The Joy Luck Club — Vocabulary
Amy Tan
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	11	top 500
lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book But now she laments that she never did anything to stop them.10 more lament → laments:expresses regret Show general definition to express grief or regret
	12	top 1000
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 It was at this shop, working like a peasant, that I met Clifford St. Clair.11 more used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of low income, education, and social standing 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
	11	top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more Show sample from book The boat looked like a floating teahouse, with an open-air pavilion larger than the one in our courtyard.10 more a large roofed structure without walls Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
	2	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 best playground, however, was the dark alley itself.†2 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.
	1	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 She said, "I want you to think about a nickel's worth of candy money, or however much you eat each week--your Good and Plentys, your Necco wafers, your Jujubes--and compare that to what you are about to see."2 more whatever amount of Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	1	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book All I can remember is how awfully lucky I felt, and consequently how worried I was that all this undeserved good fortune would someday slip away.1 more consequence → consequently:resultantly (as a result) Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	1	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book And after breakfast everybody kept talking about things of little consequence.†1 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	5	top 500
exasperatedgreatly annoyed She was exasperated by his teasing.more Show sample from book I was mad at Harold and he was exasperated with me.4 more Show general definition greatly annoyed
	5	top 1000
immigrateimmigrate → immigrated:came to live (from another country) About 1 of each 8 people in the United States immigrated from somewhere else.more Show sample from book the fact that his parents immigrated from Tarrytown, New York, not Tientsin, China.4 more immigrate → immigrated:came to live from Show general definition come to live in a new country
	6	top 2000
vigorenergy and strength After a good night’s sleep, she woke up full of vigor and ready to tackle the day’s challenges.more Show sample from book "Cannot be helped," my mother said when I was fifteen and had vigorously denied that I had any Chinese whatsoever below my skin.†5 more vigor → vigorously:in a strong or energetic manner Show general definition strength, energy, or good health
	2	top 10
relevantimportant (related in a meaningful way) Shannon tells an interesting story, but it's not relevant to the decision we have to make.more Show sample from book Because when I want something to happen—or not happen—I begin to look at all events and all things as relevant, an opportunity to take or avoid.1 more relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question Show general definition relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
	3	top 500
adversaryopponent She is his greatest adversary.more Show sample from book Soon I no longer lost any games or Life Savers, but I lost my adversaries.†2 more adversary → adversaries:opponents Show general definition an opponent
	3	top 500
benevolentkind, generous, or charitable They called themselves The Benevolent Association because their mission was to help others.more Show sample from book "Little sister, been a long time since I play with dolls," he said, smiling benevolently.2 more benevolent → benevolently:with kindness
	4	top 1000
somberserious and cheerless Before she said anything, I knew it was bad news from her somber face.more Show sample from book to sit and wait for our own deaths with proper somber faces3 more serious--without humour or fun Show general definition for somber (as in: a somber mood) serious (without cheer or lightheartedness); or sad
	6
opiuma powerful narcotic Today, other drugs have replaced opium for most medical uses.more Show sample from book And each time she returned, she remained in her bedroom, sitting all day like a Buddha, smoking her opium, talking softly to herself.†5 more Show general definition a powerful drug made from a type of poppy; relieves pain and aids sleep, but highly addictive and dangerous when abused recreationally
	5
dowrymoney or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage She was given her inheritance in the form of a dowry.more Show sample from book I listened to him with my nose held high, sniffing the stink of his words when he told me my father would not likely give the dowry he required.4 more Show general definition in some societies, money or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage or less formally: money or property a bride brings to a marriage
	2	top 500
disparagedisparage → disparaging:criticizing or making seem less important She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.more Show sample from book As is the Chinese cook's custom, my mother always made disparaging remarks about her own cooking.1 more disparage → disparaging:critical or belittling Show general definition to criticize or make seem less important -- especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner
	3
evictioneviction → evicted:forced someone to leave their home The owner evicted the tenants because they didn't pay their rent.more Show sample from book Two years ago, she had tried to evict them on the pretext that relatives from China were coming to live there.†2 more eviction → evict:force someone to leave Show general definition the process of forcing someone to leave a place -- typically from a home due to non-payment
	3
malignantharmful or evil The malignant influence of the corrupt politician spread throughout the city, damaging trust and services.more Show sample from book THE TWENTY-SIX MALIGNANT GATES.†2 more harmful or evil; OR in medicine: harmful growth as with a cancerous tumor Show general definition harmful or evil in medicine: harmful growth as with a cancerous tumor
	2	top 1000
posterityfuture generations We must secure the benefits of freedom for ourselves and our posterity.more Show sample from book What if they tell me this curving line branching into three oval shapes is a pomegranate and that my mother was wishing me fertility and posterity?†1 more all future generations Show general definition all future generations