The Shack — Vocabulary
William P. Young
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	9	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book When Nan noticed that his eyes had opened, she quietly approached so as not to wake their daughter and kissed him.9 more approach → approached:moved nearer Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	1	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book Somehow, the way she had approached him had skirted his resistance to her love.9 more approach → approached:begun talking with 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
	11	top 200
comprehendcomprehend → comprehends:fully understands I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.more Show sample from book This would take some time to comprehend.10 more to fully understand Show general definition to understand something -- especially to understand it completely
	9	top 500
reconcilereconcile → reconciled:made peace or restored friendship After months of not speaking, the two friends finally reconciled over coffee.more Show sample from book ...reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.8 more reconcile → reconciliation:to end the conflict (bring into agreement) Show general definition for reconcile (as in: reconciled their differences) to make peace between people or bring different ideas into agreement
	24	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 Directly in front of him, he now could make out an ebony desk of considerable size, completely bare.30 more direct → directly:close (without anything in between) Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	1	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book "They know one another very well, most of them, but they are here for a celebration that is not about them, nor about their relationships with one another, at least not directly," Sarayu explained.30 more direct → directly:in a straightforward manner (an uncomplicated manner before including secondary effects) Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	6	top 100
direct#3instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book "Please describe the colors and the number of dots on the ladybug," directed the voice over the radio.30 more direct → directed:instructed Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
	6	top 1000
tangibleclear (easily understood and measured) They set tangible goals.more Show sample from book She paused, as if to add weight to her already tangibly heavy words.5 more tangible → tangibly:so real or weighty they seem capable of being touched Show general definition capable of being touched, or easily understood so there is no question of its value or reality
	6	top 1000
bewilderconfuse Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more Show sample from book Mack was standing there with his mouth indeed open and an expression of bewilderment plastered to his face.†5 more bewilder → bewilderment:a feeling of extreme confusion Show general definition to confuse someone
	7	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book He inquired, "May I ask what you're listening to?"†6 more inquire → inquired:asked about or looked into Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	7	top 2000
righteousrighteous → righteousness:moral correctness The extremism is fed by unquestioned belief in the righteousness of their cause.more Show sample from book My goodness, you didn't think you could live the righteousness of God on your own, did you?6 more righteous → righteousness:morally correct behavior Show general definition for righteous (as in: a righteous cause) morally correct; or morally justified or: acting or feeling morally superior -- especially when it isn't true (this meaning is more typically seen as a compound word "self-righteous")
	5	top 1000
clarityclearness (the quality of being clearly expressed) The speaker presented her argument with such clarity that even those unfamiliar with the topic could easily understand her main points.more Show sample from book Routine choices become adventures and are often experienced with a sense of heightened clarity.†4 more seen, expressed, or understood clearly… Show general definition seen, expressed, or understood clearly; or a degree of transparency such as the quality of clear water
	5	top 1000
commotiondisturbance I looked up to see what caused the commotion.more Show sample from book The kids, startled awake by the clatter and under-the-breath expletives, had stuck their heads out of the tent trailer to see what all the commotion was about.†4 more noisy disturbance Show general definition a disturbance -- typically noisy
	6	top 2000
adrenalineadrenaline → adrenaline junkie:“fight or flight” stimulating hormone She's an adrenaline junkie. She loves the rush that comes from roller coasters, skydiving, and big waves.more Show sample from book But the adrenaline rush caused him to over compensate, and in slow motion Mack watched his feet rise up in front of him as if jerked up by some jungle trap.†5 more adrenaline → adrenaline rush:the intense feeling that comes from an increase in the "fight or flight" hormone Show general definition “fight or flight” stimulating hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress (making the body feel excited and ready for action) Show editor's word notes Doctors are more likely to use the term epinephrine (possibly shortened to epi or EP). Adrenalin as a proper noun without the ending "e" is a trademark name for the same chemical.
	3	top 200
facilitatefacilitate → facilitates:makes easier The new headquarters facilitates inter-department communication.more Show sample from book Remember that choosing to stay on the ground is a choice to facilitate a relationship; to honor it.†2 more make easier Show general definition make easier
	3	top 200
inhibitinhibit → inhibits:slows or prevents The drug inhibits the spread of cancer.more Show sample from book In the name of caring about her, your lie became an inhibitor in your relationship with her, and in her relationship with me.†2 more inhibit → inhibitor:someone or something that limits activity Show general definition for inhibit (as in: inhibited the growth of...) to limit the activity of someone or something
	5
seminarya school for training ministers, priests, or rabbis Princeton Theological Seminary has the largest theological library in the United States.more Show sample from book Whatever happened, in his early twenties he eventually ended up in a seminary in Australia.†4 more a school for training clerics -- usually ministers, priests, or rabbis Show general definition a school for training clerics -- usually ministers, priests, or rabbis
	3	top 2000
alleviatelessen Regular massage will help to alleviate the pain.more Show sample from book There had been a great deal of concern that he might lapse into a long-term coma, but his wakening had alleviated all the worry.2 more alleviate → alleviated:lessened (reduced) Show general definition to lessen something that is bad -- especially to lessen pain
	3	top 2000
visageface The visage of the old woman was weathered and wrinkled, but her eyes sparkled with a youthful energy.more Show sample from book Attempts at conversation would turn into one-way monologues, with sounds bouncing off her stone visage.†2 more someone's face or facial expression Show general definition someone's face or facial expression
	2	top 1000
unanimouswith everyone in complete agreement It was a unanimous decision.more Show sample from book Although it certainly felt longer to Mack, the various departments and personalities agreed quickly, and unanimously, to set out in pursuit just as soon as a few arrangements could be made.†1 more unanimous → unanimously:with complete agreement Show general definition with everyone in agreement