Early Cases Of Hercule Poirot — Vocabulary
Agatha Christie
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	12	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless we can't leave the possibility of suicide out of account.†11 more Show general definition despite that 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 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	14	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book Then I will make some little inquiries of my own.†13 more inquiry → inquiries:questions or investigations Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	12	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 She discovered first that he was deceiving her-then, under your guidance, that he was trying to poison her.†11 more deceive → deceiving:lying or misleading Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	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 We must seek for a motive.†9 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	9	top 2000
placidcalm The sky is clear and the lake placid.more Show sample from book 'In truth that would be ridiculous,' agreed Poirot placidly.†8 more placid → placidly:calmly Show general definition calm and not easily excited
	9
opiuma powerful narcotic Today, other drugs have replaced opium for most medical uses.more Show sample from book The place in question was more or less well known as an opium-den of the lowest description.†8 more Show general definition a powerful drug made from a type of poppy; relieves pain and aids sleep, but highly addictive and dangerous when abused recreationally
	8	top 2000
accomplicesomeone who helped to carry out a plan Was she acting alone, or did she have an accomplice?more Show sample from book Everything goes to show that there was an accomplice inside the house.†7 more person who assisted Show general definition a person who joins with another in carrying out a plan -- especially an unethical or illegal plan
	7	top 2000
amiablefriendly and likable She seemed an ideal candidate--attractive, amiable, intelligent, and energetic.more Show sample from book "Thank you for your amiability, Doctor," said Poirot.6 more amiable → amiability:the quality of being friendly and agreeable Show general definition friendly, agreeable, and likable
	3	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book -a strange irony, by the way, that led the unfortunate woman to come to this building where her rival lived-3 more an interesting coincidence Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	1	top 2000
irony#2irony → ironic:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more Show sample from book "Fact!" said General Forbes. "Heard it from old Bassington-ffrench. And he heard it from old Badger Cotterill who'd got it from Snooks Parker.'" Miss Henderson nodded brightly. "That does seem to settle it!' she said." A fleeting smile showed for a minute on the face of a small man sitting near them. Miss Henderson noticed the smile. She was observant. It had shown appreciation of the irony underlying her last remark...3 more saying something that could be taken to mean the opposite of what was intended Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony) saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasm Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "verbal irony." Typically, the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, and the tone of voice or the context of the situation makes the true, contradictory meaning clear. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	4	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book It is a curious case, full of contradictory features.†3 more contradict → contradictory:in disagreement Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	6	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book I am endeavouring to do so.†5 more endeavor → endeavouring:trying or attempting Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavoring. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	7	top 2000
auburnreddish-brown Her long auburn hair shimmered in the afternoon sun.more Show sample from book Ah, mon ami, one can have romance without golden-haired girls of matchless beauty-no; I am wrong; it is auburn hair that so excites you always.6 more Show general definition for auburn (as in: auburn hair) colored a moderate reddish-brown -- especially of hair
	3	top 2000
minutetiny Don't eat a lot of poppy seeds for a few days before a drug test. They have a minute amount of a chemical that can cause a false positive when testing for heroin use.more Show sample from book His absorption was not so great, however, that he failed to see two minute strands of feather scarf wrenched off by the lady's agitated fingers.5 more small Show general definition for minute (as in: minute size) small, exceptionally small, or insignificant
	3
minute#2including even small considerations We discussed it in minute detail.more Show sample from book Seizing my opportunity, I too knelt down, and taking the handkerchief from the sleeve, scrutinized it minutely.5 more minute → minutely:with careful attention to detail Show general definition for minute (as in: minute description) detailed (including even small considerations); and/or careful (done with care)
	4	top 2000
odiousworthy of hate Though they think the country's government is odious, they're unwilling to help topple it for fear of the consequences.more Show sample from book Lady Millicent had spoken truly when she described him as an odious man.†3 more extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate Show general definition extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate
	2	top 500
altercationfight She got in a physical altercation and was expelled.more Show sample from book Several people declare that they heard a violent altercation going on in the little supper-room, and that Eustace Beltane was one of the disputants.†1 more a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight Show general definition a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
	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 This little-farce-it must cease.†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
incriminatemake herself look guilty She refused to answer on the grounds that she might incriminate herself.more Show sample from book In the same way, if someone else had placed them there to incriminate Parker, one would have been sufficient-the cigarette caseor the glove-again not both.†3 more make appear guilty Show general definition to make someone appear guilty
	4
scoundrelsomeone without moral principles He's a scoundrel. Don't trust him.more Show sample from book I should say that for a good-looking, well-mannered, utterly unscrupulous young scoundrel, it would be hard to find his mate!†3 more Show general definition someone without moral principles