Call It Sleep — Vocabulary
Henry Roth
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	16	top 1000
ominousthreatening I'm beginning to hear ominous rumblings of discontent.more Show sample from book He shook his finger at David ominously.†15 more ominous → ominously:threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come) Show general definition threatening (suggestive of, or foreshadowing bad things to come)
	14	top 1000
vehementforceful or intense She was vehement in her defense of her friend, insisting that he was innocent.more Show sample from book She lifted the coal scuttle, shook some coal vehemently into the stove.†13 more vehement → vehemently:marked by extreme intensity -- especially emotion such as anger Show general definition marked by extreme intensity -- especially emotion such as anger
	12	top 500
scrutinyscrutiny → scrutinized:looked very carefully at She scrutinized her reflection in the mirror.more Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show sample from book The eyes of both were fastened on him, regarding him with a curious and amused scrutiny of men beholding for the first time some astonishing freak.†11 more careful look or inspection Show general definition careful examination of something
	16	top 1000
writhewrithe → writhed:moved in a twisting or contorted motion The patient writhed in pain.more Show sample from book With writhing lips, he reached his left hand behind his back, fumbled in the right rear pocket and drew out his black leather pocket-book.†15 more writhe → writhing:moving in a twisting or contorted motion Show general definition to move in a twisting or contorted motion -- often of a person when struggling or in pain
	13	top 1000
furtivedone in a way that attempts to avoid notice Despite her attempt to look interested, her teacher did not miss her furtive glances at the clock.more Show sample from book There was no silence here, but if he dared to listen, he could hear tappings and creakings, patterings and whispers, all furtive, all malign.†12 more taking pains to avoid being observed; OR in a manner indicating nervousness Show general definition taking pains to avoid being observed or: in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
	14	top 1000
tauttight The string is pulled taut.more Show sample from book Then his features grew taut when his eyes fixed on Yussie.†13 more pulled or drawn tight; OR subjected to great tension Show general definition pulled or drawn tight; or: subjected to great tension
	14	top 1000
peasantpeasant → peasants:an historical term describing people of low income, education, and social standing Most people in the Middle Ages were peasants.more Show sample from book It's for peasants," to make his father laugh, to make his father answer, "/ think I do.†13 more peasant → peasants:used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: people of low income, education, and social standing -- especially those who raise crops or livestock Show general definition used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of low income, education, and social standing -- especially one who raises crops or livestock
	11	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book He stared at her incredulously.†10 more incredulous → incredulously:with disbelief; or with difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	9	top 500
engrossedwith all attention focused She was so engrossed in her conversation; she didn't realize the bell had rung.more Show sample from book He glanced at David, reached for the newspaper on the table, became engrossed.†8 more Show general definition for engrossed (as in: engrossed in the book) with all attention focused
	8	top 200
apprehensiveworried She is apprehensive about her new job.more Show sample from book He looked up apprehensively at his father.†7 more apprehensive → apprehensively:worried over possible misfortune Show general definition worried over possible misfortune
	11	top 2000
brusqueabrupt (not taking the time to be friendly) She is known for her brusque manner and brief meetings.more Show sample from book His head jerked brusquely toward the child.†10 more brusque → brusquely:abruptly (suddenly and quickly -- without taking the time to be friendly) Show general definition abrupt (sudden and quick -- without taking the time to be friendly)
	11	top 1000
curtbrief (using few words) Her response was so curt it was almost rude.more Show sample from book "Well then let me explain," he said curtly.†10 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
	11	top 1000
wrathextreme anger She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.more Show sample from book The harsh voice, the wrathful glare, the hand flung toward the child frightened him.†10 more wrath → wrathful:full of extreme anger Show general definition extreme anger or angry punishment
	10	top 1000
dismaydismay → dismayed:sad, disappointed, or worried Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.more Show sample from book You don't seem dismayed-you don't seem downcast enough!†9 more dismay → dismayed:to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry Show general definition to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry -- typically in response to something surprising
	7
cullselect for elimination They cull the deer twice a year to assure their numbers can be sustained.more Show sample from book He culled them, sorted out what he would think when he got up there-he would allow them to blossom once he had climbed up the stairs.†6 more cull → culled:to select from among many Show general definition to select from among many -- sometimes what is desired; sometimes to eliminate that which is not wanted
	5
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more Show sample from book Beguiled by the mildness of noon, he had left the house wearing only his thin blue jersey.†4 more beguile → beguiled:deceived through charm or enchantment Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm
	5
inertunmoving The snake had recently eaten and lay inert in the grass.more Show sample from book At bed-time, his mind seemed strangely calm, reposed without being resolved, inert after long discord.†4 more unmoving, inactive, or unable to move; OR slow, lethargic, or without interest… Show general definition unmoving, inactive, or unable to move or: slow, lethargic, or without interest or (in chemistry/medicine): chemically inactive (not having an effect)
	5
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book "Perhaps he had better not eat," interposed his mother.†4 more interpose → interposed:to insert between other elements; OR to interrupt or stop action by others Show general definition to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
	5
peevisheasily annoyed The peevish child refused to eat his vegetables and threw a tantrum at the dinner table.more Show sample from book Aunt Bertha continued peevishly.†4 more peevish → peevishly:annoyed or easily annoyed -- especially by unimportant things Show general definition annoyed or easily annoyed -- especially by unimportant things
	4	top 2000
diffidenthesitant and unassertive She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.more Show sample from book "Yea," diffidently.†3 more diffident → diffidently:with hesitancy and unassertiveness Show general definition hesitant and unassertive -- often due to a lack of self-confidence