Just Listen — Vocabulary
Sarah Dessen
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	2	top 100
directstraightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book But they were tired, and while Kirsten might have been known best for her directness, her stubbornness ran a close second.†7 more direct → directness:the quality of being straightforward or clear Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	6	top 100
direct#2instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book "Annabel," Mrs. McMurty, the director of the Models, said now as she passed behind me, "you're up next, okay?"†7 more direct → director:to guide, aim, or manage Show context notes The suffix "-or" often converts a verb to a noun that means "a person who." This is the pattern you see in words like actor, editor, and visitor. Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
	1	top 100
alternativealternative → alternatives:possibilities Let's think of at least three alternatives before we decide what to do.more Show sample from book The alternative wasn't good either, of course.4 more only other possibility Show general definition for alternative (as in: an alternative plan) a different choice or possibility, or describing something that offers a different choice or possibility
	4	top 200
alternative#2non-standard I'm taking the pills the doctor prescribed, but I'm also looking into alternative medicine such as acupuncture.more Show sample from book The Fountain School was an "alternative learning space," also known as the Hippie School.4 more non-traditional or non-standard Show general definition for alternative (as in: alternative medicine) non-traditional or non-standard
	5	top 200
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 Show sample from book He waved at me, and I waved back, tentatively,4 more tentative → tentatively:uncertainly -- indicating a lack of confidence 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)
	6	top 1000
ebbebb → ebbed:gradually declined The patient's strength ebbed away.more Show sample from book "The thing about Ebb Tide," it continued, "is that they're really an acquired taste."†5 more decline -- typically gradually as with the height of the tide Show general definition decline -- typically gradually as with the height of the tide
	6	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book "I just don't like to hurt people. ... sometimes ... I won't say exactly what I think, to spare them that." The ironic thing was that saying this out loud was actually the most honest I'd been in ages.5 more Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	2	top 10
interpretunderstand (In this case: Why did she smile? What does it mean?) I don't know how to interpret her smile.more Show sample from book "Well, you know," I said, "there's a lot left up to interpretation."†1 more interpret → interpretation:a particular understanding or explanation Show general definition for interpret (as in: her interpretation of the data) to understand or explain something in a particular way -- often the meaning or significance of something
	3	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book I heard an indignant shriek, followed by a door slamming.2 more angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	4	top 1000
commotiondisturbance I looked up to see what caused the commotion.more Show sample from book Suddenly, I was aware again of the noise and commotion around me: people bustling past to their next class, calling out to one another, tossing trash into the nearby can.†3 more noisy disturbance Show general definition a disturbance -- typically noisy
	3	top 500
scrutinyscrutiny → scrutinized:looked very carefully at She scrutinized her reflection in the mirror.more Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show sample from book I'd endured a lot of scrutiny since the beginning of the school year.2 more careful looks or inspection Show general definition careful examination of something
	2	top 100
precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more Show sample from book I'd been so distracted by what had happened with Owen on Friday that initially, I'd forgotten about the confrontation that preceded it.†1 more precede → preceded:went or was before Show general definition to go or do before
	5	top 2000
chordchord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together In her first day learning the guitar, she has learned how to play G major, C major, and D major chords.more Show sample from book He was bobbing his head as the chords bounced over us.†4 more chord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded togeth… Show general definition for chord (as in: piano chord) a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together; or figuratively to express harmonious blending or clashing
	5	top 2000
sulkto overly indulge in being unhappy and unsociable She was disappointed and retreated to her room to sulk.more Show sample from book That was in January, and since then she'd been going to an outpatient program, seeing an additional therapist twice a week, and sulking around the house.†4 more sulk → sulking:overly unhappy and unsociable Show general definition to be overly unhappy and unsociable -- often due to disappointment or a sense of not getting what was deserved
	2	top 100
narratoran actor who helps to tell a story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience) The narrator in the play, Our Town talks to characters in the play as well as to the audience.more Show sample from book After I did, he smiled, then hit the volume button, the sound of the narrator rising as I walked out of the room.†1 more storyteller Show general definition someone who tells a story--especially the main voice in a documentary, or a character who talks directly to the audience in a movie, play or other performance
	2	top 1000
adversedifficult She did an impressive job given the adverse circumstances.more Show sample from book My mother, conflict-adverse herself, hated it when my sisters fought.†1 more working against one's interests Show general definition working against one's interests
	2	top 1000
incrementincrement → increments:increases Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.more Show sample from book I inched forward incrementally, then craned my neck, trying to see who was causing the holdup.†1 more increment → incrementally:in a manner that increases a little at a time Show general definition one of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase -- especially in small, consistent amounts
	3
genregenre → genres:styles It was an unusual mix of art that represented both landscape and abstract genres.more Show sample from book How can you just rule out an entire genre?2 more a style or kind - Show general definition a category or style - especially in the arts
	3
i.e.in other words Most of the items the store sells are private-label, i.e., not national brands you'd recognize.more Show sample from book Green, beautiful grass, just like the kind on the golf course across the street, i.e., totally chemically induced, filling the screen from one side to the other.†2 more that is to say; or in other words Show general definition that is to say; or in other words
	2	top 1000
petulantunreasonably annoyed or upset She stomped her foot like a petulant child.more Show sample from book I knew I was being difficult, not to mention petulant.1 more Show general definition unreasonably annoyed or upset or: easily annoyed or upset