The Fall of the House of Usher — Vocabulary
Edgar Allan Poe
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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perceiveperceive → perceives:views in a certain way She perceives more risk in the trip than he does.more Show sample from book And thus, as a closer and still closer intimacy admitted me more unreservedly into the recesses of his spirit, the more bitterly did I perceive the futility of...6 more view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion Show general definition for perceive (as in: perceive the system as unfair) to view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
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perceive#2see (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book I could but partially perceive his features6 more become aware of Show general definition for perceive (as in: though blind, can perceive light) to become aware of -- especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
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agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book The MS. gave evidence of nervous agitation.6 more agitate → agitation:emotional unrest Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
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countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book A glance, however, at his countenance, convinced me of his perfect sincerity.7 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
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conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book Certain accessory points of the design served well to convey the idea that this excavation lay at an exceeding depth below the surface of the earth.3 more Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
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acutesharp (severe or very bad) She felt an acute pain in her neck.more Show sample from book The writer spoke of acute bodily illness...2 more a severe illness with a rapid onset Show general definition for acute (as in: acute pain) sharp (severe or strong) -- usually negative
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acute#2excellent (highly perceptive) Dogs have an acute sense of smell.more Show sample from book Said I not that my senses were acute? I now tell you that I heard her first feeble movements in the hollow coffin.2 more highly perceptive Show general definition for acute (as in: acute sense of smell) sharp (highly perceptive in some area or mentally sharp)
	4	top 1000
luminousshining The sky was luminous with stars.more Show sample from book But the under surfaces of the huge masses of agitated vapor, as well as all terrestrial objects immediately around us, were glowing in the unnatural light of a faintly luminous and distinctly visible gaseous exhalation which hung about and enshrouded the mansion.†3 more glowing or shining… Show general definition glowing or shining (also used metaphorically to describe beauty or intelligence)
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endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book For several days ensuing, her name was unmentioned by either Usher or myself: and during this period I was busied in earnest endeavors to alleviate the melancholy of my friend.†3 more endeavor → endeavors:attempts; or things attempted Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
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pervasiveexisting throughout something We were losing 35 to 0 at halftime and there was a pervasive sense of gloom in the locker room.more Show sample from book I know not how it was—but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.2 more pervasive → pervaded:spread throughout or filled Show general definition existing throughout something; or generally widespread
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demeanormanner of behavior His calm demeanor reassured everyone during the crisis.more Show sample from book His countenance was, as usual, cadaverously wan—but, moreover, there was a species of mad hilarity in his eyes—an evidently restrained hysteria in his whole demeanor.†2 more the manner in which a person behaves Show general definition the manner in which a person behaves
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oppressoppress → oppressive:uncomfortable (weighs heavily on the senses or spirit) The heat is oppressive.more Show sample from book a mental disorder which oppressed him3 more oppress → oppressed:weighed heavily on the senses or spirit Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive heat) to make uncomfortable (weigh heavily on the senses or spirit)
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inconsistentnot the same at different times Her play is inconsistent. Sometimes she's unbeatable and other times she beats herself.more Show sample from book No portion of the masonry had fallen; and there appeared to be a wild inconsistency between its still perfect adaptation of parts, and the crumbling condition of the individual stones.†1 more inconsistent → inconsistency:not the same in different parts or at different times… Show general definition not the same in different parts or at different times or: not in agreement [with something else]
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moreoverin addition to what has just been said The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more Show sample from book I learned, moreover, at intervals, and through broken and equivocal hints, another singular feature of his mental condition.†1 more
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vivacioushas an engaging liveliness She's a charming and vivacious hostess.more Show sample from book His action was alternately vivacious and sullen.†2 more having an engaging liveliness Show general definition having an engaging liveliness -- when said of a person, typically said of a female
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alleviatelessen Regular massage will help to alleviate the pain.more Show sample from book ...and during this period I was busied in earnest endeavors to alleviate the melancholy of my friend.1 more to lessen something that is bad Show general definition to lessen something that is bad -- especially to lessen pain
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equivocalunclear in meaning Her equivocal answer left everyone wondering what she really meant.more Show sample from book I learned, moreover, at intervals, and through broken and equivocal hints, another singular feature of his mental condition.1 more Show general definition unclear in meaning -- especially where opposing interpretations are reasonable (sometimes intentionally)
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unobtrusiveunobtrusive → unobtrusively:fitting in so as not to attract much attention or disturb The web site has a lot of ads, but they are unobtrusively placed on the far right of the screen.more Show sample from book repeated deeds of munificent yet unobtrusive charity1 more fitting in so as not to attract much attention
	2
pallidabnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color) She looked weak and her face was pallid.more Show sample from book Banners yellow, glorious, golden, On its roof did float and flow; (This—all this—was in the olden Time long ago) And every gentle air that dallied, In that sweet day, Along the ramparts plumed and pallid, A winged odor went away.†1 more abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color)… Show general definition abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color); or anything that lacks energy or liveliness
	2
insufferableextremely unpleasant Her insufferable arrogance made it difficult for her colleagues to work with her.more Show sample from book I know not how it was—but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.†1 more