Dracula — Vocabulary
Bram Stoker
(Edited)

Book sample Uses ACT/SAT
10 top 200
traceindication
I could find no trace of them anywhere.p.51.519 more
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There was not a trace of the defendant's DNA at the crime scene.more
a tiny quantity or indication
Show general definition for trace (as in: found a trace of) a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of
The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:
  • a small indication that something was present -- as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace."
  • a very small amount of something -- as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids."
  • any evidence of something -- as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."
10 top 100
trace#2follow (by research)
If there be anything behind this instinct it will be valuable to trace it afterwards accurately, so I...p.69.119 more
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Early cat domestication is traced back to China over 5,000 years ago.more
trace → traced:found through investigation
Show general definition for trace (as in: trace the origin or development) to find, search, research, or keep track of
This sense of trace usually has to do with information. It's specific meaning depends on its context. For example:
to find or search for something through investigation -- often the origin of something:
  • "The police traced the call." -- found out where it originated
  • "We are tracing the lost luggage" -- searching for
  • "Can you trace the problem to its source?" -- find through investigation
  • "She traced her family history to discover that her great-grandmother came to the United States from Lithuania when the Nazis occupied it." -- discovered something through investigation
to research or report on the development of something
  • "She traced the history of the automobile in her paper." -- researched the development of something
  • "Her presentation traced recent progress in alternative energy solutions." -- reported on
to monitor or keep track of the progress or development of something
  • "She traces the progress of at-risk students." -- monitors information
  • "I used binoculars to trace her progress up the mountain." -- monitor, follow, or track
34 top 2000
hypnotizeput into a trance-like state of focused concentration
"I want you to hypnotize me!" she said.p.332.134 more
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I want to be hypnotized and given the suggestion that I don't like to snack on fattening foods.more
hypnotize → hypnotized:put into a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility (a state of hypnosis)
Show general definition for hypnotize (as in: hypnotized to try to remember) to put someone into a state of hypnosis (a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility)
Show editor's word notes Hypnosis is a special, trance-like state of focused attention. A hypnotized person is often very relaxed and more willing than usual to accept and act on the hypnotist’s suggestions. Despite popular myths, hypnotized people don't lose control and won't do things against their core values.
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hypnotize#2fascinated so much that awareness of other things is lost
So he delay, and delay, and delay, till the mere beauty and the fascination of the wanton Undead have hypnotize him.p.393.534 more
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When I look into her eyes, I feel hypnotized.more
hypnotize → hypnotized:fascinated so much that awareness of other surrounding things is lost or too much trust is granted
Show general definition for hypnotize (as in: hypnotized by her performance) fascinate so much that awareness of other surrounding things is lost or too much trust is granted
4 top 500
resolutionfirm decision
Glad I made the resolution, gladder that I kept to it.p.112.310 more
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Her New Year's resolution is to read deeply at least one hour a day.more
a firm decision to do something
Show general definition for resolution (as in: a New Year's resolution) a firm decision to do something
7 top 500
resolution#2determination
She looked at me so appealingly, and at the same time manifested such courage and resolution in her bearing, that I gave in at once to her wishes.p.238.110 more
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She ran each mile of the marathon with increasing resolution.more
Show general definition for resolution (as in: Her resolution weakened.) determination (firmness of purpose)
21 top 1000
manifestdemonstrate
At last, however, the narcotic began to manifest its potency, and she fell into a deep sleep.p.132.920 more
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Domestic violence doesn't always manifest as physical abuse.more
show (make itself known)
Show general definition for manifest (as in: manifest destiny) obvious; or to make obvious; or to show or demonstrate
5 top 100
conveycommunicate
It did not convey much to me, until I reached a passage where it described small puncture wounds on their throats.p.203.46 more
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She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more
communicate or express
Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
2 top 2000
convey#2convey → conveying:transporting
As our client wishes the delivery made as soon as possible, we shall be obliged by your having teams ready at King's Cross at the time named and forthwith conveying the goods to destination.p.107.56 more
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I was ordered to convey her to London.more
transport
Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her safely to) transport
Show editor's word notes Today, this sense of convey is seldom seen outside of historic literature.
3 top 100
composecompose → composed:made up
We were struck with the fact, that in all the mass of material of which the record is composed, there is hardly one authentic document.p.402.74 more
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The United States is composed of 50 states.more
Show general definition for compose (as in: composed of many parts) to create something by arranging parts
2 top 100
compose#2compose → composed:calmed or settled
I drew a great couch out of its place near the corner, so that as I lay, I could look at the lovely view to east and south, and unthinking of and uncaring for the dust, composed myself for sleep.p.44.54 more
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I took a deep breath to compose myself and then began my speech.more
calm
Show general definition for compose (as in: compose myself) to calm someone or settle something
2 top 100
attributeattribute → attributed:credited (in this case, blamed on)
This, then, is his new scheme of evil, ... and that any wickedness which he may do shall by the local people be attributed to me.p.52.72 more
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She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more
attribute → attributed:credited (pointed to as the source of)
Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
  • "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen
  • "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea
2 top 10
contrastcontrast → contrasted:compared to show differences
Two were dark, and had high aquiline noses, like the Count, and great dark, piercing eyes, that seemed to be almost red when contrasted with the pale yellow moon.p.44.91 more
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Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more
point to differences between
Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
2 top 10
illustratehelp make clear
To believe in things that you cannot. Let me illustrate. I heard once of...p.206.31 more
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Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.more
make clear
Show general definition for illustrate (as in: as illustrated by this example) to help make clear -- typically by example
2 top 100
passageshort part of a longer written work
I looked over the paper.... It did not convey much to me, until I reached a passage where it described small puncture wounds on their throats.p.203.51 more
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Each passage below is followed by a number of questions.more
a short part of a longer written work
Show general definition for passage (as in: In lines 1-9 of the passage...) a short part of a longer written work
Show editor's word notes This meaning of passage is commonly seen on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
4 top 100
engageengage → engaged:involved
When I told her that I must go at once, and that I was engaged on important business, she asked again: "Do you know what day it is?"p.11.19 more
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She engaged in conduct that is a violation of the honor code.more
engage → engaged:was involved
Show general definition for engage (as in: engage in conversation) to interact in various ways -- such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract
The exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example:
  • "They engaged in debate." -- participated
  • "She engaged him in conversation." -- involved
  • "She is an engaging conversationalist." -- interesting
  • "She has an engaging smile." -- attractive (attracting interest and interaction)
  • "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." -- attracts and involves
  • "She engages with her constituents." -- interacts in a meaningful way
  • "She engaged in foolish behavior." -- entered into
3 top 2000
engage#2engage → engaged:arranged
When your master, employer, what you will, engaged that someone should come on his behalf, it was understood that my needs only were to be consulted.p.39.29 more
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The school district engaged the services of her architectural firm.more
engage → engaged:hired
Show general definition for engage (as in: engage her services) hire, reserve, book, or occupy
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diabolicalevil (and perhaps clever)
He smiled, such a soft, smooth, diabolical smile that I knew there was some trick behind his smoothness.p.57.67 more
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As part of her diabolical plan, she spent the first year gaining their trust.more
evil and clever
Show general definition evil; very bad; or cruel and clever (like something of the devil)
2 top 1000
chronologicalarranged according to time
Mrs. Harker says that they are knitting together in chronological order every scrap of evidence they have.p.240.11 more
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Events are listed in chronological order.more
from oldest to newest
41 top 500
graveserious (important)
I have grave doubts.p.388.140 more
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Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.more
grave → gravity:seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Show general definition for grave (as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry
  • "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn
  • "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner