Lonesome Dove — Vocabulary
Larry McMurtry
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	23	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book The widow Spettle, however, was eager for him to take the boys, and would hear no protest from Call.†25 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	3	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book He had been in charge so long that everyone assumed all thoughts, questions, needs and wants had to be referred to him, however simple these might be.25 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	66	top 2000
reinrein → reined in:restrained The court reined in agency power--describing it as out of control.more Show sample from book Frog Lip reined in his horse and watched as both cows fell through the roof of the sod house.65 more rein → reined in:restrained or controlled (by pulling on 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.)
	21	top 500
competentsufficiently capable She is a competent student and I have no doubt she will be a competent lawyer one day.more Show sample from book The old man had been a competent Mexican bandit before he ran out of steam and crossed the river.†20 more Show general definition capable (able to do something in a generally satisfactory manner) -- sometimes specifically to have legal capability
	20	top 2000
hobbledwalked with difficulty After injuring her ankle, she hobbled between classes.more Show sample from book He had got the thorn in his thumb hobbling the horses the night before, and had been unable to get it out in the dark.†19 more hobbled → hobbling:walked with difficulty (due to injury or physical impediment); OR hindered Show general definition for hobbled (as in: she hobbled up the hill) walked with difficulty (due to injury or physical impediment) or: hindered (made the action or progress of something difficult)
	15	top 1000
speculatespeculate → speculated:thought and guessed without certainty Philosophers have speculated on the question for thousands of years.more Show sample from book She heard the boys speculate that the branding would be done in another week, which meant they were close to starting the drive.14 more guess Show general definition for speculate (as in: don't know, but I'll speculate) to think about, wonder, guess or theorize with much uncertainty
	11	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book Jasper had concluded that the best way would be to pelt him with small rocks, although such caution would only earn him the scorn of the rest of the hands.†10 more disrespect or reject as not good enough Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	14	top 2000
insolentrudely disrespectful Even though the officer remained calm, the driver continued to be insolent and uncooperative.more Show sample from book The fact that the bartender had been a little slow and insolent hadn't necessarily been a reason to break his nose.†13 more rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority Show general definition rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority
	15	top 2000
republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws The United States and each of its states are republics.more Show sample from book As the herd approached the Republican, Call's thoughts were back on the Brazos, where Jake had been allowed to go astray.14 more republic → republican:of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives … Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
	11	top 1000
ponderthink about The question the audience is left to ponder is...more Show sample from book He had known several men who blew their heads off, and he had pondered it much.†10 more ponder → pondered:thought deeply or carefully about Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
	1	top 1000
resignationa document expressing that someone is quitting a job I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.more Show sample from book It was made even more interesting a few minutes later when Bolivar walked up and handed in his resignation.5 more a document expressing that he is quitting his job Show general definition for resignation (as in: submitted her resignation) to quit -- especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
	5	top 1000
resignation#2(accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more Show sample from book And, as in the rainstorms, his misery increased to a pitch and then was gradually replaced by fatigue and resignation.5 more acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	13	top 2000
sulkto overly indulge in being unhappy and unsociable She was disappointed and retreated to her room to sulk.more Show sample from book He fried it, and Jake and Deets ate it, while Bolivar sat in the corner and sulked at the thought of two more breakfasts to wash up after.†12 more sulk → sulked:was overly unhappy and unsociable Show general definition to be overly unhappy and unsociable -- often due to disappointment or a sense of not getting what was deserved
	14
aggravateaggravate → aggravating:annoying She is the most aggravating person I know.more Show sample from book Call watched the proceedings silently, unable to decide who he was more aggravated at, Gus or Jake.14 more aggravate → aggravated:annoyed or irritated Show general definition for aggravate (as in: she aggravates me) annoy or irritate
	1
aggravate#2aggravate → aggravated:made worse The offense is aggravated by...more Show sample from book Gus always managed to aggravate whatever situation he was in with a woman.14 more make worse Show general definition for aggravate (as in: aggravated his illness) make worse
	3	top 1000
fastidiouscareful and attentive to detail She is fastidious in her work.more Show sample from book Xavier himself had a near-monopoly on fastidiousness in Lonesome Dove.2 more fastidious → fastidiousness:excessive concern with cleanliness or matters of taste Show general definition giving careful attention to detail or: excessively concerned with cleanliness or matters of taste
	2	top 500
superfluousmore than is needed, desired, or required Eliminate superfluous words.more Show sample from book Of course, real scouting skills were superfluous in a place as tame as Lonesome Dove, but Call still liked to get out at night, sniff the breeze and let the country talk.†1 more
	4
matrimonymarriage They have moved in together, joined bank accounts, and are trying to have children, but have no interest in matrimony.†more Show sample from book I'd just like to know my matrimonial prospects.†3 more matrimony → matrimonial:marriage (or related to marriage) Show general definition the state of being a married
	4
festerfester → festered:grew worse over time For over a year the memory and the desire for vengeance festered in her heart.more Show sample from book Lorena supposed the worst it could do was fester.†3 more to grow worse or more intense over time, especially when ignored… Show general definition to grow worse or more intense over time, especially when ignored; or, in the case of a wound, to become inflamed and filled with pus
	4
vengefulwanting to punish someone for causing harm Her vengeful tone during the argument showed she wasn’t interested in making peace.more Show sample from book There were other chiefs, true, and the final fights were yet to be fought, but he had never had the vengeful nature of some Rangers and had no interest in spending a decade mopping up renegades and stragglers.†3 more