In the Time of the Butterflies — Vocabulary
Julia Alvarez
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	8	top 100
assumebelieve (without knowing for sure) I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.more Show sample from book Back then, we had assumed he was talking just about us.8 more assume → assumed:believed (without really knowing) Show general definition for assume (as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof
	1
assume#2assume → assumption:the act of taking someone up into heaven My church celebrates The Assumption of Mary on August 15th.more Show sample from book Brother Daniel was talking of the last moment we knew of in Mary's human life, her Assumption.8 more assume → assumption:being taken up into heaven Show general definition for assume (as in: assumed into heaven) to take up or receive someone into heaven
	10	top 1000
coaxgently persuade Although she has retired from public life, we are going to try to coax her to accept the award.more Show sample from book I felt the same excitement as when I'd been able to coax a wild bird or stray cat to eat out of my hand.†9 more try to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort Show general definition for coax (as in: coax her to join us) try to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gentle persuasion
	11	top 2000
asthmaa common lung disorder characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and sometimes coughing Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization in children.more Show sample from book I felt one of my asthma attacks coming on.10 more Show general definition a common lung disorder characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and sometimes coughing
	5	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 Belonging to the party was an obligation unless, of course, like Lio you wanted trouble for yourself and your family. ...the audience clapped politely. Except Minerva. Dede prodded her with an elbow and whispered, "Think of it as life insurance." The irony of it—she had been practicing for her future profession! [selling life insurance]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.
	1	top 2000
irony#2irony → ironic:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more Show sample from book Minou scowls at her aunt. "Are you making fun again?" Dede shakes her head. ... Minou is watching her aunt for any sign of irony.5 more saying one thing while meaning something else Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony) saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasm Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "verbal irony." Typically, the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, and the tone of voice or the context of the situation makes the true, contradictory meaning clear. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	6	top 500
confideconfide → confided:placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more Show sample from book But I have not been in a very confiding mood.†5 more confide → confiding:placing trust (in someone) by talking about private things Show general definition to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
	8
pilgrimagea journey to a special place for religious reasons A pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.more Show sample from book I decided not to take the children, so I could give myself over to the pilgrimage.†7 more a journey to a special place -- especially a sacred place for religious purposes Show general definition a journey to a special place -- especially a sacred place for religious purposes
	7	top 2000
interrogateinterrogate → interrogation:the process of aggressively asking questions The CIA's controversial interrogation program lasted from 2002 to 2007.more Show sample from book Jaimito began what Minerva called her "interrogation."†6 more interrogate → interrogation:the process of asking a series of questions of someone Show general definition ask a series of questions of someone -- typically asked by law enforcement officials or by someone in an aggressive manner
	7	top 2000
communisman economic system that abolishes private ownership of property with the goal of a classless society A challenge with communism is that it is harder to know how to allocate capital when prices are subjective rather than the product of individual valuations.†more Show sample from book It's full of communists and agitators, who want to, bring down the government.†6 more communism → communists:people who support an economic system that abolishes private ownership of property with the goal of a classless society
	3	top 10
implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more Show sample from book Jaimito's no Trujillista, if that's what you're implying.†2 more imply → implying:suggesting (saying indirectly) Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
	3	top 100
themean idea that is unifying or recurrent The party had a 1950's theme.more Show sample from book The theme was to be our centennial and the generosity of our gracious Benefactor.2 more unifying idea Show general definition for theme (as in: theme of the novel) a basic idea that underlies what is being said or done -- especially in a literary or artistic work
	5	top 1000
resignation(accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more Show sample from book She had become resigned to her daughters' odd and willful ways.4 more resignation → resigned:having accepted something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation) acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
	14
benefactorfinancial supporter She is the largest benefactor of the museum.more Show sample from book The theme was to be our centennial and the generosity of our gracious Benefactor.†13 more someone who helps a person or organization -- especially financially Show general definition someone who helps a person or organization -- especially financially
	1	top 2000
decisivedetermining an outcome She cast the decisive vote.more Show sample from book I nod decisively, at the last minute softening the gesture with a tilt of my head.2 more decisive → decisively:in a manner that ends any question about something Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive defeat) determining an outcome; or ending question
	2
decisive#2makes quick decisions and sticks by them She is a decisive leader.more Show sample from book One thing I was decisive about.2 more indicating a firm decision Show general definition for decisive (as in: a decisive decision maker) making quick decisions and sticking by them; or describing an action as firm or without hesitation
	4
premonitiona feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen She had a premonition that her child would be hurt.more Show sample from book I was sure I was having premonitions that Lio had not escaped after all.†3 more premonition → premonitions:feelings, not based on reason, that things will happen Show general definition a feeling, not based on reason, that something will happen -- especially something bad
	3	top 2000
lenientnot strict (forgiving) The rules are strict, but the enforcement is lenient.more Show sample from book After each session, Santiclo is supposed to collect them, but he's pretty lenient with us.†2 more less strict or more tolerant than might be expected Show general definition less strict or more tolerant than might be expected
	3
desecratedesecrate → desecrated:violated the sacred nature of They desecrated the cemetery on Halloween night.more Show sample from book All of it violated, broken, desecrated, destroyed.2 more desecrate → desecrated:violated the sacred nature of something Show general definition violate the sacred nature of something
	3
illustriousfamous and respected The university invited an illustrious scientist to speak at the graduation ceremony.more Show sample from book After the toast, the Spanish ambassador presents this illustrious descendant of the great Conquistador with yet another medal.†2 more famous and admired; OR worthy of admiration Show general definition famous and admired; or worthy of admiration