A Worn Path — Vocabulary
Eudora Welty
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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comprehendcomprehend → comprehends:fully understands
I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.more
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At last there came a flicker and then a flame of comprehension across her face, and she spoke.†
comprehend → comprehension:the understanding of something
Show general definition to understand something -- especially to understand it completely
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inclinesomething sloping upward (such as a hill)
It is a steep incline.more
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She inclined her head...
incline → inclined:bent
Show general definition for incline (as in: on an incline or incline his head) to be at an angle or to bend
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gravegrave → gravity:seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.more
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This made a grave and persistent noise in the still air, that seemed meditative like the chirping of a solitary little bird.
serious and solemn
Show general definition for grave (as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry
  • "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn
  • "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner
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persistentcontinuing over time
She has a persistent cough.more
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This made a grave and persistent noise in the still air, that seemed meditative like the chirping of a solitary little bird.†
continuing -- especially despite difficulties or opposition
Show general definition continuing -- especially despite difficulties or opposition
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solemnvery serious
He took a solemn oath.more
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But Phoenix only waited and stared straight ahead, her face very solemn and withdrawn into rigidity.†
very serious--possibly dignified
Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
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vigorenergy and strength
After a good night’s sleep, she woke up full of vigor and ready to tackle the day’s challenges.more
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"I walking in their sleep," she said, nodding her head vigorously.†
vigor → vigorously:in a strong or energetic manner
Show general definition strength, energy, or good health
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rouserouse → roused:awakened
A persistent knocking at the door finally roused her from her dreams.more
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Under her small black-freckled hand her cane, limber as a buggy whip, would switch at the brush as if to rouse up any hiding things.†
to awaken, make more active, or excite
Show general definition to awaken, make more active, or excite
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obstinatestubbornly not doing what others want
She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.more
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But it's an obstinate case.†
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ravinedeep, narrow, steep-sided valley
The car plunged into a 15-foot ravine.more
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In a ravine she went where a spring was silently flowing through a hollow log.†
Show general definition a deep, narrow, steep-sided gorge or valley -- especially one formed by running water
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pendulumshifting weight (of opinion)
Now the pendulum has swung the other direction and voters are demanding change.more
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She was very old and small and she walked slowly in the dark pine shadows, moving a little from side to side in her steps, with the balanced heaviness and lightness of a pendulum in a grandfather clock.†
something that swings or shifts back and forth between two positions
Show general definition something that swings or shifts back and forth between two positions -- often seen in a swinging weight or in changing opinions
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limberflexible
Yoga has helped me to become more limber.more
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Under her small black-freckled hand her cane, limber as a buggy whip, would switch at the brush as if to rouse up any hiding things.†
make flexible
Show general definition for limber (as in: the gymnast stays limber) of a person's body:  flexible (capable of moving, bending, and stretching easily)

or:

readily adaptable -- especially of someone's mind