Kiss the Girls — Vocabulary
James Patterson
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	5	top 500
haughtyarrogant or condescending (acting superior or self-important) It is a story about a haughty princess who has a great fall.more Show sample from book Coty was unbearably haughty and untouchable.†4 more arrogant
	6	top 1000
relentlesscontinues in an extreme manner without stopping My headache is relentless.more Show sample from book He relentlessly searched out a great beauty—and then he took her!†5 more relentless → relentlessly:in an extreme manner that does not stop Show general definition to continue without stopping in an extreme manner -- often of something that is harsh or oppressive
	3	top 200
sinisterevil They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.more Show sample from book Looks sinister.2 more evil, harmful, or frightening Show general definition evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
	5	top 1000
arrogantwith an excessive sense of superiority She is rude and arrogant.more Show sample from book She had such a nicely arrogant, long-legged stride.†4 more having an excessive sense of superiority Show general definition having an excessive sense of superiority
	3	top 500
confideconfide → confided:placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more Show sample from book "Alex, Naomi and I really haven't been as close lately," Mary Ellen suddenly confided in me.†2 more Show general definition to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
	5	top 2000
interstatefreeway, or highway that runs between states There was an accident on the interstate.more Show context notes When a word begins with the prefix, "inter-", the prefix often means between. In this case, interstate means between different states. Interstate is often used as an abbreviation for interstate highway, a highway that runs between states. It has also come to mean freeway in a place like Hawaii where no major highway connects to another state. Show sample from book There was relatively heavy traffic on the interstate, and I was able to follow him in a safe cluster with four or five other cars.†4 more freeway, or highway that runs between states… Show context notes When a word begins with the prefix, "inter-", the prefix often means between. In this case, interstate means between different states. Interstate is often used as an abbreviation for interstate highway, a highway that runs between states. It has also come to mean freeway in a place like Hawaii where no major highway connects to another state. Show general definition for interstate (as in: interstate commerce) freeway, or highway that runs between states or: relating to the mutual relations between states -- especially of the United States Show editor's word notes Note that interstate is often contrasted with intrastate. An intrastate highway is used to move from one location in a state to another, rather than to move between states. Similarly, interstate commerce is business between states; whereas intrastate commerce affects a state without affecting other states. Under the U.S. Constitution, the interstate/intrastate distinction is important when determining when the federal government has authority to override state government.
	5	top 2000
adrenalineadrenaline → adrenaline junkie:“fight or flight” stimulating hormone She's an adrenaline junkie. She loves the rush that comes from roller coasters, skydiving, and big waves.more Show sample from book Adrenaline surged powerfully through her body.†4 more Show general definition “fight or flight” stimulating hormone secreted by the adrenal gland in response to stress (making the body feel excited and ready for action) Show editor's word notes Doctors are more likely to use the term epinephrine (possibly shortened to epi or EP). Adrenalin as a proper noun without the ending "e" is a trademark name for the same chemical.
	4	top 2000
melodramaexaggerated drama The show’s final episode was pure melodrama—sudden betrayals, secret siblings, and a wedding interrupted by a long-lost lover.more Show sample from book High-concept melodrama.†3 more a story or behavior that is overly dramatic Show general definition a story or behavior that is overly dramatic
	3	top 1000
loathehate I make New Year's resolutions every year and then loathe myself for breaking them.more Show sample from book He had seen the fear and loathing in her eyes.†2 more loathe → loathing:disgust or intense dislike Show general definition hate, detest, or intensely dislike Show editor's word notes Word Confusion: Do not confuse loathe with loath which sounds very similar or the same. Loathe is a verb while loath is an adjective describing "reluctance or unwillingness to do something." Note that loathing and loathsome are forms of the verb loathe even though both word forms lack the "e". Occasionally, you will see loath spelled as loathe even in a published book, but it is rare enough that it is generally considered an error rather than a non-standard spelling.
	3	top 1000
sereneserene → serenely:calmly and peacefully While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.more Show sample from book There was almost a full moon, and it looked serene and beautiful to Tom and Roe as they slowly paddled out into the glistening lake.†2 more calm and untroubled Show general definition calm and untroubled
	3	top 1000
rationalrational → rationally:in a reasonable manner It's hard to think rationally when I'm this upset.more Show sample from book His voice was so calm and rational.†2 more reasonable Show general definition for rational (as in: rational behavior) reasonable, able to think clearly, or based on logic rather than emotion
	2	top 200
coherentsensible and clear She presented a compelling and coherent plan.more Show sample from book The highly intelligent intern raved incoherently throughout most of the morning.†1 more coherent → incoherently:not in a sensible and clear manner; or not in a manner where parts fit together consistently or pleasingly Show context notes The prefix "in-" in incoherently means not and reverses the meaning of coherently. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure. Show general definition sensible and clear; or describing parts as fitting together in a consistent or pleasing manner
	2	top 200
enableenable → enables:makes possible The test enables earlier identification of autism.more Show sample from book In its negative form, it was based on codependency or enabling behavior.†1 more enable → enabling:making possible Show general definition to make possible in various senses, including: to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion." to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page." to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
	2	top 500
reveredeeply respect and admire Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.more Show sample from book He particularly loved Kate McTiernan's irreverence toward university and hospital life, and especially the holier-than-thou medical school.†1 more revere → irreverence:a lack of respect Show context notes The prefix "ir-" in irreverence means not and reverses the meaning of reverence. This prefix is sometimes used before words beginning with "R" as seen in words like irrational, irregular, and irresistible. Show general definition regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration -- sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
	2	top 100
analyticallogical and systematic in seeking understanding She has an analytical mind.more Show sample from book We're both obsessively analytical.†1 more relating to logical examination to improve understanding Show general definition relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it -- often implying some kind of quantitative analysis
	2
cavortcavort → cavorted:played in a lively, unrestrained manner The puppies cavorted in the basket.more Show sample from book I tried to imagine "Casanova" cavorting around in these deep dark woods before we had arrived.†1 more cavort → cavorting:playing in a lively, unrestrained manner Show general definition to play in a lively, unrestrained manner -- typically with someone -- sometimes implying sexual play
	2
dossiera collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person The detective meticulously compiled a comprehensive dossier on the suspect, detailing every aspect of his life.more Show sample from book We were in the process of compiling that all-important dossier of shared experiences now.†1 more a collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person… Show general definition a collection of papers containing detailed information about a particular person or subject -- often a person's record
	2
with a vengeancewith intensity I thought I was getting over my cold and went to work, but it came back with a vengeance.more Show sample from book It was interstate now, and every possible lead was being chased down with a vengeance.†1 more Show general definition for with a vengeance (as in: with a vengeance) with intensity
	1	top 200
validategive evidence for the truth of something To further validate their results, researchers did a larger study the following year.more Show sample from book As if to validate that we were really in Big Sur, we passed an antique van with a bumper sticker: VISUALIZE INDUSTRIAL COLLAPSE.† give evidence for the truth or value of; OR declare as legally approved Show general definition give evidence for the truth or value of; or declare as legally approved
	1	top 500
reciprocatereturn the feeling She was attracted to him, and he seemed to reciprocate.more Show sample from book I'll try to reciprocate as much as I can.† give in return Show general definition to give in return -- such as invitations, gifts, actions, or feelings