The Battle of the Labyrinth — Vocabulary
Rick Riordan
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	97	top 2000
labyrinthcomplex system of paths Because London evolved to include many different villages, its roads are a labyrinth of twists and turns.more Show sample from book The Labyrinth is right under the surface of the mortal world, kind of like a second skin.96 more a complex system of paths or tunnels Show general definition a maze (a complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost) or (figuratively): anything so complicated that it is extremely confusing Show editor's word notes The word "labyrinth" comes from the name of the maze of passages where, in Greek mythology, Theseus had to escape from the Minotaur.
	71	top 2000
bronzea brownish metal that is made of copper and (usually) tin The sculpture of a bull on Wall Street is made of bronze.more Show sample from book Underneath, bronze gears whirred.70 more made of a brownish metal Show general definition for bronze (as in: bronze won't corrode in salt water) a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin Show editor's word notes Bronze metals in the Olympics and many other contests are awarded for third place. With the discovery of bronze (about 3,000 BC), people could make tools and weapons that were harder and more durable than those made of copper and stone that preceded bronze.
	52	top 2000
mortalhuman Don't expect perfection of a mere mortal.more Show sample from book I had to stop her from hurting the mortals.51 more mortal → mortals:humans (especially merely humans) Show general definition for mortal (as in: mortal body) human (especially merely human); or subject to death
	6	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book He blinked at all of us, like he was trying to remember who we were, and then he focused on someone behind me.6 more focus → focused:looked 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 2000
focus#2into view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book The two-faced man regarded Annabeth as best he could out of the corners of his eyes. It was impossible to look at him straight on without focusing on one side or the other.6 more focus → focusing:adjusting vision (to see something clearly) Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	21	top 2000
prophecyprediction of the future The prophecy came true.more Show sample from book Not all of us are the subject of terrible prophecies?†20 more prophecy → prophecies:predictions of the future Show general definition a prediction of the future (usually said to be obtained in a supernatural way)
	8	top 1000
cleavesplit Large molecules cleave at their weakest points and produce smaller fragments.more Show sample from book He stabbed his black blade into the floor, and it cleaved through the stone like butter.7 more cleave → cleaved:splitting or cutting through Show general definition for cleave (as in: cleave through) to split or cut through something Show editor's word notes Ironically, this word can mean to split in two or to hold together. Note that you may see cleaved, cleft, clove, or cloven as the past tense of this sense of cleave.
	8	top 2000
daisraised platform She was seated on the inaugural dais near the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.more Show sample from book She stood on a glittery dais on the opposite side of the room.†7 more Show general definition a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to people on it
	8	top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more Show sample from book As we galloped past the cabins, I glanced at the dining hall-an open-air Greek pavilion on a hill overlooking the sea.†7 more a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
	7
parryparry → parried:blocked or deflected an attack The fencer quickly parried her opponent’s strike and countered with her own.more Show sample from book We exchanged thrusts and parries, getting a feel for each other's fighting style.6 more parry → parries:deflections of sword thrusts Show general definition to block or deflect an attack; or to avoid answering something by responding cleverly or indirectly
	4	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 He straightened up indignantly and yelled "HEY!"3 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	6	top 2000
exileeviction from one's home country She fled Tibet and is living in exile in India.more Show sample from book Assuming he comes back alive, they will force him into a shameful exile.†5 more to force someone to live outside of their homeland… Show general definition to force someone to live outside of their homeland; or living in such a condition or more rarely: voluntary absence from a place someone would rather be
	4	top 500
empathythe understanding and sharing of others' feelings She lacks empathy and is very selfish.more Show sample from book Grover and I could sort of read each other's emotions because of this empathy link Grover had made between us.3 more the ability or tendency to understand or share in others' feelings Show general definition the ability, tendency, or act of understanding and sharing another's emotional state
	3	top 500
agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book The other spirits stirred in agitation.†2 more agitate → agitation:the act of stirring up (emotionally or physically); or a state of emotional unrest Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
	13
centaura mythical being that is half man and half horse Firenze is the name of a centaur character in the Harry Potter stories.more Show sample from book He had a quiver and bow slung over his #I CENTAUR T-shirt.†12 more Show general definition a mythical being that is half man and half horse
	2	top 1000
usurpusurp → usurping:taking without authority The lawsuit claims that the Federal Government is usurping rights reserved by the Constitution for state governments.more Show sample from book He helped a usurper make a fool of me in my own palace.1 more usurp → usurper:one who seizes or takes control without authority Show general definition seize or take control without authority
	2	top 2000
narratenarrate → narrates:writes or tells (a story) She narrates the story with the wisdom of an older woman looking back on life.more Show sample from book There were other sounds too-like an old-fashioned film projector and a tinny voice narrating.†1 more narrate → narrating:telling (a story) Show general definition to tell a story-possibly as the main voice in a documentary; or a character who speaks to the audience in a performance The specific meaning of narrate depends on context. For example: "She narrated her story with tears in her eyes." -- told a story "Her diary chillingly narrates her descent into madness." -- tells a story in writing "Morgan Freeman narrated the documentary which features historic news reports and interviews." -- was the voice that tells a story while tying the scenes of a documentary together "The character who plays the Stage Director in Our Town* also narrates for the audience."* -- when an actor in a play, movie, or other performance helps to tell the story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience)
	1	top 100
narratoran actor who helps to tell a story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience) The narrator in the play, Our Town talks to characters in the play as well as to the audience.more Show sample from book As a young sea demon matures, the narrator said, changes happen in the monster's body.† storyteller Show general definition someone who tells a story--especially the main voice in a documentary, or a character who talks directly to the audience in a movie, play or other performance
	2
sacrilegedisrespect of something sacred They consider it sacrilege to depict Muhammad in a drawing.more Show sample from book Sacrilege and lies!†1 more disrespect of something others consider important or sacred Show general definition disrespect of something others consider important or sacred
	2
indecisiona general tendency to leave decisions unmade Don't mistake her thoughtfulness as weak indecision.more Show sample from book We know your indecision.†1 more leaving a decision unmade due to uncertainty… Show general definition leaving a decision unmade due to uncertainty; or a general tendency to leave decisions unmade