Rose Red — Vocabulary
Stephen King
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
22 top 2000
approachapproachapproaching:getting nearer
Winter is approaching.more
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Now, 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.†22 more
get near
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#2approachapproached:began communication with
They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more
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Certainly not by me, nor has John approached my father (my mother has informed me in the strictest of confidences) with any discussion of dowry.22 more
approachapproached:begun talking with
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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attributeattributeattributes:characteristics
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
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One of Sukeena's many wonderful attributes is her ability to remain calm and consistent.11 more
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#2attributeattributed:credited (pointed to as the source of)
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more
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Sukeena's recovery impresses me greatly, and I attribute that recovery in no small part to both her herbs and my prayer.11 more
credit (point to as the cause of)
Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
  • "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen
  • "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea
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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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What intrigues me now, however, is my mistaken assumption that my prayers were responsible for Delora's disappearance.†11 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#2in whatever way
However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more
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God, whoever and however He may be, was nowhere to be found in that room this afternoon.†11 more
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
12 top 1000
witherwitherwithered:shriveled (wrinkled as they dried out)
The grapes withered on the vine.more
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In the stained-glass window, the lovely rose changed before our eyes into a ghostly specter of my daughter's misshapen and withered arm.12 more
witherwithered:shriveled and weakened
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#2witherwithered:weakened
Her confidence withered under the constant criticism from her boss.more
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Another time perhaps, although some things are better left to blossom in memory rather than wither in reflection.12 more
weaken
Show general definition for wither (as in: her confidence withered) to become weaker--sometimes to get smaller and disappear
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condemnstrongly criticize
We condemn racism wherever it is found.more
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...has taken root in my condemnation of my husband and my determination for revenge.8 more
condemncondemnation:expression of strong criticism
Show general definition for condemn (as in: She condemned their plan) express strong criticism
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condemn#2condemncondemned:legally sentenced (to punishment)
The murderer was condemned to death by injection.more
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April is condemned with the rest of us; Adam is to be saved.8 more
condemncondemned:forced into a bad situation
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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implyimplyimplied:hinted or suggested
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
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And it would be improper and wrong of me to imply it all has to do with angels and prayer.6 more
suggest (say indirectly)
Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
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formidableintimidating or impressive
She is a formidable opponent.more
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I fear this power (if it exists at all) is formidable indeed.10 more
Show general definition intimidating or impressive -- arousing fear or admiration due to impressiveness or challenge
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vexfrustrate
The complicated math problem continued to vex the entire class until the teacher provided a clearer explanation of the formula.more
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my how this woman vexes me!10 more
vexvexes:annoys
Show general definition to annoy, worry, or frustrate -- especially by being difficult or persistent
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endeavorendeavorendeavored:tried or attempted
I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more
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Christmas 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.†7 more
Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
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loathreluctant or unwilling
She is loath to admit a mistake.more
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And he will be loath to stop it, to even tryfor my legs shall close upon his lineage forever, like a springed trap.†6 more
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Show general definition reluctant or unwilling to do something
Show editor's word notes Word 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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transgresstransgresstransgressed:violated
Her actions transgressed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.more
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All 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.5 more
transgresstransgressions:acts that violate rules, promises, or social norms
Show general definition to violate a rule, promise, or social norm
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sumptuousmagnificent
The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, with an array of delicious dishes and desserts.more
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Installed into my bedroom, the craftsmanship looks sumptuous, ornate and quite rich!†2 more
magnificent (impressively wonderful) -- often indicating something expensive
Show general definition magnificent (impressively wonderful) -- often indicating something expensive
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pragmaticpractical
She is a pragmatic problem solver.more
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John Rimbauer ... is a pragmatic man (which possibly accounts for his success in the oil business),1 more
concerned with practical matters
Show general definition concerned with practical matters -- especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory
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altercationfight
She got in a physical altercation and was expelled.more
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I 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.†
a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
Show general definition a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
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debaucheryunrestrained or immoral indulgence
The novel portrayed the city’s nightlife as a scene of constant debauchery.more
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But of course a tiny part of the woman in me fears another truth altogether, as that part of town is known for its debaucheries.†3 more
debaucherydebaucheries:extreme indulgence in pleasures
Show general definition extreme indulgence in pleasures -- especially those considered immoral or harmful, such as drinking, partying, or other reckless behavior