Brisingr — Vocabulary
Christopher Paolini
(Auto-generated)
| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | top 2000 | |
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pavilion
We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more
Show sample from bookThe sun was close to setting, and its rays filtered through the right side of the pavilion as through stained glass and gave the contents a ruddy glow.† Show general definitiona large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes |
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| 13 | top 100 | |
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establish
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more
Show sample from bookOr rather, capture, torture, and then kill us, none of which are conducive to establishing a close relationship. Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone)create, start, or set in [a] place |
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| 1 | top 100 | |
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establish#2
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
Show sample from bookThe scenes diverged from established fact, however, and immersed him in imaginary situations constructed piecemeal from fragments of what had actually been. Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need)show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out) |
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| 147 | top 100 | |
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however
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 bookHow secure the alliances between any of the clans were, however, was a question of some uncertainty. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...)though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)Show editor's word notesBased 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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| 9 | top 2000 | |
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however#2
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
Show sample from bookWe are both mature enough to operate independently of each other, Eragon, however much we may dislike the prospect. Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...)to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount) |
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| 6 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookEager to lighten her burden however he could, Eragon glanced about the ground nearest him and then murmured so softly as to be inaudible, "Loivissa."
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!)in whatever way |
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| 19 | top 2000 | |
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stallion
Breeders carefully select stallions with excellent lineage to improve the bloodline of their horses.more
Show sample from bookShe waited only long enough for the nearest Urgal to hand her Elva, then drove her heels into the stallion.† Show general definitiona male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) -- especially one used for breeding purposes |
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| 10 | top 100 | |
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nevertheless
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
Show sample from bookIt is a cruel thing I must say, but true nevertheless, and it is this: your life is more important than your cousin's happiness.†
Show general definitiondespite thatShow editor's word notesBased on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, 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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| 11 | top 200 | |
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moreover
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
Show sample from bookMoreover, it would be of no use to Roran, as too little grew or lived on Helgrind to fuel a man's body.†
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| 13 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from book"What he spoke of," said Arya, "was Du Namar Aurboda, The Banishing of the Names."† Show general definitionto expel or get rid of
in various senses, including:
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| 15 | top 2000 | |
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direct
This flower does best in direct sunlight.more
Show sample from bookIn any event, I had an unfortunate encounter with a pair of ox herders soon after I left the Varden, and I stole this dress directly afterward.† Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct)without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement |
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| 20 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookTwice you defied a direct order from Captain Edric, and yet if you hadn't, neither he nor you nor the rest of your band might have survived to tell the tale.† Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer)straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior |
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| 14 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookWhen the Varden's outpouring of excitement had subsided, King Orrin greeted Eragon and Arya as Nasuada had. Show general definition for subside (as in: her anger subsided)become less intense, less severe, or less active -- perhaps going away entirely |
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| 1 | ||
Show sample from bookAfter a minute, the roiling water subsided, and Rhunon withdrew the now pearl-gray sword. Show general definition for subside (as in: the ground subsided)sink or settle to a lower level |
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| 28 | ||
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forswear
The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more
Show sample from bookI am forsaken and forsworn.† Show general definition for forswear (as in: forswear my country of birth)to decide to stop doing something; or to renounce or disavow something |
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| 4 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookIt has to be a blade you can wear at all occasions, elegant enough for a coronation and tough enough to fend off a band of Kull. Show general definition for elegant (as in: an elegant gown)refined and tasteful in appearance, behavior or style |
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| 4 | ||
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elegant#2
It is an elegant solution that will reduce complexity and save material.more
Show sample from bookNor should they, but there are more elegant solutions than yours. Show general definition for elegant (as in: as elegant equation)a solution that is simpler (and often more comprehensive) than most would anticipate |
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| 1 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from book...Eragon was convinced that taking Sloan back with them would sow [make grow] discord...
Show general definition for discord (as in: discord amongst the group)conflict or disagreement -- especially among those expected to cooperateor (especially in the form discordant): seeming different or wrong in context |
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| 5 | top 1000 | |
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discord#2
She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more
Show sample from bookraising their voices in a discordant melody
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) |
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| 9 | ||
Show sample from book"Somehow I think Roran would have found a way to extricate you from Helgrind, even without me," commented Eragon.† Show general definitionfree or remove from constraint or difficulty |
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