The Murders in the Rue Morgue — Vocabulary
Edgar Allan Poe
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	10	top 100
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 He had been accustomed, however, to quiet the creature, even in its fiercest moods, by the use of a whip, and to this he now resorted.†11 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.
	2	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book This functionary, however well disposed to my friend, could not altogether conceal his chagrin at the turn which affairs had taken, and was fain to indulge in a sarcasm or two, about the propriety of every person minding his own business.11 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	9	top 200
contendcontend → contends:struggles She contends with headaches.more Show sample from book Upon reaching the first landing, heard two voices in loud and angry contention--the one a gruff voice, the other much shriller--a very strange voice.8 more contend → contention:argument Show general definition for contend (as in: She contended with it) to struggle or argue
	1	top 1000
profounddeep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence She shared a profound way of thinking about the problem.more Show sample from book ...what is only complex is mistaken (a not unusual error) for what is profound.4 more deep or far-reaching in intellect or insight
	4	top 500
profound#2intense (of great emotional depth) Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more Show sample from book ...my astonishment was profound.4 more of greatest intensity or emotional depth Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
	7	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book The police are confounded by the seeming absence of motive—not for the murder itself—but for the atrocity of the murder.†6 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	10	top 2000
testimonythe statement of a witness at a trial Her emotional testimony moved the jury.more Show sample from book Let me now advert ... to what was peculiar in that testimony.9 more a statement at a trial or hearing Show general definition something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
	3	top 100
conveycommunicate or express She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.more Show sample from book But of the character of his remarks at the periods in question an example will best convey the idea.†2 more Show general definition for convey (as in: convey her thoughts) communicate or express
	2	top 10
implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more Show sample from book The best chess-player in Christendom may be little more than the best player of chess; but proficiency in whist implies capacity for success in all those more important undertakings where mind struggles with mind.†1 more imply → implies:suggests (says indirectly) Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	3	top 200
abstractof a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance We all agree that we want what's "best for the country", but that is an abstract concept, and we cannot agree on which specific laws should be passed.more Show sample from book To be less abstract—Let us suppose...2 more conceptual (dealing in concepts or ideas that are not associated with any specific instance)
	3	top 200
coherentsensible and clear She presented a compelling and coherent plan.more Show sample from book incoherent in its words2 more coherent → incoherent:not logically consistent Show context notes The prefix "in-" in incoherent means not and reverses the meaning of coherent. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure. Show general definition sensible and clear; or describing parts as fitting together in a consistent or pleasing manner
	3	top 500
attaingain or reach something with effort She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more Show sample from book There are few persons who have not, at some period of their lives, amused themselves in retracing the steps by which particular conclusions of their own minds have been attained.†2 more attain → attained:gained or reached something with effort Show general definition to gain or reach something with effort
	3	top 500
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 Is nervous, and was apprehensive of the consequences of agitation.†2 more agitate → agitation:the act of stirring up (emotionally or physically); or a state of 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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scrutinyscrutiny → scrutinized:looked very carefully at She scrutinized her reflection in the mirror.more Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show sample from book Dupin scrutinized every thing...2 more scrutiny → scrutinized:looked at very carefully Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show general definition careful examination of something
	5	top 100
analyticallogical and systematic in seeking understanding She has an analytical mind.more Show sample from book The mental features discoursed of as the analytical, are, in themselves, but little susceptible of analysis.†4 more relating to logical examination to improve understanding Show general definition relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it -- often implying some kind of quantitative analysis
	6	top 1000
corroboratesupport The detectives looked for evidence to corroborate her story.more Show sample from book It would have been corroborative of this idea of motive.5 more corroborate → corroborative:supporting Show general definition to support an opinion -- typically with additional evidence or testimony
	3	top 10
inferfigure out or guess by reasoning Which of the following facts can you infer from the first paragraph?more Show sample from book He makes, in silence, a host of observations and inferences.†2 more infer → inferences:things concluded or guessed by reasoning Show general definition to figure out or guess by reasoning
	4
ingenuitythe ability to solve problems in smart creative ways It will take more than ingenuity to clean this up. We're going to have to admit our mistake.more Show sample from book The analytical power should not be confounded with ample ingenuity; for while the analyst is necessarily ingenious, the ingenious man is often remarkably incapable of analysis.†3 more ability to solve problems in smart creative ways
	2	top 500
proficiencyskill After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more Show sample from book When I say proficiency, I mean that perfection in the game which includes a comprehension of all the sources whence legitimate advantage may be derived.†1 more Show general definition skillfulness in something
	3
minuteincluding even small considerations We discussed it in minute detail.more Show sample from book Getting upon the sacking of the bedstead, I looked over the head-board minutely at the second casement.2 more minute → minutely:carefully Show general definition for minute (as in: minute description) detailed (including even small considerations); and/or careful (done with care)