The Guardian — Vocabulary
Nicholas Sparks
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	30	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 did, however, play the guitar and he practiced daily, hoping his big break was just around the corner.†30 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.
	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 Being homeless as a teenager, however briefly, had left her with a healthy sense of paranoia.30 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)
	4	top 2000
directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected) This flower does best in direct sunlight.more Show sample from book He paused, looking directly at her and holding her gaze, before finally nodding in Julie's direction.†5 more direct → directly:straight (exactly where stated; used for emphasis) Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	2	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book The conversation was stilted, almost uncomfortable at first, because Richard didn't volunteer much more than was asked directly.†5 more direct → directly:in a straightforward manner Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	6	top 1000
stiflesuppress (prevent something or decrease its development) These excessive rules that stifle creativity.more Show sample from book Stifling her panic, Jennifer focused on the body below her.6 more stifle → stifling:suppressing (preventing something from developing further) Show general definition for stifle (as in: stifling the urge) to suppress (prevent something or decrease its development) -- often political freedom
	1	top 2000
stifle#2stifle → stifling:making it difficult to breath It was a hot, humid, stifling day.more Show sample from book The air seemed thick and stifling.6 more stifle → stifling:making breathing more difficult -- typically due to heat and humidity Show general definition for stifle (as in: the heat is stifling) to make breathing difficult or impossible -- often from heat or humidity
	6	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 Though everything she had said was absolutely true, when she looked at Pete again, his expression confirmed that Richard had already implied something different.5 more imply → implied:said indirectly Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	6	top 200
subtlemaking use of slight distinctions She used subtle reasoning to expose the absurdity of his argument.more Show sample from book He noticed the subtle differences as she changed before his eyes.5 more slightly noticeable Show general definition for subtle (as in: a subtle difference or thinker) not obvious, but noticeable with enough insight and knowledge or: able to notice or understand things that require insight and sensitivity
	5	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 Julie stepped forward tentatively, and when Mike didn't back away, she came closer and leaned into him.4 more tentative → tentatively:in an unsure or hesitant manner 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)
	5	top 200
skepticaldoubtful I am skeptical about her plan.more Show sample from book As if that's going to be possible, the little voice inside her said skeptically.4 more skeptical → skeptically:with doubt (regarding the truth of something) Show general definition doubtful (that something is true or worthwhile) or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe
	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 He recognized her from the other night in the restaurant, and though her expression seemed pleasant enough, he knew she was still evaluating him.†3 more Show general definition to think carefully and make a judgment about something
	5	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 Nonetheless, she looked up Jim, who—despite her persistent skepticism—brought her over to the salon to meet his aunt Mabel.†4 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.)
	4	top 500
estimateroughly calculate or guess What do you estimate this will cost?more Show sample from book A quick estimate said she had maybe a few minutes.†3 more a rough calculation or guess of a value, quantity, or extent of something Show general definition rough calculation or judgment
	4	top 500
empathythe understanding and sharing of others' feelings She lacks empathy and is very selfish.more Show sample from book Anyone who could move from anger to empathy as effortlessly as she had was a treasure, and he was lucky to have found her.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
	5	top 500
altercationfight She got in a physical altercation and was expelled.more Show sample from book Officer Romanello hadn't believed his account about the altercation in the bar.4 more Show general definition a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
	5
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 When she lifted the wineglass and took a sip, puckering her lips as she did so, Mike knew it was one of the most sensual things he'd ever seen.†4 more Show general definition relating to pleasing the body's senses (in contrast to the intellect)
	3	top 500
lethargiclacking energy I'm hoping a cold iced tea will help me get past this lethargic feeling.more Show sample from book He helped her up from the bed, ignoring the lethargy of her movements, and put his arms around her.2 more lethargic → lethargy:lack of energy
	2	top 500
adeptskillful She is adept with numbers.more Show sample from book Nor was she particularly adept at styling and cutting hair, at least according to the directions her customers gave her.†1 more Show general definition having skill in a particular area
	3
obituarya notice of someone's death with a short biography Her eldest daughter wrote an obituary that was published in the local paper and online.more Show sample from book But what about the obituaries?†2 more obituary → obituaries:published death notices with short biographies Show general definition a published notice of someone's death -- usually printed in a newspaper with a short biography Show editor's word notes The section of the newspaper that reports deaths is called the "Obituaries".
	2	top 2000
contritesorry She apologized, but she didn't seem genuinely contrite.more Show sample from book He smiled, looking contrite, a kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar.1 more feeling sorrow or regret for a fault or offense Show general definition feeling sorrow or regret for a fault or offense