Riders of the Purple Sage — Vocabulary
Zane Grey
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Exemplary sample Uses Broad Use
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sagea popular spice
He served leg of lamb with sage and thyme.more
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A horseman showed dark on the sky-line, then merged into the color of the sage.265 more
a type of plant
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 sagebrush

or: the color of such plants (a shade of green with some hint of gray)
37 top 500
deceptiondeceiving or misleading
The law is intended to defeat denial and deception strategies.more
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I ran into five yesterday 'way down near the trail to Deception Pass.†36 more
the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads
Show general definition the act of lying to or misleading someone; or something that misleads
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earnestearnestin earnest:in a serious manner
I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more
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In her earnestness she stepped closer to him, repelled yet fascinated by the sudden transition of his moods.†14 more
earnestearnestness:sincerity or seriousness
Show general definition characterized by sincere belief

or:

intensely or excessively serious or determined
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
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Nevertheless he sent the dog Ring ahead and waited.†9 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.
10 top 200
scornscornscorned:rejected
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more
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The one thing in man or woman that she scorned above all scorn, and which she could not forgive, was hate.†9 more
scornscorned:disrespected or rejected
Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
8 top 100
yieldgive in
The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more
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It was the moment when the last ruddy rays of the sunset brightened momentarily before yielding to twilight.†7 more
yieldyielding:giving in, giving up, or giving way (easily moved or soft)
Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
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agitateagitateagitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more
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Venters's agitation stilled to the trace of suppressed eagerness in Lassiter's query.†8 more
agitateagitation:the act of stirring up (emotionally or physically); or a state of emotional unrest
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)
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wistfulwistfulwistfully:showing longing or unfulfilled desire
Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more
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Then 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.†11 more
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inquireask about or look into
Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more
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She did inquire if he would return on the morrow, and Jerd, in mingled surprise and relief, assured her he would always work for her.†12 more
ask about or look into something
Show general definition to ask about or look into something
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moreoverin addition to what has just been said
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
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It had the same comfort as was manifested in the home-like outer court; moreover, it was warm and rich in soft hues.†7 more
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ponderthink about
The question the audience is left to ponder is...more
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Venters 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.†8 more
ponderpondering:thinking deeply or carefully about
Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
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infiniteunlimited
There are infinite possibilities.more
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But in her it had infinitely more—a revelation of mortal spirit.†9 more
infiniteinfinitely:unlimited; without boundaries; OR  too numerous to count
Show general definition unlimited; without boundaries; or too numerous to count
9 top 2000
creedset of beliefs
Freedom of religion allows people to follow any creed they choose without fear of persecution.more
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He 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.†8 more
any system of principles or beliefs
Show general definition any system of principles or beliefs
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bewilderconfuse
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more
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Warily he rounded this corner, once again to halt bewildered.†7 more
bewilderbewildered:confused
Show general definition to confuse someone
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implacableunyielding
Despite his apologies, she remained implacable and refused to forgive him.more
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Tull is implacable.†4 more
Show general definition unyielding -- often in remaining angry
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intangibleexisting but not able to be touched
Happiness is an intangible feeling that can’t be measured or weighed.more
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Meanwhile, 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.†4 more
intangibleintangibly:unable to be physically touched (existing but not material or concrete)…
Show general definition unable to be physically touched (existing but not material or concrete); or something that is hard to identify
5
strifebitter conflict
Years of strife between the two families finally ended with a peaceful agreement.more
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She wondered if the unrest and strife that had lately come to the little village of Cottonwoods was to involve her.†4 more
violent conflict or angry disagreement
Show general definition violent conflict or angry disagreement
4 top 2000
pinnaclehighest point
She wrote the book at the pinnacle of her popularity.more
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The corners of wall bluntly rose, scarred and scrawled, to taper into towers and serrated peaks and pinnacled domes.3 more
pinnaclepinnacled:with high, tapered architectural features such as spires
Show general definition the highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement
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austerelacking luxury (and stern)
He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.more
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The strange glow, the austere light which radiated from Tull's face, might have been a holy joy at the spiritual conception of exalted duty.†1 more
a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration; or stern in manner
Show general definition a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration

or:

of a person:  stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
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infernalvery annoying
Please stop making that infernal noise!more
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As infernal a job as even you, Lassiter, ever heerd of.†3 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