Equus — Vocabulary
Peter Shaffer
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 2000
reinrein → reined in:restrained The court reined in agency power--describing it as out of control.more Show sample from book He reins the horse round, and wheels to face the parents.5 more rein → reins:forces (the horse) in a direction by pulling on straps that are attached to the bit in its mouth Show general definition for rein (as in: to rein in their activities) to restrain or control; or a means of control The meaning of rein depends upon its context. For example: "keep a tight rein on the new employee," or "rein in a horse" -- to control or restrain "give the new employee free rein," or "give the horse full rein" -- do not restrain "the reins of government" -- means of control "the reins of the horse" -- leather straps used with a bit to control a horse (You might like to think of other senses of rein as being figurative derivations from this sense.)
	2	top 10
implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more Show sample from book Of course, I redouble my efforts to look professional—cutting and snipping for all I'm worth: mainly because I know that if ever those two assistants so much as glimpse my distress—and the implied doubt that this repetitive and smelly work is doing any social good at all—I will be the next across the stone.†1 more imply → implied:suggested (said indirectly) Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	3	top 500
agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book ALAN is very agitated.2 more agitate → agitated:stirred up emotionally (not calm) Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
	2	top 100
conventionconvention → conventional:normal It was once conventional wisdom that the earth is flat.more Show sample from book Too conventional, for him. Finding a religion in Psychiatry is really for very ordinary patients.1 more convention → conventional:normal or typical Show general definition for convention (as in: conventional behavior) something regarded as normal or typical
	3	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 Furtively ALAN enters the square from the top end,2 more furtive → furtively: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)
	3	top 500
contemplatethink deeply about After the meeting, she needed some time alone to contemplate her next move.more Show sample from book She contemplates him for a moment.†2 more contemplate → contemplates:consider or ponder Show general definition consider or ponder
	2	top 500
earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more Show sample from book DYSART [earnestly]: You'll feel nothing.†1 more earnest → earnestly:sincerely or seriously Show general definition characterized by sincere belief or: intensely or excessively serious or determined
	2	top 500
reveredeeply respect and admire Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.more Show sample from book Lost in wonder, he starts almost involuntarily to kneel on the floor in reverence—but is sharply interrupted by...1 more revere → reverence:deep respect with a mixture of wonder Show general definition regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration -- sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
	2	top 500
indulgeindulge → indulges:allows them to get their way She indulges her children more than is good for them.more Show sample from book Indulging in equitation, he called it.†1 more indulge → indulging:enjoying to excess Show general definition to give in to a desire or allow someone to enjoy or experience something -- especially something pleasurable
	4	top 2000
manelong coarse hair growing around the head It was a healthy male lion with a golden mane.more Show sample from book Now all you do is hold onto his mane.3 more long coarse hair growing on the back of the neck of a horse Show general definition long coarse hair such as that which grows around a lion's head or on the back of a horse's neck
	3	top 1000
relentlesscontinues in an extreme manner without stopping My headache is relentless.more Show sample from book Relentlessly, as this happens, three more horses appear in cones of light: not naturalistic animals like the first three, but dreadful creatures out of nightmare.2 more relentless → relentlessly:in an extreme manner that does not stop Show general definition to continue without stopping in an extreme manner -- often of something that is harsh or oppressive
	3	top 2000
patronpatron → patrons:customers The café was filled with patrons enjoying coffee and studying for exams.more Show sample from book They go out, right, through the group of PATRONS2 more Show general definition for patron (as in: a patron of the arts) a regular customer; or someone who gives money or support to an organization, cause, or person
	3	top 2000
tethertether → tethered:tied The horses were tethered to a post.more Show sample from book For a moment they seem to converge on the boy as he stands in the middle of the stable, but then they swiftly turn and take up positions as if tethered by the head, with their invisible rumps towards him, one by each bench.†2 more tether → tethered:tied so as to limit the boundaries of movement Show general definition to tie so as to limit the boundaries of movement; or the rope or other material used to do the tying
	3	top 2000
hysteriastate of excessive, uncontrolled emotion We need to get past the hysteria and decide what to do.more Show sample from book The noise dies abruptly, and all we hear is ALAN yelling in hysteria as he collapses on the ground—stabbing at his own eyes with the invisible pick.†2 more a state of excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show general definition a state of excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show editor's word notes In addition to being the adjective form of hysteria, the form hysterical can also indicate that something is exceedingly funny (leading to uncontrollable laughter)
	1	top 500
bolstersupport and strengthen She visited the troops to bolster morale.more Show sample from book Every five minutes some laughing idiot selling you something you don't want, just to bolster up the economic system.† support or strengthen Show general definition for bolster (as in: to bolster) support or strengthen
	1	top 500
proficiencyskill After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more Show sample from book Antiseptic proficiency.† Show general definition skillfulness in something
	1	top 2000
belligerenthostile or combative She spoke to her teacher in a belligerent tone and was sent to the office.more Show sample from book ALAN [belligerently, standing up]: belligerent → belligerently:with an attitude of one eager to fight Show general definition hostile (the attitude of one eager to fight); or one already engaged in a fight or war
	1
antiseptica substance used to clean wounds because it prevents infection by killing harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria I washed the wound and then used alcohol as an antiseptic.more Show sample from book Antiseptic proficiency.† a substance that prevents infection by killing harmful micro-organisms;… Show general definition a substance that prevents infection by killing harmful micro-organisms; or (as an adjective) describing something very clean and free of germs
	1
homagea show of respect They retired jersey #23 in homage to Michael Jordan.more Show sample from book I will however pay it so much homage.† respect or loyalty Show general definition a show of deep respect or admiration for someone or something -- often through a gesture, artwork, or tribute
	1
pallidabnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color) She looked weak and her face was pallid.more Show sample from book I settled for being pallid and provincial, out of my own eternal timidity.† abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color)… Show general definition abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color); or anything that lacks energy or liveliness