This Lullaby — Vocabulary
Sarah Dessen
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	15	top 100
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 Show sample from book Monkey, however, sitting between us in a plastic baby pool up to his haunches in cold water, was totally content.†16 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.
	2	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book But even there, locked in the stall, I could still hear it going, those notes I'd known by heart for as long as I could remember, now twisted and different, with another man I hardly knew who had some claim to me, however small, singing the words.16 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)
	20	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 An hour of his time, just a few chords, two verses and a chorus.†19 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
	8	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 am the queen of relationships," I said indignantly.†7 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	7	top 1000
cynicalsomeone who expects the worst The experience made her overly cynical.more Show sample from book All these years Chris was the only one who'd ever shared my sick, cynical view on love.†6 more someone who expects the worst -- especially of people Show general definition someone who expects the worst -- especially of people (such as expecting them to be selfish and lie)
	3	top 100
accompanyaccompany → accompanying:provided together The trend is easily seen in the accompanying graph.more Show sample from book Living off beans, however, is reminiscent of a more slang culture, realistic, and a lower class, which is indicative of both the speaker in the song and the music that accompanies it.2 more accompany → accompanies:is provided with (to make it better) Show general definition for accompany (as in: the accompanying chart) to be present with at the same time and/or location -- sometimes provided to make something more complete or better
	5	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book I looked up at him, still incredulous.†4 more unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	5	top 1000
commotiondisturbance I looked up to see what caused the commotion.more Show sample from book That was Adrian, the bouncer, too late as usual for the real commotion but always up for a chance to throw his little bit of power around.†4 more noisy disturbance Show general definition a disturbance -- typically noisy
	4	top 500
nostalgianostalgia → nostalgic:with a longing for something past The music makes me feel nostalgic.more Show sample from book To them it was just old and sappy enough now to be nostalgic, a song their parents might have listened to.†3 more Show general definition happiness that come with the memory of good times combined with a hint of sadness that those times are over
	3	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book I wanted to tell her that this, at least in my experience, wasn't as big of a factor in a relationship as you'd think, but decided against it.†2 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."
	4	top 500
techniqueway of doing something She developed a new surgical technique that shortens recovery time.more Show sample from book I'd learned, over the years, that there was a range of techniques involved in breaking up with someone.†3 more technique → techniques:ways of doing things Show general definition a way of doing something; or the methods used to do it well
	3	top 200
skepticaldoubtful I am skeptical about her plan.more Show sample from book It was quiet as Ted and Dexter exchanged a skeptical look, not unnoticed by John Miller, who sighed loudly, shaking his head.†2 more doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile); OR more rarely:… Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile) or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe
	3	top 500
engrossedwith all attention focused She was so engrossed in her conversation; she didn't realize the bell had rung.more Show sample from book I could feel John Miller looking at me, even as I pretended to be completely engrossed in a news story about structural problems with the new county dam.†2 more Show general definition for engrossed (as in: engrossed in the book) with all attention focused
	2	top 200
disputedispute → disputes:challenges She disputes her landlord's claim that the music was that loud.more Show sample from book I am new to this, I'm not disputing that.1 more dispute → disputing:disagreeing with (or arguing about) Show general definition for dispute (as in: She disputes his claim.) challenge, argue about, or fight over
	2	top 500
refuterefute → refuted:argued against The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments.more Show sample from book Chloe turned down the radio as I twisted in my seat, already wondering what I'd say when Dexter asked why I was leaving, what was the deal, how exactly I could refute that automatic assumption that this was just jealous girlfriend behavior.†1 more disprove or argue against Show general definition to disprove or argue against
	3	top 2000
equilibriuma stable situation in which forces are in balance Panic threw the stock market out of equilibrium.more Show sample from book It didn't help that I was so drunk that my balance was off, my equilibrium shot.†2 more balance Show general definition a stable situation in which forces are in balance or: a person's sense of physical or emotional balance
	2	top 1000
incrementincrement → increments:increases Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.more Show sample from book I could feel the trampoline easing up and down, moved by our own breathing, bringing us in small increments up and back from the sky as the colors faded, slowly, and the stars began to show themselves.†1 more increment → increments:a series of increases; or the amount of the increases Show general definition one of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase -- especially in small, consistent amounts
	3
incarnatein the form of a human body She described him as the devil incarnate.more Show sample from book I really did hope this was my mother's last marriage: I wasn't sure she, or I, could take another incarnation.†2 more incarnate → incarnation:embodiment Show general definition embody (made real in a material sense) -- especially in the form of a human body, but sometimes figuratively
	3
repercussionsindirect effects The political repercussions of the scandal are still unclear.†more Show sample from book And we instituted this new policy, so the repercussions for being late are brutal.†2 more indirect or secondary effects of an action -- typically negative effects Show general definition indirect or secondary effects of an action -- typically negative effects
	1	top 100
analyticallogical and systematic in seeking understanding She has an analytical mind.more Show sample from book It seemed surreal to be discussing the previous night in such analytical terms, as if it had happened to someone else and we were just off to the side, doing the play-by-play.† relating to logical examination to improve understanding Show general definition relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it -- often implying some kind of quantitative analysis