The Red Badge of Courage — Vocabulary
Stephen Crane
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	1	top 500
perceiveperceive → perceives:views in a certain way She perceives more risk in the trip than he does.more Show sample from book Apparently, the other had now climbed a peak of wisdom from which he could perceive himself as a very wee thing.17 more view in a certain way so as to form a belief Show general definition for perceive (as in: perceive the system as unfair) to view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
	17	top 500
perceive#2see (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book As he perceived her, she had immediately begun to stare up through the high tree branches at the sky.17 more perceive → perceived:saw Show general definition for perceive (as in: though blind, can perceive light) to become aware of -- especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
	13	top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book The men in blue were intent with the despair of their circumstances and they seized upon the revenge to be had at close range.13 more hopelessness Show general definition for despair (as in: she felt despair) hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
	1	top 500
despair#2lose hope Don't despair. Next year will be better.more Show sample from book He had long despaired of witnessing a Greeklike struggle.†13 more despair → despaired:lost hope Show general definition for despair (as in: do not despair) lose hope or feel distress
	5	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book He must accumulate information of himself, and meanwhile he resolved to remain close upon his guard lest those qualities of which he knew nothing should everlastingly disgrace him.7 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.
	3	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book They seemed resolved to make every trouble.7 more resolve → resolved:determined Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	13	top 1000
compelforce Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?more Show sample from book he had been compelled to leave a little protection of stones and dirt to which he had devoted much care and skill.12 more compel → compelled:forced -- perhaps by an inner desire Show general definition to force someone to do something or more rarely: to convince someone to do something Show editor's word notes Most typically, compel describes an external influence forcing someone to do something, but it can also describe being driven by an internal desire.
	13	top 1000
obligeoblige → obliges:requires The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.more Show sample from book Thus, many men of courage ... would be obliged to desert the colors and scurry like chickens.12 more oblige → obliged:required Show general definition for oblige (as in: I am obliged by law.) require (obligate) to do something
	9	top 500
profoundintense (of great emotional depth) Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more Show sample from book Shame was upon him, and with it profound regret that he was, perhaps, no more to be counted in the ranks of his fellows.8 more of greatest intensity or emotional depth Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
	10	top 1000
clamorloud noise and/or persistent demands She ignored the clamor of the crowd.more Show sample from book In his great anxiety his heart was continually clamoring at what he considered the intolerable slowness of the generals.9 more clamor → clamoring:demanding loudly and persistently Show general definition loud noise and/or persistent demands -- especially from human voice
	8	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book The news that the regiment had been reproached went along the line.7 more reproach → reproached:criticized Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	6	top 200
enableenable → enables:makes possible The test enables earlier identification of autism.more Show sample from book He craved a power that would enable him to make a world-sweeping gesture and brush all back.†5 more make possible Show general definition to make possible in various senses, including: to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion." to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page." to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
	9	top 2000
agonyintense suffering She was in agony from a toothache.more Show sample from book It seemed to be struggling to free itself from an agony.†8 more Show general definition intense feelings of suffering -- can be from mental or physical pain
	7	top 1000
heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book They heeded not the largest and longest of the oaths that were thrown at them from all directions.†6 more heed → heeded:paid close attention to; or did what was suggested Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	8	top 2000
stolidemotionless She listened to both arguments thoughtfully, but with a face as stolid as a cow's.more Show sample from book The youth walked stolidly into the midst of the mob, and with his flag in his hands took a stand as if he expected an attempt to push him to the ground.7 more stolid → stolidly:with little emotion Show general definition having or revealing little emotion -- sometimes indicating qualities of not changing or being dependable or (much more rarely): of an object: not interesting -- often large and unmoving
	4	top 500
altercationfight She got in a physical altercation and was expelled.more Show sample from book They had a rapid altercation, in which they fastened upon each other various strange epithets.†3 more a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight Show general definition a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
	3	top 500
antagonistenemy or opponent In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.more Show sample from book The battery was disputing with a distant antagonist and the gunners were wrapped in admiration of their shooting.†2 more someone who offers opposition or is hostile Show general definition for antagonist (as in: the antagonist in the film) someone who offers opposition or is hostile
	3	top 1000
denotesindicates The asterisk ("") denotes a footnote.more Show sample from book He considered that there was denoted a lack of purpose on the part of the generals.†2 more denotes* → denoted:means literally; OR indicates Show general definition means literally; or indicates
	2	top 500
annihilatecompletely defeat and destroy She reported that "ISIS needs to understand the Joint Force is on orders to annihilate them."more Show sample from book If he had thought the regiment was about to be annihilated perhaps he could have amputated himself from it.†1 more annihilate → annihilated:completely destroyed or defeated Show general definition to completely destroy or defeat
	3	top 2000
prostratelying face downward on the ground It is their custom to worship five times a day, prostrate and facing toward Mecca.more Show sample from book He now rejoiced in the possession of a small weapon with which he could prostrate his comrade at the first signs of a cross-examination.†2 more lying down - typically face downward on the ground as in submission Show general definition lying down - typically face downward on the ground as in submission