Marked — Vocabulary
P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	18	top 500
mentorsomeone who guides and advises another who is less experienced Each new employee is matched with a mentor.more Show sample from book Each fledgling is paired with an adult mentor.†17 more someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced… Show general definition someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced; or the act of providing such guidance
	10	top 1000
bizarreexceedingly unusual The paparazzi love her bizarre outfits and behavior.more Show sample from book And then something truly bizarre happened.†9 more exceedingly odd or unusual Show general definition for bizarre (as in: is bizarre) exceedingly odd or unusual
	1	top 100
positivepositive → positively:in a good or beneficial manner Lower interest rates positively affected home sales.†more Show sample from book I'm thinkin' only positive things, like how great it would be if Zoey was leader of the Dark Daughters.†1 more good Show general definition for positive (as in: had a positive effect) good or beneficial
	1
positive#2optimistic With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more Show sample from book I blurted, totally overwhelmed by the schedule, but trying to keep a positive attitude.†1 more optimistic or agreeable Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
	6	top 500
intuitionintuition → intuitive:able to understand things from feeling or instinct rather than conscious reasoning They were perfect partners--one highly intuitive and the other highly analytical.more Show sample from book The intuitive voice inside me that had become familiar was screaming.5 more intuition → intuitive:known instinctively rather than through reasoning Show general definition something known based on feeling or instinct rather than conscious reasoning; or the ability to know things in such a manner
	4	top 500
nonchalantcalm and unconcerned I could tell she was nervous, but she was trying to look nonchalant.more Show sample from book I tried to sound normal and nonchalant.3 more Show general definition calm in manner -- appearing unconcerned
	6	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book I especially love Count Chocula—yet another vampyre irony.5 more an amusing coincidence Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	6	top 2000
alcoverecessed (pushing outward from the main room) It is a beautiful room with an alcove window.more Show sample from book In a little alcove not far from me were two people.†5 more a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show general definition a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show editor's word notes The alcove of a room is a smaller room attached to a larger room and separated by an arch or other architectural feature other than a door.
	5	top 2000
hysteriastate of excessive, uncontrolled emotion We need to get past the hysteria and decide what to do.more Show sample from book Looking around I felt a small measure of relief that K and I were the only ones in the math hall, and then I had to choke back what I knew was hysterical laughter.†4 more hysteria → hysterical:exceedingly funny (resulting in uncontrollable laughter); or exhibiting excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show general definition a state of excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show editor's word notes In addition to being the adjective form of hysteria, the form hysterical can also indicate that something is exceedingly funny (leading to uncontrollable laughter)
	2	top 100
dominatecontrol Democrats dominate the committee.more Show sample from book Vampyres dominated the arts,1 more dominate → dominated:were most influential or powerful (in the area of) Show general definition to control; or to be most influential, powerful, abundant, important, or conspicuous
	3	top 1000
intricatecomplicated -- having many complexly arranged elements She came up with an intricate plan.more Show sample from book I could feel them press against me as they twirled and moved with graceful, intricate steps around and around the shadowy image of a Cherokee campfire.†2 more
	4	top 1000
intimidateintimidate → intimidated:made afraid (of being inadequate) I was intimidated on my first day at the job, but I'm comfortable now.more Show sample from book It was the less intimidating of the two (and I was scared I'd see him).†3 more intimidate → intimidating:making fearful Show general definition to cause fear, nervousness, or a sense of inadequacy
	2	top 200
ornatehaving lots of decorative detail The hotel is decorated with ornate furniture, lots of carved designs, and gold leaf gilding.more Show sample from book Each uniform had an ornate design embroidered in gold or silver on either its jacket breast pocket or blouse pocket.†1 more Show general definition highly decorative or elaborate in style — whether in appearance (with lots of detail) or in language that sounds flowery and overly complicated
	3	top 1000
sereneserene → serenely:calmly and peacefully While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.more Show sample from book Her voice was serene, but filled with commanding strength.2 more calm and untroubled Show general definition calm and untroubled
	18
monologuemonologue → monologues:a long speech by one person In books we find monologues from the greatest minds. And where those books disagree, it is up to the reader to create a dialogue.more Show sample from book I think Professor Nolan has just begun working on monologues.†17 more monologue → monologues:long uninterrupted speeches Show general definition a long speech by one person, whether it's a dramatic speech in a play, a run-on talk that keeps others from getting a word in, or a comedian's continuous stream of jokes and stories delivered alone Show editor's word notes Although less frequently used, "monolog" is also a correct spelling in the United States.
	2	top 200
analogycomparison of different things to point to a shared characteristic Her analogy is flawed.more Show sample from book I hoped her analogy didn't have anything to do with Titanic-sized disasters.†1 more a comparison of different things to point to a shared characteristic Show general definition a comparison of different things to point to a shared characteristic Show editor's word notes Analogies are typically used to explain something unfamiliar by comparing it to something that is simpler or more familiar. They are also used in argument to suggest that what is true for one situation is also true in the other.
	3	top 2000
prodigiousenormous As a child, Mozart had a prodigious talent.more Show sample from book "Yeah, the circle was prodigious," Erin said.2 more Show general definition enormous; or far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
	3
hubrisexcessive pride and confidence It is another example of hubris preceding a fall.more Show sample from book "I keep thinking that hubris is eventually going to bring Aphrodite down," Damien said.†2 more excessive pride, arrogance, or confidence Show general definition excessive pride, arrogance, or confidence Show editor's word notes Hubris is especially used to indicate that one will suffer for ignoring convention.
	3
infatuatedobsessed or intensely attracted She was completely infatuated with her new neighbor and couldn't stop thinking about him.more Show sample from book Okay, there's no need to forever make fun of my unfortunate ex-infatuation with Leonardo.†2 more infatuated → infatuation:deeply but often foolishly in love with or obsessed with someone or something Show general definition deeply but often foolishly in love with or obsessed with someone or something
	2	top 2000
disgruntleddissatisfied We have a line of disgruntled customers who have been waiting too long.more Show sample from book She was staring at me with huge eyes and she definitely looked disgruntled.†1 more dissatisfied - typically unhappy and annoyed Show general definition dissatisfied - typically unhappy and annoyed