The Gold-Bug — 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 Legrand, however, although evidently much disconcerted, wiped his brow thoughtfully and recommenced.†10 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.
	1	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 …the error, however trivial in the beginning, increased as we proceeded with the line, and by the time we had gone fifty feet, threw us quite off the scent.10 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)
	6	top 500
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 For some minutes he continued to scrutinize the drawing minutely where he sat.†5 more scrutiny → scrutinize:to look 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 500
attaingain or reach something with effort She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more Show sample from book The shrub here often attains the height of fifteen or twenty feet, and forms an almost impenetrable coppice, burthening the air with its fragrance.†4 more attain → attains:gains or reaches something with effort Show general definition to gain or reach something with effort
	4	top 200
enableenable → enables:makes possible The test enables earlier identification of autism.more Show sample from book We, finally, lightened the box by removing two thirds of its contents, when we were enabled, with some trouble, to raise it from the hole.†3 more enable → enabled:made possible Show general definition to make possible in various senses, including: to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion." to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page." to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
	4	top 500
enigmasomething mysterious that seems unexplainable As Churchill said about Russia, it is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.more Show sample from book Were all the jewels of Golconda awaiting me upon my solution of this enigma, I am quite sure that I should be unable to earn them.†3 more
	4	top 1000
demeanormanner of behavior His calm demeanor reassured everyone during the crisis.more Show sample from book He now grew more composed in his demeanor; but his original air of enthusiasm had quite disappeared.†3 more the manner in which a person behaves Show general definition the manner in which a person behaves
	4	top 1000
predominantpredominant → predominantly:most commonly In the summer, our afternoon breezes come predominantly from the southwest.more Show sample from book Amazement was, of course, predominant.†3 more most frequent, common, or important; OR having more power and influence Show general definition most frequent, common, or important; or having more power and influence
	4	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book In the mean time I endeavored, but all in vain, to sound him in regard to the object of the expedition.†3 more Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	3	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book I became perfectly certain of this; for I recollected turning up first one side and then the other, in search of the cleanest spot.†2 more recollect → recollected:remembered Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	3	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book After some inquiries respecting his health, I asked him, not knowing what better to say, if he had yet obtained the scarabæus from Lieutenant G ——.†2 more inquiry → inquiries:questions or investigations Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	5	top 2000
coincidencea situation where things happened at the same time by chance even though it was unlikely It was a pure coincidence that both got sick the same weekend.more Show sample from book This is the usual effect of such coincidences.†4 more coincidence → coincidences:situations where things happened at the same time by chance even though they were unlikely Show general definition a situation where two things happened at the same time or in the same way by chance even though it was unlikely
	2	top 100
varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book In the present case—indeed in all cases of secret writing—the first question regards the language of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend upon, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.†1 more vary → varied:differed; or changed Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
	2	top 100
alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book I made no doubt that here was the 'devil's seat' alluded to in the MS., and now I seemed to grasp the full secret of the riddle.†1 more Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
	2	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book He did not press me to remain, but, as I departed, he shook my hand with even more than his usual cordiality.†1 more cordial → cordiality:friendliness Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
	3
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book In the next"— "You are mistaken," he interposed, "I am as well as I can expect to be under the excitement which I suffer.†2 more interpose → interposed: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
	3
infernalvery annoying Please stop making that infernal noise!more Show sample from book "I am anxious to oblige you in any way," I replied; "but do you mean to say that this infernal beetle has any connection with your expedition into the hills?"†2 more very bad; OR very annoying; OR characteristic of hell or the underworld Show general definition very bad; or very annoying; or characteristic of hell or the underworld
	3
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 Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.†2 more ability to solve problems in smart creative ways
	2	top 2000
expedientpractical but not ideal It was a necessary expedient to get the job done.more Show sample from book It became necessary, at last, that I should arouse both master and valet to the expediency of removing the treasure.†1 more expedient → expediency:convenient, speedy, or practical; or an action that is speedy or practical Show general definition convenient and practical, but sometimes not the best or most moral choice
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adaptedadapted → well adapted:well suited Penguins are especially well adapted for cold weather.more Show sample from book Matters of little moment are rarely consigned to parchment; since, for the mere ordinary purposes of drawing or writing, it is not nearly so well adapted as paper.†more Show general definition for adapted (as in: the species is well adapted for) to be especially well suited or appropriate for something