A Man for All Seasons — Vocabulary
Robert Bolt
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	19	top 2000
consciencemoral judgment of personal behavior I have a guilty conscience and want to make it right.more Show sample from book While More's alive the King's conscience breaks into fresh stinking flowers every time he gets from bed.†18 more feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner Show general definition feeling or judgment of morally right or wrong personal behavior
	15	top 2000
treasonbetraying one's own country He was executed for treason in a time of war.more Show sample from book MORE Margaret, I'll not have you talk treason...And I'll not have you repeat lawyer's gossip.†14 more an act of betrayal Show general definition betraying someone or something -- typically betraying one's own country (in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)
	13	top 2000
parliamentparliament → parliaments:legislative assemblies (that pass laws) National European parliaments help insure that the European Union's decisions reflect the democratic principles and interests of its member states.more Show sample from book ROPER I've been offered a seat in the next Parliament.†12 more legislative assembly that passes laws (existing in some countries) Show general definition for parliament (with a lowercase "p") a legislative assembly in certain countries (that can pass laws)
	1	top 1000
resignationa document expressing that someone is quitting a job I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.more Show sample from book The King accepts your resignation very sadly;4 more quitting from your position Show general definition for resignation (as in: submitted her resignation) to quit -- especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
	4	top 1000
resignation#2(accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more Show sample from book During the next speech CROMWELL straightens up and folds arms resignedly4 more resignation → resignedly:like one who accepted something unpleasant as unavoidable Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	11	top 2000
foremansupervisor She complained to the shop foreman.more Show sample from book CROMWELL You're the Foreman of the Jury.†10 more a person chosen to lead and speak for a group… Show general definition a person chosen to lead and speak for a group, especially at work or in a courtroom Show editor's word notes At work, a foreman is the worker who supervises and directs other workers, often in factories, workshops, or on construction sites. In a court case, the foreman is the juror selected to lead the jury and announce its decision.
	4	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book The normal aim of administration is to keep steady this factor of convenience-and Sir Thomas would agree.†3 more thing that affects a result or outcome Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
	4	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book MORE (Recollecting) Ah yes, you are to be felicitated.†3 more recollect → recollecting:remembering 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.
	6
heresysomething immoral It is a hardline form of Sunni Islam that condemns all other strains as heresy.more Show sample from book (MARGARET is alarmed, and from behind mom tries to silence ROPER) ROPER The Church is heretical†5 more heresy → heretical:counter to popular belief of what is proper Show general definition opinions or actions most people consider immoral
	3	top 200
malicemalice → malicious:evil; or made with the intent to make others suffer I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.more Show sample from book MORE (Grins maliciously at ROPER) That's it of coursesaints!†2 more malice → maliciously:with a desire to see others suffer; or in a threatening manner Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	4	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book CROMWELL (Reproachful) Well, I always understood he set you up in life.†3 more reproach → reproachful:critical (full of criticism) Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	2	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, and though you have heinously offended the King's Majesty, we hope if you will even now forthink and repent of your obstinate opinions, you may still taste his gracious pardon.†1 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.
	3	top 1000
doctrineprinciple She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more Show sample from book MORE Master Rich is newly converted to the doctrines of Machiavelli.†2 more doctrine → doctrines:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some … Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
	2	top 200
tactthe ability and tendency to say or handle things in such a way that others feel good about them She has the tact of a politician or diplomat.more Show sample from book CROMWELL Don't be too tactful, innkeeper.†1 more tact → tactful:to say or handle things in a way that makes others feel good about them Show general definition the ability or act of saying or handling things in such a way that others feel good about them
	6	top 2000
construeinterpret The executive branch does not construe the provision as requiring it to share additional information with Congress.more Show sample from book CROMWELL Is that what the world in fact construes from it?†5 more construe → construes:understands something to have a specific meaning Show general definition to interpret (understand) something as have a specific meaning
	3	top 500
amicablefriendly The two countries have a productive and amicable relationship.more Show sample from book CHAPUYS (Consciously shy) Sir Thomas, may I ask if you and the Cardinal parted, how shall I say, amicably?†2 more amicable → amicably:friendly or showing goodwill Show general definition friendly or showing goodwill
	4	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book Impudence!†3 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
	3	top 2000
reprovereprove → reproves:criticizes She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more Show sample from book MORE (Bursting out) Your Grace, I'm not fit to meddle in these matters-to me it seems a matter for the Holy See— HENRY (Reprovingly) Thomas, Thomas, does a man need a Pope to tell him when he's sinned?†2 more reprove → reprovingly:in a critical manner Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
	3
perjurythe criminal offense of telling lies in court after formally promising to tell the truth They did not charge her with theft. They charged her for perjury during her testimony to the grand jury.more Show sample from book MORE Because evidence is given on oath, and he will not perjure himself.†2 more perjury → perjure:break the law by telling lies after formally promising to tell the truth Show general definition the criminal offense of telling lies after formally promising to tell the truth -- such as when testifying in a court trial
	2	top 2000
deviousdeceitful and clever It is a devious plan.more Show sample from book MORE (Won't respond; with aesthetic distaste-not moral disapproval) It's devious.†1 more deceitful (not honest and straightforward) Show general definition for devious (as in: a devious plan) deceitful (not honest and straightforward) -- often in a complicated, clever manner