Fences — Vocabulary
August Wilson
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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immigrateimmigrate → immigrated:came to live (from another country)
About 1 of each 8 people in the United States immigrated from somewhere else.more
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For the immigrants of Europe, a dream dared and won true.1 more
immigrate → immigrants:people who came to live in a new country
Show general definition come to live in a new country
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establishestablish → establishing:showing or demonstrating
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
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You grown … we done established that.
establish → established:accepted as true
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
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liablelikely to
She's so busy, she's liable to forget.more
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She's liable to say anything.1 more
may (maybe going to)
Show general definition for liable (as in: she is liable to) likely to; or maybe going to; or subject to
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tauntintentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone
She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more
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Troy taunts him. He sticks out his head and offers him a target.1 more
taunt → taunts:angers or challenges
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
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reinrein → reined in:restrained
The court reined in agency power--describing it as out of control.more
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I picked up them reins and commenced to whupping on him.1 more
rein → reins:straps used to control a horse
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.)
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dubiousquestionable or unreliable
The theory is based on dubious evidence that hasn’t been verified.more
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One or two chairs of dubious value sit at one end where the kitchen window opens onto the porch.
doubtful
Show general definition doubtful, questionable, or suspicious -- especially in a way that makes something seem unreliable, improper, or uncertain

doubtful
in various senses, including:
  • questionable or doubtful that something should be relied upon -- as in "The argument relies on a dubious assumption."
  • suspicious or doubtful that something is morally proper -- as in "The company is accused of using dubious sales practices to influence minors."
  • bad or of questionable value -- as in "The state has the dubious distinction of the highest taxes."
  • uncertain or doubtful -- as in "She is dubious about making the change."
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accommodateaccommodate → accommodates:adjusts for (different needs)
She accommodates different learning styles.more
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Troy is fifty-three years old, a large man with thick, heavy hands; it is this largeness that he strives to fill out and make an accommodation with.
accommodate → accommodation:arrangement
Show general definition for accommodate (as in: moved to accommodate her) adjust something to provide for a need; or help
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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.
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He has come to borrow money from Troy, and while he knows he will be successful, he is uncertain as to what extent his lifestyle will be held up to scrutiny and ridicule.
careful examination
Show general definition careful examination of something
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scarcityshortage
There is a scarcity of work in the region.more
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Jobs are scarce.
scarcity → scarce:available less than desired
Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
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profoundintense (of great emotional depth)
Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more
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Troy is usually the most talkative and at times he can be crude and almost vulgar, though he is capable of rising to profound heights of expression.
intense (or deep and far-reaching)
Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
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eloquenteloquent → eloquence:powerful use of language
Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.more
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That they could breathe free, finally, and stand to meet life with the force of dignity and whatever eloquence the heart could call upon.
Show general definition powerful use of language
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flourishflourish → flourishing:growing or developing well
The children are flourishing.more
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Life was rich, full, and flourishing.
Show general definition for flourish (as in: the business is flourishing) to thrive (grow or develop well)
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turbulentrough (with rapid, irregular flow)
I'm afraid of such turbulent rapids.more
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The Milwaukee Braves won the World Series, and the hot winds of change that would make the sixties a turbulent, racing, dangerous, and provocative decade had not yet begun to blow full.
disorderly
Show general definition a state of disturbance and disorder

or:

of liquid or gas:  rapid and irregular flow
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ridiculemock (make fun of)
It's easier to ridicule her ideas than to seriously refute her findings.more
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He has come to borrow money from Troy, and while he knows he will be successful, he is uncertain as to what extent his lifestyle will be held up to scrutiny and ridicule.
made fun of
Show general definition mock (make fun of); or the language or behavior that does so
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emulateimitate (copy)
It wasn't just that she copied her older sister's hairstyle. She tried to emulate her in every way.more
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His commitment to their friendship of thirty-odd years is rooted in his admiration of Troy's honesty, capacity for hard work, and his strength, which bono seeks to emulate.†
imitate (copy or match)
Show general definition imitate (copy or match)
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integralessential
That was before China became an integral part of the world economy.more
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Though she doesn't drink, her presence is an integral part of the Friday night rituals.
an essential part or characteristic
Show general definition for integral (as in: integral part) an essential part or characteristic
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guilecunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceit
Her intelligence was exceeded only by her guile.more
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It nourished itself and offered each man a partnership limited only by his talent, his guile, and his willingness and capacity for hard work.
cunning (shrewdness and cleverness)
Show general definition cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceitful
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destituteextremely poor
The article is entitled Destitute and Desperate in the Land of Plenty.more
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Near the turn of the century, the destitute of Europe sprang on the city with tenacious claws and an honest and solid dream.
Show general definition extremely poor; or lacking the necessities of life such as food and shelter

The expression "destitute of" means:  lacking
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archangelangel of high rank
In the movie, John Travolta played a seemingly irreverent archangel.†more
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He carries an old trumpet tied around his waist and believes with every fiber of his being that he is the Archangel Gabriel.
an angel of high rank
Show general definition an angel of high rank
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vengefulwanting to punish someone for causing harm
Her vengeful tone during the argument showed she wasn’t interested in making peace.more
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They cleaned houses and washed clothes, they shined shoes, and in quiet desperation and vengeful pride, they stole, and lived in pursuit of their own dream.†