Tears of a Tiger — Vocabulary
Sharon M. Draper
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner
Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more
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Did you get any negative reactions from people at school?†3 more
bad or harmful
Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
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contrastnotable difference
The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more
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The tones of black and white have the greatest amount of contrast between them, therefore writers and poets, who have always dealt with extremes in passion and people, use black and white to create those images of contrast.†
Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
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republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws
The United States and each of its states are republics.more
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He's active in the Republican party-yes, I said "Republican."2 more
republic → republican:of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives …
Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
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allegianceloyalty
At the citizenship ceremony, she pledged allegiance to her new country.more
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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.1 more
Show general definition loyalty to a person, group, or cause
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inevitablecertain to happen
It is as inevitable as death and taxes.more
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He's got one little spark left--his refusal to surrender to Macduff and the forces of good--but don't you think his death is inevitable, Marcus?
Show general definition certain to happen (even if one tried to prevent it)
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gendermale/female/trans
Gender roles were more defined when my grandmother was growing up.more
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Stereotypes of color, race, and gender are slowly disappearing.†
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.
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biasbias → biased:has a prejudice that prevents objective consideration
Everyone knows she is too biased to act as an impartial judge.more
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Let me give you another example of how color bias can be changed--and this one is racial in nature.
a personal preference -- especially a prejudice that prevents objective consideration
Show general definition a tendency to favor one side -- in people, a prejudice that affects fair judgment; more generally, any built-in lean to move or behave in a particular way (like a car that pulls right)
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enhanceimprove
This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more
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Then they say stuff to me like, "That's good, Andy, but couldn't you have improved this part or enhanced this section?"
enhance → enhanced:increase quality or added more to
Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
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cynicalsomeone who expects the worst
The experience made her overly cynical.more
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Very cynical observation, but probably true.†
someone who expects the worst -- especially of people
Show general definition someone who expects the worst -- especially of people (such as expecting them to be selfish and lie)
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metaphormetaphor → metaphorically:with a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally denote
He was speaking metaphorically when he referred to being mugged by reality.more
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"the bad guy is always a black-hearted villain. ... The tones of black and white have the greatest amount of contrast between them, therefore writers and poets, who have always dealt with extremes in passion and people, use black and white to create those images of contrast. Can you think of any other example where color is used as a metaphor to express an idea?"
a figure of speech in which a word is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity -- as when Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage."
Show general definition a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is implied by using a word to refer to something it does not literally mean—as in, "All the world’s a stage."
Show editor's word notes When Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." he was not saying the world is really a stage and all people are actors. But he was pointing to the similarities he wants us to recognize.

While metaphors and similes are both techniques of figurative language. The distinction is that a simile explicitly shows that a comparison is being made, by using words such as "like" or "as".  A metaphor simply substitutes words assuming the reader will understand the meaning should not be take literally. "She is like a diamond in the rough" is a simile; while "She is a diamond in the rough" is a metaphor.
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accustomaccustom → accustomed to:used to (have adapted to and have an expectation of)
In the United States we're accustomed to forming our own opinion about the promises of advertisements and politicians.more
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We are accustomed to whining about how small our allowances are, or how upset we are because we only have three pairs of athletic shoes, when there are so many around us who have no money, no homes, and no shoes at all.†
accustom → accustomed to:used to (adapted to something, so it seems normal)
Show general definition to make someone used to something

(used to is an expression that means someone has adapted to something, so it does not seem unusual)
Show editor's word notes In professional environments, you may make a better impression by saying one is accustomed to something rather than one is used to something.
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assetsthings of value
The University is one of the city's greatest assets.more
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But that name turned out to be a detriment rather than an asset to me.
assets → asset:positive trait or thing of value
Show general definition for assets (as in: it's one of her best assets) a positive trait or thing of value
in various senses, including:
  • a positive trait -- as in "Her confidence is an asset in the job search."
  • something highly valued -- as in "The University is one of the city's greatest assets."
  • soldiers or military equipment -- as in "They moved assets into the contested area."
  • a spy -- as in "She was the United States' most valuable asset in China."
Show editor's word notes Assets are often contrasted to their opposite, liabilities.
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infiniteunlimited
There are infinite possibilities.more
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Mama says the Lord knows all, and that He in His infinite wisdom knows the reason for all things.†
unlimited; without boundaries; OR  too numerous to count
Show general definition unlimited; without boundaries; or too numerous to count
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revelationsomething surprising and previously unknown
It was a revelation to me. Until they gave us those tests, I had no idea that I was better than most people at clerical accuracy.more
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Well, this is quite a revelation.
something previously unknown; or making such a thing known
Show general definition something that was previously unknown (and typically surprising); or making such a thing known
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positiveoptimistic
With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more
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You have progressed from a state of "wanting to die" to the much more positive outlook of "learning to live."†3 more
Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
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forfeitlose
We had to forfeit the deposit.more
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The team decided to forfeit the next two games and to dedicate the rest of the season to Rob and to try to win the title as a tribute to him.1 more
lose or surrender something
Show general definition to lose or surrender something -- often as a penalty
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assimilateassimilate → assimilation:fitting into a prevailing culture
There is a delicate balance between assimilation and loss of cultural identity.more
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That's the only way to make it in this world--to assimilate into the society in which we live.
fit into (become a part of by being similar to the other parts)
Show general definition take in, transform, or fit in
The exact meaning of assimilate can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "assimilate to a new country" -- fitting into a prevailing culture
  • "assimilate the information" -- transform information within the mind into understanding
  • "assimilate the food" -- transform nutrients within the body for its use
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resilientable to withstand strain and/or quickly recover from it
Times have been tough, but she is resilient.more
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I just know that time heals all wounds, and that you're young and strong and resilient.
Show general definition able to withstand strain and/or quickly recover from it -- such as a person retaining a positive attitude, or a material returning to its shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed
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recuperaterecuperate → recuperating:regaining health
The patient is recuperating.more
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Have you recuperated from that court ordeal yet?
recuperate → recuperated:regained strength
Show general definition to regain good health or strength
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detrimentalharmful
Publicity about the crime has been detrimental to tourism.more
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But that name turned out to be a detriment rather than an asset to me.†
detrimental → detriment:harm or damage
Show general definition causing harm or damage