Summer Pleasures — Vocabulary
Nora Roberts
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	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 Show sample from book Because his direct, unblinking stare made her want to stammer, Lee gave him back the hard, uncompromising look.13 more steady or focused Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	5	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book She might have drawn her hand away and he might have let her, but her statement seemed to be a direct challenge.†13 more clear Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	33	top 1000
musemuse → mused:reflected (thought) deeply He mused aloud about the afternoon's developments.more Show sample from book Not Shade's usual style, she mused...32 more muse → mused:thought Show general definition for muse (as in: her musings) reflect (think) deeply on a subject -- perhaps aloud
	16	top 1000
deliberatedeliberate → deliberately:intentionally She didn't forget. She deliberately skipped the meeting.more Show sample from book She stretched out on her back again, deliberately kicking water up and over him.16 more Show general definition for deliberate (as in: deliberate insult) to do something intentionally (do it on purpose)
	1	top 1000
deliberate#2careful and slow She is a deliberate thinker--not the fastest, but always thorough.more Show sample from book Lee looked over the prints in her precise, deliberate way.16 more Show general definition for deliberate (as in: a deliberate thinker) done with great care -- often slowly
	19	top 500
intrigueintrigue → intrigued:interested, curious, or fascinated She was intrigued by his surprising comment.more Show sample from book Her eyes held secrets, and there was little that intrigued him more.18 more intrigue → intrigued:fascinated (or interested) Show general definition for intrigue (as in: she was intrigued) cause to be interested, curious, or fascinated
	1	top 1000
resignationa document expressing that someone is quitting a job I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.more Show sample from book Since resigning from the staff of Celebrity, Bryan found her work load hadn't eased.10 more resignation → resigning:quitting Show general definition for resignation (as in: submitted her resignation) to quit -- especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
	10	top 1000
resignation#2(accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more Show sample from book She stuck a hand in one boot and found the inside damp. resigned, she hunted for her sneakers.10 more resignation → resigned:having accepted something undesirable as the lesser of evils Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	15	top 200
subtlemaking use of slight distinctions She used subtle reasoning to expose the absurdity of his argument.more Show sample from book That he has a sense of humor that's often so subtle it takes you hours to catch up.14 more understated so it is hard to notice or understand (perhaps requiring an understanding of find distinctions) Show general definition for subtle (as in: a subtle difference or thinker) not obvious, but noticeable with enough insight and knowledge or: able to notice or understand things that require insight and sensitivity
	9	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 He ran a fingertip along the curve of her shoulder and studied the contrast of his skin against hers.†8 more 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
	11	top 500
meticuloustreating details with great care She is a meticulous researcher who takes pride in a thorough job.more Show sample from book Her makeup had been meticulously applied that morning, down to the dusky blue shadow that matched her eyes.10 more meticulous → meticulously:in a manner treating details with great care
	12	top 1000
evadeevade → evaded:avoided answering She evaded his question by asking one of her own.†more Show sample from book Though he was cannily evasive on personal details, she was gathering information.11 more evade → evasive:tending to avoid answering questions candidly (with direct answers) Show general definition for evade (as in: evade the question) to avoid or try to avoid either a responsibility or telling the whole truth
	6	top 100
varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book Clothes varied from trim professional suits to jeans to flamboyant caftans and smocks.†5 more vary → varied:differed; or changed Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
	3	top 100
candidhonest and direct Don't worry about my feelings. I'd like your candid opinion.more Show sample from book He'd learned long ago that candor can jump back on you with teeth.3 more candid → candor:direct honesty
	1	top 500
candid#2unposed A photographer will take traditional wedding pictures. I'm just going to get some candid shots.more Show sample from book Because they were so involved with each other, Bryan was able to take some candid shots before the paperwork on the rental was completed.3 more Show general definition for candid (as in: a candid photograph) unposed -- typically said of a photograph
	4	top 2000
irrevocableincapable of being undone We agreed not to take any irrevocable action until after the meeting.more Show sample from book This woman was in love with him, was one step away from being irrevocably committed to him.†3 more irrevocable → irrevocably:in a manner that cannot be undone
	2	top 200
pragmaticpractical She is a pragmatic problem solver.more Show sample from book She knew his image...cool, distant, pragmatic.1 more concerned with practical matters Show general definition concerned with practical matters -- especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory
	2	top 500
acclaimacclaim → acclaimed:popularly and enthusiastically praised It's a critically acclaimed movie.more Show sample from book You're one of the most popular and critically acclaimed writers of the decade.†1 more Show general definition to praise enthusiastically and publicly -- sometimes choosing without opposition or a formal vote
	2	top 500
camaraderieclose friendship amongst a group of people Basketball encourages teamwork and camaraderie.more Show sample from book There was an air of congeniality, shared knowledge and camaraderie.†1 more
	3	top 2000
pinnaclehighest point She wrote the book at the pinnacle of her popularity.more Show sample from book Easy for you to say from your little pinnacle of fame.2 more high point Show general definition the highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement