Rose Red — Vocabulary
Stephen King
(Auto-generated)
| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
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| 22 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookNow, as we approach the second turn, I finally hear what it is that has frightened my dear friend, what she has heard that I did not-the creaking of the stairs no longer sounds like lumber rubbing on lumber, nails straining against nails-increasingly it sounds like a voice, a familiar voice, a child's voice.† Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city)to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality) |
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approach#2
They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more
Show sample from bookCertainly not by me, nor has John approached my father (my mother has informed me in the strictest of confidences) with any discussion of dowry. Show general definition for approach (as in: approached her with the proposal)to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic |
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attribute
The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more
Show sample from bookOne of Sukeena's many wonderful attributes is her ability to remain calm and consistent.
Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...)a characteristic or feature (of something or someone) |
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attribute#2
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more
Show sample from bookSukeena's recovery impresses me greatly, and I attribute that recovery in no small part to both her herbs and my prayer. Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...)to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
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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 bookWhat intrigues me now, however, is my mistaken assumption that my prayers were responsible for Delora's disappearance.† 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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Show sample from bookGod, whoever and however He may be, was nowhere to be found in that room this afternoon.†
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!)in whatever way |
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| 12 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookIn the stained-glass window, the lovely rose changed before our eyes into a ghostly specter of my daughter's misshapen and withered arm. Show general definition for wither (as in: wither on the vine)to shrivel (wrinkle and contract -- usually from lack of water) |
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wither#2
Her confidence withered under the constant criticism from her boss.more
Show sample from bookAnother time perhaps, although some things are better left to blossom in memory rather than wither in reflection. Show general definition for wither (as in: her confidence withered)to become weaker--sometimes to get smaller and disappear |
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Show sample from book...has taken root in my condemnation of my husband and my determination for revenge. Show general definition for condemn (as in: She condemned their plan)express strong criticism |
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condemn#2
The murderer was condemned to death by injection.more
Show sample from bookApril is condemned with the rest of us; Adam is to be saved. Show general definition for condemn (as in: was condemned to life in prison)to declare someone guilty of a crime and often sentence them to punishment; or more broadly, to cause someone to be judged guilty or doomed to an unwanted fate (as when evidence condemns a suspect) |
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| 7 | top 10 | |
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imply
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
Show sample from bookAnd it would be improper and wrong of me to imply it all has to do with angels and prayer. Show general definitionto suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence |
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Show sample from bookI fear this power (if it exists at all) is formidable indeed.
Show general definitionintimidating or impressive -- arousing fear or admiration due to impressiveness or challenge |
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vex
The complicated math problem continued to vex the entire class until the teacher provided a clearer explanation of the formula.more
Show general definitionto annoy, worry, or frustrate -- especially by being difficult or persistent |
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| 8 | top 1000 | |
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endeavor
I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more
Show sample from bookChristmas away from home was most trying, and though John endeavored to explain to me that I had a new home now, it only made matters worse.†
Show general definitionto attempt; or a project or activity attempted |
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| 7 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookAnd he will be loath to stop it, to even tryfor my legs shall close upon his lineage forever, like a springed trap.† Show general definitionreluctant or unwilling to do somethingShow editor's word notesWord Confusion: Do not confuse loath with loathe which sounds very similar or the same. Loath is typically used as an adjective while loathe is a verb that means "to dislike greatly". |
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| 6 | top 1000 | |
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transgress
Her actions transgressed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.more
Show sample from bookAll these months of not so much as a kiss between us, I had assumed his transgressions with the women of the night had satisfied whatever urges a man like John Rimbauer has-substantial urges indeed. Show general definitionto violate a rule, promise, or social norm |
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| 3 | top 1000 | |
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sumptuous
The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, with an array of delicious dishes and desserts.more
Show sample from bookInstalled into my bedroom, the craftsmanship looks sumptuous, ornate and quite rich!† Show general definitionmagnificent (impressively wonderful) -- often indicating something expensive |
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Show sample from bookJohn Rimbauer ... is a pragmatic man (which possibly accounts for his success in the oil business), Show general definitionconcerned with practical matters -- especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookI can only wonder now if this brief altercation with my beloved, an altercation that resulted from my attendance there, had something to do with the events that would soon transpire.† Show general definitiona noisy argument, confrontation, or fight |
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debauchery
The novel portrayed the city’s nightlife as a scene of constant debauchery.more
Show sample from bookBut of course a tiny part of the woman in me fears another truth altogether, as that part of town is known for its debaucheries.† Show general definitionextreme indulgence in pleasures -- especially those considered immoral or harmful, such as drinking, partying, or other reckless behavior |
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