Riders of the Purple Sage — Vocabulary
Zane Grey
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	266	top 2000
sagea popular spice He served leg of lamb with sage and thyme.more Show sample from book 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 Show sample from book 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
	10	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book 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
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book The one thing in man or woman that she scorned above all scorn, and which she could not forgive, was hate.†9 more scorn → scorned: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 Show sample from book It was the moment when the last ruddy rays of the sunset brightened momentarily before yielding to twilight.†7 more yield → yielding: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
	9	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 Venters's agitation stilled to the trace of suppressed eagerness in Lassiter's query.†8 more agitate → agitation: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)
	12	top 1000
wistfulwistful → wistfully:showing longing or unfulfilled desire Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more Show sample from book 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
	8	top 200
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 Show sample from book 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
	9	top 1000
ponderthink about The question the audience is left to ponder is...more Show sample from book 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 ponder → pondering:thinking deeply or carefully about Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
	10	top 1000
infiniteunlimited There are infinite possibilities.more Show sample from book But in her it had infinitely more—a revelation of mortal spirit.†9 more infinite → infinitely:unlimited; without boundaries; OR too numerous to count Show general definition unlimited; without boundaries; or too numerous to count
	8	top 1000
perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book No, Jane reflected, it was not charm; only a wonderful training of eye and ear, and sense of impending peril.†7 more danger Show general definition danger
	6	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book This time, however, she gazed into her glass with more than the usual happy motive, without the usual slight conscious smile.†5 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	4	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book It was all in strange contrast to the endless slopes of lonely sage and the wild rock environs beyond.†3 more 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
	8	top 2000
ravinedeep, narrow, steep-sided valley The car plunged into a 15-foot ravine.more Show sample from book The level ground, beyond the spruces, dropped down into a little ravine.†7 more Show general definition a deep, narrow, steep-sided gorge or valley -- especially one formed by running water
	9	top 2000
creedset of beliefs Freedom of religion allows people to follow any creed they choose without fear of persecution.more Show sample from book 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
	5	top 2000
implacableunyielding Despite his apologies, she remained implacable and refused to forgive him.more Show sample from book Tull is implacable.†4 more Show general definition unyielding -- often in remaining angry
	5	top 2000
intangibleexisting but not able to be touched Happiness is an intangible feeling that can’t be measured or weighed.more Show sample from book 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 intangible → intangibly: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
strifeviolent conflict The region suffers from violent religious strife.†more Show sample from book 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 Show sample from book The corners of wall bluntly rose, scarred and scrawled, to taper into towers and serrated peaks and pinnacled domes.3 more pinnacle → pinnacled: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
	2	top 500
austerelacking luxury (and stern) He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.more Show sample from book 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