Song of Solomon — Vocabulary
Toni Morrison
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	11	top 500
indifferentwithout interest About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more Show sample from book They are as indifferent as rain.10 more unsympathetic or unconcerned Show general definition without interest in various senses, including: unconcerned -- as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat." unsympathetic -- as in "She is indifferent to his needs." not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) -- as in "an indifferent performance" impartial -- as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book More unsettling than the darkness, however, was the fact that in contrast to the heat outside ..., it was as cold as ice in Pilate's house.1 more contrast → in contrast:in a comparison that shows differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	1	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book Freddie looked the boy up and down, taking in the steady but secretive eyes and the startling contrast between Ruth's lemony skin and the boy's black skin.1 more difference Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	10	top 2000
midwifea non-doctor who practices the profession of assisting women in childbirth The village has no doctor, but there is a midwife.more Show sample from book I tried to get a midwife for her, but the doctor said midwives were dirty.9 more midwife → midwives:a woman skilled in aiding the delivery of babies Show general definition a trained (usually non-doctor) professional who assists women in childbirth; or more broadly, a person who helps bring something new into existence or helps guide it into being
	1	top 100
alternativealternative → alternatives:possibilities Let's think of at least three alternatives before we decide what to do.more Show sample from book And if marriage was not achieved, there were alternative roles: teacher, librarian, or…well, something intelligent and public-spirited.1 more other possible Show general definition for alternative (as in: an alternative plan) a different choice or possibility, or describing something that offers a different choice or possibility
	1	top 200
alternative#2non-standard I'm taking the pills the doctor prescribed, but I'm also looking into alternative medicine such as acupuncture.more Show sample from book He hopes his flight, like that of the character in the title, toward asylum (Canada, or freedom, or the company of the welcoming dead), or home, is interpreted as a radical gesture demanding change, an alternative way, a cessation of things as they are.1 more non-standard or non-traditional Show general definition for alternative (as in: alternative medicine) non-traditional or non-standard
	4	top 10
interpretunderstand (In this case: Why did she smile? What does it mean?) I don't know how to interpret her smile.more Show sample from book His denials, accompanied by a wistful smile which she interpreted as a sly one, only aggravated her suspicions.3 more interpret → interpreted:understood (in a particular way) Show general definition for interpret (as in: her interpretation of the data) to understand or explain something in a particular way -- often the meaning or significance of something
	4	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book But the plate-glass window contradicted him.†3 more contradict → contradicted:disagreed Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	5	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 She was as tranquil as he was agitated, as monosyllabic as he was garrulous.†4 more agitate → agitated:not calm; or stirred up (often emotionally) 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)
	3	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book It was a less ambitious ritual for Ruth, but a way, nevertheless, for her to display her family.†2 more 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.
	6	top 2000
despisedespise → despises:dislikes strongly and looks down upon She despises the people he works for.more Show sample from book Eager to find fault and despise any outsider.5 more dislike strongly and look down upon Show general definition to dislike strongly and to look down upon with disrespect
	5	top 1000
yearnstrongly desire or wish I yearn for her return.more Show sample from book Her teeth were on edge with the yearning.†4 more yearn → yearning:strongly desiring; or a strong desire Show general definition have a strong desire -- often for something difficult or impossible to have
	4	top 1000
ratiorelative lengths The ratio of width to height of typical computer displays is 4:3.more Show sample from book To keep the ratio the same.†3 more relative quantities Show general definition the relative magnitudes of two quantities -- often expressed as a:b (which could also be expressed as the fraction a/b) Show editor's word notes For example, if a freshman class at a college is comprised of 400 men and 600 women, the ratio of men to women can be expressed as 400:600 or 4:6 or as the fraction 4/6 = ~67%
	3	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book There were no questions about who stomped him—his murderers had boasted freely—and there were no questions about the motive.†2 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	2	top 1000
protagonistmain character in a work of fiction Harry Potter was the protagonist and Voldemort was the antagonist.more Show sample from book Opening the novel with the suicidal leap of the insurance agent, ending it with the protagonist's confrontational soar into danger, was meant to enclose the mystical but problematic one taken by the Solomon of the title.†1 more the main character in a work of fiction; OR more rarely:… Show general definition the main character in a work of fiction or more rarely: an important supporter or main figure of someone or something
	3
fervorintense feelings The school has a lot of fervor for football.†more Show sample from book He left cursing Milkman, but his fervor was gone.2 more Show general definition intense feelings
	2	top 2000
begrudgeresent (feel bitter about) I don't begrudge her making a profit, but this is unreasonable.more Show sample from book I don't begrudge you a thing.†1 more resent; or give unwillingly Show general definition to resent (feel bitterness--usually over unfairness); or to give unwillingly
	2	top 2000
congenialfriendly She has a congenial relationship with her neighbors.more Show sample from book Calvin seemed to be the most congenial of them, and followed the introductions with a command to King Walker to "get this city boy some shoes for his feet."1 more agreeable (friendly) Show general definition agreeable or compatible in a positive way -- often in the context of being friendly and sociable
	2	top 2000
consternationdismay (unhappiness and worry) Much to the consternation of Congress, raising the tax decreased tax collections as manufacturers moved to other countries.more Show sample from book "Not yet," she said, and when she saw his consternation she explained that farm kids drove early—they had to.†1 more dismay (unhappiness, worry, and often confusion) Show general definition dismay (unhappiness, worry, and often confusion) -- typically over something unexpected
	2	top 2000
flippanthaving an inappropriate lack of seriousness Her response is entertaining, but the question deserves a less flippant answer.more Show sample from book "I'm waiting for you," he said, trying to regain (or acquire) some masculine flippancy.†1 more flippant → flippancy:an inappropriate lack of seriousness Show general definition showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness