Naked in Death — Vocabulary
J. D. Robb
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
14 top 100
focusconcentrate
I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more
Show sample from book
If he'd used his other hand for a blow to the face, he might have stunned her, but he was too focused on reaching the gun.†14 more
focusfocused:concentrating (on one thing and not paying attention to other things)
Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
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focus#2area where attention is concentrated
Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more
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He enjoys his work and wants to be the focus of our attention.†14 more
where attention is concentrated
Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
11 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
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There's a problem, however.†13 more
a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using "though", "in spite of that", "in contrast", "nevertheless", etc.
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.
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however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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However glorious the scents, they failed to stir her appetite.13 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)
9 top 2000
directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected)
This flower does best in direct sunlight.more
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He always attends in person, or by direct 'link.12 more
straight (without anything in between)
Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
4 top 100
direct#2straightforward
I left them with direct instructions.more
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That's a direct order.†12 more
clear, straightforward, or to the point
Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
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musemusemused:reflected (thought) deeply
He mused aloud about the afternoon's developments.more
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Nice life if you can get it, she mused,21 more
musemused:thought
Show general definition for muse (as in: her musings) reflect (think) deeply on a subject -- perhaps aloud
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motivereason (for doing something)
She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more
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The murder of a licensed companion, the only daughter of friends, the only granddaughter of one of the country's most outspoken and conservative legislators, by a banned "Motive," she concluded, settling again.†14 more
Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
1 top 100
elaborateexplain in detail
Please elaborate on the reasons you think this is the best plan.more
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I can elaborate and add that I prefer a different type of bedmate, and that I prefer to make my own moves.3 more
add detail (to what's been said)
Show general definition for elaborate (as in: elaborate on your plan) add details or explain in detail
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elaborate#2complicated
It's part of her elaborate plan for getting accepted at Harvard.more
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She eyed the gold foil and elaborate bow on the package she held with more suspicion than pleasure.3 more
fancy (complicated or special)
Show general definition for elaborate (as in: an elaborate design) having details and complexity -- sometimes fancy or ornate
Show editor's word notes Depending upon it's context, this sense of elaborate can additionally imply that details make something either:<ul><li>more special than others of its kind in a good way</li></ul>or:<ul><li>more complicated than necessary in a bad way</li></ul>
8 top 500
indulgeindulgeindulges:allows them to get their way
She indulges her children more than is good for them.more
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How will you answer the fact that you're jeopardizing the case and your position by indulging in a personal relationship with a suspect?7 more
indulgeindulging:excessively giving into desire
Show general definition to give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable
10 top 2000
accordaccordaccordance:keeping
She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more
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They'd been organized according to color and style.10 more
accordaccording to:based on (in keeping with)
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
1
accord#2accordaccorded:given special treatment
They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more
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I accorded Elizabeth Barrister and Richard DeBlass respect and dignity.10 more
accordaccorded:given/gave special treatment
Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved) to give someone special treatment -- especially respect
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discrepancyan unexpected difference between two things
She is on paid leave while the accounting discrepancy is investigated.†more
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Regardless of the motive, it will be necessary for you to explain the discrepancy in your books.†1 more
Show general definition disagreement -- especially an unexpected difference between two things
2 top 1000
incrementincrementincrements:increases
Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.more
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We have evidence that you paid to Sharon DeBlass one hundred thousand dollars, in twenty-five thousand dollar increments in one year's period.†1 more
incrementincrements:a series of increases; or the amount of the increases
Show general definition one of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase -- especially in small, consistent amounts
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insidiousinsidiousinsidiously:in a manner not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time
The debt grew insidiously--just a little at a time and always for a good purpose.Alan Greenspan  —  The Age of Turbulencemore
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She waited while he completed his impassioned speech on the moral decline of the country, the insidious corruption that stemmed from promiscuity, conception control, genetic engineering.1 more
not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time
Show general definition not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time

or:

treacherous  (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks)
2
divulgemake known (secret information)
We interrogated her for hours, but she wouldn't divulge who helped her.more
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With all respect, Chief Simpson, I can't divulge to the public any details of the case that could undermine the investigation.†1 more
make known (secret of private information)
Show general definition make known (secret of private information)
2
flauntflauntflaunts:shows it off
She is wealthier than her neighbors, but she never flaunts it.more
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Flaunted it in front of her well-positioned family, including her arch-conservative grandfather.†1 more
flauntflaunted:showed off
Show general definition the act of showing off (displaying something in an obvious way for others to admire or envy)

or:

openly defiant of rules or expectations
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discreetdiscreetdiscreetly:in a manner that is unlikely to attract attention
I leave my phone on silent mode, so it can alert me discreetly when I receive a text message.more
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If Whitney's orders hadn't come through with the warrant, instructing her to be discreet, Eve would have marched onto the Senate floor and cuffed him in front of his associates.6 more
inconspicuous or unobtrusive (so as not to attract attention)
Show general definition for discreet (as in: discreet--not showy or gossipy) trustworthy with secrets or subtle (not attracting attention)
Show editor's word notes This sense of discreet sometimes indicates that something is small (so as not to attract attention) as in "discreet earrings."
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discreet#2sensible and careful
She is a discreet investor.more
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It would have been indiscreet and unprofessional for us to become sexual partners.6 more
discreetindiscreet:not sensible or careful
Show context notes The prefix "in-" in indiscreet means not and reverses the meaning of discreet. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
Show general definition for discreet (as in: discreet--not foolish) sensible and careful; possibly having good manners
Show editor's word notes This sense of discreet is more commonly seen in classic literature than in modern writing. There is may also refer to having the judgment to exercise good manners.