The Fiend And The Forge — Vocabulary
Henry H. Neff
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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focusconcentrate
I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more
Show sample from book
As before, the feat required him to focus every iota of strength and will upon the lethal point of his weapon.40 more
concentrate, or look
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
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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
This last subject was the focus of his attention, but Max was disappointed to learn that Nix and Valya's knowledge was hemmed by the Alps and the Apennines.40 more
where attention is concentrated
Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
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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
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Julie waved to her family, who were seated at a table with Mr. McDaniels, Hazel Boon, Cooper, and the Bristows.†37 more
Show general definition something that is of great benefit
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mysticperson with supernatural insights
The mystic gazed into the crystal ball, seeking answers to the universe's deepest secrets.more
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This branch of mystic study is hereby ended.37 more
relating to realities that are outside of scientific understanding and normal experience
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.
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profounddeep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence
She shared a profound way of thinking about the problem.more
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... "This is some of my great wisdom!"
But Vainamoinen merely smiled and asked his challenger to speak of more profound things.8 more
Show general definition for profound (as in: profound idea) deep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence
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profound#2intense (of great emotional depth)
Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more
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Something was profoundly wrong here,8 more
profoundprofoundly:with greatest intensity
Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
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yieldproduce (lead to)
The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more
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Massachusetts Bay yielded nothing of note; there were no indications of Boston or of any human habitation whatsoever.5 more
yieldyielded:produced
Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
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yield#2give in
The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more
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He would not yield to treachery, or, poison, or even Astaroth himself.†5 more
give in, give way, or give up
Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
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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
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He couldn't help scanning the desk, however, and his eyes came to rest on a particularly imposing tome.61 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.
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however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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Tonight, Old Tom's bell shall ring once more to open this school and remind us of our sacred duty to kindle a light—however small—on this beloved earth.61 more
regardless of how
Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
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however#3in whatever way
However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more
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With it, he can reshape the present however he chooses.61 more
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
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beckonbeckonbeckoned:called
With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more
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"Do not trouble yourself, Director," he exclaimed, beckoning her to rise.14 more
beckonbeckoning:signaling (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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ogrefrightening giant
In the story, the ogre lived in a dark cave and captured anyone who came near.more
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Max did not find the armored ogres strange, or even the wolfish vyes, whose feral eyes gleamed in the firelight.†43 more
ogreogres: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
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edictorder
The Taliban issued an edict that girls could not attend school.more
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Seven Sacred Edicts are all that your people must follow to guarantee our lord's goodwill.†20 more
edictedicts:an order -- typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decree
Show general definition an order -- typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decree
Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):

As compared to "proclamation", "order", or "legal finding", "edict" is often chosen to imply that the order is unfair.
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divulgemake known (secret information)
We interrogated her for hours, but she wouldn't divulge who helped her.more
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He divulged how David destroyed the Enemy's ships through the observatory dome and how he'd tricked Prusias by swapping Connor's soul.†6 more
divulgedivulged:made known (secret or private information)
Show general definition make known (secret of private information)
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aggrieveaggrieveaggrieved:feeling harmed from unfair treatment
He fears a lawsuit from one of the aggrieved parties.†more
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"You did not mention anything about a mark," said the man, sounding aggrieved.†3 more
aggrieveaggrieved:felt harmed by unfair treatment
Show general definition feeling harmed by unfair treatment; or (more rarely) harming someone unfairly
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contingentdependent
I was offered the job contingent upon my résumé being checked out and found accurate.more
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My assistance with Vyndra is contingent on your becoming my champion.2 more
Show general definition for contingent (as in: contingent upon) to be determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established
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contingent#2group
Each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics.more
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A contingent of demons was coming to Rowan, and yet arms were looped and poses were struck while shutters clicked.2 more
Show general definition for contingent (as in: the Canadian contingent) a sub-group united by something in common
in various senses, including:
  • a squad of soldiers sent to do a job
  • members of an association at a convention of many associations
  • all the women at a meeting with women and men
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piquepiquepiqued:excited or aroused
She piqued my curiosity.more
Show sample from book
Max asked, his interest piqued.1 more
piquepiqued:aroused
Show general definition for pique (as in: pique your interest) to excite -- especially to arouse one's interest or curiosity
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pique#2a feeling of resentment or indignation
She quit the committee in a pique over the professional slight.more
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We cannot have you revealing your identity in a fit of pique or spite.1 more
Show general definition for pique (as in: in a pique about it) a feeling of resentment or indignation; or to excite such a feeling