Master Harold...and the Boys — Vocabulary
Athol Fugard
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book I oskillate (mispronounces oscillate) between hope and despair for this world as well, Sam.1 more hopelessness Show general definition for despair (as in: she felt despair) hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
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despair#2lose hope Don't despair. Next year will be better.more Show sample from book We mustn't despair.1 more give up hope Show general definition for despair (as in: do not despair) lose hope or feel distress
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vestigeremaining trace The House of Lords is a vestige of the British system of aristocracy.more Show sample from book All vestiges of the feudal system with its oppression of the poor were abolished.2 more vestige → vestiges:traces of something that was previously there Show general definition a remaining trace (little bit of something) that was previously abundant Show editor's word notes In biology, vestige (especially in the form vestigial) references a part of the body that is underdeveloped and no longer used, but which formally was an important body part. As in: Darwin believed vestigial organs are evidence of evolution.
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abolishabolish → abolishing:eliminating (doing away with) She is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.more Show sample from book All vestiges of the feudal system with its oppression of the poor were abolished.†2 more abolish → abolished:eliminated Show general definition eliminate (end, or do away with)
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adamantdetermined not to change a decision Despite her friends’ attempts to persuade her, Jane remained adamant in her decision to pursue a career in the arts.more Show sample from book (adamant) No†1 more determined not to change a decision or belief Show general definition determined not to change a decision or belief
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climaxmost exciting or important part The deathbed scene is the climax of the play.more Show sample from book And then finally, your imagination also left out the climax of the evening when the dancing is finished, the judges have stopped whispering among themselves and the Master of Ceremonies collects their score cards and goes onto the stage to announce the winners.†2 more the most exciting or important part of a story, musical piece, or other thing th… Show general definition for climax (as in: climax of the story) the most exciting or important part of a story, musical piece, or other thing that has a series of events
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appallingshockingly terrible or horrible The live in appalling conditions.more Show sample from book (appalled) You mean don't dance?1 more appalling → appalled:shocked by how terrible or horrible something is
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oppressoppress → oppresses:treats harshly and unfairly The regime oppresses its people.more Show sample from book All vestiges of the feudal system with its oppression of the poor were abolished.1 more oppress → oppression:unfair treatment Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive government) to dominate harshly and unfairly; or to make suffer The meaning of oppress depends upon its context. For example: "The authorities oppress political activists," or "The new nation oppressed Native Americans." -- to dominate harshly and unfairly "She is oppressed by excessive debt." - made to suffer
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peasantpeasant → peasants:an historical term describing people of low income, education, and social standing Most people in the Middle Ages were peasants.more Show sample from book Not many intellectuals are prepared to shovel manure with the peasants and then go home and write a "little book" called War and Peace.1 more peasant → peasants:used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: people of low income, education, and social standing -- especially those who raise crops or livestock Show general definition used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of low income, education, and social standing -- especially one who raises crops or livestock
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dauntdiscourage or intimidate It is a challenge that would daunt a lesser diplomat.more Show sample from book An intrepid social reformer will not be daunted by the magnitude of the task he has undertaken.1 more daunt → daunted:discouraged or intimidated Show general definition to discourage or intimidate
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perpetualcontinuing forever A perpetual flame burns beside the grave of John F. Kennedy.more Show sample from book The principle of perpetual disappointment. Show general definition continuing forever without change; or occurring so frequently it seems constant
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desolatevery sad I heard a low desolate wail.more Show sample from book A desolate Hally doesn't move. sad or miserable--and often lonely Show general definition for desolate (as in: felt desolate) sad or miserable--and often lonely
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ebbebb → ebbed:gradually declined The patient's strength ebbed away.more Show sample from book (his violence ebbing away into defeat as quickly as it flooded) You're right. ebb → ebbing:declining Show general definition decline -- typically gradually as with the height of the tide
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perplexperplex → perplexed:confused She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more Show sample from book (perplexed) Why? What did I say? perplex → perplexed:confused or puzzled Show general definition to confuse
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pettypetty → petty officer:non-commissioned officer She's a petty officer second class.more Show sample from book Somebody was always complaining about the food or my mother was having a fight with Micky Nash because she'd caught her with a petty officer in her room. Show general definition for petty (as in: petty officer) a non-commissioned officer Show editor's word notes Petty officer typically refers to a Navy or Coast Guard officer who is subordinate to commissioned officers and chief petty officers.
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thesistheory or proposition to be evaluated Her thesis is that efficiencies gained through competition outweigh the costs of redundancy, marketing, and profit.more Show sample from book To put my thesis in a nutshell: the war-dance has been replaced by the waltz. theory Show general definition for thesis (as in: the thesis of her editorial) a proposition (unproved statement or theory) put forward as a premise for evaluation
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edifyedify → edifies:teaches or instructs She edifies and inspires supporters everywhere she speaks.more Show sample from book You're on your bed trimming your toenails with a knife — not a very edifying sight — and as for me…. edify → edifying:instructive Show general definition to instruct -- morally or intellectually
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unobtrusiveunobtrusive → unobtrusively:fitting in so as not to attract much attention or disturb The web site has a lot of ads, but they are unobtrusively placed on the far right of the screen.more Show sample from book (SAM and WILLIE work away as unobtrusively as possible.) unobtrusive → unobtrusively:in a manner that fits in so as not to attract much attention or disturb
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tiradespeech of angry criticism She unleashed a stunning tirade that could be heard in the next room.more Show sample from book He keeps up his tirade as... But what really makes me bitter is that I allow you chaps a little freedom in here — when business is bad and what do you do with it? Show general definition a speech of angry criticism
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fiascocomplete failure Their battle plan was a fiasco. They were in retreat after five minutes.more Show sample from book Like everything else in my life, here comes another fiasco. a complete failure Show general definition a complete failure or humiliating situation