Brisingr — Vocabulary
Christopher Paolini
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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pavilionfreestanding structure without walls
We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more
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The 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.†69 more
a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary
Show general definition a 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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establishestablishestablished:created
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more
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Or rather, capture, torture, and then kill us, none of which are conducive to establishing a close relationship.13 more
establishestablishing:creating
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
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establish#2establishestablishing:showing or demonstrating
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
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The scenes diverged from established fact, however, and immersed him in imaginary situations constructed piecemeal from fragments of what had actually been.13 more
establishestablished:known
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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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
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How secure the alliances between any of the clans were, however, was a question of some uncertainty.161 more
a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
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.
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however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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We are both mature enough to operate independently of each other, Eragon, however much we may dislike the prospect.161 more
regardless of how
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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however#3in whatever way
However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more
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Eager to lighten her burden however he could, Eragon glanced about the ground nearest him and then murmured so softly as to be inaudible, "Loivissa."161 more
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
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stallionstallionstallions:a male horse that has not been castrated
Breeders carefully select stallions with excellent lineage to improve the bloodline of their horses.more
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She waited only long enough for the nearest Urgal to hand her Elva, then drove her heels into the stallion.†18 more
a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded)
Show general definition a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) -- especially one used for breeding purposes
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
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It is a cruel thing I must say, but true nevertheless, and it is this: your life is more important than your cousin's happiness.†9 more
Show general definition despite that
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 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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moreoverin addition to what has just been said
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
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Moreover, it would be of no use to Roran, as too little grew or lived on Helgrind to fuel a man's body.†10 more
13 top 1000
banishbanishbanished:forced to leave
He was banished from his own country.more
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"What he spoke of," said Arya, "was Du Namar Aurboda, The Banishing of the Names."†12 more
banishbanishing:expelling or getting rid of
Show general definition to expel or get rid of
in various senses, including:
  • to force someone to leave a country as punishment
  • to push an idea from the mind
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directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected)
This flower does best in direct sunlight.more
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In 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.†53 more
directdirectly:immediately
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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direct#2straightforward
I left them with direct instructions.more
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Twice 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.†53 more
clear, straightforward, or to the point
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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subsidebecome less severe
I'm hoping aspirin will make the pain subside.more
Show sample from book
When the Varden's outpouring of excitement had subsided, King Orrin greeted Eragon and Arya as Nasuada had.14 more
subsidesubsided:quieted
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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subside#2settle to a lower level
We can't return to the home until the flood waters subside.more
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After a minute, the roiling water subsided, and Rhunon withdrew the now pearl-gray sword.14 more
subsidesubsided:settled to a lower level
Show general definition for subside (as in: the ground subsided) sink or settle to a lower level
28
forswearforswearforsworn:renounced or disavowed
The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more
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I am forsaken and forsworn.†27 more
forswearforsworn: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
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elegantrefined and tasteful
She was an elegant bride.more
Show sample from book
It 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.7 more
refined and tasteful in appearance
Show general definition for elegant (as in: an elegant gown) refined and tasteful in appearance, behavior or style
4
elegant#2simpler (and often more comprehensive) than most would anticipate
It is an elegant solution that will reduce complexity and save material.more
Show sample from book
Nor should they, but there are more elegant solutions than yours.7 more
simple and effective
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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discordconflict
There is too much discord in the team.more
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...Eragon was convinced that taking Sloan back with them would sow [make grow] discord...5 more
Show general definition for discord (as in: discord amongst the group) conflict or disagreement -- especially among those expected to cooperate

or (especially in the form discordant):

seeming different or wrong in context
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discord#2discorddiscordant:unpleasant sounding
She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more
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raising their voices in a discordant melody5 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)
9
extricatefree
She was caught in the wreckage and could not extricate herself without help.more
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"Somehow I think Roran would have found a way to extricate you from Helgrind, even without me," commented Eragon.†8 more
free or remove from constraint or difficulty
Show general definition free or remove from constraint or difficulty