Skellig — Vocabulary
David Almond
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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beckonbeckon → beckoned:called
With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more
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She grinned and beckoned me over the wall when she saw me standing there.1 more
beckon → beckoned:called (to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod)
Show general definition to call -- typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
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They're common, but nevertheless very beautiful.†
Show general definition despite that
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 was just stated, we still have idea 2.  Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
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enableenable → enables:makes possible
The test enables earlier identification of autism.more
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Over millions of years, the bird has developed an anatomy that enables it to fly.†
Show general definition to make possible
in various senses, including:
  • to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion."
  • to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page."
  • to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
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pettysmall (less important)
She handles petty crimes.more
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And to be quite honest, Mrs. Dando, the last thing Michael needs is to be troubled by petty things like football and school.
less important
Show general definition for petty (as in: a petty crime) of less importance -- at times implying insignificance
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ponderthink about
The question the audience is left to ponder is...more
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He pondered.
ponder → pondered:thought deeply or carefully
Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
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protrudestick out
Metal spikes protrude from the dog's collar.more
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She leaned over and drew a skinny black tongue protruding from Coot's mouth.
protrude → protruding:sticking out
Show general definition to stick out from
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transparentcapable of being seen through with clarity
The transparent shower door shows water spots.more
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Transparent, ghostly, hardly visible, but there they were.
easily seen through
Show general definition for transparent (as in: transparent shower door) able to be seen through with clarity
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dismaydismay → dismayed:sad, disappointed, or worried
Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.more
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The little ones spend the day
In sighing and dismay.
to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry
Show general definition to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry -- typically in response to something surprising
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obliviousunaware of
She is oblivious to the dangers.more
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I wanted to be all alone in an attic like Skellig, with just the owls and the moonlight and an oblivious heart.
unaware
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recoilrecoil → recoiled:suddenly moved back (away from)
She recoiled in horror.more
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"Gotcha," he said, and his hand recoiled like he'd fired.
recoil → recoiled:moved back suddenly
Show general definition to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively)
especially:
  • the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired
  • when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain
  • when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust
  • when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
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stiflesuppress (prevent something or decrease its development)
These excessive rules that stifle creativity.more
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I heard Mina stifle a cry.
suppress (prevent from continuing to happen)
Show general definition for stifle (as in: stifling the urge) to suppress (prevent something or decrease its development) -- often political freedom
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remnantremnant → remnants:small amounts that remains after the rest is gone
They are working to eliminate remnants of al-Qaeda in that area.more
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It was long after dusk when Mina and I went out with the remnants of 27 and 53 and a bottle of brown ale in a paper bag.
Show general definition a small amount that remains after the rest is gone -- sometimes specifically of cloth
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ascendmove upward
We saw the rocket ascend.more
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We ascended three stairways, passed three landings.
ascend → ascended:climbed
Show general definition for ascend (as in: ascend the mountain) to move or slope upward -- sometimes figuratively as when climbing the corporate ladder
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fixatefixate → fixated:preoccupied in an unhealthy or compulsive way
She was fixated on a tiny typo and missed the larger argument.more
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"Mina's fixated on birds just now," said Mrs. McKee.
fixate → fixated:compulsively preoccupied (can't stop thinking about)
Show general definition for fixate (as in: fixated on football) overly focused
2
inflexibleunbending (not willing to compromise or make concessions)
They accused her of being stubborn and inflexible.more
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"It is linked to another process," she said, "by which the mind too, becomes inflexible."1 more
not flexible (not adaptable)
Show general definition not bendable or adaptable
in various senses, including:
  • not willing to compromise or make concessions -- as when a boss says "Do it my way or you're fired."
  • not able to adjust well to different conditions -- as of a schedule that cannot be changed
  • not easily bent without physical damage or injury -- as of brittle steel or person with stiff joints
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inhibitinhibit → inhibits:slows or prevents
The drug inhibits the spread of cancer.more
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We believe that schools inhibit the natural curiosity, creativity, and intelligence of children.
keep from developing
Show general definition for inhibit (as in: inhibited the growth of...) to limit the activity of someone or something
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nettlenettle → nettles:a type of plant that has fine irritating hairs
I ran into some stinging nettles.more
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There were just nettles and thistles and weeds and half-bricks and lumps of stone.
nettle → nettles:a type of plant that often has fine irritating hairs
Show general definition for nettle (as in: beware of nettles near the river) a type of plant with stinging or irritating hairs
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tepidlukewarm (only slightly warm)
She took a sip of her tepid coffee and made a face.more
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And then we fought, my dad and I, while we crunched burnt toast and swigged tepid tea.†
only slightly warm; OR  lacking heat, enthusiasm, or intensity
Show general definition only slightly warm; or lacking heat, enthusiasm, or intensity
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vagrantvagrant → vagrants:people who lack a home, job, and money
She says the American hobo has nearly died out and that today's developed world is hard on vagrants in general.more
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Looks like you've had a vagrant spending a night or two in there.†
someone who is poor and has no regular home or job
Show general definition someone who is poor and has no regular home or job
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derelictin terrible condition and/or abandoned
The report indicated that at that time Detroit had over 70,000 derelict buildings that should be torn down.more
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We should never have come to this stinking derelict place.
in terrible condition