If I Stay — Vocabulary
Gayle Forman
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	2	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book I play, just focusing on that, until the last bit of life in the car dies, and the music goes with it.2 more focus → focusing:concentrating 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
focus#2focus → focuses:concentrates The satellite dish focuses the signal into a relatively narrow beam.more Show sample from book I summon all my own strength, focus it like a laser beam into the fingers and palm of my right hand.2 more concentrate at one spot Show general definition for focus (as with technical usage) technical usage typically involves some sense of center or concentration such as: physics — a point where things come together such as the point where light rays meet geometry — a fixed reference point (as of a parabola) geology — the point of origin of an earthquake See a comprehensive dictionary for other less common meanings.
	11	top 2000
midwifea non-doctor who practices the profession of assisting women in childbirth The village has no doctor, but there is a midwife.more Show sample from book The midwife was telling Mom to push, then hold, then push.10 more someone skilled in aiding the delivery of babies Show general definition a trained (usually non-doctor) professional who assists women in childbirth; or more broadly, a person who helps bring something new into existence or helps guide it into being
	10	top 2000
recitalsolo performance As part of her degree requirements, the music major performed a challenging piano recital, showcasing her technical skills and musical interpretation.more Show sample from book I played my first recital when I was ten.9 more performance Show general definition a performance such as music, dance, or a poetry reading Show editor's word notes A music recital is usually done solo or with a single accompanist. A dance recital may include many dancers.
	7	top 2000
symphonyan orchestra that plays classical music We heard the Vienna Symphony.more Show sample from book Well, you know how we all perform in an orchestra for the final symphony?6 more a long and complex piece of music Show general definition a long, complex piece of music for full orchestra (often in several movements); also, the orchestra or performance of such a work, or by extension any richly harmonious combination of many parts
	3	top 500
lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book My parents were lamenting that they hadn't seen Willow and Henry and the baby in months.2 more lament → lamenting:regretting Show general definition to express grief or regret
	2	top 200
novelnew and original We're looking for novel marketing ideas.more Show sample from book Fighting was novelty enough at our school.†1 more novel → novelty:the quality of being new and original Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation) new and original -- typically something considered good
	2	top 500
perpetualcontinuing forever A perpetual flame burns beside the grave of John F. Kennedy.more Show sample from book Adam asked, absentmindedly taking my hand into his and blowing on it, which is what he did to warm my perpetually cold fingers.†1 more perpetual → perpetually:continuing forever without change; OR occurring so frequently it seems constant Show general definition continuing forever without change; or occurring so frequently it seems constant
	4	top 2000
rouserouse → roused:awakened A persistent knocking at the door finally roused her from her dreams.more Show sample from book Maybe all hospitals should import groups of rabble-rousing punk rockers to kick-start the languishing patients' hearts.†3 more rouse → rousing:to awaken, make more active, or excite Show general definition to awaken, make more active, or excite
	2	top 500
contemplatethink deeply about After the meeting, she needed some time alone to contemplate her next move.more Show sample from book She'd be livid with me for even contemplating anything but staying.†1 more contemplate → contemplating:consider or ponder Show general definition consider or ponder
	3
ensemblegroup performing together The jazz ensemble performed a lively set that got the audience clapping along.more Show sample from book No orchestra? No chamber-music ensemble? String quartet?2 more musicians performing together and considered as a group Show general definition a group of people or things working or appearing together in a coordinated way -- especially a group of performers or a matching outfit Show editor's word notes The pronunciation is derived from French. The first syllable sounds like "on". The second syllable sounds like "sahm".
	3	top 2000
vengeancerevenge Most Americans wanted vengeance after the 9-11 attacks.more Show sample from book There was one song in particular called "Waiting for Vengeance" that I listened to and read over and over until I had it memorized.†2 more the act of taking revenge Show general definition for vengeance (as in: vengeance is mine) the act of taking revenge (Revenge means to harm someone to get them back for something harmful that they have done.)
	3	top 2000
marathona footrace of about 26 miles She is training to run in the Boston Marathon.more Show sample from book Though she has acquired a taste for classical music over the years—"it's like learning to appreciate a stinky cheese"—she's been a not-always-delighted captive audience for many of my marathon rehearsals.†2 more Show general definition for marathon (as in: ran her first marathon) a 26.2-mile footrace; or, more generally, any long and demanding activity requiring endurance
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book "Neither sleet nor rain nor a half inch of snow will compel me to dress like a lumberjack." "Hey, my relatives were lumberjacks," Mom warns. "No making fun of the white-trash woodsmen." "Wouldn't dream of it," Dad replies. "Just making stylistic contrasts." contrast → contrasts:comparisons (to show differences) Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	1
acousticacoustic → acoustics:sound quality based on such things as the surfaces off of which sound bounces The auditorium has fabulous acoustics.more Show sample from book It was at a hall in town, a place that usually showcased local bands, so the acoustics were terrible for unamplified classical.3 more acoustic → acoustics:sound quality (resulting from such things as the surfaces off of which sound bounces) Show general definition for acoustic (as in: auditorium acoustics) sound quality or its study, based on how sound bounces off surfaces Show editor's word notes For example, acoustics affect whether a voice on stage can be heard clearly in the back of an auditorium, or how loud and echoey a busy restaurant feels.
	7
conservatorya school specializing in one of the fine arts Juilliard is a performing arts conservatory.more Show sample from book "Just like band camp," she joked, though my summer conservatory program is nothing like American Pie.6 more music school Show general definition for conservatory (as in: music conservatory) a school specializing in one of the fine arts -- especially music, dance, or drama
	5
concertoconcerto → concertos:music written for orchestra and one (or more) solo instruments Concertos have been written for all instruments, but most are written for violin, cello, or piano because those instruments provide such a wide, dynamic and expressive range.more Show sample from book "That's sounding quite beautiful," Simon said toward the end of camp as he listened to me practice a movement from Hayden's Cello Concerto no. 2, a piece that had given me no end of trouble when I'd first attempted it last spring.4 more music written for orchestra and a solo instrument Show context notes In other contexts, concerto can refer to music written for orchestra and more than one solo instrument.
	3
pediatricrelated to medical care for children She hopes to become a pediatric nurse and work with young children in a hospital setting.more Show sample from book Her scrubs have lollipops on them, even though this isn't a pediatric unit.2 more related to the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children Show general definition of the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children
	2	top 2000
liltaccent (or way of speaking) She has an appealing Irish lilt.more Show sample from book And the other is a woman with skin so black it's blue and a lilt in her voice.1 more pleasing sound Show general definition for lilt (as in: an Irish lilt) a way of speaking, singing, or making music -- typically cheerful, lively or pleasing -- sometimes with the pitch of the voice rising and falling
	2
perforateperforate → perforated:having a line of small holes The page is perforated, so it is easy to tear off and return the bottom of the sheet.†more Show sample from book Or a slow leak from a perforated bowel.†1 more perforate → perforated:to make a hole or holes in something Show general definition to make a hole or holes in something