Carrie — Vocabulary
Stephen King
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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hypothesisa seemingly reasonable, but unproven, idea The study will test the hypothesis that a good marriage is more important than a higher income when measuring happiness.more Show sample from book It staggers both imagination and belief to advance the hypothesis that Mrs. Margaret White did not know she was pregnant, or even understand what the word entails,3 more unproven idea Show general definition for hypothesis (as in: a study to test her hypothesis) a seemingly reasonable, but unproven idea or explanation based upon known facts Show editor's word notes In casual conversation, theory is a synonym for hypothesis, but a scientist would say that a hypothesis needs to pass rigorous tests before it could be accepted as a theory.
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hypothesis#2something that may or may not be true, but is temporarily treated as true to advance a discussion or to further investigation For the purpose of discussion, let's accept that the hypothesis that she is guilty as true. What would we have expected her to do after the incident?more Show sample from book If overt TK ability occurs as a part of puberty, and if this hypothetical TK test is performed on children entering the first grade, we shall certainly be forewarned.3 more hypothesis → hypothetical:of something temporarily treated as existing to advance a discussion Show general definition for hypothesis (as in: assume as a working hypothesis) something that may or may not be true, but is temporarily treated as true to advance a discussion or to further investigation Show editor's word notes This sense of hypothesis is typically seen in the form, hypothetical, or hypothetically.
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phenomenonsomething that is of special interest It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.more Show sample from book The phenomenon has most reliably been reported in times of crisis or in stress situations,7 more something seen that is considered extraordinary Show general definition something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary Show editor's word notes "Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
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testimonythe statement of a witness at a trial Her emotional testimony moved the jury.more Show sample from book For the remainder of your testimony, I wish you would stick to what you saw, Mr. Quillan.8 more statement (evidence) Show general definition something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
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elaborateexplain in detail Please elaborate on the reasons you think this is the best plan.more Show sample from book "Yes," Sue said, and did not elaborate.1 more add details Show general definition for elaborate (as in: elaborate on your plan) add details or explain in detail
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elaborate#2complicated It's part of her elaborate plan for getting accepted at Harvard.more Show sample from book Maybe it was all just an elaborate joke, the final crusher, the ultimate punch line.1 more having details and complexity Show general definition for elaborate (as in: an elaborate design) having details and complexity -- sometimes fancy or ornate Show editor's word notes Depending 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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approximateapproximate → approximately:about The state has approximately as many Republicans as Democrats.more Show sample from book At approximately 1:30 P.M. on September 21, the neighbors on Carlin Street began to hear screams from the White bungalow.3 more approximate → approximately:about (but not exactly) Show general definition almost, but not exact; or similar
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sinisterevil They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.more Show sample from book Just lately these dreams had evolved into something less understandable but more sinister.2 more evil, harmful, or frightening Show general definition evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
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distortalter in an unnatural or untrue way These sunglasses distort my vision.more Show sample from book Those who oppose this story, most lately led by George Jerome of Harvard, claim that this is either a highly romantic distortion or an outright lie.†3 more distort → distortion:to alter something in an unnatural or untrue way Show general definition to alter something in an unnatural or untrue way
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compassionsympathy for another's suffering and wanting to help If I see one hungry child, I feel compassion, but when I hear of a million hungry children, I'm overwhelmed and turn my mind to other things.more Show sample from book Her face bore a half-mad expression of compassion mixed with hate.†3 more Show general definition sympathy for another's suffering and wanting to help
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repentto feel regret for having done wrong and to firmly decide to be a better person in the future Prisoners who repent are more likely to be released on parole.more Show sample from book And following Cain, Eve gave birth to Abel, having not yet repented of the Sin of Intercourse.†3 more repent → repented:expressed regret for having done something wrong
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eminentrespected and well-known She studied under an eminent scientist who had won multiple international awards.more Show sample from book We have found her to be eminently satisfactory.†1 more eminent → eminently:with high standing Show general definition famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession
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protrudestick out Metal spikes protrude from the dog's collar.more Show sample from book One of the sows dropped dead with its tongue protruding, eyes still open, potato chip crumbs around its snout.†2 more protrude → protruding:sticking out Show general definition to stick out from
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contemptlack of respect Familiarity breeds contempt.more Show sample from book Then the laughter, disgusted, contemptuous, horrified, seemed to rise and bloom into something jagged and ugly,1 more contempt → contemptuous:showing a lack of respect Show general definition for contempt (as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust Show editor's word notes A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC) When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
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contempt#2the crime of disrespect for the authority of a court The judge held her in contempt.more Show sample from book Miss Snell, this body is empowered to cite you for contempt if you refuse to answer on any other grounds than Constitutional ones.1 more the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court Show general definition for contempt (as in: held in contempt of court) the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body Show editor's word notes Formally, this is called "contempt of court," but it is often shortened as just "contempt."
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latentpotentially existing but not presently active She is unschooled, but I think she has latent talent as an engineer.more Show sample from book We know that she possessed a latent telekinetic talent, commonly referred to as TK.2 more Show general definition potentially existing but not presently evident or active
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discorddiscord → discordant:unpleasant sounding She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more Show sample from book The music came to a crashing, discordant halt,1 more discord → discordant:unpleasant sounding (probably because the musicians did not all stop at the same time) 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
redolentreminiscent (serving to bring to mind) The film is redolent of the early Harry Potter movies.more Show sample from book The air was redolent with the odor of flowers; the nose was constantly amazed by it.2 more having an odor that brings something to mind; or having a strong pleasant odor Show general definition reminiscent (serving to bring to mind) or: or smelling like something; or having a sweet fragrance
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scapegoatsomeone to blame for the errors of others She is a convenient scapegoat because she was chosen by the last administration.more Show sample from book And she's always been a group scapegoat.†2 more someone blamed or punished for the errors of others Show general definition someone blamed or punished for the errors of others Show editor's word notes (editor's note: This expression comes from an ancient Jewish ritual in which the sins of the people were ritually transferred to a goat which was then driven into the desert away from the community.)
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stolidemotionless She listened to both arguments thoughtfully, but with a face as stolid as a cow's.more Show sample from book Carrie stood among them stolidly, a frog among swans.†1 more stolid → stolidly:unemotionally Show general definition having or revealing little emotion -- sometimes indicating qualities of not changing or being dependable or (much more rarely): of an object: not interesting -- often large and unmoving