Naked in Death — Vocabulary
J. D. Robb
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
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| 14 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookIf 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.† 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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| 1 | top 100 | |
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focus#2
Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more
Show sample from bookHe enjoys his work and wants to be the focus of our attention.† Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...)where attention is concentrated or directed |
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| 11 | top 100 | |
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however
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more
Show sample from bookThere's a problem, however.† Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...)though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)Show editor's word notesBased 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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| 3 | top 2000 | |
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however#2
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
Show sample from bookHowever glorious the scents, they failed to stir her appetite. Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...)to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount) |
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| 9 | top 2000 | |
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direct
This flower does best in direct sunlight.more
Show sample from bookHe always attends in person, or by direct 'link. Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct)without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement |
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| 4 | top 100 | |
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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| 22 | top 1000 | |
Show general definition for muse (as in: her musings)reflect (think) deeply on a subject -- perhaps aloud |
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| 15 | top 500 | |
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motive
She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more
Show sample from bookThe 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.†
Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?)a reason for doing something |
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| 1 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookI can elaborate and add that I prefer a different type of bedmate, and that I prefer to make my own moves. Show general definition for elaborate (as in: elaborate on your plan)add details or explain in detail |
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| 3 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookShe eyed the gold foil and elaborate bow on the package she held with more suspicion than pleasure. Show general definition for elaborate (as in: an elaborate design)having details and complexity -- sometimes fancy or ornateShow editor's word notesDepending 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> |
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| 8 | top 500 | |
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indulge
She indulges her children more than is good for them.more
Show sample from bookHow will you answer the fact that you're jeopardizing the case and your position by indulging in a personal relationship with a suspect? Show general definitionto give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable |
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| 10 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookThey'd been organized according to color and style. 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:
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| 1 | ||
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accord#2
They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more
Show sample from bookI accorded Elizabeth Barrister and Richard DeBlass respect and dignity. Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved)to give someone special treatment -- especially respect |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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discrepancy
She is on paid leave while the accounting discrepancy is investigated.†more
Show sample from bookRegardless of the motive, it will be necessary for you to explain the discrepancy in your books.†
Show general definitiondisagreement -- especially an unexpected difference between two things |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
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increment
Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.more
Show sample from bookWe have evidence that you paid to Sharon DeBlass one hundred thousand dollars, in twenty-five thousand dollar increments in one year's period.† Show general definitionone of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase -- especially in small, consistent amounts |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
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insidious
The debt grew insidiously--just a little at a time and always for a good purpose.
Show sample from bookShe 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. Show general definitionnot appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over timeor: treacherous (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks) |
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| 2 | ||
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divulge
We interrogated her for hours, but she wouldn't divulge who helped her.more
Show sample from bookWith all respect, Chief Simpson, I can't divulge to the public any details of the case that could undermine the investigation.† Show general definitionmake known (secret of private information) |
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| 2 | ||
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flaunt
She is wealthier than her neighbors, but she never flaunts it.more
Show sample from bookFlaunted it in front of her well-positioned family, including her arch-conservative grandfather.† Show general definitionthe 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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| 6 | top 2000 | |
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discreet
I leave my phone on silent mode, so it can alert me discreetly when I receive a text message.more
Show sample from bookIf 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. Show general definition for discreet (as in: discreet--not showy or gossipy)trustworthy with secrets or subtle (not attracting attention)Show editor's word notesThis sense of discreet sometimes indicates that something is small (so as not to attract attention) as in "discreet earrings." |
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| 1 | ||
Show sample from bookIt would have been indiscreet and unprofessional for us to become sexual partners. Show context notesThe 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 mannersShow editor's word notesThis 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. |
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