Along for the Ride — Vocabulary
Sarah Dessen
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	1	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book I'd long ago resolved to be cordial but not overly so, lest I be sucked into some conversation about what celebrity was in rehab or strap versus strapless dresses.4 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	4	top 500
resolve#2resolve → resolved:settled or solved Three of the five issues have already been resolved.more Show sample from book When he saw Heidi, and she looked back at him, I knew instantly their argument from the night before had not been resolved.4 more resolve → resolved:settled Show general definition for resolve (as in: How was the problem resolved?) to solve a problem, settle a disagreement, or for a situation to change
	10	top 2000
immerseimmerse → immersed:completely involved The artist immersed herself in her work, losing track of time as she experimented with new techniques.more Show sample from book I was so immersed, in fact, that at first I didn't even hear the music coming from the store behind me.9 more Show general definition for immerse (as in: immersed in her book) to get very interested or completely involved
	1
conventionlarge conference or meeting She is at the convention in Las Vegas.more Show sample from book He was telling me he met some Norwegians who were on their way to a convention in Amsterdam.1 more Show general definition for convention (as in: teacher's convention) a large conference or meeting
	1	top 100
convention#2convention → conventional:normal It was once conventional wisdom that the earth is flat.more Show sample from book Hollis was still bucking convention and his own history.1 more normal behavior Show general definition for convention (as in: conventional behavior) something regarded as normal or typical
	8	top 2000
tingedtinged → tinge:slight amount I could hear a tinge of regret in his voice.more Show sample from book That way, at least all of high school wouldn't be, you know, tinged with his memory.†7 more with a slight amount (often of color) Show general definition with a slight amount (If an amount of what is not clear from context, it is typically of color.)
	6	top 1000
stiflesuppress (prevent something or decrease its development) These excessive rules that stifle creativity.more Show sample from book I stifled a yawn, then looked at my watch.5 more stifle → stifled:suppressed (prevented something from happening) Show general definition for stifle (as in: stifling the urge) to suppress (prevent something or decrease its development) -- often political freedom
	3	top 100
contextcontext → out of context:in a misleading manner (because the quote left out additional words that changed the meaning of what was quoted) She said she was quoted out of context and that anyone who read her full speech would know it.more Show context notes When someone is quoted "out of context" it means that selected words were quoted that misrepresent the meaning of all their words. For example, if you said "I admire their effort, but they are dead wrong if they think this will work," and someone implied that you supported their plan by quoting you as only saying, "I admire their effort," they would be quoting you out of context. Show sample from book I'm just making the point that the context doesn't have to be exclusive.†2 more the setting or situation in which something occurs Show general definition the setting or situation in which something occurs
	2	top 100
reviseimprove (change) How can you revise that paragraph to improve the expression of ideas?more Show sample from book "Sounds more like writing than revising," she observed, picking up the menu and scanning it before setting it aside.†1 more revise → revising:changing Show general definition to change (and hopefully improve) -- most frequently to improve a written document, but it can be any intentional change such as a change in an estimated amount, a plan, or a series of procedures
	3	top 500
nostalgianostalgia → nostalgic:with a longing for something past The music makes me feel nostalgic.more Show sample from book But years from now, when you're feeling nostalgic about this summer and yet can't really reminisce because of a lack of documentation, don't blame me.2 more Show general definition happiness that come with the memory of good times combined with a hint of sadness that those times are over
	2	top 500
gendermale/female/trans Gender roles were more defined when my grandmother was growing up.more Show sample from book An environment totally ruled by gender stereotypes and expectations, as pathetic as those who chose to inhabit it.†1 more male, female, or any of many trans categories Show general definition for gender (as in: gender discrimination) male or female or (especially regarding self-identification): the state of being male, female, or in any of many trans categories Show editor's word notes While the word sex can almost always be substituted for this meaning of gender, gender is typically used in reference to cultural or social differences, while sex is typically used for biological differences.
	2	top 500
economicsthe study of how limited resources are allocated in an attempt to satisfy unlimited wants I don't know much about economics, but I know her plan doesn't make sense.more Show sample from book I figured it would be a good way to experience some real-time economics while at the same time studying the larger trends.†1 more the study of how limited resources are allocated in an attempt to satisfy unlimi…
	2	top 500
condescendingacting superior She gave me that condescending look as though I wasn't worthy to ask her a question.more Show sample from book "Okay," I said, picking some gravel off my elbow, "now you're really being condescending."1 more treating others as inferior Show general definition treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
	2	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book Vaguely, I heard him saying something about understanding and obligation, commitment and future endeavors, all the buzzwords and concepts I did understand, and knew so well.†1 more endeavor → endeavors:attempts; or things attempted Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	3	top 1000
incrementincrement → increments:increases Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.more Show sample from book After another incremental budge, I watched as Eli put his hand on the back of the bike, nudging it forward just slightly.†2 more increment → incremental:relating to a small increase at a time Show general definition one of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase -- especially in small, consistent amounts
	3
dissertationlengthy academic paper She wrote her dissertation on T.S. Eliot.more Show sample from book At the time, he'd just found a publisher for his first novel, The Narwhal Horn, while my mom was pregnant with my brother and trying to finish her dissertation.†2 more a lengthy academic paper Show general definition a lengthy academic paper -- especially a scholarly work required for an advanced academic degree
	2
nocturnalactive during the night The mice are nocturnal, so we never see them, but we see their droppings.more Show sample from book Mom doesn't exactly know about my nocturnal habits.1 more nighttime Show general definition active during the night; or relating to night
	2
protractedlong She took part in the protracted negotiations.more Show sample from book She gave up on me as a source of conversation, instead ordering another glass of wine before launching into a long, protracted story about some curriculum dispute that was apparently draining all her time and energy.†1 more long in duration; OR to extend something--especially to Show general definition long in duration; or to extend something--especially to (prolong or make longer in duration)
	1	top 500
copiousa lot of She took copious notes.†more Show sample from book It was like being in a carnival fun house, but with a copious amount of hair gel. abundant (a lot) Show general definition abundant (large in quantity or number)
	1	top 500
cumbersomedifficult to handle Can you help me move this box? It's not heavy, but it is cumbersome.more Show sample from book I had a flash of her face the day we'd been discussing names, how she'd rushed to compliment my own cumbersome middle name, just because she assumed it would make me feel better.† difficult to handle or awkward Show general definition difficult to handle or awkward