The Most Dangerous Game — Vocabulary
Richard Connell
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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tracea tiny quantity or indication
There was not a trace of the defendant's DNA at the crime scene.more
Show sample from book
A trace of anger was in the general's black eyes, but it was there for but a second, and he said, in his most pleasant manner: "Dear me, what a righteous young man you are! I assure you I do not do the thing you suggest."2 more
indication or sign
Show general definition for trace (as in: found a trace of) a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of
The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:
  • a small indication that something was present -- as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace."
  • a very small amount of something -- as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids."
  • any evidence of something -- as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."
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trace#2trace → traced:found through investigation
Early cat domestication is traced back to China over 5,000 years ago.more
Show sample from book
Even so zealous a hunter as General Zaroff could not trace him there, he told himself; only the devil himself could follow that complicated trail through the jungle after dark.2 more
follow
Show general definition for trace (as in: trace the origin or development) to find, search, research, or keep track of
This sense of trace usually has to do with information. It's specific meaning depends on its context. For example:
to find or search for something through investigation -- often the origin of something:
  • "The police traced the call." -- found out where it originated
  • "We are tracing the lost luggage" -- searching for
  • "Can you trace the problem to its source?" -- find through investigation
  • "She traced her family history to discover that her great-grandmother came to the United States from Lithuania when the Nazis occupied it." -- discovered something through investigation
to research or report on the development of something
  • "She traced the history of the automobile in her paper." -- researched the development of something
  • "Her presentation traced recent progress in alternative energy solutions." -- reported on
to monitor or keep track of the progress or development of something
  • "She traces the progress of at-risk students." -- monitors information
  • "I used binoculars to trace her progress up the mountain." -- monitor, follow, or track
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cunningclever and deceitful
She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more
Show sample from book
I started for the Amazon to hunt jaguars, for I had heard they were unusually cunning.1 more
cleverness and deceptive
Show general definition for cunning (as in: a cunning thief) being good at achieving goals through cleverness -- and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
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tangibleclear (easily understood and measured)
They set tangible goals.more
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Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thing — with wave lengths, just as sound and light have.1 more
a physical presence
Show general definition capable of being touched, or easily understood so there is no question of its value or reality
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
Show sample from book
The bed was good and the pajamas of the softest silk, and he was tired in every fiber of his being, but nevertheless Rainsford could not quiet his brain with the opiate of sleep.
Show general definition despite that
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 was just stated, 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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invariablyalmost always
I tell myself to go to sleep early, but I invariably end up watching television late into the night.more
Show sample from book
...invariably they choose the hunt.1 more
always
Show general definition never changing; or always the same
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providenceluck; or God's plan
On the eve of battle, he prayed that providence was in our favor.more
Show sample from book
Sometimes, when Providence is not so kind, I...1 more
Show general definition for providence (as in: divine providence) resulting from God's intervention or plan; or lucky -- especially with regard to when something happened
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specimenspecimen → specimens:examples representative of their type
The museum holds over a million insect specimens.more
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About the hall were the mounted heads of many animals — lions, tigers, elephants, moose, bears; larger or more perfect specimens Rainsford had never seen.1 more
specimen → specimens:samples representative of their class
Show general definition an example thought to represent its type; or a bit of tissue, blood, or urine that is taken for diagnostic purposes
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apprehensiveworried
She is apprehensive about her new job.more
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An apprehensive night crawled slowly by like a wounded snake, and sleep did not visit Rainsford, although the silence of a dead world was on the jungle.
full of worry over possible misfortune
Show general definition worried over possible misfortune
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pungentstrong
It's the pungent odor of oregano.more
Show sample from book
Then he straightened up and took from his case one of his black cigarettes; its pungent incenselike smoke floated up to Rainsford's nostrils.†
strong smelling or tasting…
Show general definition strong smelling or tasting

or much more rarely: anything sharp, painful, or penetrating -- physically or emotionally
Show editor's word notes In reference to taste or smell, pungent is more often associated with a strong flavor than a particular flavor. Some associate it with a high level of volatile acidity. Some wine connoisseurs interchange the word pungent with earthy.
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cultivatedevelop or grow
We encourage our representatives to cultivate a close relationship with their clients.more
Show sample from book
In a cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave it added precision and deliberateness, he said: "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home."†
cultivate → cultivated:developed, grown, or prepared for growing crops
Show general definition enhance growth or development
in various senses, including:
  • to grow crops or prepare land for them
  • enhance a relationship -- especially for a purpose
  • develop discernment (better recognition of differences) in taste or judgment
  • to grow a culture in a petri dish
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intricatecomplicated -- having many complexly arranged elements
She came up with an intricate plan.more
Show sample from book
He executed a series of intricate loops; he doubled on his trail again and again, recalling all the lore of the fox hunt, and all the dodges of the fox.†
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waverwaver → wavered:faltered (stopped being strong)
Through good times and bad her love for him has never wavered.more
Show sample from book
It was a distant sound, faint and wavering, but he knew it.†
waver → wavering:moving back and forth; or being unsure or weak
Show general definition to move back and forth (shake or quiver)

or:

to change, be unsure, or weak
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naivenaive → naïve:lacking the understanding or sophistication that comes from experience
She criticized America's naïve foreign policy.more
Show sample from book
One does not expect nowadays to find a young man of the educated class, even in America, with such a naive, and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view.†
lacking experience or sophistication, and the understanding that comes from them
Show general definition lacking experience or sophistication, and the understanding that comes from them -- often too trusting or optimistic
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solicitousshowing great care or concern for someone (in this case, for guests)
It's a mid-price hotel in a great location with a solicitous staff.more
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He was solicitous about the state of Rainsford's health.1 more
showing care or concern for someone
Show general definition showing care or concern for someone
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analyticallogical and systematic in seeking understanding
She has an analytical mind.more
Show sample from book
Now, mine is an analytical mind, Mr. Rainsford.†
relating to logical examination to improve understanding
Show general definition relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it -- often implying some kind of quantitative analysis
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venerablerespected
They looked to the venerable old woman for advice.more
Show sample from book
He filled Rainsford's glass with venerable Chablis from a dusty bottle.
excellent (worthy of respect and admiration)
Show general definition respected (worthy of respect) -- typically because of age or position
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affablegood natured and sociable
She's an affable, never-met-someone-she-didn't-like kind of woman.more
Show sample from book
He was finding the general a most thoughtful and affable host,
Show general definition good natured and sociable
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indolentindolent → indolence:laziness
She never recovered from the indolence of her youth.more
Show sample from book
Rainsford, reclining in a steamer chair, indolently puffed on his favorite brier.
indolent → indolently:lazily
Show general definition for indolent (as in: she is naturally indolent) lazy; disinclined to work
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scruplesprinciples that discourage certain kinds of action
She doesn't share my scruples on the subject.more
Show sample from book
But I think I can show you that your scruples are quite ill founded.
ethical or moral principles