True Believer — Vocabulary
Nicholas Sparks
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	24	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 He doubted, however, that any of that would be necessary.24 more though (used to connect contrasting ideas) 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.
	1	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 However inconclusive, the articles did help Jeremy clarify his own thoughts.24 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)
	23	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Above them, thin strands of clouds floated past the moon, and on the horizon, Jeremy could see a storm approaching.24 more approach → approaching:coming Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	2	top 500
approach#2method (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 He'd learned through experience that the best way to approach a story like this was to begin with what he knew, so …. what did he know for certain?24 more begin to understand 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
	7	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book Twenty-one In the days following Jeremy's unsuccessful meeting with the producers, he focused his attention on trying to return to his previous routines.†8 more focus → focused:concentrated 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
	2	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 It took an instant for the face to come into focus.†8 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
	3	top 2000
positivecertain I'm positive I've seen her before.more Show sample from book I'm not certain, but I'm almost positive that someone has.†3 more Show general definition for positive (as in: I'm absolutely positive!) certain (having no doubt; or used for emphasis)
	1	top 100
positive#2positive → positively:in a good or beneficial manner Lower interest rates positively affected home sales.†more Show sample from book Thinking of positive things to write about our town, I hope?†3 more good Show general definition for positive (as in: had a positive effect) good or beneficial
	2	top 100
accompanyaccompany → accompanies:travels with The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.more Show sample from book And, well, since you're pretty much the only one I know in town, I was wondering if you'd be willing to accompany me.2 more come with Show general definition for accompany (as in: accompany on the journey) to travel along with
	1	top 100
accompany#2accompany → accompanying:provided together The trend is easily seen in the accompanying graph.more Show sample from book Though the tapes might have been good enough to provide a small still to accompany his column, they were far from television quality.2 more complement (go with to make 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
	9	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 One that pressed the limits of believability, but a fluke nonetheless.†8 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.)
	6	top 100
phenomenonsomething that is of special interest It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.more Show sample from book Jeremy opened his mouth to say something and suddenly remembered that Lexie had said exactly the same thing about the phenomenon, and she lived here.†5 more something that exists or happened -- often of special interest Show general definition something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary Show editor's word notes "Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
	9	top 2000
coincidencea situation where things happened at the same time by chance even though it was unlikely It was a pure coincidence that both got sick the same weekend.more Show sample from book Then again, perhaps her visit here was simply a coincidence.†8 more Show general definition a situation where two things happened at the same time or in the same way by chance even though it was unlikely
	3	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 With oak-paneled walls, mahogany flooring, and burgundy curtains, the cavernous, open room stood in stark contrast to the area downstairs.†2 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
	2	top 100
correlatecorrelate → correlation:a relationship between two things so that one can be predicted from the other My opponent is confusing correlation with causation. Just because kids who play violent video games are also more likely to behave violently, doesn't mean the video games cause the violence.more Show context notes Just because you can guess 'A' from 'B' doesn’t mean 'A' changes 'B.' Something else, like 'C,' might affect both, and that’s why 'A' can be guessed from 'B.' For example, children with larger shoe sizes are likely to know more math. It's not that shoe size helps with math, it's that older children tend to have larger feet and know more math. Show sample from book The study had shown a direct correlation between beauty and eye contact: the infants stared longer at the attractive women, suggesting that people's perceptions of beauty were instinctive.1 more correlate → correlation:relationship such that a change in one thing helps predict a change in another Show context notes Just because you can guess 'A' from 'B' doesn’t mean 'A' changes 'B.' Something else, like 'C,' might affect both, and that’s why 'A' can be guessed from 'B.' For example, children with larger shoe sizes are likely to know more math. It's not that shoe size helps with math, it's that older children tend to have larger feet and know more math. Show general definition to find or have a connection or relationship between two things, such that a change in one helps predict a change in the other Show editor's word notes Just because you can guess 'A' from 'B' doesn’t mean 'A' changes 'B.' Something else, like 'C,' might affect both, and that’s why 'A' can be guessed from 'B.' For example, children with larger shoe sizes are likely to know more math. It's not that shoe size helps with math, it's that older children tend to have larger feet and know more math.
	5
rusticcharacteristic of rural life; simple without refined touches They spent their vacation in a rustic cottage by the lake, enjoying the simplicity and tranquility of nature.more Show sample from book It was scenic, he had to admit, but the rustic part probably referred to mosquitoes and alligators, neither of which summoned up a lot of enthusiasm in him for staying there.4 more Show general definition characteristic of rural life; simple without refined touches
	4
premonitiona feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen She had a premonition that her child would be hurt.more Show sample from book Psychic abilities, premonitions, and intuition are simply a product of the interplay among experience, common sense, and accumulated knowledge.†3 more premonition → premonitions:feelings, not based on reason, that things will happen Show general definition a feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen -- especially something bad
	4
refractrefract → refracted:to change the velocity of a beam of light or other wave-form as it passes from o… When light passes through a prism, it is refracted, causing the light to split into a spectrum of colors.more Show sample from book All of which meant refracted or reflected light.†3 more Show general definition to change the velocity of a beam of light or other wave-form as it passes from one medium into another (apparently bending it when passing at an angle)
	4
topographysurface features The topography of the region, with its high mountains and deep valleys, makes it a challenging area for hikers.more Show sample from book He'd have to get a good topographical map of the area, in addition to the street map he had just bought.3 more topography → topographical:showing surface features including elevation Show general definition the features of the surface area of a region; or their study -- especially changes in elevation
	2	top 2000
flippanthaving an inappropriate lack of seriousness Her response is entertaining, but the question deserves a less flippant answer.more Show sample from book With someone else, with anyone else, he would have said something flippant or changed the subject until he figured out another way to get through her door.†1 more showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness Show general definition showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness