Rebecca — Vocabulary
Daphne du Maurier
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book Of course I've never had anything to do with her, and I don't think I ever want to either. However, she's always been very civil to me.9 more though (used to connect contrasting ideas) Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) 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 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	4	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book 'Mrs Danvers,' he said, 'can you think of any reason, however remote, why Mrs de Winter should have taken her own life?9 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	13	top 100
conventionconvention → conventional:normal It was once conventional wisdom that the earth is flat.more Show sample from book Safe, conventional, very correct.12 more convention → conventional:normal or typical Show general definition for convention (as in: conventional behavior) something regarded as normal or typical
	13	top 200
tactthe ability and tendency to say or handle things in such a way that others feel good about them She has the tact of a politician or diplomat.more Show sample from book Tact was a quality unknown to her, discretion too, and because gossip was the breath of life to her this stranger must be served for her dissection.†12 more the ability or act of saying or handling things in such a way that others feel good about them Show general definition the ability or act of saying or handling things in such a way that others feel good about them
	13	top 1000
furtivedone in a way that attempts to avoid notice Despite her attempt to look interested, her teacher did not miss her furtive glances at the clock.more Show sample from book I tried to cram the box furtively into my pocket, but I saw him glance at my hand in surprise.12 more furtive → furtively:taking pains to avoid being observed Show general definition taking pains to avoid being observed or: in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
	12	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 our little hotel is dull, and the food indifferent,11 more not especially good (without interest) 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."
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book And when the last rocket burst and the cheering died away, the night that had been fine before seemed dull and heavy in contrast, the sky became a pall.3 more contrast → in contrast:in a comparison that shows differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	3	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book I thought of all those heroines of fiction who looked pretty when they cried, and what a contrast I must make with blotched and swollen face, and red rims to my eyes.3 more an unmissable difference when compared side-x-side Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	10	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book You've got your motive, and Baker will supply it in black and white free of cost, whenever you send the word.†9 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	9	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book Still her eyes never left my face; they looked upon me with a curious mixture of pity and of scorn, until I felt myself to be even younger and more untutored to the ways of life than I had believed.8 more disrespect or rejection Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	1	top 100
correspondcorrespond → corresponds:is equivalent The girls are using a simple code where "1" corresponds to "A", "2" to "B" and so on for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.more Show sample from book We went along a broad, carpeted passage, and then turned left, through an oak door, and down a narrow flight of stairs and up a corresponding flight, and so to another door.3 more correspond → corresponding:matching (similar) Show general definition for correspond (as in: corresponding time period) connect or fit together by being equivalent, proportionate, or matched (Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.)
	3	top 2000
correspond#2write to each other We correspond regularly via email.more Show sample from book Mrs de Winter always did all her correspondence and telephoning in the morning-room, after breakfast.3 more correspond → correspondence:communication by writing letters Show general definition for correspond (as in: corresponding by email) communicate -- typically by writing letters or email Show editor's word notes A corresponding secretary is an officer of an organization who is responsible for managing the organization's correspondence and keeping a record of it.
	10	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book I felt better when I had taken my hat off, and my wretched little fur, and thrown them both beside my gloves and my bag on to the window-seat.†9 more miserable or very bad Show general definition very bad in various senses, including: unfortunate or miserable -- as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor" of poor quality -- as in "wretched roads" morally bad -- as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
	9	top 2000
magistratejudge The local magistrate insisted on a cash payment for the speeding ticket.more Show sample from book I'm merely the magistrate of the district.8 more judge (or investigating authority) Show general definition a judge or judicial official The exact meaning of magistrate varies widely depending upon the context. For example: in the U.S. federal court: assists district court judges by handling minor offenses or administrative tasks such as preliminary hearings (often referred to as a magistrate judge rather than just a magistrate) in some U.S. states: a judge in the state court in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and other civil law countries: a sitting magistrate is a judge and a standing magistrate is a prosecutor in England: may be a volunteer without formal legal training who performs a judicial role with regard to minor matters in ancient Rome: a powerful officer with both judicial and executive power
	783
maximshort saying that expresses a general truth or principle The advisor often quotes the maxim that all politics is local.more Show sample from book My family always call me Maxim, I'd like you to do the same.†782 more a short saying that expresses a general truth or principle Show general definition a short saying that expresses a general truth or principle
	19
inquestformal inquiry or investigation The coroner's inquest ruled the death a homicide.more Show sample from book All you have to concentrate on is your statement at the inquest.18 more formal investigation Show general definition a formal inquiry or investigation -- typically into the cause of an undesirable event -- often an investigation of an unexpected death
	4	top 500
austerelacking luxury (and stern) He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.more Show sample from book ...the silence made it harder, more austere.3 more uncomfortable Show general definition a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration or: of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
	5	top 2000
diffidenthesitant and unassertive She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.more Show sample from book My old fears, my diffidence, my shyness, my hopeless sense of inferiority, must be conquered now and thrust aside.4 more diffident → diffidence:hesitancy and unassertiveness due to a lack of self-confidence Show general definition hesitant and unassertive -- often due to a lack of self-confidence
	4
farceridiculous situation What started as a serious debate quickly turned into a farce, with people shouting over each other and making jokes.more Show sample from book It was a relief when the farce of the meal was over, and I heard Maxim go out on to the drive and start up the car.†3 more a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously… Show general definition a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously; or a type of comedy that relies on absurd humor, using physical slapstick, unlikely situations, and deliberate misunderstandings
	4
gossamerdelicate or light The painting has a fairy with gossamer wings.more Show sample from book She paused, expecting him to smile, but he went on smoking his cigarette, and I noticed, faint as gossamer, the line between his brows.†3 more extremely light, delicate, airy, or thin Show general definition extremely light, delicate, airy, or thin