The Whole World Knows — Vocabulary
Eudora Welty
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deceive
The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more
Show sample from bookTo me ambition's always been a mystery, but now it was his try to deceive us—me and him both.† Show general definitionto lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality |
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Show sample from bookMy instinct is always quick and ardent and hungry and doesn't lose any time.† Show general definitionshowing or feeling intense emotion -- typically strong positive feelings such as enthusiasm or love |
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Show sample from bookI was reading her lips, the conscientious way people do through train windows.† Show general definitioncareful to do what is right--especially to perform duties in a thorough manner |
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Show sample from bookI looked down through the yard and the usual crowd seemed to have dwindled a little, I could not think who was out.† Show general definitionto gradually become smaller, fewer, or weaker |
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Show sample from bookShe was disarrayed.† Show general definitiona state of disorder, confusion, or untidiness |
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rampart
The invaders were unable to penetrate the outer ramparts.more
Show sample from bookHigh up on the ramparts of town some old iron bells were ringing.† Show general definitiona defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense |
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disparage
She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.more
Show sample from bookIn our room, her voice would go low and soft to complete disparagement.† Show general definitionto criticize or make seem less important -- especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner |
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deviate
She never deviated from her goal of getting a good education and becoming a teacher.†more
Show sample from bookHer hand never deviated, never shook from the noise.† Show general definition for deviate (as in: deviate from the course)differ or change |
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indelible
The trip left an indelible impression on her, shaping the way she saw the world.more
Show sample from bookIf some indelible red false-fronts joined one to the other like a little toy train went by, I didn't think of my childhood any more.† Show general definitionimpossible to remove, forget, or erase -- can refer to physical marks or lasting memories |
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stupefy
The lawyer said his client was stupefied by the accusation.more
Show sample from bookShe would get stupefied for sleep.† Show general definitionmake one unable to think; or to completely surprise |
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chameleon
The chameleon actor can transform herself into any character, no matter how different from his own personality.more
Show sample from bookA chameleon ran up a leaf, and held there panting.† Show general definitiona person who changes opinions, behavior, or appearance depending upon the circumstancesor: a kind of lizard that changes its colors to match the colors around it |
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Show sample from bookShe far from acknowledged pain—anything but sorrow and pain.† Show general definition for acknowledge (as in: acknowledge her or the truth)express recognition or appreciation of someone or something; or to admit or express something |
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