The Fiend And The Forge — Vocabulary
Henry H. Neff
(Auto-generated)
| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookAs before, the feat required him to focus every iota of strength and will upon the lethal point of his weapon. 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 |
||
| 2 | top 100 | |
|
focus#2
Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more
Show sample from bookThis 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. Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...)where attention is concentrated or directed |
||
| 38 | ||
|
boon
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 bookJulie waved to her family, who were seated at a table with Mr. McDaniels, Hazel Boon, Cooper, and the Bristows.†
Show general definitionsomething that is of great benefit |
||
| 38 | top 2000 | |
|
mystic
The mystic gazed into the crystal ball, seeking answers to the universe's deepest secrets.more
Show sample from bookThis branch of mystic study is hereby ended. Show general definitiona person who seeks or claims to have direct spiritual insight beyond ordinary understanding; or describing an experience that feels deeply spiritual, mysterious, or otherworldlyShow editor's word notesIn 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. |
||
| 1 | top 1000 | |
|
profound
She shared a profound way of thinking about the problem.more
Show sample from book ... "This is some of my great wisdom!"
But Vainamoinen merely smiled and asked his challenger to speak of more profound things. Show general definition for profound (as in: profound idea)deep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence |
||
| 8 | top 500 | |
|
profound#2
Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more
Show sample from bookSomething was profoundly wrong here, Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness)of greatest intensity or emotional depth |
||
| 3 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookMassachusetts Bay yielded nothing of note; there were no indications of Boston or of any human habitation whatsoever. Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data)to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced |
||
| 3 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookHe would not yield to treachery, or, poison, or even Astaroth himself.† Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure)to give in, give way, or give up |
||
| 60 | top 100 | |
|
however
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more
Show sample from bookHe couldn't help scanning the desk, however, and his eyes came to rest on a particularly imposing tome. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...)though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)Show editor's word notesBased 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. |
||
| 1 | top 2000 | |
|
however#2
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
Show sample from bookTonight, 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. Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...)to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount) |
||
| 1 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookWith it, he can reshape the present however he chooses.
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!)in whatever way |
||
| 15 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from book"Do not trouble yourself, Director," he exclaimed, beckoning her to rise. Show general definitionto call -- typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head |
||
| 44 | ||
|
ogre
In the story, the ogre lived in a dark cave and captured anyone who came near.more
Show sample from bookMax did not find the armored ogres strange, or even the wolfish vyes, whose feral eyes gleamed in the firelight.† Show general definitiona frightening giant from fairy tales, especially one who eats people; or a cruel or terrifying person |
||
| 21 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookSeven Sacred Edicts are all that your people must follow to guarantee our lord's goodwill.† Show general definitionan order -- typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decreeShow editor's word notesSynonym 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. |
||
| 7 | ||
|
divulge
We interrogated her for hours, but she wouldn't divulge who helped her.more
Show sample from bookHe divulged how David destroyed the Enemy's ships through the observatory dome and how he'd tricked Prusias by swapping Connor's soul.† Show general definitionmake known (secret of private information) |
||
| 4 | ||
|
aggrieve
He fears a lawsuit from one of the aggrieved parties.†more
Show sample from book"You did not mention anything about a mark," said the man, sounding aggrieved.† Show general definitionfeeling harmed by unfair treatment; or (more rarely) harming someone unfairly |
||
| 1 | top 1000 | |
|
contingent
I was offered the job contingent upon my résumé being checked out and found accurate.more
Show sample from bookMy assistance with Vyndra is contingent on your becoming my champion.
Show general definition for contingent (as in: contingent upon)to be determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established |
||
| 2 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookA contingent of demons was coming to Rowan, and yet arms were looped and poses were struck while shutters clicked.
Show general definition for contingent (as in: the Canadian contingent)a sub-group united by something in common
in various senses, including:
|
||
| 1 | top 2000 | |
Show general definition for pique (as in: pique your interest)to excite -- especially to arouse one's interest or curiosity |
||
| 1 | top 2000 | |
|
pique#2
She quit the committee in a pique over the professional slight.more
Show sample from bookWe cannot have you revealing your identity in a fit of pique or spite.
Show general definition for pique (as in: in a pique about it)a feeling of resentment or indignation; or to excite such a feeling |
||