The Other Wes Moore — Vocabulary
Wes Moore
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	10	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book When I returned to the States, I interned in Washington, D.C., focusing on homeland security issues.p.176.610 more focus → focusing:concentrating Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
	1	top 2000
focus#2into view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book Marriage brought the sobering realities of life into focus.p.9.510 more view (a state where something can be seen clearly) Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	5	top 100
engageengage → engaged:was involved She engaged in conduct that is a violation of the honor code.more Show sample from book I have fought battles I should not have engaged in, and walked away from causes that needed and deserved a champion.p.179.66 more engage → engaged:been involved Show general definition for engage (as in: engage in conversation) to interact in various ways -- such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract The exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example: "They engaged in debate." -- participated "She engaged him in conversation." -- involved "She is an engaging conversationalist." -- interesting "She has an engaging smile." -- attractive (attracting interest and interaction) "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." -- attracts and involves "She engages with her constituents." -- interacts in a meaningful way "She engaged in foolish behavior." -- entered into
	2	top 2000
engagedin a relationship where they promised to marry each other They were engaged for over a year before they married.more Show sample from book Despite the quick engagement, they waited two years to get married, by which time Joy was a junior and Bill a recent graduate looking for work.p.9.46 more engaged → engagement:agreement to marry Show general definition for engaged (as in: engaged and then married) promised to marry
	3	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 deeper bruise, however, Mary could do nothing about.p.72.45 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#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book If I find anything out, I will tell you, and I will cooperate however I can, but right now I don't need to be questioned like I did something wrong.p.150.65 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	11	top 500
mentorsomeone who guides and advises another who is less experienced Each new employee is matched with a mentor.more Show sample from book The man who mentored— and clothed—my grandfather followed his dreams and made history.p.42.110 more mentor → mentored:provided guidance to someone less experienced Show general definition someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced; or the act of providing such guidance
	2	top 100
assumebelieve (without knowing for sure) I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.more Show sample from book The reporter warned those watching that they should be assumed to be "armed and very dangerous."p.149.34 more assume → assumed:accepted as true (without proof) Show general definition for assume (as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof
	3	top 100
assume#2assume → assumed:took on (or adopted) She assumed the identify of her victim until the body was found.more Show sample from book "Ma, isn't it crazy that you just had a baby, and we just had a baby, and there is someone else at the table pregnant—" Tony cut himself off and assumed a surprised expression, as if he couldn't believe he'd let the news slip out.p.100.84 more assume → assumed:took on (an appearance) Show general definition for assume (as in: She assumed a false identity) to take on (adopt, wear, strike a pose or appearance of) -- often while pretending or disguising
	2	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book By establishing himself as the protagonist of his own story, he inspired me and countless other young people to see ourselves as capable of taking control of our own destinies, and to realize how each decision we make determines the course of our life stories.p.182.22 more establish → establishing:setting in place Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	1	top 100
establish#2establish → establishing:showing or demonstrating The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more Show sample from book When these townships were established, Afrikaners, or whites of Dutch ancestry, made up 9 percent of the population.p.164.92 more establish → established:created Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	5	top 2000
decisivedetermining an outcome She cast the decisive vote.more Show sample from book The book is broken up into eight chapters, corresponding to eight years that had a decisive impact on our respective lives.p.xiv.36 more Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive defeat) determining an outcome; or ending question
	2
decisive#2makes quick decisions and sticks by them She is a decisive leader.more Show sample from book Their decisive movements showed they knew exactly where to go and what they were looking for.p.147.46 more ability to make quick decisions Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive decision maker) making quick decisions and sticking by them; or describing an action as firm or without hesitation
	9
apartheidapartheid → antiapartheid:a system that unfairly treats people of a different race Apartheid was a system in South Africa that kept people of different races separate and unequal.more Show context notes The prefix "anti-" in antiapartheid means against or opposite. This is the same pattern you see in words like antiviral, antiaircraft, and antisocial. Show sample from book The Dutch Reformed Church, born in the Netherlands during the Reformation, had spread throughout Europe and around the world, and even eventually became the official religion of apartheid South Africa.†p.42.48 more Show general definition a system that unfairly treats people of a different race in laws, jobs, and politics
	1	top 500
dynamicenergetic and enthusiastic She is a dynamic speaker.more Show sample from book One Sunday, they entered Mount Horeb Church in St. James Parish and were immediately impressed by the young, dynamic pastor, Josiah Thomas.p.40.92 more Show general definition for dynamic (as in: a dynamic personality) energetic or powerful -- often inspiring others
	2	top 500
dynamicsthe interaction of all the forces influencing a system The dynamics are more complicated than most people realize.more Show sample from book But even that dynamic wasn't unique; the same thing was happening in Wes's neighborhood, where Hopkins was the driving force of change, aimed at improving the quality of life for students and faculty.p.153.82 more dynamics → dynamic:interaction of forces influencing a system
	1	top 500
contemporarybelonging to the present time It's easier to find outstanding books when selecting from those that have been in print for a long time. Were it not for that, I would prefer modern literature with its contemporary language, issues, and ideas.more Show sample from book The plaid suits with large collars, the bushy mustaches and overdue haircuts, and the thick knotted ties were all obviously stylish back when he went to Oxford but looked a little funny through contemporary eyes.p.161.91 more Show general definition for contemporary (as in: contemporary design) characteristic of or belonging to the present time
	1	top 500
contemporary#2lived at the same time Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were contemporary artists who competed for some projects.more Show sample from book As we stared at the markups on the wall, admiring the work of some of our contemporaries, Shea reached over his shoulder, pulled the backpack in front of him, and slowly unzipped it.p.80.51 more contemporary → contemporaries:people of about the same age Show general definition for contemporary (as in: they are contemporaries) living at the same time or: something occurring in the same period of time as something else
	6	top 1000
affluentwealthy The affluent neighborhood was lined with large houses, manicured lawns, and luxury cars.more Show sample from book But his face was unshaven, his clothes disheveled, his name unfamiliar, his address not in an affluent area.†p.14.95 more people who are, or the condition of being, wealthy Show general definition people who are, or the condition of being, wealthy
	6	top 1000
apathylack of interest and enthusiasm Seeing too much senior apathy, the high school began having juniors declare a major for their senior year.more Show sample from book Fear and apathy had become the new norm in what had once been a close-knit community.†p.40.25 more