, as if she knew exactly where she was going and what she was going to do next.3 more resolute → resolutely:with firm purpose Show general definition firm in purpose, belief, or action
	3	top 500
indulgeindulge → indulges:allows them to get their way She indulges her children more than is good for them.more Show sample from book She had never been in love, she had never indulged in sentimental reveries.†2 more indulge → indulged:enjoyed to excess Show general definition to give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable
	3	top 500
conspicuouseasy to notice She tried not to look conspicuous as she slipped into class after the tardy bell.more Show sample from book He felt that it made them conspicuous and gave people a chance to talk about them.†2 more easily noticed Show general definition easily noticed -- typically attracting attention such as by being large, flashy, or unusual
	4	top 1000
wistfulwistful → wistfully:showing longing or unfulfilled desire Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more Show sample from book "But, Alexandra," he said sadly and wistfully, "I've never been any real help to you, beyond sometimes trying to keep the boys in a good humor."†3 more wistful → wistfully:with longing or unfulfilled desire
	4	top 1000
persistpersist → persisted:continued The child persisted in asking questions despite my obvious desire to be left alone.more Show sample from book There was one fancy indeed, which persisted through her girlhood.3 more Show general definition to continue -- often despite difficulty or to repeat a question
	2	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book When he heard his daughter's announcement, he first prudently corked his beer bottle and then leaped to his feet and had a turn of temper.1 more prudent → prudently:with good sense and caution
	3	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book He had a way of drawing out his cambric handkerchief slowly, by one corner, from his breast-pocket, that was melancholy and romantic in the extreme.†2 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	3	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 I waste a lot of time pretending to people, and the joke of it is, I don't think I ever deceive any one.†2 more lie or mislead Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	4	top 2000
vigorenergy and strength After a good night’s sleep, she woke up full of vigor and ready to tackle the day’s challenges.more Show sample from book There she would stand in a tin tub and prosecute her bath with vigor, finishing it by pouring buckets of cold well-water over her gleaming white body which no man on the Divide could have carried very far.†3 more strength, energy, or good health Show general definition strength, energy, or good health
	12
scythegrass-cutting tool They fell like grass before a scythe.more Show sample from book he began to swing his scythe with that long, even stroke that few American boys ever learn.11 more a tool for cutting grass that has a curved blade and a long handle that is held with both hands Show general definition a tool for cutting grass that has a curved blade and a long handle that is held with both hands; or the process of cutting with such a tool
	2	top 500
proficiencyskill After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more Show sample from book The space between his two front teeth, which were unusually far apart, gave him the proficiency in whistling for which he was distinguished at college.†1 more Show general definition skillfulness in something
	2	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book "I expect you'll be wanting to see your old place," Lou observed more 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
conceitexcessive pride Her conceit will be her downfall.more Show sample from book It makes women conceited to meddle in business.†2 more conceit → conceited:excessively proud of oneself Show general definition for conceit (as in: confident, but not conceited) excessive pride in oneself, arrogance, or vanity
	2
affectationbehaving in an artificial way to make an impression She is comfortable in her own skin and meets strangers without affectation.more Show sample from book All his interests they treated as affectations.1 more affectation → affectations:things done only to make an impression
	1	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book "I'll write as long as I live," cried the boy impetuously. 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