Message in a Bottle — Vocabulary
Nicholas Sparks
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	8	top 1000
nonethelessin spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas) Sometimes she gets angry and loses her temper, but I love her nonetheless.more Show sample from book It was an adolescent attitude-but typical nonetheless-and she found the change refreshing.†7 more Show general definition in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, all the same, still, and however.)
	1	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book ...she resolved then and there not to tell anyone about what she was feeling.1 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	1	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book His expression as he looked at her cut through all her defenses, her fragile resolve.1 more firmness of purpose Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	4	top 100
evaluateevaluate → evaluating:thinking carefully and making a judgment about I'm evaluating colleges and deciding which I want to apply to.more Show sample from book She would pick up lacy, see-through underwear and matching bras off the racks and hold them up for Theresa to evaluate.†3 more to think carefully and make a judgment about Show general definition to think carefully and make a judgment about something
	5	top 500
earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more Show sample from book She could hear an absolute earnestness in the caller's voice.4 more earnest → earnestness:sincerity or seriousness Show general definition characterized by sincere belief or: intensely or excessively serious or determined
	1	top 500
approachmethod (way of doing something) Perhaps I just need to work harder, but I may need an entirely different approach to the problem.more Show sample from book After a moment of silence, Jeb Blake tried another approach.†1 more a way of doing something Show general definition for approach (as in: use the best approach) a way of doing something; or a route that leads to a particular place
	1	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book She approached the question gingerly, wary of what an admission like that would mean.1 more approach → approached:began talking about Show general definition for approach (as in: approached her with the proposal) to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic
	6	top 1000
obliviousunaware of She is oblivious to the dangers.more Show sample from book They talked quietly, oblivious to the throngs around them, neither one of them noticing when the check was brought to the table and the lunch crowd emptied out.5 more Show general definition unaware of
	4	top 500
anxietynervousness She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.more Show sample from book The simple act of cutting tomatoes with her by his side eased some of the anxiety he'd felt up to this point.3 more nervousness or worry Show general definition nervousness or worry
	3	top 200
conflictstruggle Violent conflict has broken out again in the Middle East.more Show sample from book Garrett watched her retreating figure, trying to make sense of his conflicting emotions.†2 more conflict → conflicting:opposing (struggling against each other) Show general definition a struggle or disagreement in various senses, including: a serious disagreement -- as in "political conflict" the tension from two opposing ideas or feelings -- as in "I'm conflicted about where I should go to college." a violent fight or war -- as in "the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" an idiom that refers to tension between responsibilities to different entities -- "conflict of interest"
	2	top 10
implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more Show sample from book Would he be as caring in person as the letter seemed to imply?1 more suggest (say indirectly) Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	3	top 200
optimisticexpecting the best I'm optimistic that I'll get into a good college.more Show sample from book Her voice sounded as optimistic as she could make it.†2 more expecting the best; OR focusing on the good part of things Show general definition expecting the best; or focusing on the good part of things
	3	top 500
approximateapproximate → approximately:about The state has approximately as many Republicans as Democrats.more Show sample from book By 1935 it had rounded the world and traveled approximately sixteen thousand miles, the longest distance officially recorded.†2 more approximate → approximately:about (but not exactly) Show general definition almost, but not exact; or similar
	4	top 1000
simultaneousat the same time On Super Tuesday a large number of states have simultaneous primary elections.more Show sample from book Lightning and thunder again, almost simultaneously.3 more Show general definition at the same time
	6
stationerypaper and envelopes for writing letters It was a form-letter, but it was written on the President's stationery with a White House return address.more Show sample from book The stationery, with its picture of a sailing ship in the upper right hand corner, was beginning to discolor in places, fading slowly with the passage of time.†5 more Show general definition paper and envelopes for writing letters Show editor's word notes Stationery is commonly confused with stationary; i.e., remaining still. The words are pronounced identically, so be sure to note the spelling. It might help to remember which is which, by thinking "First sit still; then write."
	2	top 100
omitomit → omitted:left out She recounted the whole story except that she omitted names.more Show sample from book Yes, but like you said, we'll use only their initials and we'll omit the part about Wrightsville Beach.†1 more to exclude or neglect something Show general definition to exclude or neglect something
	2	top 200
ambivalentwith mixed feelings Polling indicates the public is ambivalent on the subject. Their opinions change depending upon the latest headlines.more Show sample from book No ambivalence this time, no doubt about what he'd said.1 more ambivalent → ambivalence:uncertainty Show general definition having mixed feelings about something -- such as when part of you wants to do something and part of you does not
	3	top 2000
coyplayfully shy She gave him a coy smile before looking away.more Show sample from book "I think you did that the last time I was here," she said coyly.2 more coy → coyly:in a subtly playful way Show general definition playfully shy or subtly flirtatious; and/or, deliberately evasive to avoid giving information or making a commitment Show editor's word notes Writers often use coy when someone acts shy or innocent in a playful way, while being aware of the effect—like giving a coy smile. The word can also describe being deliberately evasive or withholding information, as in a coy answer that dodges the real question or a coy response that modestly downplays an accomplishment. In many cases, the person is both playful and withholding at once, as when teasing someone with coy hints about a surprise without revealing what it is.
	2
climaxmost exciting or important part The deathbed scene is the climax of the play.more Show sample from book When they finally climaxed together, Theresa threw back her head and cried aloud, not attempting to stifle the sound.†1 more climax → climaxed:the most exciting or important part of a story, musical piece, or other thing th… Show general definition for climax (as in: climax of the story) the most exciting or important part of a story, musical piece, or other thing that has a series of events
	2
sensualrelating to pleasing the body's senses The novel described the scene with sensual detail, focusing on textures and scents.more Show sample from book Standing close again, she ran her hands over his chest, feeling the tight muscles beneath his shirt, giving in to her own sensuality.†1 more sensual → sensuality:relating to pleasing the body's senses (in contrast to the intellect) Show general definition relating to pleasing the body's senses (in contrast to the intellect)