The Iliad — Vocabulary
Homer
recommended version -- translated by: Fitzgerald
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	168	top 2000
bronzea brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.more Show sample from book Then I shall be there to cross his bronze doorsill and take his knees.167 more made of a type of high-quality metal Show general definition for bronze (as in: bronze won't corrode in salt water) a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin Show editor's word notes Bronze metals in the Olympics and many other contests are awarded for third place. With the discovery of bronze (about 3,000 BC), people could make tools and weapons that were harder and more durable than those made of copper and stone that preceded bronze.
	35	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 You should have perished there, brought down by that strong soldier, once my husband.†34 more perish → perished:died, was destroyed, or ceased 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.
	42	top 2000
epican outstanding literary work that is long and heroic I think Game of Thrones is the most epic fantasy written since The Rings Trilogy.more Show sample from book When Greece fell under the sway of Rome in the third and second centuries, The Iliad began its metamorphosis from great national epic into the first poem of Europe.†41 more an outstanding work of literature or film Show general definition something that is outstanding -- especially a literary work that is long and heroic
	35
valorcourage (exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle) She received a medal for valor.more Show sample from book He would riot enter the assembly of emulous men, nor ever go to war, but felt his valor staling in his breast with idleness, and missed the cries of battle.†34 more exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle Show general definition exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle
	29
pyrepyre → pyres:piles of wood or other burnable materials While cremation is not uncommon in the western world, open air funeral pyres are typically illegal.more Show sample from book Pack animals were his target first, and dogs, but soldiers, too, soon felt transfixing pain from his hard shots, and pyres burned night and day.†28 more Show general definition a pile of wood or other burnable material -- especially to burn a dead body as in a funeral rite
	26	top 2000
brazenbold and improper She made a brazen attempt to take credit for her colleague’s work during the meeting.more Show sample from book Nothing brazen broke— no, but the point of bronze at impact bent in that hard armor.†25 more bold and unrestrained by what others consider proper Show general definition bold and unrestrained by what others consider proper
	27	top 2000
plunderplunder → plundered:stole goods The conquerors plundered the town and surrounding countryside.more Show sample from book From many Asian cities came these lances, and it is they who hedge me out and hinder me from plundering the fortress town of Troy.†26 more plunder → plundering:stealing Show general definition to steal -- often after conquering the location with the goods or: the goods stolen
	27
rampartrampart → ramparts:defensive wall The invaders were unable to penetrate the outer ramparts.more Show sample from book BOOK SEVEN A Combat and a Rampart As Hektor spoke he came out through the gateway running, with Alexandras beside him, both resolved on battle.†26 more a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense Show general definition a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense
	22	top 1000
formidableintimidating or impressive She is a formidable opponent.more Show sample from book A great man in his rage is formidable for underlings: though he may keep it down, he cherishes the burning in his belly until a reckoning day.†21 more Show general definition intimidating or impressive -- arousing fear or admiration due to impressiveness or challenge
	24
mêléedisorganized mass of people The riot police were able to contain the mêlée.more Show sample from book The treacherous shot finally causes the anticipated melee to break out late in Book IV.†23 more Show general definition a disorganized mass of people -- especially engaged in hand-to-hand combat, or rioting, or all going different directions and bumping into each other
	15	top 500
lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book His chief councilor is Nestor from Pylos, an aged king given to lamenting that he no longer has the strength of his youth.†14 more lament → lamenting:expressing grief or regret Show general definition to express grief or regret
	17	top 1000
heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book Well, he killed her, by taking heed of omens from the gods.†16 more pay close attention to; or do what is suggested Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	20	top 2000
manelong coarse hair growing around the head It was a healthy male lion with a golden mane.more Show sample from book Head held high with mane over his shoulders flying, his dazzling work of finely jointed knees takes him around the pasture haunts of horses.†19 more long coarse hair on an animal Show general definition long coarse hair such as that which grows around a lion's head or on the back of a horse's neck
	19
strifeviolent conflict The region suffers from violent religious strife.†more Show sample from book It was at a wedding feast to which all the gods had been invited, except, naturally enough, the goddess Strife.†18 more violent conflict or angry disagreement Show general definition violent conflict or angry disagreement
	22
whetincreased The appetizer whet our appetite for what was to come.†more Show sample from book Let every man be sure his point is whetted, his shield well slung.†21 more whet → whetted:to increase a sense or desire; OR to sharpen a knife or other cutting edge Show general definition to increase a sense or desire or: to sharpen a knife or other cutting edge
	9
portentportent → portents:signs She believes ominous dreams are often portents of significant events about to unfold in life.more Show sample from book Calamity is all you care about, or see, no happy portents; and you bring to pass nothing agreeable.†8 more portent → portents:signs of things about to happen Show general definition a sign of something about to happen
	6	top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought) She regretted her impetuous promise.†more Show sample from book Silent under his polished helmet, Hektor, dazzling and impetuous, passed on to drive the Argives back with general slaughter,5 more impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
	8
harangueannoyingly try to persuade or criticize My parents continuously harangue me about my grades.more Show sample from book Like a wild boar, with his great heart, this captain in the van harangued his companies, and in the rear Meriones did likewise.†7 more harangue → harangued:to try to persuade, or to criticize in an impassioned and often annoying manner… Show general definition to try to persuade, or to criticize in an impassioned and often annoying manner; or a speech with such an intent
	5	top 500
rancorfeelings of deep and bitter anger or hatred She made the suggestion to reduce the partisan rancor.†more Show sample from book This dispute should not leave rancor afterward between us.†4 more deep and bitter anger or hatred Show general definition deep and bitter anger or hatred -- especially when long-standing
	6
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more Show sample from book Aphrodite likes to beguile the women of Akhaia to elope with Trojans, whom she so adores: now, fondling some Akhaian girl, I fear, she scratched her slim white hand on a golden pin.†5 more to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; OR to deceive Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm