The Second Siege — Vocabulary
Henry H. Neff
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	270
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 "Oh dear," said Miss Boon quietly, watching the images anxiously as Rasmussen scrolled through them.†269 more Show general definition something that is of great benefit
	49	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 We need Mystics, not muscle.48 more mystic → mystics:people with skill relating to 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.
	33
talismana small object or piece of jewelry thought to have magical power The ancient talisman was said to have magical powers that could protect its wearer from harm.more Show sample from book David was just pouring himself another cup of coffee while studying a golden talisman that he dangled from a finger.†32 more Show general definition a small object or piece of jewelry thought to have magical power -- especially to protect against evil
	5	top 2000
directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected) This flower does best in direct sunlight.more Show sample from book The sun hovered directly overhead when the two reached the crest of a hill crowned with cherry blossoms.†86 more direct → directly:close, or in a straight line Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	5	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book That's a direct order!†86 more clear, straightforward, or to the point Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	77	top 100
direct#3instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book "What trickery is this?" demanded the witch in a hoarse voice, stabbing a ringed finger at the Director.†86 more direct → director:to guide, aim, or manage Show context notes The suffix "-or" often converts a verb to a noun that means "a person who." This is the pattern you see in words like actor, editor, and visitor. Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
	16	top 1000
tauttight The string is pulled taut.more Show sample from book The command was delivered with calm, taut finality.†15 more pulled or drawn tight; OR subjected to great tension Show general definition pulled or drawn tight; or: subjected to great tension
	15	top 1000
perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book It is a wondrous thing, but it is perilous and has brought ruin upon all who have sought to possess it.†14 more peril → perilous:dangerous Show general definition danger
	16	top 1000
beckonbeckon → beckoned:called With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more Show sample from book He knew in an instant that this barbed, murderous thing had been calling to him—beckoning him forward like a siren's song.†15 more beckon → beckoning: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
	15	top 2000
perimeterouter edges Don't go beyond the perimeter of the campgrounds.more Show sample from book With a snap of his fingers, there was an audible pop and Mr. Sikes disappeared, replaced by a gray mouse with a pink tail that poked its nose along the edges of David's glowing perimeter.†14 more the outer edge Show general definition the outer edge The exact meaning of perimeter can depend upon its context. For example: "Stay inside the defensive perimeter." -- the outer edges of the area that is defended "It is common on the city's perimeter." -- the outer edges of the city "What is the perimeter of the square?" -- the sum of the length of the sides of a geometric shape
	11	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book "And it took you this long to realize it?" asked Max, incredulous.10 more unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	14	top 2000
hideousextremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening The beast had hideous fangs.more Show sample from book Just then, a hideous scream sounded in the distance, sending a primal chill down Max's spine.†13 more
	9	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book "They were very humane poisons," replied Mum with an indignant sniff.†8 more angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	12	top 2000
refugeerefugee → refugees:people who fled their homeland to getaway from a dangerous or difficult situation We're asking for humanitarian aid to assist and resettle the refugees.more Show sample from book Angry mobs were gathering outside capital buildings; desperate refugees were stampeding toward the borders of the world's wealthier nations.†11 more refugee → refugees:people who fled their homeland Show general definition someone who has fled their homeland to getaway from a dangerous or difficult situation; or related to such people
	63
ogrefrightening giant In the story, the ogre lived in a dark cave and captured anyone who came near.more Show sample from book Monstrous shapes have been sighted in the woods—rumors of ogres and werewolves are rampant.†62 more ogre → ogres: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
	57
augurpredict or indicate The early snowfall did not augur well for the rest of the winter.more Show sample from book A few had indeed seen Max before; last spring he had rescued them from a terrible fate in the crypt of Marley Augur.†56 more to indicate or predict that something will happen Show general definition to indicate or predict that something will happen --especially as a sign of what’s to come; or in ancient Rome, a religious official who interpreted signs and omens to guide public decisions
	7
incantationincantation → incantations:combinations of words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud She believes in the power of magical incantations.more Show sample from book With proper stones and incantations Master Lynch does call and Mr. Sikes does answer.†6 more Show general definition words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud; or the saying of such words
	2	top 500
acquisitionobtaining (in this case, understanding of words) From the fifth grade onward, most vocabulary acquisition occurs incidentally while reading.more Show sample from book Given Rowan's professed need for its acquisition, I think our price is very reasonable.†1 more obtaining; or possession Show general definition obtaining possession of something; or the thing possessed
	4
wizenedthin and wrinkled She was a wizened old woman with gray hair.†more Show sample from book From out of Maggie's doors came the Promethean Scholars, twelve wizened Mystics clutching ancient books against their chests.3 more lean and wrinkled Show general definition thin and wrinkled -- typically from age or illness
	4
conclusivedefinite (leaving no doubt) The fingerprints are conclusive evidence that she had touched the doorknob.more Show sample from book "No, just the tall one," said Mum conclusively.†3 more conclusive → conclusively:putting an end to doubt or question Show general definition putting an end to doubt or question