The Remains of the Day — Vocabulary
Kazuo Ishiguro
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	74	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 To my surprise, however, once we had finished interviewing the girl, Miss Kenton began to insist we take her on.†75 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 It's a great privilege, after all, to have been given a part to play, however small, on the world's stage.75 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)
	2	top 2000
attributeattribute → attributes:characteristics The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more Show sample from book For all that, it has never been my position that good accent and command of language are not attractive attributes, and I always considered it my duty to develop them as best I could.10 more attribute → attributes:characteristics (of something or someone) Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic or feature (of something or someone)
	9	top 100
attribute#2attribute → attributed:credited (pointed to as the source of) She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more Show sample from book The fact that I am now ... at the mercy of Mr and Mrs Taylor's generosity on this night, is attributable to one foolish, infuriatingly simple oversight:10 more attribute → attributable:traceable (caused by) Show context notes The suffix "-able" means able to be. This is the same pattern you see in words like breakable, understandable, and comfortable. 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
	19	top 100
conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book Just convey the basic facts and be done with it.18 more Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
	12	top 500
presumepresume → presumed:assumed I presumed she was an expert since she spoke so confidently.more Show sample from book I will, after all, take my leave of these people in the morning and presumably never encounter them again.13 more presume → presumably:probably Show context notes The suffix "-ably" is a combination of the suffixes "-able" and "-ly". It means in a manner that is capable of being. This is the same pattern you see in words like agreeably, favorably, and comfortably. Show general definition for presume (as in: presumption of innocence) to think of something as true or likely, even though it is not known with certainty Show editor's word notes Something can be presumed because it seems reasonable or because there is a rule or law demanding such an assumption. For example, in the United States someone charged with a crime is presumed by law to be innocent unless they are proven guilty at a trial.
	2	top 1000
presumptuousexercising privileges to which one is not entitled She is pushy and presumptuous. I can't stand to be around her.more Show sample from book Of course, I could not have expressed this view to Mr Farraday without embarking upon what might have seemed a presumptuous speech.13 more exercising social privileges to which one is not entitled Show general definition for presumptuous (as in: she is presumptuous) exercising privileges to which one is not entitled -- such as being too familiar or too bossy
	19	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 It was one of those events which at a crucial stage in one's development arrive to challenge and stretch one to the limit of one's ability and beyond, so that thereafter one has new standards by which to judge oneself.†18 more Show general definition very important or necessary -- often because it determines how something else will turn out
	26
bantercasual conversation that is clever and amuses I enjoyed the good-natured banter.more Show sample from book But I must say this business of bantering is not a duty I feel I can ever discharge with enthusiasm.†25 more banter → bantering:engaging in amusing conversation Show general definition casual conversation that is clever and amuses; or to engage in such conversation
	12	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book In this particular case, of course, I had been set a slightly extraordinary task, but I had nevertheless not been neglectful to incorporate 'margins' wherever possible.†11 more Show general definition despite that 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 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	13	top 500
trivialunimportant We're in agreement on the main issues. We just have some trivial details to work out.more Show sample from book I should say that these errors have all been without exception quite trivial in themselves.†12 more Show general definition of little importance -- sometimes more specifically describing a challenge as easy and uninteresting
	11	top 200
moreoverin addition to what has just been said The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more Show sample from book Moreover, my planning for the event was complicated by the uncertainty as to the numbers involved.†10 more
	17	top 2000
preoccupiedbusy (doing or thinking about other things) She got no help from her husband who was preoccupied with the children.more Show sample from book By this point, I had been preoccupied for some hours with the matter of Miss Kenton's sorrow, having given particular thought to the question of what I might best do or say to ease her burden a little.16 more took up the attention of Show general definition busy thinking about or doing something so that other things are not noticed or done
	11	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book The fact is, I have tended increasingly of late to indulge myself in such recollections.10 more recollect → recollections:memories Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	6	top 500
anecdoteanecdote → anecdotes:short true stories Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more Show sample from book We often pass the time amusing ourselves with anecdotes about you.5 more anecdote → anecdotes:short, true stories Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
	5	top 500
criteriareference points against which things can be evaluated We're considering five primary criteria as we compare job applicants.†more Show sample from book criteria for membership4 more standards (reference points against which other things can be evaluated) Show general definition reference points against which things can be evaluated Show editor's word notes Note that "criterion" is the singular form. Though not seen as often as "criteria", it is reasonably common. Today, "criterions" is acceptable in place of "criteria", though seldom used.
	3	top 500
replenishreplace what was used up The recent storms helped replenish the city's water supply.more Show sample from book I immediately found myself more than occupied replenishing the guests with tea and coffee.†2 more replenish → replenishing:replacing what was used up; or restoring to a previous condition Show general definition replace what was used up; or restore to a previous condition
	3	top 500
reciprocatereturn the feeling She was attracted to him, and he seemed to reciprocate.more Show sample from book Perhaps I was expected to laugh heartily; or indeed, reciprocate with some remark of my own.†2 more give in return Show general definition to give in return -- such as invitations, gifts, actions, or feelings
	4	top 2000
aspirationdesire Her aspiration to become a famous author motivated her to write every day.more Show sample from book It was the aspiration of all those of us with professional ambition to work our way as close to this hub as we were each of us capable.†3 more Show general definition a desire to achieve something
	2	top 200
inconsistentnot the same at different times Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more Show sample from book But from my observation of Mr Farraday over these months, he is not one of those gentlemen prone to that most irritating of traits in an employer — inconsistency.†1 more inconsistent → inconsistency:not the same in different parts or at different times… Show general definition not the same in different parts or at different times or: not in agreement [with something else]