A Living Nightmare — Vocabulary
Darren Shan
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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musemuse → mused:reflected (thought) deeply
He mused aloud about the afternoon's developments.more
Show sample from book
“Perhaps,” Mr. Crepsley mused, tugging at his chin and stroking his scar.2 more
muse → mused:thought (reflected deeply on a subject)
Show general definition for muse (as in: her musings) reflect (think) deeply on a subject -- perhaps aloud
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contradictdisagree with
Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more
Show sample from book
"I didn't say that," he contradicted me.†
contradict → contradicted:disagreed
Show general definition disagree
in various senses, including:
  • to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony."
  • to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened."
  • to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
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genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely
I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more
Show sample from book
"I have to throw you hard enough to make it look genuine," he said.†
real
Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
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hypnotizehypnotize → hypnotized:put into a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility (a state of hypnosis)
I want to be hypnotized and given the suggestion that I don't like to snack on fattening foods.more
Show sample from book
walked the hypnotized wolf-man through the theater1 more
hypnotize → hypnotized:in a trance-like state of heightened suggestibility
Show general definition for hypnotize (as in: hypnotized to try to remember) to put someone into a state of hypnosis (a trance-like state of focused concentration and heightened suggestibility)
Show editor's word notes Hypnosis is a special, trance-like state of focused attention. A hypnotized person is often very relaxed and more willing than usual to accept and act on the hypnotist’s suggestions. Despite popular myths, hypnotized people don't lose control and won't do things against their core values.
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despisedespise → despises:dislikes strongly and looks down upon
She despises the people he works for.more
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He was feared and despised everywhere he went.†1 more
despise → despised:disliked strongly and looked down upon
Show general definition to dislike strongly and to look down upon with disrespect
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sinisterevil
They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.more
Show sample from book
I sighed, beating him to the punch, and his dark, sinister smile told me I was right.
evil, harmful, or frightening
Show general definition evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
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optimisticexpecting the best
I'm optimistic that I'll get into a good college.more
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"They sounded optimistic," she said.†
expecting the best; OR  focusing on the good part of things
Show general definition expecting the best; or focusing on the good part of things
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mentorsomeone who guides and advises another who is less experienced
Each new employee is matched with a mentor.more
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You and your mentor.†
someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced…
Show general definition someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced; or the act of providing such guidance
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thereforefor that reason
Kim is taller than Ashley. Ashley is taller than Anna. Therefore, Kim is taller than Anna.more
Show sample from book
Back then I could tell myself that he didn't know who I was and therefore couldn't find me.†
Show general definition for that reason (what follows is so because of what was just said)
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adoptadopt → adopted:took on as its own
The country adopted the metric system.more
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They said they still had Annie and could maybe have another child or adopt one.†
take on as one's own
Show general definition to take on as one's own
The exact meaning of adopt depends upon its context. For example:
  • "adopt a child" -- to legally take on parental responsibilities for another person's child
  • "adopt a plan" -- to accept or begin to use something
  • "adopt a pet" -- to take in a pet -- especially one from an animal shelter
  • "Congress adopted the resolution." -- had a formal vote and passed
  • "adopted a confident attitude" -- took on or displayed
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scarcityshortage
There is a scarcity of work in the region.more
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You will find food for me if it is scarce.†
scarcity → scarce:in short supply  OR  barely or hardly (by a small margin)
Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
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heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to
Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more
Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness.
Show sample from book
"But heed this, Darren Shan," he said.†
pay close attention to; or do what is suggested
Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
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bewilderconfuse
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more
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I asked, bewildered.†
bewilder → bewildered:confused
Show general definition to confuse someone
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sheercomplete
She had a look of sheer joy.more
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...by sheer bad luck, she happened to barge in.
pure -- without other reasons
Show general definition for sheer (as in: sheer fun) complete or pure -- without restriction,  qualification, or other elements (used for emphasis)
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telepathycommunication from one mind to another without using the known senses
My dog is so good at knowing what I'm thinking, you'd think she had canine telepathy.more
Show sample from book
But none of the books mentioned performing spiders, or ones with telepathic powers.†4 more
Show general definition communication from one mind to another without using the known senses (often used in fiction but not scientifically supported as real)
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antidotecure
The doctor gave her an antidote to counteract the snake venom.more
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If he does not get the antidote before tomorrow morning, the serum will not work.†2 more
Show general definition a cure for something bad -- especially for poison
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immerseimmerse → immersed:completely involved
The artist immersed herself in her work, losing track of time as she experimented with new techniques.more
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I was so immersed, I forgot about...1 more
Show general definition for immerse (as in: immersed in her book) to get very interested or completely involved
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venueevent location
It's a perfect venue for a wedding reception.more
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The venue was an old theater that used to show movies.†1 more
Show general definition event location -- especially a performance, meeting, or gathering

or:

law:  the jurisdiction where a trial will be held
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albeitalthough (used to introduce a phrase that reduces or modifies the effect of what preceded it)
She is just a person, albeit a very powerful person.more
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This was the closest to him I'd been and I expected to spot all sorts of details — red teeth, long ears, narrow eyes — but he looked like a normal human, albeit a tremendously ugly one.†
Show general definition although (used to introduce a phrase that reduces or modifies the effect of what preceded it)
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themeprimary melody
I smile every time I hear The Simpson's theme music.more
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the theme tunes from a few popular TV shows
Show general definition for theme (as in: musical theme) the initial or primary melody of a musical composition

or

(as in "theme song") music that is most repeated in a film, television series, or other theatrical production