Angela's Ashes — Vocabulary
Frank McCourt
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	24	top 2000
martyrmartyr → martyrdom:someone who dies upholding religious principles Many believe that all the Apostles were martyred except John; however, the Bible reports only on the martyrdom of James.more Show sample from book He says that, perhaps, in this class there is a future priest or a martyr for the Faith,23 more someone who suffers for the sake of principle -- especially someone killed for refusing to renounce their religion Show general definition someone who is killed or made to suffer greatly for their beliefs, often unjustly; or someone who acts as if they suffer a lot; or to make someone into such a person
	20
docketofficial schedule (of cases) The judge reviewed the court docket to see which cases were scheduled for the day.more Show sample from book The man in the middle says he's giving Mam a docket to get a week's groceries at McGrath's shop on Parnell Street.†19 more a list of things Show general definition a list of things -- especially cases to be tried in court or items to discuss in a meeting or less commonly: to add something to such a list
	19	top 2000
baptismbaptism → baptized:"spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony She was baptized at the same church as her grandmother.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. Show sample from book Not until late December did they take Male to St. Paul's Church to be baptized18 more Show general definition a Christian ceremony signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth or: a challenging experience that initiates or purifies Show editor's word notes Most churches baptize infants, but some require an adult to request baptism, and a few (such as the Quakers) require no baptism at all. Typically, water is used as part of the ceremony, such as sprinkling a little water on a baby's head; though some churches use complete submersion in water.
	12	top 1000
afflictafflict → afflicted:made to suffer The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more Show sample from book I ask Dad what afflicted means and he says, "Sickness, son, and things that don't fit."11 more afflict → afflicted:suffering; or made to suffer Show general definition to cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure
	10	top 2000
patronpatron → patrons:customers The café was filled with patrons enjoying coffee and studying for exams.more Show sample from book Angela wanted to give him a middle name, Munchin, after the patron saint of Limerick but Malachy said over his dead body.†9 more patron → patron saint:saint who supports or looks after 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
	9
ruerue → rue the day:regret You'll rue the day you betrayed me.more Show sample from book I said come down this minute for if I have to climb these stairs I'll warm your behind and you'll rue the day.†8 more rue → rue the day:feel sadness and regret (about the day something happened) Show general definition to feel sadness and regret
	8	top 2000
begrudgeresent (feel bitter about) I don't begrudge her making a profit, but this is unreasonable.more Show sample from book A man on the dole goes home after a day with the bookie or the newspaper and his wife will not begrudge him a few minutes with the ease and peace of his cigarette and his tea and time to sit in his chair and think of the world.†7 more resent; or give unwillingly Show general definition to resent (feel bitterness--usually over unfairness); or to give unwillingly
	8
dementedinsane (crazy) Some demented killer has declared open season on people in nice cars.more Show sample from book they carted him off to the City Home, where they keep old people who are helpless or demented.7 more not of sound mind (insane) Show general definition for demented (as in: demented lyrics) acting crazy or: suffering from cognitive dementia (mental deterioration)
	6
penancean act seeking forgiveness In some traditions, saying a prayer or performing a good deed can serve as penance for a sin.more Show sample from book For your penance say three Hail Marys, three Our Fathers, and say a special prayer for me.†5 more an act that shows sorrow for wrongdoing Show general definition an act that shows sorrow for wrongdoing -- such as expressing regret, asking for forgiveness, or trying to make up for the harm done
	3	top 500
scarcityshortage There is a scarcity of work in the region.more Show sample from book He tells her times are hard, jobs are scarce, and she says, Is it coddin' me you are?†2 more 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)
	3	top 1000
pioushighly religious The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.more Show sample from book The rain drove us into the church.... Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain.2 more pious → piety:religious belief Show general definition for pious (as in: a good, pious woman) religious or highly moral
	4	top 2000
dotingdemonstrating love and uncritical affection She has doting parents.more Show sample from book Women in cells at the other end tell Malachy he's gorgeous and the twins are dotes.†3 more doting → dotes:demonstrates love and uncritical affection Show general definition demonstrating love and uncritical affection Show editor's word notes Doting may also imply that the doter tends to hover around the person they love to help attend to any needs.
	5
sacrilegedisrespect of something sacred They consider it sacrilege to depict Muhammad in a drawing.more Show sample from book Malachy, fresh from the speakeasy himself, felt insulted and wanted to argue with the priest, one sacrilege on top of another.4 more an act disrespectful of something others consider sacred Show general definition disrespect of something others consider important or sacred
	3
cavortcavort → cavorted:played in a lively, unrestrained manner The puppies cavorted in the basket.more Show sample from book It has roses on it and maidens cavorting in the glen.†2 more cavort → cavorting:playing in a lively, unrestrained manner Show general definition to play in a lively, unrestrained manner -- typically with someone -- sometimes implying sexual play
	2	top 2000
spurnspurn → spurned:rejected She spurned his advances.more Show sample from book They resisted the smile and spurned the offer.†1 more spurn → spurned:rejected as not good enough Show general definition reject as not good enough
	2
resplendentbeautiful or impressive She looks resplendent in her uniform.more Show sample from book He says, "Ah, boys, boys, You can make up your own minds but first stock them. Are you listening to me? Stock your minds and you can move through the world resplendent."1 more beautiful or splendid Show general definition beautiful, magnificent, or impressive
	2
weanwean → weaned:adapt to the removal of breastmilk Worldwide, most babies are weaned much later, but in the US, fewer than 20% of babies are still nursing when they are six months old.more Show sample from book Barely weaned before you clamor for the whiskey bottle, the pint of stout.†1 more wean → weaned:adapted Show general definition to adapt to in various senses, including: "She was weaned at 3 months." -- a mammal's adaption to the removal of breastmilk (note this is the unqualified sense) "I weaned myself from cigarettes." -- adapted to the gradual removal of "I was weaned on progressive principals" -- raised on or adapted to at a very early age.
	1
beatificexpressing a calm joy She has a beatific smile that makes you feel like all is well in the world.more Show sample from book She always looks worried when I'm at the dictionary so I tell her I'm looking for canonize or beatific or any class of a religious word.† expressing or producing a calm joy Show general definition expressing or producing a calm joy -- especially from a holy source
	1	top 2000
liableheld legally responsible She was drunk and liable for the death of the other driver.more Show sample from book if anyone bothers you tell them 'tis government orders and they're not to interfere in government business and if they lay a finger on you they're liable to arrest, imprisonment and a large fine2 more legally responsible Show general definition for liable (as in: is legally liable) legally responsible
	2	top 2000
liable#2likely to She's so busy, she's liable to forget.more Show sample from book If you go late in the morning they're liable to be cranky after seeing hundreds of men women and children sick and asking for help.2 more likely (to); or maybe going (to) Show general definition for liable (as in: she is liable to) likely to; or maybe going to; or subject to