Eragon — Vocabulary
Christopher Paolini
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	44	top 100
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 Show sample from book It's not surprising that you've escaped notice. However, I wouldn't expect that to last.45 more though (used to connect contrasting ideas) 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.
	2	top 2000
however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book With such a rule of terror, he will be able to shape the Empire however he wants.45 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	38	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Farms signaled their approach to Therinsford.38 more getting near Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	1	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book "Well," said Eragon, wondering how best to approach the subject, "I keep hearing about the Dragon Riders and their supposed accomplishments."38 more begin communication with someone about 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
	7	top 200
inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something I'm inclined to believe him.more Show sample from book Two boys from Carvahall wrestled nearby, but he felt no inclination to join them.8 more inclined → inclination:desire (tendency) Show general definition for inclined (as in: I'm inclined to) a tendency, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
	2	top 200
inclinesomething sloping upward (such as a hill) It is a steep incline.more Show sample from book he inclined his head toward Eragon,8 more incline → inclined:bent Show general definition for incline (as in: on an incline or incline his head) to be at an angle or to bend
	19	top 2000
reinrein → reined in:restrained The court reined in agency power--describing it as out of control.more Show sample from book Dark lines appeared on Brom's forehead as he reined Snowfire to a halt.18 more rein → reined:restrained or controlled 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.)
	14	top 500
waverwaver → wavered:faltered (stopped being strong) Through good times and bad her love for him has never wavered.more Show sample from book He squirmed under her unwavering glare.13 more waver → unwavering:steady Show context notes The prefix "un-" in unwavering means not and reverses the meaning of wavering. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky. Show general definition to move back and forth (shake or quiver) or: to change, be unsure, or weak
	14	top 2000
resumebegin again After a brief break, the meeting will resume at 2 p.m.more Show sample from book With his return to health, Eragon also resumed practicing magic.13 more resume → resumed:began again Show general definition for resume (as in: resume the meeting) begin or take again Show editor's word notes This sense of resume generally means to begin again or continue after a pause. In usage like, "resumed her seat", it scan also mean to take again.
	3	top 100
conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book Though he knew only scattered words in the ancient language, he managed to convey: I was imprisoned in Gil'ead, like you, but I escaped and rescued you.3 more Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
	1	top 2000
convey#2transport I was ordered to convey her to London.more Show sample from book If you're being attacked with heat, you have to know whether it is being conveyed to you through air, fire, light, or some other medium.3 more convey → conveyed:transported Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her safely to) transport Show editor's word notes Today, this sense of convey is seldom seen outside of historic literature.
	16
forswearforswear → forsworn:renounced or disavowed The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more Show sample from book Those twelve, with Morzan, became the Thirteen Forsworn.†15 more forswear → forsworn:to decide to stop doing something; OR to renounce or disavow something Show general definition for forswear (as in: forswear my country of birth) to decide to stop doing something; or to renounce or disavow something
	3	top 500
proficiencyskill After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more Show sample from book I am proficient to some degree.†2 more proficiency → proficient:skillful Show general definition skillfulness in something
	13	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book He put a finger on either side of the blade and focused intensely, deepening the lines on his forehead.15 more focus → focused:concentrated Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
	1	top 100
focus#2area where attention is concentrated Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more Show sample from book "Not yet," said Brom, "but your very existence is the focus of their battles."15 more center (where attention is concentrated) Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
	2
focus#3focus → focuses:concentrates The satellite dish focuses the signal into a relatively narrow beam.more Show sample from book A true master could just say water and create something totally unrelated, like a gemstone. You wouldn't be able to understand how he had done it, but the master would have seen the connection between water and the gem and would have used that as the focal point for his power.15 more focus → focal:center of concentration Show general definition for focus (as with technical usage) technical usage typically involves some sense of center or concentration such as: physics — a point where things come together such as the point where light rays meet geometry — a fixed reference point (as of a parabola) geology — the point of origin of an earthquake See a comprehensive dictionary for other less common meanings.
	4	top 2000
hinderhinder → hindered:delayed or made difficult Her efforts to turn the department around were further hindered by budgetary cuts.more Show sample from book The Urgals had not been hindered at all.†3 more hinder → hindered:slowed down or caused problems for Show general definition for hinder (as in: hindered by) slow down or cause problems for
	3	top 1000
recuperaterecuperate → recuperating:regaining health The patient is recuperating.more Show sample from book He gave himself a few minutes to recuperate, then leaned back over the water.†2 more to regain good health or strength Show general definition to regain good health or strength
	1	top 100
highlightemphasize (call attention to) The main purpose of this passage is to highlight the degree of income inequality.more Show sample from book Light glinted off a sapphire, highlighting a strange symbol carved on its face.2 more highlight → highlighting:emphasizing (drawing attention to) Show general definition for highlight (as in: highlight the main findings) emphasize (call attention to something)
	2
highlight#2highlight → highlights:lighter areas I'm learning to enrich my painting with highlights and shadows.more Show sample from book The sandstone around her nose shimmered like gilded dew, turning clear with dancing silver highlights.2 more Show general definition for highlight (as in: highlights and shadows) noun: something that is lighter and draws attention -- such as an area of a painting verb: making something lighter -- such as an area of a painting