Lock and Key — Vocabulary
Sarah Dessen
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	22	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book It reminded me of my mother's Subaru, the thought of which gave me a pang I quickly pushed away, focusing instead on the entrance to the highway, rising up in the distance.†22 more focus → focusing:concentrating, or looking Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
	1	top 2000
focus#2into view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book I opened my eyes, squinting down at my watch until it came into focus.†22 more a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	18
kiosksmall retail stand I bought the sunglasses at the kiosk in the mall.more Show sample from book And how long did it take you to leave me alone here, to run the kiosk myself?17 more a very small area used as a store or to dispense information Show general definition a very small area used as a store or to dispense information; or an interactive computer-driven self-service machine
	5	top 1000
literallyusing the most basic meaning of the words She wasn't literally advocating physical violence.more Show sample from book Still, the woman literally jumped in the air. Completely vertical, feet off the ground, coffee spilling out of the cup backward, splattering the pavement.8 more actually (not figuratively; not an exaggeration) Show general definition for literally (as in: literally--not figuratively) actually true using the basic meaning of the words (not an exaggeration, metaphor, or other type of figurative speech)
	4	top 2000
literally#2an intensifier (to intensify what is said) I literally feel like a prisoner in my own home.more Show sample from book Nate, who was a friend to me before I even knew what a friend was. Who picked me up, literally, over and over again, and never asked for anything in return except for my word and my understanding.8 more Show general definition for literally (as in: literally at death's door) an intensifier (to intensify what is said -- especially a metaphor) Show editor's word notes Since literally can mean actually true, but can also be used to intensify a metaphor, the reader has to use context to know what the word means. For example, if you read "She stabbed him in the back," you would probably assume she betrayed him. But if you read it in a murder mystery where the victim was stabbed, you might assume you were being told that she actually stabbed him. Because confusion can arise from this kind of usage, many authorities discourage using literally to intensify a metaphor--especially in formal usage.
	6	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book "Is your mom around?" Ronnie asked as Alice shifted her weight, trying to see into the kitchen behind me. I adjusted myself accordingly, blocking her view, before saying...6 more accord → accordingly:because of what was just happened Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	1	top 2000
accord#2accord → own accord:own mind -- voluntarily (without anyone asking) She was not forced. She did it of her own accord.more Show sample from book I would have had more faith if she'd gone of her own accord.6 more accord → own accord:own mind (voluntarily -- without anyone asking) Show general definition for accord (as in: done of her own accord) mind Show editor's word notes This sense of accord is typically seen in the form own accord or one accord.
	6	top 500
crucialvery important Doing well on the ACT is crucial to getting into the college I want to attend.more Show sample from book Sports are crucial to student development,' Mr. Thackray said.†5 more Show general definition very important or necessary -- often because it determines how something else will turn out
	4	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book The hole was even bigger now, the red clay and exposed rock a marked contrast to the even green grass on either side of it.3 more Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	4	top 100
varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book And what I can give you is erratic, because you'd have to work around my schedule, which varies wildly.†3 more vary → varies:differs; or changes Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
	5	top 1000
fleetinglasting a short time Her moments of happiness were few and fleeting.more Show sample from book I didn't know yet that this was all either of us was capable of: moments together that were great but also fleeting.†4 more Show general definition lasting a short time
	4	top 500
empathythe understanding and sharing of others' feelings She lacks empathy and is very selfish.more Show sample from book In my more rational moments, I tried to feel empathy for Gervais.3 more the ability or tendency to understand or share in others' feelings Show general definition the ability, tendency, or act of understanding and sharing another's emotional state
	3	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 Then, tentatively, he came closer, then a bit closer still, until finally...2 more tentative → tentatively:careful or unsure 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)
	4	top 500
waverwaver → wavered:faltered (stopped being strong) Through good times and bad her love for him has never wavered.more Show sample from book But as I kept on, steady, unwavering, he finally caved and turned to stare out the window.†3 more waver → unwavering:steady Show context notes The prefix "un-" in unwavering means not and reverses the meaning of wavering. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky. Show general definition to move back and forth (shake or quiver) or: to change, be unsure, or weak
	2	top 500
reciprocatereturn the feeling She was attracted to him, and he seemed to reciprocate.more Show sample from book I tried to reciprocate, even though I suddenly felt uneasy, remembering that night I'd seen him in this same place with Roscoe.†1 more give in return Show general definition to give in return -- such as invitations, gifts, actions, or feelings
	2	top 1000
transgresstransgress → transgressed:violated Her actions transgressed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.more Show sample from book Even without a transgression, that same fight-or-flight instinct set in.1 more transgress → transgression:rule violation Show general definition to violate a rule, promise, or social norm
	2	top 2000
detrimentalharmful Publicity about the crime has been detrimental to tourism.more Show sample from book To my detriment, at times.†1 more detrimental → detriment:harm or damage Show general definition causing harm or damage
	2	top 2000
irrevocableincapable of being undone We agreed not to take any irrevocable action until after the meeting.more Show sample from book I knew things had already changed, irrevocably and totally.†1 more irrevocable → irrevocably:in a manner that cannot be undone
	2
indebtedgrateful for a favor I am indebted to you for your hospitality.†more Show sample from book Left to her own devices, this was the story I was sure she preferred'that she'd just sprouted, all on her own, neither connected nor indebted to anyone else at all.†1 more to be grateful for a favor; OR to owe money… Show general definition to be grateful for a favor; or to owe money; or to be in the position of owing a debt of gratitude
	1	top 500
emulateimitate (copy) It wasn't just that she copied her older sister's hairstyle. She tried to emulate her in every way.more Show sample from book Really, considering everything I'd just gone through, Harriet was someone I should be trying to emulate, not convince otherwise.† imitate (copy or match) Show general definition imitate (copy or match)