Sweet Far Thing — Vocabulary
Libba Bray
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	22	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Several of them approach Gorgon shyly.†22 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 What is our best approach?†22 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
	41	top 2000
allianceassociation formed to support common interests The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.more Show sample from book I promised to join hands with my friends, with Kartik, and with the tribes of the realms to make an alliance, with a share of magic for all.†40 more Show general definition an association formed to support common interests
	32
debutdebut → debuts:introduces (or presents for the first time) The band debuts a new song or two every month.†more Show sample from book Come May, when Felicity and I make our debuts, Ann will go to work for them as governess to their two children.†31 more debut → debuts:a first presentation Show general definition a first presentation in various senses, including: the first performance of a new play the introduction of a new product the introduction of a young woman to society at a social event held in her honor (a debutante ball) Show editor's word notes In the United States a small percentage of young woman are debuted at a debutante ball. The custom is most common in the South. In the Hispanic culture, a similar custom is called Quinceañera. There are many varying debutante customs around the world.
	25	top 2000
hideousextremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening The beast had hideous fangs.more Show sample from book I am hideously jealous.†24 more hideous → hideously:in an extremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening manner
	14	top 2000
chidechide → chides:corrects or criticizes She constantly chides me for my grammar.more Show sample from book "Really, you are brooding, Gemma, and have been all afternoon," Felicity chides as we walk the well-worn path to the chapel for evening prayers.†13 more chide → chides:scolds or criticizes Show general definition to tell someone they have done wrong -- sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
	10	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book At first, I thought my eyes deceived me, for he disappeared in the crowd, but happily, I found him again.†9 more deceive → deceived:lied or misled Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	11	top 1000
tauntintentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more Show sample from book The whole ghastly night rises in me like a battered dog who'll take no more taunting.†10 more taunt → taunting:intentionally angering, challenging, or upsetting Show general definition to intentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone -- especially by mocking them or hurling insults or (as a noun): an insult or other action intended to anger, challenge, or upset someone
	10	top 1000
appallingshockingly terrible or horrible The live in appalling conditions.more Show sample from book You will know what true power is and tremble.... What appalling little beasts.†9 more Show general definition shockingly terrible or horrible
	11	top 2000
conjuresummon into action or bring into existence She fears his black magic will conjure up evil spirits.more Show sample from book I cannot conjure her memory.†10 more Show general definition summon into action or bring into existence -- often as if by magic
	6	top 200
ornatehaving lots of decorative detail The hotel is decorated with ornate furniture, lots of carved designs, and gold leaf gilding.more Show sample from book Without a word, Ann follows me to the great hall, past the roaring fires and the ornately carved columns, the girls playing whist.†5 more ornate → ornately:with much decorative detail Show general definition highly decorative or elaborate in style — whether in appearance (with lots of detail) or in language that sounds flowery and overly complicated
	29
centaura mythical being that is half man and half horse Firenze is the name of a centaur character in the Harry Potter stories.more Show sample from book Several magnificent centaurs step out from behind the lush ferns.†28 more centaur → centaurs:mythical beings that are half man and half horse
	9	top 2000
tapestrytapestry → tapestries:rug-like artworks -- often hung on a wall for display The Lady and the Unicorn is the modern title given to the six tapestries that are considered to be among the greatest artworks of the Middle Ages.more Show sample from book Felicity checks behind the other tapestries in the room on the chance it's all a game of hide-and-seek.9 more Show general definition for tapestry (as in: the tapestry hangs in the museum) rug-like artwork -- often hung on a wall for display
	1
tapestry#2something consisting of many interconnected, non-mechanical parts When I look at the tapestry of my life, I feel like a guardian angel was helping to weave the right threads together.more Show sample from book I know she is covered in fresh welts that will soon blend into the tapestry of old scars woven into her flesh.9 more Show general definition for tapestry (as in: the tapestry of my life) something consisting of many interconnected, non-mechanical parts
	2	top 500
preservepreserve → preserving:protecting or keeping something from changing They are preserving the elephant habitat.more Show sample from book The fish course…the bones, pushed to the side of the plate…buttermilk, by the by, preserves the softness of a lady's hands…3 more preserve → preserves:protects Show general definition for preserve (as in: preserve the records) to protect something or to keep it as it is
	2	top 500
preserveschunks of fruit cooked with sugar so they will not spoil My grandmother made preserves.more Show sample from book "Mother Elena has been here as long as I have," our headmistress says, packing a jar of plum preserves neatly into the basket.3 more fruit cooked with sugar (like jam) Show general definition for preserves (as in: mom made preserves) chunks of fruit cooked with sugar (like jam) and sealed (usually in a mason jar) so it will not spoil
	2	top 500
intrigueintrigue → intrigued:interested, curious, or fascinated She was intrigued by his surprising comment.more Show sample from book The other man is intrigued.2 more intrigue → intrigued:interested Show general definition for intrigue (as in: she was intrigued) cause to be interested, curious, or fascinated
	1	top 2000
intrigue#2secret schemes or plots I try to avoid political intrigue.more Show sample from book For your stories may surpass his in intrigue and dastardly deeds!2 more Show general definition for intrigue (as in: involved in intrigue) a secret scheme or plot
	4	top 2000
edifyedify → edifies:teaches or instructs She edifies and inspires supporters everywhere she speaks.more Show sample from book But it is hardly edifying.3 more edify → edifying:instructive Show general definition to instruct -- morally or intellectually
	3	top 1000
sumptuousmagnificent The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, with an array of delicious dishes and desserts.more Show sample from book It is as I remember it: sumptuous pallets sit on a floor made of golden straw.†2 more magnificent (impressively wonderful) -- often indicating something expensive Show general definition magnificent (impressively wonderful) -- often indicating something expensive