The Bridge of San Luis Rey — Vocabulary
Thornton Wilder
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 100
alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book Her allusions to her son were few and...5 more allude → allusions:indirect references Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
	6	top 500
diligentcareful and hardworking She's the kind of diligent worker we want to hire.more Show sample from book The result of all this diligence was an enormous book,5 more diligent → diligence:hard work and care in tasks Show general definition for diligent (as in: she is diligent) working carefully and steadily with effort and attention to detail
	4	top 100
precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more Show sample from book During the week that preceded the making of the packet she observed a strict regimen and cultivated the city assiduously for material.†3 more precede → preceded:went or was before Show general definition to go or do before
	5	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book She resolved to write a letter to the Abbess.4 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	5	top 500
cultivatedevelop or grow We encourage our representatives to cultivate a close relationship with their clients.more Show sample from book During the week that preceded the making of the packet she observed a strict regimen and cultivated the city assiduously for material.†4 more cultivate → cultivated:developed, grown, or prepared for growing crops Show general definition enhance growth or development in various senses, including: to grow crops or prepare land for them enhance a relationship -- especially for a purpose develop discernment (better recognition of differences) in taste or judgment to grow a culture in a petri dish
	5	top 1000
somberserious and cheerless Before she said anything, I knew it was bad news from her somber face.more Show sample from book Straight, somber and impersonal, he entered the actress's room and stood waiting.4 more serious--without humour or fun Show general definition for somber (as in: a somber mood) serious (without cheer or lightheartedness); or sad
	5	top 1000
resignation(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 At last she resigned all pretense.4 more resignation → resigned:gave up Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	4	top 500
anecdoteanecdote → anecdotes:short true stories Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more Show sample from book Each one poured into the conversation his store of wise sad anecdotes and his dry regret about the race of men.3 more anecdote → anecdotes:short, true stories Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
	4	top 500
deriveget She likes to win, but she doesn't derive pleasure from watching others lose.more Show sample from book Such persons are raised up in every age; they obstinately insist on transporting their grains of wheat and they derive a certain exhilaration from the sneers of the bystanders.†3 more Show general definition to get something from something else (If the context doesn't otherwise indicate where something came from, it is generally from reasoning--especially deductive reasoning.)
	4	top 1000
furtivedone in a way that attempts to avoid notice Despite her attempt to look interested, her teacher did not miss her furtive glances at the clock.more Show sample from book He knew that the crowd was furtively glancing at him,3 more furtive → furtively:while taking pains to avoid being observed Show general definition taking pains to avoid being observed or: in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
	5	top 2000
obstinatestubbornly not doing what others want She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.more Show sample from book Even then, even then, there remained in his heart an obstinate nerve insisting that at least St. Francis would not utterly have condemned him,4 more stubbornly unyielding
	5	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 There was an etiquette of propitiation which generations of peasant women had found comforting.†4 more used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of l… 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
	2	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book But new rumors that all was fury and despair on the little farm contradicted the old.†1 more contradict → contradicted:disagreed Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	7	top 1000
divinewonderful Her pies are divine.more Show sample from book But what divine Spanish he speaks and what exquisite things he says in it!8 more Show general definition for divine (as in: to forgive is divine) wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
	2	top 2000
divine#2figure out He tried to divine her true feelings from the way she avoided eye contact.more Show sample from book She would divine his attitude at once and...8 more discover (figure out) Show general definition for divine (as in: divined through intuition) to discover or guess something -- usually through intuition or reflection
	4
balladslow, emotional song that tells a story The singer ended the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.more Show sample from book I shall give him that old bent salad fork with the turquoise in it, and he will bring me a copy of the new ballad that everyone is singing about the d—q—a of Ol—v—s.†3 more a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings Show general definition a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings -- typically slow in tempo
	4
inquisitionharsh questioning What was expected to be a quick confirmation hearing turned into an inquisition.more Show sample from book She had been denounced three times before the Inquisition.3 more harsh and unfair historical religious investigations Show general definition intense or harsh questioning or investigation; more specifically, a church court (especially in Roman Catholic history) set up to find and punish heresy
	3	top 2000
congenialfriendly She has a congenial relationship with her neighbors.more Show sample from book To Esteban in the shadows the picture of Camila leaning over his brother's hand and whispering into his ear was complete evidence that a new congeniality had formed such as he would never know.†2 more congenial → congeniality:agreeableness (friendliness) Show general definition agreeable or compatible in a positive way -- often in the context of being friendly and sociable
	3
farceridiculous situation What started as a serious debate quickly turned into a farce, with people shouting over each other and making jokes.more Show sample from book They only put on the Old Comedy twice a week; all the other nights there are these new farces in prose.†2 more farce → farces:a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously… Show general definition a ridiculous, exaggerated situation too absurd to be taken seriously; or a type of comedy that relies on absurd humor, using physical slapstick, unlikely situations, and deliberate misunderstandings
	2	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book Camila had intended to be perfunctory and if possible impudent, but now she was struck for the first time with the dignity of the old woman.†1 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status