Sister Carrie — Vocabulary
Theodore Dreiser
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	19	top 2000
operaa classical music play in which most of the dialogue is sung She is a popular opera singer.more Show sample from book A noted comic opera comedian was holding forth that week, and the air of distinction and prosperity overawed her.†18 more a musical play with orchestra in which most of the dialogue is sung (or the art form that consists of such musicals; or describing something as related to that art form) Show general definition a form of musical theater with orchestra in which most of the words are sung, often in a classical style and sometimes in a foreign language
	13	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 Hurstwood began to doubt, but kept, or thought to keep, at least, the cool demeanor with which, in olden times, he deceived those psychic students of the gaming table, who seem to read thoughts and moods, rather than exterior evidences, however subtle.†12 more deceive → deceived:lied or misled Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	16	top 2000
foremansupervisor She complained to the shop foreman.more Show sample from book Then some word was sent around, and a foreman, in an apron and shirt sleeves, the latter rolled up to his shoulders, approached.†15 more a person chosen to lead and speak for a group… Show general definition a person chosen to lead and speak for a group, especially at work or in a courtroom Show editor's word notes At work, a foreman is the worker who supervises and directs other workers, often in factories, workshops, or on construction sites. In a court case, the foreman is the juror selected to lead the jury and announce its decision.
	12	top 1000
demeanormanner of behavior His calm demeanor reassured everyone during the crisis.more Show sample from book When Hanson came home at seven o'clock, he was inclined to be a little crusty-his usual demeanor before supper.†11 more the manner in which a person behaves Show general definition the manner in which a person behaves
	10	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 By this tact he made Drouet feel that he admired his choice.†9 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
	8	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book The actor whom they had gone to see had achieved his popularity by presenting a mellow type of comedy, in which sufficient sorrow was introduced to lend contrast and relief to humor.7 more something notably different 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
	13	top 1000
shrewdsmart She is a shrewd negotiator.more Show sample from book He was shrewd and clever in many little things, and capable of creating a good impression.†12 more Show general definition smart -- especially in negotiating with people (may infer underhanded dealings)
	10	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 Chapter IV THE SPENDINGS OF FANCY: FACTS ANSWER WITH SNEERS For the next two days Carrie indulged in the most high flown speculations.†9 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
	13	top 1000
elatedhappy and excited I felt elated the first day of summer break.more Show sample from book Minnie worked with less elation than she had just before Carrie arrived.†12 more elated → elation:intense feeling of happiness and excitement Show general definition full of happiness and excitement
	14	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book She was constantly pained by the sight of the white-faced, ragged men who slopped desperately by her in a sort of wretched mental stupor.†13 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."
	13	top 2000
invariablyalmost always I tell myself to go to sleep early, but I invariably end up watching television late into the night.more Show sample from book They were the serious reflections of a mind which invariably adjusted itself, without much complaining, to such surroundings as its industry could make for it.†12 more always; or (said in exaggeration when meaning) almost always Show general definition never changing; or always the same
	9	top 500
deceptiondeceiving or misleading The law is intended to defeat denial and deception strategies.more Show sample from book Carrie had none of the small deception which could feel one thing and say something directly opposed.†8 more the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads Show general definition the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads
	28	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book It would have accorded with her expectations if nothing had been said,29 more accord → accorded:been in keeping 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
accord#2accord → accorded:given special treatment They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more Show sample from book ...she was listened to with more consideration than was usually accorded to young women applicants, owing to her neat and attractive appearance.29 more accord → accorded:given (special treatment) Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved) to give someone special treatment -- especially respect
	7
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book He had stopped his trifling before the mirror now and crossed over to her.†7 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	1
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book Each waiter added an air of exclusiveness and elegance by the manner in which he bowed, scraped, touched, and trifled with things.†7 more trifle with → trifled with:treated thoughtlessly or without respect Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	11
matinéedaytime performance We can still make the half-price matinée.more Show sample from book Not long after this Mrs. Hurstwood came with a similar proposition, only it was to a matinee this time.†10 more Show general definition a daytime performance (of something like a movie or play)
	8	top 2000
diffidenthesitant and unassertive She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.more Show sample from book She followed him diffidently through the clattering automatons, keeping her eyes straight before her, and flushing slightly.†7 more diffident → diffidently:with hesitancy and unassertiveness Show general definition hesitant and unassertive -- often due to a lack of self-confidence
	7	top 2000
perfunctorydone without much interest or effort She gave us menus and a perfunctory smile.more Show sample from book "Why, Sister Carrie!" she began, and there was a perfunctory embrace of welcome.†6 more Show general definition done without much interest or effort -- especially as when dispensing with a formality
	7
pathosa quality that arouses pity or sorrow The novel triumphs with humor and pathos.more Show sample from book That is, his feelings and his voice were colored with that seeming repression and pathos which is the essence of eloquence.†6 more