The Hound of Rowan — Vocabulary
Henry H. Neff
(Auto-generated)

Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
24 top 100
focusconcentrate
I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more
Show sample from book
Max focused his attention on the bully whom he held like a rag doll.†24 more
focusfocused:concentrated
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 100
focus#2area where attention is concentrated
Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more
Show sample from book
Rolf mentioned something about "pride" and "they're only a year older," but Max's main focus was on trying to overcome his nerves.†24 more
where attention is concentrated or directed
Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
33 top 2000
mysticperson with supernatural insights
The mystic gazed into the crystal ball, seeking answers to the universe's deepest secrets.more
Show sample from book
Mystics and math were tough.32 more
mysticmystics:[studying] people said to comprehend reality using supernatural means
Show general definition a person who seeks or claims to have direct spiritual insight beyond ordinary understanding; or describing an experience that feels deeply spiritual, mysterious, or otherworldly
Show editor's word notes In common usage, mystic is more likely to be used in reference to a practitioner of a less mainstream religion than a more mainstream religion -- possibly because the former is more mysterious to the writer.
26 top 2000
tapestrytapestrytapestries:rug-like artworks -- often hung on a wall for display
The Lady and the Unicorn is the modern title given to the six tapestries that are considered to be among the greatest artworks of the Middle Ages.more
Show sample from book
Was it a pretty tapestry?25 more
rug-like artwork -- often hung on a wall for display
Show general definition for tapestry (as in: the tapestry hangs in the museum) rug-like artwork -- often hung on a wall for display
12 top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe
I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more
Show sample from book
Max was incredulous; he could not imagine anyone wanting to hunt or hurt or kill anything so graceful and giving.11 more
unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
15 top 2000
apprenticelearner on the job
After high school, Bella began work as an apprentice at a local bakery, waking up before dawn to help make bread and learn the craft.more
Show sample from book
As Apprentices, you will not yet take Devices, but during the school year you may have occasion to visit.†14 more
apprenticeapprentices:person who learns a trade or skill through hands-on experience under a skilled w…
Show general definition person who learns a trade or skill through hands-on experience under a skilled worker; or (as a verb) performance of that kind of work
6 top 10
demonstratedemonstratedemonstrated:showed
The salesperson demonstrated features of both phones so I could compare them.more
Show sample from book
When each of you completed the Standard Series of Tests for Potentials, you demonstrated a capacity for Mystics.†5 more
Show general definition for demonstrate (as in: It demonstrates my point.) to show
The exact meaning of this sense of demonstrate can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "I will demonstrate how to throw a Frisbee." -- show how to do something
  • "I will demonstrate how much quicker the new computer is than the old one." -- show how something works
  • "Her questioned demonstrated that she was listening and thinking deeply about what was said." -- showed to be true or proved
8 top 1000
solemnvery serious
He took a solemn oath.more
Show sample from book
Max nodded solemnly and shook Nigel's hand.†7 more
solemnsolemnly:with seriousness and dignity
Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
9 top 1000
beckonbeckonbeckoned:called
With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more
Show sample from book
Hearing an urgent whisper behind him, he turned to see Lucia beckoning from the doorway.†8 more
beckonbeckoning:calling -- typically 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
7 top 500
warydistrustful
She was taught to be wary of strangers.more
Show sample from book
They are wary, Director.†6 more
careful, nervous, or distrustful
Show general definition careful or nervous about something
8 top 1000
writhewrithewrithed:moved in a twisting or contorted motion
The patient writhed in pain.more
Show sample from book
Max's eyes followed the brilliant oranges and yellows that writhed about the logs.†7 more
Show general definition to move in a twisting or contorted motion -- often of a person when struggling or in pain
7 top 1000
glowerglowerglowering:staring angrily
Shake hands and stop glowering at each other.more
Show sample from book
Max glowered and flicked a crumb off the table.†6 more
glowerglowered:stared angrily
Show general definition to stare angrily
4 top 200
inevitablecertain to happen
It is as inevitable as death and taxes.more
Show sample from book
He braced himself for the inevitable blow that caught him a nanosecond later.3 more
Show general definition certain to happen (even if one tried to prevent it)
3 top 100
analyzeexamine in detail to better understand
Analyze the situation and tell me what you think we should do.more
Show sample from book
The recommendations listed below are pretty generic—they'll be more meaningful once the Course has more of your performances to analyze.†2 more
examine
Show general definition to examine and consider something in detail to better understand it
116
boonsomething that is of great benefit
The new community center is a boon to the neighborhood, offering free classes and a safe place for kids to play.more
Show sample from book
Miss Boon smiled at him; she always seemed pleased when she knew something that someone else did not.†115 more
Show general definition something that is of great benefit
18
ogrefrightening giant
In the story, the ogre lived in a dark cave and captured anyone who came near.more
Show sample from book
Yes, I know what some of you have read about ogres, but our Bob is a reformed ogre and has been with us for almost sixty years.†17 more
a frightening giant from fairy tales, especially one who eats people…
Show general definition a frightening giant from fairy tales, especially one who eats people; or a cruel or terrifying person
7
hallowedtreated as sacred
She was buried in hallowed ground.more
Show sample from book
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this year's All Hallows' Eve match between Rowan's young Apprentices!†6 more
hallowedhallows:treated as sacred or greatly respected
Show general definition treated as sacred or greatly respected
7
peruseread or examine
Please peruse this report at your leisure.more
Show sample from book
...and perusing the newspaper.6 more
peruseperusing:reading or examining
Show general definition to read or examine
5
forgerya fake (a copy meant to look like the original)
The painting is a forgery.more
Show sample from book
Two of the four paintings are actually forgeries—the Enemy has already stolen them.†4 more
forgeryforgeries:things that are represented as real even though they are fake; or the making of such fake items
Show general definition something that is represented as real even though it is a fake; or the making of such a fake item
4
elapseelapseelapsed:passed
Several hours elapsed before they heard any news.more
Show sample from book
That score is calculated from various factors: strategic approach, objectives achieved, time elapsed, and such.†3 more
elapseelapsed:of time:  to pass by
Show general definition of time:  to pass by