The Killer Angels — Vocabulary
Michael Shaara
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	22	top 2000
reinrein → reined in:restrained The court reined in agency power--describing it as out of control.more Show sample from book He let go the reins of command.21 more rein → reins:means of control Show general definition for rein (as in: to rein in their activities) to restrain or control; or a means of control The meaning of rein depends upon its context. For example: "keep a tight rein on the new employee," or "rein in a horse" -- to control or restrain "give the new employee free rein," or "give the horse full rein" -- do not restrain "the reins of government" -- means of control "the reins of the horse" -- leather straps used with a bit to control a horse (You might like to think of other senses of rein as being figurative derivations from this sense.)
	12	top 2000
martialrelating to fighting skills She signed up for martial arts classes to learn self-defense and discipline.more Show sample from book He had a martial bearing and the kind of a face on which emotion rarely showed, a calm, almost regal quality.†11 more relating to war, the military, or fighting Show general definition relating to war, the military, or fighting
	6	top 100
precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more Show sample from book The fame of your regiment, sir, has preceded you.†5 more precede → preceded:went or was before Show general definition to go or do before
	8	top 1000
rationration → rationed:restricted in the amount each person could have Gasoline was rationed during the 1970s oil embargo.more Show sample from book Let him have some rations, try to give him directions.†7 more ration → rations:a fixed share of something, especially scarce goods like food or fuel… Show general definition a fixed share of something, especially scarce goods like food or fuel; or to limit and distribute something in fixed shares
	7	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book Taylor drew back in frosty reproach,6 more criticism Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	8	top 2000
probeinvestigation There was a congressional probe into the scandal.more Show sample from book Buford could hear the artillery coming into place on the far side, heard the spattering of rifle fire from probing patrols.†7 more probe → probing:investigating Show general definition to investigate closely; or a tool or device used to explore, examine, or gather information
	6	top 1000
objectivegoal It is our primary objective.more Show sample from book Their main objective is to draw the Union Army out into the open where it can be destroyed.5 more Show general definition for objective (as in: our objective is to...) a goal (some end desired to be achieved)
	7	top 1000
wistfulwistful → wistfully:showing longing or unfulfilled desire Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more Show sample from book The spy thought hopefully, wistfully: if it's Stuart I can ask for an armed escort all the way home.†6 more wistful → wistfully:with longing or unfulfilled desire
	4	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book General, this will be a factor.†3 more thing that affects a result or outcome Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
	5	top 1000
ominousthreatening I'm beginning to hear ominous rumblings of discontent.more Show sample from book "General, I understood General Lee to say that the enemy would be up on the ridge back there..." Longstreet said, "That's correct." McLaws hummed, scratched his face. "Well?" Longstreet said ominously. "Well, the enemy's right in front of me..."4 more ominous → ominously:suggesting/expecting bad things Show general definition threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come)
	4	top 500
rhetoricuse of words to make a point She has convincing rhetoric, but she makes bad decisions.more Show sample from book He was thirty-four years old, and on this day one year ago he had been a professor of rhetoric at Bowdoin College.†3 more the use of (or study of using) words to make a point Show general definition the use of (or study of using) words to make a point -- typically implying skillful use Show editor's word notes Rhetoric is used with many connotations. "Effective rhetoric" has a positive connotation, If someone says something is "just rhetoric," they're implying that the words may make a good surface impression, but they are lacking in substance.
	4	top 500
competentsufficiently capable She is a competent student and I have no doubt she will be a competent lawyer one day.more Show sample from book A moody man, often competent, bad-tempered, wealthy, aspires to a place in Richmond society, frets and broods and fights with superiors.†3 more Show general definition capable (able to do something in a generally satisfactory manner) -- sometimes specifically to have legal capability
	6	top 2000
deployplace They will probably deploy troops along the eastern border.more Show sample from book After that he deployed the brigades.†5 more deploy → deployed:placed or activated Show general definition to place or activate a resource
	21
seminarya school for training ministers, priests, or rabbis Princeton Theological Seminary has the largest theological library in the United States.more Show sample from book A preacher from the Seminary began a low, insistent, theological argument with a young lieutenant,20 more a school for training ministers Show general definition a school for training clerics -- usually ministers, priests, or rabbis
	8	top 2000
deviousdeceitful and clever It is a devious plan.more Show sample from book By damn, man, if there is one human being in the world less devious than Robert Lee, I aint yet met him.7 more tricky (deceitful in a complicated, clever manner) Show general definition for devious (as in: a devious plan) deceitful (not honest and straightforward) -- often in a complicated, clever manner
	5	top 2000
defersubmit I defer to her expertise.more Show sample from book "The General, ah, defers to General Hill's judgment, I believe."4 more defer → defers:yields (or submits) Show general definition for defer (as in: deferred to her wishes) submit or yield (typically to another person's opinion because of respect for that person or their knowledge)
	1	top 2000
decisivedetermining an outcome She cast the decisive vote.more Show sample from book No decision he makes at Gettysburg will be decisive, except perhaps the last.1 more conclusive in settling a matter Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive defeat) determining an outcome; or ending question
	1
decisive#2makes quick decisions and sticks by them She is a decisive leader.more Show sample from book He was by nature a decisive man, and although this was one of the great decisions of his life and he knew it, he made it quickly and did not agonize over it.1 more making quick decisions and sticking by them Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive decision maker) making quick decisions and sticking by them; or describing an action as firm or without hesitation
	2	top 1000
discorddiscord → discordant:unpleasant sounding She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more Show sample from book Somebody blew a discordant bugle.1 more Show general definition for discord (as in: discordant music) unpleasant sound -- especially a combination of sounds that sound wrong together (though sometimes done intentionally in music)
	3
premonitiona feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen She had a premonition that her child would be hurt.more Show sample from book Fremantle stared at him, transfixed, trying to sense a premonition.†2 more Show general definition a feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen -- especially something bad