The Cask of Amontillado — Vocabulary
Edgar Allan Poe
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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perceivesee (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of the bones, we perceived a still interior recess,3 more perceive → perceived:saw Show context notes In this context, interior recess means a "small area on the inside". 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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definitivefinal I have only a tentative answer, but I will be definitive next week.more Show sample from book At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—1 more definitive → definitively:settled in a manner that is definite and final Show general definition best possible, final, or definite (beyond question)
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clamorloud noise and/or persistent demands She ignored the clamor of the crowd.more Show sample from book I replied to the yells of him who clamored.1 more clamor → clamored:was yelling Show general definition loud noise and/or persistent demands -- especially from human voice
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Let us go, nevertheless.† Show general definition despite that 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 was just stated, 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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explicitprecisely and clearly expressed She gave us explicit instructions.more Show sample from book I had told them that I should not return until the morning, and had given them explicit orders not to stir from the house. clear Show general definition for explicit (as in: explicit instructions) clear and with enough detail so there is no confusion Show editor's word notes Shared information is often divided into two categories: explicit and implicit
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avengetake revenge for In the story, she wants to avenge the murder of her brother.more Show sample from book It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.1 more avenge → avenger:someone who takes revenge for a perceived wrong Show context notes Unredressed is a synonym for unremedied or not paid back. Show general definition take revenge for a perceived wrong
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resolveresolve → resolved:settled or solved Three of the five issues have already been resolved.more Show sample from book At length I would be avenged; this was a point definitively settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved, precluded the idea of risk. resolve → resolved:settled Show general definition for resolve (as in: How was the problem resolved?) to solve a problem, settle a disagreement, or for a situation to change
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subsidebecome less severe I'm hoping aspirin will make the pain subside.more Show sample from book When at last the clanking subsided, I resumed the trowel, and finished without interruption the fifth, the sixth, and the seventh tier. subside → subsided:stopped or became less severe Show general definition for subside (as in: her anger subsided) become less intense, less severe, or less active -- perhaps going away entirely
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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 It was in vain that Fortunato, uplifting his dull torch, endeavored to pry into the depths of the recess. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
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obstinatestubbornly not doing what others want She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.more Show sample from book There was then a long and obstinate silence. stubborn
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recoilrecoil → recoiled:suddenly moved back (away from) She recoiled in horror.more Show sample from book "You jest," he exclaimed, recoiling a few paces. recoil → recoiling:moving backward suddenly Show general definition to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively) especially: the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
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displacedisplace → displaced:forced to move (in this case, out of their old jobs) It is a much better way to manufacture the product, but many workers will be displaced by the new technology.more Show sample from book Within the wall thus exposed by the displacing of the bones, we... displace → displacing:moving Show general definition force to move; or to take the place of
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afflictafflict → afflicted:made to suffer The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more Show sample from book It is not the engagement, but the severe cold with which I perceive you are afflicted. afflict → afflicted:suffering Show general definition to cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure
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rampartrampart → ramparts:defensive wall The invaders were unable to penetrate the outer ramparts.more Show sample from book Against the new masonry I re-erected the old rampart of bones.† a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense Show general definition a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense
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rendergive We're waiting for the jury to render a verdict.more Show sample from book But I must first render you all the little attentions in my power. Show general definition for render (as in: rendered service or a verdict) to give or supply something
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accostaccost → accosted:approached aggressively or inappropriately As she walked down the street, a stranger suddenly accosted her, asking for money.more Show sample from book He accosted me with excessive warmth, for he had been drinking much. accost → accosted:approached and spoke in a demanding or inappropriate manner Show general definition to approach aggressively or inappropriately
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gesticulategesticulate → gesticulations:gestures (hand or body movements) made while speaking or to express something The moderator turned her microphone off, leaving us to see her gesticulations, but not hear her words.more Show sample from book He laughed and threw the bottle upwards with a gesticulation I did not understand. gesticulate → gesticulation:hand or body movement Show general definition to make gestures (hand or body movements) while speaking or to express something
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impunityexemption or freedom from punishment The corrupt official acted with impunity, believing that his position of power would protect him from any consequences.more Show sample from book I must not only punish, but punish with impunity. without punishment or loss as a consequence Show general definition exemption or freedom from punishment or loss
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rampantuncontrolled The rampant corruption within the government was undermining public trust.more Show sample from book A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.† something undesired and flourishing in an uncontrolled way Show general definition for rampant (as in: rampant growth) something undesired and flourishing in an uncontrolled way
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azuresky-blue The sky was a perfect shade of azure on the morning of the hike.more Show sample from book A huge human foot d'or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are imbedded in the heel.† Show general definition a shade of blue similar to that of the sky on a clear sunny day