Inherit the Wind — Vocabulary
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	11	top 2000
testimonythe statement of a witness at a trial Her emotional testimony moved the jury.more Show sample from book Their testimony is basic to the defense of my client.10 more statements that serves as evidence Show general definition something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
	6	top 100
irrelevantnot relevant The sentence should be deleted because it introduces information that is irrelevant to the passage.more Show sample from book BRADY Irrelevant, immaterial, inadmissible.†5 more not relevant (not related to the subject being considered, or not important enough to want to consider) Show general definition not relevant (not related to the subject being considered, or not important enough to want to consider)
	9	top 2000
defendanta person (or institution) legally accused or sued in court The defendant is confident she will be found innocent.more Show sample from book It is important to the concept of the play that the town is visible always, looming there, as much on trial as the individual defendant.8 more person legally accused in court
	7	top 2000
testifytestify → testified:provided oral evidence in court She testified against the robber.more Show sample from book They want me to testify against Bert.6 more provide oral evidence in court Show general definition provide evidence of something -- especially to say something under oath in a court of law
	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 I am resigning my commission in the State Militia.1 more resignation → resigning:quitting Show general definition for resignation (as in: submitted her resignation) to quit -- especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
	1	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 DAVENPORT sits, resigned but nervous.1 more resignation → resigned:having accepted what is about to happen Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	6	top 2000
saunterwalk leisurely It was pleasant to saunter lazily through the park.more Show sample from book HORNBECK saunters on, chewing at an apple.5 more saunter → saunters:walks leisurely Show general definition to walk leisurely
	3	top 100
conformconform → conformist:someone who thinks and acts like others in a group Most teenagers are surprisingly conformist within their subgroup.more Show sample from book BRADY Unless the state of mind of the members of the jury conforms to the laws and patterns of society— DRUMMOND Conform!†2 more conform → conforms:complies, fits in, or is similar to what is normal Show general definition to comply, fit in, or be similar to what is normal
	2	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book In marked contrast, DRUMMOND packs away his brief in a tattered leather case1 more difference Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	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 I wish to inquire what possible relevance the testimony of a Zoo-ology professor can have in this trial.1 more relevant → relevance:importance (meaningful relation to the issue in question) Show general definition relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
	5	top 1000
contemptlack of respect Familiarity breeds contempt.more Show sample from book For he is pleading the case of the prosecution by his contempt for all that is holy.4 more disrespect Show general definition for contempt (as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust Show editor's word notes A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC) When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
	4	top 1000
brandishbrandish → brandished:waved or exhibited aggressively She brandished her cane at him.more Show sample from book (Emphatically, he brandishes the apple) The boob has been de-boobed†3 more brandish → brandishes:waves something or exhibits it aggressively Show general definition the act of waving something or exhibiting it aggressively
	4	top 2000
benignmild or favorable (kind) She predicts benign economic conditions through next year.more Show sample from book His air is that of a benign and learned mathematician about to be quizzed by a schoolboy on matters of short division.3 more kindly or harmless Show general definition kindly, mild, or harmless (In medicine, a tumor that is not life-threatening, is called benign.)
	9	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book DRUMMOND: Oh. God speaks to you. ... He tells you exactly what's right and what's wrong? BRADY: (Doggedly) Yes. DRUMMOND: And you act accordingly?9 more accord → accordingly:in keeping with what was just stated Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	1
accord#2accord → accorded:given special treatment They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more Show sample from book This man wishes to be accorded the same privilege as a sponge!9 more accord → accorded:given (special treatment) Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved) to give someone special treatment -- especially respect
	3
bigotryintolerance and prejudice It's a difficult subject due to her bigotry.more Show sample from book I'm trying to stop you bigots and ignoramuses from controlling the education of the United States!†2 more bigotry → bigots:people who are intolerant and prejudiced
	2
crescendomaximum intensity Campaigning reached a crescendo the day before the election.more Show sample from book The babble of voices crescendos.1 more crescendo → crescendos:gradually increases in intensity; or reaches maximum intensity Show general definition a gradual increase in intensity; or the time of maximum intensity -- especially in the loudness of music
	1	top 500
superfluousmore than is needed, desired, or required Eliminate superfluous words.more Show sample from book I do not feel that the dignity of the court will suffer if we remove a few superfluous outer garments. more than is needed
	1	top 1000
prolificproducing abundantly She is a prolific artist.more Show sample from book The elephant is larger, the horse is stronger and swifter, the butterfly more beautiful, the mosquito more prolific, even the simple sponge is more durable!†
	1	top 1000
suffrageright to vote Although few of the women who pioneered women's suffrage lived long enough vote, the right was finally granted to women in 1920.more Show sample from book The lady folks of this town wouldn't have the vote if it wasn't for you, fightin' to give 'em all that suffrage.† Show general definition the right to vote