Confessions of a Shopaholic — Vocabulary
Sophie Kinsella
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	10	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book My steps slow down as I approach the skip and I pause, staring intently at it as though I'm interested in the words printed on the side.10 more get near Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	1	top 500
approach#2method (way of doing something) Perhaps I just need to work harder, but I may need an entirely different approach to the problem.more Show sample from book As you can see, the Foreland Exotic Opportunities Savings Plan represents an entirely new approach to investment.10 more way of doing something Show general definition for approach (as in: use the best approach) a way of doing something; or a route that leads to a particular place
	26	top 2000
foremansupervisor She complained to the shop foreman.more Show sample from book Eric Foreman, Daily World.†25 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.
	7	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book Luckily, however, they're so bowled over that I'm making all this effort on their behalf, they don't seem to care which newspaper I'm writing for.†7 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) 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 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	1	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book However much fun it would be—it wouldn't be fair or honest to go.7 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	9	top 500
nonchalantcalm and unconcerned I could tell she was nervous, but she was trying to look nonchalant.more Show sample from book Quickly I retrace my steps and walk nonchalantly into the entrance hall, trying to look as though I come here all the time.†8 more nonchalant → nonchalantly:calmly (appearing unconcerned) Show general definition calm in manner -- appearing unconcerned
	10	top 1000
dismaydismay → dismayed:sad, disappointed, or worried Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.more Show sample from book I look at her in dismay.†9 more sadness, disappointment, or worry Show general definition to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry -- typically in response to something surprising
	8	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book Suze is gazing at me incredulously.†7 more incredulous → incredulously:with disbelief; or with difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	8	top 1000
retortquickly reply She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.more Show sample from book "Of course Becky doesn't agree with you!" retorts my dad.†7 more retort → retorts:replies quickly Show general definition for retort (as in: quick retort) a quick reply to a question or remark -- especially a witty or critical one
	8	top 2000
coincidencea situation where things happened at the same time by chance even though it was unlikely It was a pure coincidence that both got sick the same weekend.more Show sample from book I mean, the coincidence!†7 more Show general definition a situation where two things happened at the same time or in the same way by chance even though it was unlikely
	7	top 1000
curtbrief (using few words) Her response was so curt it was almost rude.more Show sample from book "Fine," says the girl curtly, and swipes the card.†6 more curt → curtly:in a manner that uses few words or is abrupt and perhaps discourteous or rude Show general definition brief to the point of rudeness
	5	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book "No it's not!" says Mum indignantly.†4 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	5	top 500
crucialvery important Doing well on the ACT is crucial to getting into the college I want to attend.more Show sample from book I mean, some of us have got crucial things we need to be doing.†4 more Show general definition very important or necessary -- often because it determines how something else will turn out
	6	top 2000
hideousextremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening The beast had hideous fangs.more Show sample from book How can normal people afford to live in such hideously expensive places?†5 more hideous → hideously:in an extremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening manner
	10	top 500
frugalmoney-saving A good salary and frugal spending habits led to a large bank account.more Show sample from book It'll become a habit to be frugal.†9 more careful not to waste Show general definition avoiding waste -- typically being careful not to spend much money
	3	top 500
materialistictoo concerned with wealth and possessions She thinks Americans are too materialistic.more Show sample from book Less materialistic, more philosophical.†2 more Show general definition overly concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
	5
preludesomething that comes before and warns of what is to come The sudden drop in temperatures was only a prelude to the massive snowstorm that hit the city the next day.more Show sample from book "All the Preludes," I say at last.†4 more prelude → preludes:something that comes before and prepares for what follows; in music, a short pie… Show general definition something that comes before and prepares for what follows; in music, a short piece that introduces a larger work or stands alone as a brief, expressive piece (often for piano) Show editor's word notes In everyday use, a prelude is an event or action that leads up to something more important, like a small disagreement being a prelude to a larger conflict. In music, the word can mean a short opening piece (for example, before an opera scene) or a short, self-contained work, often written for piano or organ, that sets a mood.
	2	top 2000
moroseunhappy She drank alone in the corner, looking morose.more Show sample from book "No, 's'OK," I say, morosely picking up the TV guide.†1 more morose → morosely:unhappily -- often with a withdrawn personality Show general definition unhappy -- often with a withdrawn personality
	2
blithecarefree and happy She spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation.more Show sample from book How can I have just blithely led my life ignoring an entire retail sector?†1 more blithe → blithely:in a carefree and happy manner -- often unaware of or ignoring something that should be of concern Show general definition carefree and happy -- often unaware of or ignoring something that should be of concern
	2
monograma design based on the initials of a name She ordered a sleek phone case with her initials in a fancy monogram.more Show sample from book Suitcases, weekend bags, monogrammed hatboxes ...With weak legs I wander into a corner and sit down on a carpeted pedestal next to a red leather vanity case.†1 more monogram → monogrammed:added as a design that is based on alphabetic letters; or the act of adding such a design to something Show general definition a design based on alphabetic letters (usually a person's initials) -- often printed on stationery or embroidered (made with sewing stiches) on clothing