Proverbs — Vocabulary
The Bible
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	18	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.†17 more scorn → scorner:someone who rejects someone or something Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	21	top 2000
abominableexceptionally bad She described the abominable treatment of prisoners.more Show sample from book 3:32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.†20 more abominable → abomination:something that is exceptionally bad or detestable Show general definition exceptionally bad or intensely disliked
	13	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.†12 more
	17	top 1000
wrathextreme anger She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.more Show sample from book 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.†16 more Show general definition extreme anger or angry punishment
	18	top 2000
despisedespise → despises:dislikes strongly and looks down upon She despises the people he works for.more Show sample from book 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.†17 more dislike strongly and look down upon Show general definition to dislike strongly and to look down upon with disrespect
	11	top 500
diligentcareful and hardworking She's the kind of diligent worker we want to hire.more Show sample from book 7:15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.†10 more diligent → diligently:with hard work and care Show general definition for diligent (as in: she is diligent) working carefully and steadily with effort and attention to detail
	9	top 500
perishbe destroyed or cease to exist ...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.Abraham Lincoln — Gettysburg Addressmore Show sample from book 10:28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.†8 more die, be destroyed, or cease to exist Show general definition to die -- especially in an unnatural way or: to be destroyed or cease to exist Show editor's word notes You may encounter an informal expression, "Perish the thought." It means that the speaker hopes the thought will cease to exist and the thing it represents will never happen.
	11	top 2000
forsakeabandon or give up The country must forsake terrorism as a political instrument.more Show sample from book 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.†10 more abandon or give up on Show general definition to abandon or give up on -- such as someone who needs you, or an idea, or a place
	8	top 500
devisecome up with (invent or create) She plans to devise something to launch water balloons.more Show sample from book 3:29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.†7 more Show general definition for devise (as in: devise a plan) to come up with a way of doing something -- typically a creative idea or plan
	8	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.†7 more a criticism; or to express criticism Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	5	top 1000
ponderthink about The question the audience is left to ponder is...more Show sample from book 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.†4 more think deeply or carefully about Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
	5
meddlemeddle → meddling:interfering (getting involved where not wanted) She's always meddling in other people's business.more Show sample from book 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.†4 more meddle → meddling:interfering (in another's affairs or business); or handling (something that shouldn't be handled) Show general definition interfere (in another's affairs or business) or: get involved with something where involvement isn't warranted
	3	top 500
congregationpeople who worship together in the same building It's a casual congregation where many people wander into services late.more Show sample from book 26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.†2 more Show general definition for congregation (as in: the congregation voted) people who worship together in the same building
	3	top 500
haughtyarrogant or condescending (acting superior or self-important) It is a story about a haughty princess who has a great fall.more Show sample from book 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.†2 more arrogant
	20	top 1000
transgresstransgress → transgressed:violated Her actions transgressed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.more Show sample from book 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.†19 more transgress → transgression:an act that violates a rule, promise, or social norm Show general definition to violate a rule, promise, or social norm
	21	top 2000
reprovereprove → reproves:criticizes She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more Show sample from book 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.†20 more reprove → reproof:criticism Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
	15
strifeviolent conflict The region suffers from violent religious strife.†more Show sample from book 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.†14 more violent conflict or angry disagreement Show general definition violent conflict or angry disagreement
	3
aboundare plentiful In spring, the hillsides abound with bright wildflowers.more Show sample from book 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.†2 more abound → abounding:abundant or plentiful Show general definition to be abundant or plentiful
	2	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.†1 more forbearance → forbearing:refraining (holding back) from acting Show general definition patient tolerance or self-control; or holding back from taking action or enforcing a right Show editor's word notes Today, the word, forbearance, is most commonly seen in the field of law to indicate that a legal right, claim or privilege is not being enforced.
	2	top 2000
prosperprosper → prospering:doing well She is prospering at school.more Show sample from book 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.†1 more do well Show general definition to do well or to grow stronger