White: The Great Pursuit — Vocabulary
Ted Dekker
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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hordevery large number
A horde of reporters descended on the small town.more
Show sample from book
By the Hordes who pursue us, what is all this nonsense?†148 more
hordehordes:large numbers
Show general definition a very large number -- typically of people, animals, or insects on the move
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nucleusthe center (in this case, key central members)
They have the nucleus of a good team.†more
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Two-thirds of the world's combined nuclear arsenal is presently loaded on ships, steaming to our shores.†28 more
nucleusnuclear:relating to the central or most important part of something
Show general definition the center (or most important part) of something
such as:
  • in physics: the center of an atom where protons & neutrons are found
  • in biology: the center of a cell where DNA is found
  • in sociology: the closest family (mother/father/children in contrast to the extended family)
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deceptiondeceiving or misleading
The law is intended to defeat denial and deception strategies.more
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It would seem that Johan, of all people, having been drawn out of deception as a member of the Horde, would stand firm on the doctrine of drowning.†17 more
the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads
Show general definition the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads
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perimeterouter edges
Don't go beyond the perimeter of the campgrounds.more
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Thomas crouched in the forest watching the frenzied search of the house and its perimeter.†15 more
the outer edge
Show general definition the outer edge
The exact meaning of perimeter can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "Stay inside the defensive perimeter." -- the outer edges of the area that is defended
  • "It is common on the city's perimeter." -- the outer edges of the city
  • "What is the perimeter of the square?" -- the sum of the length of the sides of a geometric shape
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treasonbetraying one's own country
He was executed for treason in a time of war.more
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Aiding him in any way would be seen as treason.†10 more
an act of betrayal
Show general definition betraying someone or something -- typically betraying one's own country

(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)
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doctrineprinciple
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more
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It would seem that Johan, of all people, having been drawn out of deception as a member of the Horde, would stand firm on the doctrine of drowning.†6 more
a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some …
Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
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bronzea brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin
The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.more
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His face collided with cold bronze, but he managed a hand on the general s leather breastplate.8 more
a type of metal
Show general definition for bronze (as in: bronze won't corrode in salt water) a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin
Show editor's word notes Bronze metals in the Olympics and many other contests are awarded for third place.

With the discovery of bronze (about 3,000 BC), people could make tools and weapons that were harder and more durable than those made of copper and stone that preceded bronze.
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serpentsnake
There was a picture of a serpent eating its tail.more
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The serpent in the desert with the power to heal.†8 more
Show general definition a snake
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motivereason (for doing something)
She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more
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Fortier has no acceptable motive for handing over the antivirus when our ships meet his in"—he glanced at his watch—"thirty-six hours now.†5 more
Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
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metaphormetaphormetaphorically:with a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally denote
He was speaking metaphorically when he referred to being mugged by reality.more
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So now you think this Book, which is from here where metaphors express themselves literally, might do the same in this dream world of yours?†7 more
metaphormetaphors:figures of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally mean
Show general definition a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is implied by using a word to refer to something it does not literally mean—as in, "All the world’s a stage."
Show editor's word notes When Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." he was not saying the world is really a stage and all people are actors. But he was pointing to the similarities he wants us to recognize.

While metaphors and similes are both techniques of figurative language. The distinction is that a simile explicitly shows that a comparison is being made, by using words such as "like" or "as".  A metaphor simply substitutes words assuming the reader will understand the meaning should not be take literally. "She is like a diamond in the rough" is a simile; while "She is a diamond in the rough" is a metaphor.
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despisedespisedespises:dislikes strongly and looks down upon
She despises the people he works for.more
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Yes, it was true, and he despised himself for it.†7 more
despisedespised:disliked strongly and looked down upon
Show general definition to dislike strongly and to look down upon with disrespect
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bindbindbinding:constraining (must be obeyed)
It is a binding contract.more
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But I warn you, we have a law that binds us.4 more
bindbinds:constrains
Show general definition for bind (as in: a binding contract) constrain or require
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bind#2difficult situation
When she started to gossip, it put her friend in a bind.more
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You get in a bind, I come after you.4 more
Show general definition for bind (as in: It put me in a bind.) a difficult situation
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reminiscerecall fond memories
My parents like to reminisce about their college days.more
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That is why I've come, not to reminisce about your dreams.†2 more
to talk or think fondly about past experiences
Show general definition to talk or think fondly about past experiences
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inconsistentnot the same at different times
Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more
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His mind flashed over the last few years, searching for inconsistencies in the man's performance.†1 more
inconsistentinconsistencies:not the same in different parts or at different times…
Show general definition not the same in different parts or at different times

or:

not in agreement [with something else]
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complicitguilty of helping
She is accused of being complicit in the crime.more
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The fact that she'd been complicit in condemning Justin only made her anger toward the deception that blinded them more acute.†3 more
guilty of helping in wrongdoing
Show general definition act of helping in a crime or offense
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defersubmit
I defer to her expertise.more
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I will defer to the judgment of this council.2 more
submit (accept its judgment as superior to my own)
Show general definition for defer (as in: deferred to her wishes) submit or yield (typically to another person's opinion because of respect for that person or their knowledge)
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pyrepyrepyres:piles of wood or other burnable materials
While cremation is not uncommon in the western world, open air funeral pyres are typically illegal.more
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Each man, woman, and child carried a blazing torch, ready to light the pyre at the appropriate moment.†2 more
a pile of wood or other burnable material
Show general definition a pile of wood or other burnable material -- especially to burn a dead body as in a funeral rite
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factorthing (that influenced a result)
Cost was an important factor in our decision.more
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"You said time was a factor," he said.†1 more
thing that affects a result or outcome
Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome
Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
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factor#2include consideration of
Did you factor maintenance costs into your budget?more
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But they hadn't factored in Thomas.†1 more
factorfactored:considered (for affect on a result or outcome)