The Odyssey — Vocabulary
Homer
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	34	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 She held a veil, moreover, before her face, and was weeping bitterly.†33 more
	47	top 2000
immortalto live forever Zeus and the other gods were supposed to be immortal.more Show sample from book They say he has reigned for three generations so that it is like talking to an immortal.46 more someone who lives forever Show general definition living or existing forever or: someone famous throughout history or: someone who will never die -- such as a mythological god
	28	top 500
perishbe destroyed or cease to exist ...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.Abraham Lincoln — Gettysburg Addressmore Show sample from book He thought he was going to avenge the murder of his son, whereas in truth he was never to return, but was himself to perish in his attempt.27 more die Show general definition to die -- especially in an unnatural way or: to be destroyed or cease to exist Show editor's word notes You may encounter an informal expression, "Perish the thought." It means that the speaker hopes the thought will cease to exist and the thing it represents will never happen.
	9	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book Every one in that country, whether master or man, has plenty of cheese, meat, and good milk, for the ewes yield all the year round.†12 more produce or give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	4	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book So again when Ceres fell in love with Iasion, and yielded to him in a thrice-ploughed fallow field, Jove came to hear of it before so very long and killed Iasion with his thunderbolts.†12 more yield → yielded:gave in, gave way, or gave up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	21	top 500
mentorsomeone who guides and advises another who is less experienced Each new employee is matched with a mentor.more Show sample from book I cannot understand it, for I saw Mentor here myself yesterday morning, and yet he was then setting out for Pylos.†20 more someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced… Show general definition someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced; or the act of providing such guidance
	30	top 2000
bronzea brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.more Show sample from book He shall have my sword, which is of bronze, all but the hilt, which is of silver.29 more a brownish metal Show general definition for bronze (as in: bronze won't corrode in salt water) a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin Show editor's word notes Bronze metals in the Olympics and many other contests are awarded for third place. With the discovery of bronze (about 3,000 BC), people could make tools and weapons that were harder and more durable than those made of copper and stone that preceded bronze.
	26	top 2000
insolentrudely disrespectful Even though the officer remained calm, the driver continued to be insolent and uncooperative.more Show sample from book I am much shocked about what you have said about the insolent way in which the suitors are behaving...25 more rude disrespectful behavior or action Show general definition rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority
	7	top 10
illustratemake clear Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.more Show sample from book I have repeated several of the illustrations used in "The Authoress of the Odyssey", and have added two which I hope may bring the outer court of Ulysses' house more vividly before the reader.7 more illustrate → illustrations:things that help clarify or demonstrate Show general definition for illustrate (as in: as illustrated by this example) to help make clear -- typically by example
	1	top 2000
illustrate#2draw pictures to accompany I write and illustrate children's books.more Show sample from book For the most part each of the illustrations now occupies a page, whereas in the original editions they generally appeared two on the page.7 more illustrate → illustrations:drawings or photographs Show general definition for illustrate (as in: an illustrated children's book) to draw pictures (or provide photographs) to accompany a book or other writing
	26	top 2000
mortalhuman Don't expect perfection of a mere mortal.more Show sample from book "O queen," he said, "I implore your aid—but tell me, are you a goddess or are you a mortal woman?"25 more Show general definition for mortal (as in: mortal body) human (especially merely human); or subject to death
	20	top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book I alone recognised him and began to question him, but he was too cunning for me.19 more clever and deceptive 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)
	12	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book Tell me also your country, nation, and city, that our ships may shape their purpose accordingly and take you there.13 more accord → accordingly:in keeping with what was just stated Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	2	top 2000
accord#2accord → own accord:own mind -- voluntarily (without anyone asking) She was not forced. She did it of her own accord.more Show sample from book "Let me tell you," said I, "whichever of the goddesses you may happen to be, that I am not staying here of my own accord, but must have offended the gods that live in heaven."13 more accord → own accord:own mind (voluntarily) Show general definition for accord (as in: done of her own accord) mind Show editor's word notes This sense of accord is typically seen in the form own accord or one accord.
	27
bardsomeone who composes poems about important events and people Shakespeare is sometimes called the Bard of Avon.more Show sample from book He is evidently in great trouble, so let the bard leave off, that we may all enjoy ourselves, hosts and guest alike.†26 more someone who composes and recites or sings poems about important events and peopl… Show general definition for bard (as in: written by the bard) someone who composes and recites or sings poems about important events and people; or (as a proper noun) Shakespeare Show editor's word notes Shakespeare is sometimes called the Bard of Avon or just the Bard.
	11
i.e.in other words Most of the items the store sells are private-label, i.e., not national brands you'd recognize.more Show sample from book Endnote 19: i.e. you have money, and could pay when I got judgment, whereas the suitors are men of straw.10 more that is to say or in other words Show general definition that is to say; or in other words
	8	top 2000
equitablefair The law requires equitable treatment of all citizens.more Show sample from book We took their wives and also much booty, which we divided equitably amongst us, so that none might have reason to complain.†7 more equitable → equitably:in a just or fair manner Show general definition fair and impartial Show editor's word notes "Equitable" often comes up in political discussions, and people can understand it in different ways—some take it to mean everyone gets the same chances (equal opportunity), while others think it means everyone ends up with the same results (equal outcome). This difference often causes confusion in debates about fairness.
	6
forthwithimmediately The judge ordered her release "forthwith."more Show sample from book Forthwith he bound on his glittering golden sandals with which he could fly like the wind over land and sea.†5 more Show general definition immediately -- (most typically seen in legal documents, formal use, or classic literature)
	5	top 2000
guilecunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceit Her intelligence was exceeded only by her guile.more Show sample from book We were among the first he counted, and he never suspected any guile, but laid himself down to sleep as soon as he had done counting.4 more Show general definition cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceitful
	3
mettlecourage Her mettle was tested in the face of danger, yet she stood resolute, displaying remarkable courage.more Show sample from book You are a fine, smart looking fellow; show your mettle, then, and make yourself a name in story.†2 more courage or strength of character Show general definition courage or strength of character