The Angel Experiment — Vocabulary
James Patterson
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
13 top 2000
genea DNA sequence or unit of heredity that influences biological traits
The gene determines hair color.more
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Superhumans or Genetic Freaks?p.109.412 more
gene → genetic:segments of DNA which when combined determine biological traits such as hair color or height
8 top 1000
solemnvery serious
He took a solemn oath.more
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I looked at her solemnly.p.42.27 more
solemn → solemnly:with seriousness
Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
10 top 2000
adrenalineadrenaline → adrenaline junkie:“fight or flight” stimulating hormone
She's an adrenaline junkie. She loves the rush that comes from roller coasters, skydiving, and big waves.more
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I felt totally wired on adrenaline, just nuts.p.60.99 more
Show general definition “fight or flight” stimulating hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress (making the body feel excited and ready for action)
Show editor's word notes Doctors are more likely to use the term epinephrine (possibly shortened to epi or EP). Adrenalin as a proper noun without the ending "e" is a trademark name for the same chemical.
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comprehendcomprehend → comprehends:fully understands
I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.more
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The look of comprehending horror that rose in my face alarmed Dr. Martinez.†p.43.15 more
comprehend → comprehending:understanding
Show general definition to understand something -- especially to understand it completely
3 top 200
coherentsensible and clear
She presented a compelling and coherent plan.more
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Incoherent murmurings of pleasure escaped my lips as I chewed slowly, savoring every bite.p.47.32 more
coherent → incoherent:not logically consistent
Show context notes The prefix "in-" in incoherent means not and reverses the meaning of coherent. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
Show general definition sensible and clear; or describing parts as fitting together in a consistent or pleasing manner
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recoilrecoil → recoiled:suddenly moved back (away from)
She recoiled in horror.more
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Fang dropped on him, then recoiled with a yell, his arm dripping blood.†p.8.53 more
recoil → recoiled:moved back suddenly
Show general definition to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively)
especially:
  • the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired
  • when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain
  • when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust
  • when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
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tentativetentative → tentatively:in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence)
The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.more
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I looked down, then sucked in my breath so fast I almost choked. I was standing on a translucent platform suspended high over the sewer system. I wanted to scream, feeling off-balance and scared. ... I swallowed hard and tried to get a grip. Tentatively, I glanced down again at the translucent surface.p.123.61 more
tentative → tentatively:in an unsure or careful manner
Show general definition for tentative (as in: said it tentatively) done in a careful or unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen)
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skepticaldoubtful
I am skeptical about her plan.more
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Even she seemed skeptical.p.104.91 more
Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile)

or more rarely:

generally tending to doubt what others believe
2 top 500
enhanceimprove
This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more
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When he'd been at the School, they'd tried to surgically enhance his night vision.†p.11.11 more
increase or improve
Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
2 top 500
crucialvery important
Doing well on the ACT is crucial to getting into the college I want to attend.more
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Fun is crucial to human development.†p.89.91 more
Show general definition very important or necessary -- often because it determines how something else will turn out
3 top 1000
tauntintentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone
She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more
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"So, Ella, what have you got to say for yourself?" the lead guy taunted.†p.22.42 more
taunt → taunted:intentionally angered, challenged, or upset
Show general definition to intentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone -- especially by mocking them or hurling insults

or (as a noun): an insult or other action intended to anger, challenge, or upset someone
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incredulousdifficult to believe
I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more
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Fang looked incredulous.p.52.61 more
unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
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habitathabitat → habitats:the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives
They are endangered due to destruction of their rainforest habitats.more
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They had a pretty large habitat, with huge rocks, an enormous swimming pool, toys to play with.†p.79.21 more
Show general definition the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives
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ponderthink about
The question the audience is left to ponder is...more
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Fang pondered.†p.15.11 more
ponder → pondered:thought deeply or carefully about
Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
4
inconspicuousnot attracting attention
She chose an inconspicuous spot in the corner so she could observe without being noticed.more
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We shuffled into line, trying to be inconspicuous.†p.57.13 more
not very noticeable
Show general definition not easily seen, noticed, or attracting attention
2 top 2000
dotingdemonstrating love and uncritical affection
She has doting parents.more
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She probably lived here with her two doting parents and her 1.6 siblings.†p.27.71 more
Show general definition demonstrating love and uncritical affection
Show editor's word notes Doting may also imply that the doter tends to hover around the person they love to help attend to any needs.
2
ensemblegroup performing together
The jazz ensemble performed a lively set that got the audience clapping along.more
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In this store, he'd exchanged his basic black ensemble for a slightly different basic black ensemble.†p.111.4
a group of parts considered as a whole
Show general definition a group of people or things working or appearing together in a coordinated way -- especially a group of performers or a matching outfit
Show editor's word notes The pronunciation is derived from French. The first syllable sounds like "on". The second syllable sounds like "sahm".
2
placatecalm or satisfy
She's trying to walk a line that will placate both farmers and environmentalists.†more
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It was soothing, calming, placating.p.43.51 more
placate → placating:calming (to remove anger or concern)
Show general definition calm someone who is or may become angry or concerned
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facilitatefacilitate → facilitates:makes easier
The new headquarters facilitates inter-department communication.more
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Relaxation facilitates learning and communication.†p.94.3
Show general definition make easier
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cognitivemental
Sleep deprivation can seriously impair cognitive function.more
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Cognitive ability.†p.38.8
relating to mental processes like thinking, learning, remembering, and understan…
Show general definition relating to mental processes like thinking, learning, remembering, and understanding