Crank — Vocabulary
Ellen Hopkins
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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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 The $500, however, presented a challenge.4 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.
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however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book I told Adam to come on over, I wasn't going anywhere then proceeded to fret, as I did anytime he and Lince popped up together in a single thought, anyway I had only this day to make him remember me, however I could.4 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
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focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book Forgiveness granted, I made some decisions: appreciate family, focus on school and hunt for Kristina.3 more 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
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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 Burned out, adrift on a sea of uncertain synapses, a place where your eyes refuse to focus and your brain refuses to function.3 more adjust (to see 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
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negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book Scared to admit either to those close to me who remained clueless eyes closed to every negative thing about me, or dying to know every dirty little tidbit.2 more bad Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
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negative#2indicated criticism or disagreement The responses to my plan were negative.more Show sample from book And he accepted my negative answer with a smile that meant he didn't believe a word.2 more indicating an answer of "no" Show general definition for negative (as in: negative feedback from customers) to express criticism or disagreement, or (especially when talking over a radio or in a military setting) to say "no"
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indulgeindulge → indulges:allows them to get their way She indulges her children more than is good for them.more Show sample from book Whatever choices I made, Jake would indulge in the latest video games.3 more enjoy to excess Show general definition to give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable
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resolutiona firm decision to do something Her New Year's resolution is to read deeply at least one hour a day.more Show sample from book The problem with resolutions is they're only as solid as the person making them.2 more resolution → resolutions:firm decisions to do things
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enhanceimprove This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more Show sample from book I mean, I never Crank-enhanced goosebumps lifted as he moved his hands gently across my skin.†2 more enhance → enhanced:increased or improved Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
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intuitionintuition → intuitive:able to understand things from feeling or instinct rather than conscious reasoning They were perfect partners--one highly intuitive and the other highly analytical.more Show sample from book He was bright, intuitive.2 more intuition → intuitive:knew things instinctively rather than through reasoning Show general definition something known based on feeling or instinct rather than conscious reasoning; or the ability to know things in such a manner
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omitomit → omitted:left out She recounted the whole story except that she omitted names.more Show sample from book With a lot more prodding, I talked about Adam aka Buddy (omitting everything of use to anyone interested in blackmail).†1 more omit → omitting:to exclude or neglect something Show general definition to exclude or neglect something
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varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book My mom gave a detailed run-down of his varied bad habits.†1 more vary → varied:differed; or changed Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
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waverwaver → wavered:faltered (stopped being strong) Through good times and bad her love for him has never wavered.more Show sample from book Somehow She Didn't Notice the wavering tone of my 'Hi, Mom.'†2 more waver → wavering:moving back and forth; or being unsure or weak Show general definition to move back and forth (shake or quiver) or: to change, be unsure, or weak
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nucleusthe center (in this case, key central members) They have the nucleus of a good team.†more Show sample from book Red and raw like my brain, unable to shut down, thoughts crashing like electrons orbiting a nucleus of dueling emotions.†2 more the center (or most important part) of something Show general definition the center (or most important part) of something such as: in physics: the center of an atom where protons & neutrons are found in biology: the center of a cell where DNA is found in sociology: the closest family (mother/father/children in contrast to the extended family)
	1
stokeadd fuel or stir a fire to make it burn hotter She took it upon herself to stoke the campfire whenever it began to dim.more Show sample from book Brendan Stoked the Fire.2 more stoke → stoked:added fuel or stirred a fire to make it burn hotter Show general definition for stoke (as in: stoked the fire) to add fuel or stir a fire to make it burn hotter
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contritesorry She apologized, but she didn't seem genuinely contrite.more Show sample from book The other half told me to shut up, told me to smile, told me to find a hint of contrition and agree, "You're right, Mom, some of my choices haven't been the best lately."4 more contrite → contrition:regret for a fault Show general definition feeling sorrow or regret for a fault or offense
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pilferpilfer → pilfering:stealing small items She had been pilfering office supplies where she worked.more Show sample from book Back in the truck, more kisses and a cigarette of my own (pilfered from his pack, pilfered from his mom).†2 more pilfer → pilfered:stolen Show general definition to steal small amounts or unimportant items -- often repeatedly or secretly
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cerebralrelating to the brain Moderate exercise increases cerebral blood volume which improves thinking.more Show sample from book Everything shut down, cerebral ghost town.†1 more Show general definition relating to the brain -- especially the cerebrum (front of the brain) or: involving careful thinking rather than emotions or instinct
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chastea virgin Despite the societal pressure to engage in premarital relations, Bella remained chaste until her wedding night.more Show sample from book I'm not exactly chaste.†1 more not having sexual intercourse (ever, outside of marriage, or for a long time); or not involving sexual desire Show general definition for chaste (as in: remained chaste) not having sex; or not involving sexual desire Show editor's word notes The exact meaning of not having sex depends upon context. It can mean<ul><li>to be a virgin (never have sex)</li><li>to be sexually inactive currently or for a long time</li><li>to not have sex outside of marriage</li></ul>
	2
lusciousrichly appealing The ripe, luscious peach dripped with sweet juice as she bit into the velvety skin.more Show sample from book See you tonight, luscious.†1 more very desirable Show general definition richly appealing to the senses -- especially taste, smell, or appearance -- often used for delicious food, attractive appearance, or sensuous beauty