Vanity Fair — Vocabulary
William Makepeace Thackeray
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	103	top 1000
gauntvery thin She looked gaunt from the chemotherapy.more Show sample from book Great Gaunt Street.†102 more very thin and bony Show general definition very thin and bony -- often from hunger or as though having been worn to the bone
	53	top 2000
operaa classical music play in which most of the dialogue is sung She is a popular opera singer.more Show sample from book He had been to the Opera, and knew the merits of the principal actors, preferring Mr. Kean to Mr. Kemble.†52 more a musical play with orchestra in which most of the dialogue is sung (or the art form that consists of such musicals; or describing something as related to that art form) Show general definition a form of musical theater with orchestra in which most of the words are sung, often in a classical style and sometimes in a foreign language
	46	top 2000
prodigiousenormous As a child, Mozart had a prodigious talent.more Show sample from book He wiped his pale face with a large yellow bandanna pocket-handkerchief that was prodigiously scented.†45 more prodigious → prodigiously:enormously; or with a magnitude or degree that is far beyond what is usual Show general definition enormous; or far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
	6	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book The patronage and kindness of these ladies was very uncomfortable to Amelia, but she bore it meekly enough, for her nature was to yield; and, besides, the carriage and its splendours gave little Georgy immense pleasure.†13 more produce or give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	8	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book A hundred times on the point of yielding, she had shrunk back from a sacrifice which she felt was too much for her.13 more yield → yielding:giving in, giving up, or giving way (easily moved or soft) Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	27	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book For Rebecca had determined, and very prudently, we think, to fly.†26 more prudent → prudently:with good sense and caution
	29	top 500
condescendingacting superior She gave me that condescending look as though I wasn't worthy to ask her a question.more Show sample from book She did not even condescend to come back and say good-bye to Amelia.28 more condescending → condescend:do something considered beneath her position or dignity Show general definition treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
	30	top 1000
dismalterrible The coach will probably be replaced after such a dismal year.more Show sample from book As George entered the house, old John Sedley was passing out of the banker's parlour, looking very dismal.†29 more depressing or gloomy Show general definition of terrible quality or depressing; or dark and dreary (as when bad weather blocks the sun or when it is drizzly)
	31	top 2000
amiablefriendly and likable She seemed an ideal candidate--attractive, amiable, intelligent, and energetic.more Show sample from book He was most affectionate in his inquiries regarding that amiable relative.†30 more friendly, agreeable, and likable Show general definition friendly, agreeable, and likable
	20	top 200
subsequentfollowing Her guess was proven right by subsequent developments.more Show sample from book And I dare say she thought of the dress she was to wear as bridesmaid, and of the presents which she should make to her nice little sister-in-law, and of a subsequent ceremony in which she herself might play a principal part, &c.†19 more following something else Show general definition following something else
	32	top 2000
utmostgreatest It is of the utmost importance.more Show sample from book She adorned her person with her utmost skill to please the Conqueror, and exhibited all her simple accomplishments to win his favour.†31 more
	8	top 1000
interprettranslate Can she interpret Spanish to English for us?more Show sample from book He was the interpreter for the party; having a good military knowledge of the German language, and he and the delighted George fought the campaigns of the Rhine and the Palatinate.†8 more interpret → interpreter:someone who translates language Show general definition for interpret (as in: interpret Spanish to English) to translate someone’s words into spoken words of another language while they are speaking
	1	top 10
interpret#2understand (In this case: Why did she smile? What does it mean?) I don't know how to interpret her smile.more Show sample from book And she heard Beaumoris's laugh ringing on the stair and knew quite well how to interpret his hilarity.†8 more to understand or explain something in a particular way Show general definition for interpret (as in: her interpretation of the data) to understand or explain something in a particular way -- often the meaning or significance of something
	41	top 2000
odiousworthy of hate Though they think the country's government is odious, they're unwilling to help topple it for fear of the consequences.more Show sample from book A stranger was administering her medicines—a stranger from the country—an odious Miss ...—tears choked the utterance of the dame de compagnie, and she buried her crushed affections and her poor old red nose in her pocket handkerchief.†40 more extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate Show general definition extremely unpleasant, disgusting, dislikable, or worthy of hate
	15
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book She has a halt in her gait, red hair, and a trifling obliquity of vision.†17 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	3
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book Don't trifle with her affections, you Don Juan!†17 more Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	11	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book He pranced off to engage the lodgings with all the impetuosity of love.†10 more impetuous → impetuosity:impulsiveness (the trait of acting suddenly without much thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	13
swindlefraud (or deception) to steal money She stole over a million dollars in her biggest swindle.†more Show sample from book It was quite enough to have been swindled by the father.†12 more swindle → swindled:tricked or cheated someone -- usually to get money Show general definition tricking or cheating someone -- usually to get money
	11
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book Osborne said to his friend's remonstrances, when they quitted the invalid, leaving him under the hands of Doctor Gollop.†10 more remonstrate → remonstrances:arguments in protest or opposition Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize
	11
patronagepolitical appointment in return for political support Most ambassadors are selected from career Foreign Service officers, but many are appointed through political patronage.more Show sample from book I'm hanged if I'll stand your airs of superiority and infernal pity and patronage.†10 more support or favor given Show general definition support or favor given The exact sense of patronage depends upon its context. For example:: "wants to increase federal patronage of the arts" -- donations made to support an organization or person "a political patronage appointee" -- favors given such as political appointments or contracts given in return for political support "rewards repeat patronage" -- business from customers -- especially recurring business