I Have a Dream — Vocabulary
Martin Luther King, Jr.
1963 Speech
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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segregationkeeping people of different races separated
Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to end institutionalized segregation in the United States.more
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Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.1 more
keeping people separate due to discrimination
Show general definition the act of keeping people or things separate -- especially people due to discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religion
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desolatevery sad
I heard a low desolate wail.more
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Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.
sad and lonely
Show general definition for desolate (as in: felt desolate) sad or miserable--and often lonely
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discriminateunfairly treat of different groups of people differently
We do not discriminate based on race, nationality, social status, age, gender, religion, or sexual preference.more
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...sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
discriminate → discrimination:unfair treatment due to race
Show general definition for discriminate (as in: suffered discrimination) to treat people of different groups differently -- especially unfair treatment due to race, religion or gender
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persecutionvery bad and unfair treatment
Everyone knows about the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.more
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And some of you have come from areas where your quest--quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality.
bad, ongoing, and unfair treatment
Show general definition very bad and unfair treatment of others -- often because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs
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prodigiousenormous
As a child, Mozart had a prodigious talent.more
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And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Show general definition enormous; or far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
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democracya system of government in which citizens have power with equal votes
The United States has a representative democracy.more
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Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.†
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oppressoppress → oppresses:treats harshly and unfairly
The regime oppresses its people.more
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I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
oppress → oppression:the denial equal rights to others
Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive government) to dominate harshly and unfairly; or to make suffer
The meaning of oppress depends upon its context. For example:
  • "The authorities oppress political activists," or "The new nation oppressed Native Americans." -- to dominate harshly and unfairly
  • "She is oppressed by excessive debt." - made to suffer
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righteousrighteous → righteousness:moral correctness
The extremism is fed by unquestioned belief in the righteousness of their cause.more
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No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."
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")
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republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws
The United States and each of its states are republics.more
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When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.
a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws
Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
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bankruptinto a state of being unable to pay money that is owed
If we don't control spending, we'll go bankrupt.†more
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But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.
unable to meet its obligations
Show general definition for bankrupt (as in: company went bankrupt) legally declared to be unable to pay money that is owed

or (informally):  the state of having little or no money
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symphonyan orchestra that plays classical music
We heard the Vienna Symphony.more
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With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.
a long and complex piece of music
Show general definition a long, complex piece of music for full orchestra (often in several movements); also, the orchestra or performance of such a work, or by extension any richly harmonious combination of many parts
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witherwither → withered:weakened
Her confidence withered under the constant criticism from her boss.more
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...hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice.
wither → withering:causing weakness and humiliation
Show general definition for wither (as in: her confidence withered) to become weaker--sometimes to get smaller and disappear
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militantsomeone who uses extreme or violent methods to achieve a political goal
The Taliban militant said he was fighting for his religion and way of life.more
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The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.
militant → militancy:social activism
Show general definition using extreme or violent methods to achieve a political goal; or someone who uses such methods
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momentousof very great significance
This is a momentous period in our nation's history.more
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This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice.
Show general definition of very great significance
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discordconflict
There is too much discord in the team.more
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With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.
discord → discords:conflicts
Show general definition for discord (as in: discord amongst the group) conflict or disagreement -- especially among those expected to cooperate

or (especially in the form discordant):

seeming different or wrong in context
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demonstratedemonstrate → demonstrated:joined with others in a public protest
The students demonstrated against hate speech.more
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I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
demonstrate → demonstration:public display of support
Show general definition for demonstrate (as in: demonstrate to protest) a public display supporting a cause -- usually joining with others in a political protest
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creedset of beliefs
Freedom of religion allows people to follow any creed they choose without fear of persecution.more
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I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."†
any system of principles or beliefs
Show general definition any system of principles or beliefs
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hallowedtreated as sacred
She was buried in hallowed ground.more
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We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now.
revered (respected) or sacred (holy)
Show general definition treated as sacred or greatly respected
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interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted
She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more
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I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.†
interpose → interposition:to insert between other elements; OR  to interrupt or stop action by others
Show general definition to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
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promissory notea legal document promising to pay a specified amount
The promissory note is secured by an interest in the equipment, fixtures, inventory and accounts receivable of the business.more
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When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.1 more
a promise to pay
Show general definition a legal document promising to pay a specified amount on demand or at a certain time
Show editor's word notes A promissory note is often just called a note.