Riders of the Purple Sage — Vocabulary
Zane Grey
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | Broad Use |
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| 266 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookA horseman showed dark on the sky-line, then merged into the color of the sage. Show general definition for sage (as in: the growing sage)a name for various plants including one used as a popular spice and another commonly called sagebrushor: the color of such plants (a shade of green with some hint of gray) |
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| 37 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookI ran into five yesterday 'way down near the trail to Deception Pass.† Show general definitionthe act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads |
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| 15 | top 500 | |
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earnest
I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more
Show sample from bookIn her earnestness she stepped closer to him, repelled yet fascinated by the sudden transition of his moods.† Show general definitioncharacterized by sincere beliefor: intensely or excessively serious or determined |
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| 10 | top 100 | |
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nevertheless
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
Show sample from bookNevertheless he sent the dog Ring ahead and waited.†
Show general definitiondespite thatShow editor's word notesBased 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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| 10 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookThe one thing in man or woman that she scorned above all scorn, and which she could not forgive, was hate.† Show general definitiondisrespect or reject as not good enough |
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| 8 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookIt was the moment when the last ruddy rays of the sunset brightened momentarily before yielding to twilight.† Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure)to give in, give way, or give up |
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| 9 | top 500 | |
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agitate
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more
Show sample from bookVenters's agitation stilled to the trace of suppressed eagerness in Lassiter's query.† Show general definitionto 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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| 12 | top 1000 | |
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wistful
Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more
Show sample from bookThen the flashing changed to a long, thoughtful look, in which there was a wistful, unconscious searching of his face, a look that trembled on the verge of hope and trust.†
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| 13 | top 2000 | |
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inquire
Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more
Show sample from bookShe did inquire if he would return on the morrow, and Jerd, in mingled surprise and relief, assured her he would always work for her.† Show general definitionto ask about or look into something |
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| 8 | top 200 | |
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moreover
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
Show sample from bookIt had the same comfort as was manifested in the home-like outer court; moreover, it was warm and rich in soft hues.†
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| 9 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookVenters lay low in the shade of the cottonwoods, pondering this chance meeting, and not for many moments did he consider it safe to move on.† Show general definitionto think deeply or carefully about something |
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| 10 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookBut in her it had infinitely more—a revelation of mortal spirit.† Show general definitionunlimited; without boundaries; or too numerous to count |
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| 9 | top 2000 | |
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creed
Freedom of religion allows people to follow any creed they choose without fear of persecution.more
Show sample from bookHe loomed up now in different guise, not as a jealous suitor, but embodying the mysterious despotism she had known from childhood—the power of her creed.† Show general definitionany system of principles or beliefs |
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| 8 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookWarily he rounded this corner, once again to halt bewildered.† Show general definitionto confuse someone |
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| 5 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookTull is implacable.†
Show general definitionunyielding -- often in remaining angry |
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| 5 | top 2000 | |
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intangible
Happiness is an intangible feeling that can’t be measured or weighed.more
Show sample from bookMeanwhile, abiding a day of judgment, she fought ceaselessly to deny the bitter drops in her cup, to tear back the slow, the intangibly slow growth of a hot, corrosive lichen eating into her heart.† Show general definitionunable to be physically touched (existing but not material or concrete); or something that is hard to identify |
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| 5 | ||
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strife
Years of strife between the two families finally ended with a peaceful agreement.more
Show sample from bookShe wondered if the unrest and strife that had lately come to the little village of Cottonwoods was to involve her.† Show general definitionviolent conflict or angry disagreement |
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| 4 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookThe corners of wall bluntly rose, scarred and scrawled, to taper into towers and serrated peaks and pinnacled domes. Show general definitionthe highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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austere
He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.more
Show sample from bookThe strange glow, the austere light which radiated from Tull's face, might have been a holy joy at the spiritual conception of exalted duty.† Show general definitiona notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decorationor: of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial |
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| 4 | ||
Show sample from bookAs infernal a job as even you, Lassiter, ever heerd of.† Show general definitionvery bad; or very annoying; or characteristic of hell or the underworld |
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