The Return of the Native — Vocabulary
Thomas Hardy
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	3	top 500
perceiveperceive → perceives:views in a certain way She perceives more risk in the trip than he does.more Show sample from book She could not admit at once that she might have overestimated Wildeve, for to perceive his mediocrity now was to admit her own great folly heretofore.35 more view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion 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
	33	top 500
perceive#2see (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book Olly, though without the tact to perceive when remarks were untimely, was saved by her very simplicity from rendering them offensive.35 more notice (be aware of) 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 200
inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something I'm inclined to believe him.more Show sample from book After replying to the old man's greeting he showed no inclination to continue in talk, although they still walked side by side, for the elder traveller seemed to desire company.20 more inclined → inclination:attitude favoring Show general definition for inclined (as in: I'm inclined to) a tendency, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
	8	top 200
inclinesomething sloping upward (such as a hill) It is a steep incline.more Show sample from book She inclined her head, and swept round so that her eyes rested in the misty vale beneath them.20 more incline → inclined:bent or angled Show general definition for incline (as in: on an incline or incline his head) to be at an angle or to bend
	15	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book She resolved to look for the man from Paris no more.18 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.
	4	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book Up to this hour he had persevered in his resolve not to invite her back.18 more determination (in holding to his decision) Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	26	top 2000
ascendmove upward We saw the rocket ascend.more Show sample from book he ascended the valley in a mathematically direct line towards his distant home in the meadows.25 more ascend → ascended:climbed (move upward) Show general definition for ascend (as in: ascend the mountain) to move or slope upward -- sometimes figuratively as when climbing the corporate ladder
	2	top 500
dwellthink or talk about something longer than seems appropriate Don't dwell on the past.more Show sample from book Let me look right into your moonlit face and dwell on every line and curve in it!8 more let attention stay on for a prolonged period Show general definition for dwell (as in: Don't dwell on it.) to think, communicate, or let attention stay on (or return to) something for a prolonged period
	7	top 500
dwell#2dwell → dwells:lives in The creature dwells in the forest.more Show sample from book ...when the old watering-place herein called "Budmouth" still retained sufficient afterglow from its Georgian gaiety and prestige to lend it an absorbing attractiveness to the romantic and imaginative soul of a lonely dweller inland.8 more dwell → dweller:someone who lives in a place Show general definition for dwell (as in: It dwells in the forest.) make one's home in; or to live in; or to stay (in a place)
	13	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book Ah, I recollect that I once accidentally offended her, and I have never seen her since.†12 more Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	14	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book On a ledge in the fuel-house stood three tall rush-lights and by the light of them seven or eight lads were marching about, haranguing, and confusing each other, in endeavours to perfect themselves in the play.†13 more endeavor → endeavours:attempts; or things attempted Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavors. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	11	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 They were merely indulging in the ordinary vivacious chat of relatives who have long been parted in person though not in soul.†10 more indulge → indulging:enjoying to excess Show general definition to give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable
	13	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book If I had known you wished to call me up here only to reproach me, I wouldn't have come.†12 more a criticism; or to express criticism 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.
	14	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book Her countenance changed.13 more Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	7	top 1000
denotesindicates The asterisk ("") denotes a footnote.more Show sample from book While the men and lads were building the pile, a change took place in the mass of shade which denoted the distant landscape.†6 more denotes* → denoted:means literally; OR indicates Show general definition means literally; or indicates
	3	top 200
obsoleteno longer in general use because it was replaced by something better My mother still has a twenty-year-old obsolete computer in storage.more Show sample from book This obscure, obsolete, superseded country figures in Domesday.†2 more Show general definition no longer in general use because it was replaced by something better
	5	top 2000
congenialfriendly She has a congenial relationship with her neighbors.more Show sample from book But, if congenial to philosophy, it is apt to be dangerous to the commonwealth.†4 more agreeable or compatible Show general definition agreeable or compatible in a positive way -- often in the context of being friendly and sociable
	3	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book "No--I won't, I won't!" she said impetuously, quite forgetful of...2 more impetuous → impetuously:impulsively (suddenly, without much thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	5
satirecriticism in a humorous way The play is a sharp satire of celebrity culture, mocking our obsession with fame.more Show sample from book In its venerable one coat lay a certain vein of satire on human vanity in clothes.†4 more a way of making fun of people or ideas -- often through exaggeration Show general definition for satire (as in: wrote a satire) a way of making fun of people or ideas -- often through exaggeration
	2	top 500
conducivehelpful The dorm room was not conducive to studying.more Show sample from book Suppose he should become blind, or, at all events, never recover sufficient strength of sight to engage in an occupation which would be congenial to her feelings, and conduce to her removal from this lonely dwelling among the hills?†1 more conducive → conduce:contribute (to a result) Show general definition helpful; or tending to contribute (to something)