Forged by Fire — Vocabulary
Sharon M. Draper
(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
	3	top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book Gerald hung up in despair.2 more hopelessness Show general definition for despair (as in: she felt despair) hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
	2	top 100
genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more Show sample from book Gerald was showing her all of the secrets of his backyard, while she obliged him by being genuinely impressed with his rock collection, his "fighting sticks," and even his treasure box.†1 more genuine → genuinely:really Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
	2	top 500
warydistrustful She was taught to be wary of strangers.more Show sample from book She wished she had run out when he'd first walked in, but she had stopped being wary, stopped being afraid.1 more nervous or distrustful Show general definition careful or nervous about something
	2	top 1000
deftquick and skillful She painted with deft, swift touches.more Show sample from book Queen positioned her chair close to his bed, deftly lifted him up, and cuddled him in her ample lap.†1 more
	2	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 Aunt Queen's shoulders drooped a bit then, and she said with resignation, "But unfortunately, this ain't one of them."1 more acceptance of 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
	3	top 2000
hysteriastate of excessive, uncontrolled emotion We need to get past the hysteria and decide what to do.more Show sample from book Angel was almost hysterical.†2 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)
	1	top 100
traditiona long-established practice My family's Thanksgiving tradition is to gather together and eat turkey.more Show sample from book The tree went up, with a great deal of traditional fanfare (like making popcorn to string for garlands and making ornaments of soap and old Christmas cards) during the first week in December and stayed up until New Year's Day.† tradition → traditional:relating to practice or belief that is long-established or was previously long-established OR relating to stories passed down through generations Show general definition a long-established or previously long-established practice or belief and/or: one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
	2	top 1000
sullenunhappy and withdrawn She changed from a happy, outgoing child to sullen teenager.more Show sample from book Angel was sullen and quiet;1 more showing a gloomy or bad mood Show general definition for sullen (as in: a sullen mood) being unhappy (and often withdrawn)
	2	top 1000
musemuse → mused:reflected (thought) deeply He mused aloud about the afternoon's developments.more Show sample from book "Maybe Monique has already left us," Gerald mused.1 more muse → mused:thought Show general definition for muse (as in: her musings) reflect (think) deeply on a subject -- perhaps aloud
	1	top 100
acknowledgeacknowledge → acknowledged:admitted She acknowledged that she might have forgotten.more Show sample from book He did not acknowledge Aunt Queen, nor did he thank her for the meal. recognize publically Show general definition for acknowledge (as in: acknowledge her or the truth) express recognition or appreciation of someone or something; or to admit or express something
	1	top 100
negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book Especially if Jordan doesn't do anything to get a negative report from probation. bad Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
	1	top 100
appropriatesuitable (fitting) for a particular situation These clothes aren't appropriate for work.more Show sample from book Monique knew about it, but was so afraid of Jordan that she'd accepted it as appropriate discipline. suitable (fitting) for the situation
	2	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book "What about your job?" Monique inquired hesitantly.1 more inquire → inquired:asked Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	2	top 2000
seetheseethe → seething:boiling with unexpressed anger The customer was seething with anger.more Show sample from book He was angry—hot, seething angry—but he knew that, because of Angel, he had to control himself.1 more seethe → seething:in a state where held-in anger is exceedingly upsetting Show general definition for seethe (as in: seething with anger) to be filled with intense but unexpressed emotion, especially anger; or to move in a restless, agitated way
	4	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 The night of Angel's dance recital was stormy and overcast, but her excitement made the evening seem almost sunny.3 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.
	2	top 2000
stiflestifle → stifling:making it difficult to breath It was a hot, humid, stifling day.more Show sample from book Even across the gym, it seemed she could smell his stifling cologne.1 more stifle → stifling:making breathing more difficult Show general definition for stifle (as in: the heat is stifling) to make breathing difficult or impossible -- often from heat or humidity
	2	top 2000
probationperiod of being watched closely After breaking school rules, she was put on disciplinary probation for the rest of the semester.more Show sample from book I heard him tell Monique that he got a job, and reports to his probation officer right on time.1 more probation → probation officer:a person who monitors a criminal who does not have to be in prison as long as they demonstrate good behavior and obey special restrictions Show general definition a period of time when a person is being tested or watched to see if they meet certain expectations or follow rules
	1	top 500
devourdevour → devoured:completely consumed or destroyed The entire block was devoured in the fire.more Show sample from book Soon the whole stove was covered with hot flames that licked and devoured everything they touched. devour → devoured:destroyed Show general definition for devour (as in: devoured by flames) to completely consume, destroy, or engulf (surround or cover)
	1	top 500
desolatevery sad I heard a low desolate wail.more Show sample from book The flames, the fear, the feeling of utter desolation were too much for him to handle. desolate → desolation:a feeling of extreme sadness or misery--often with loneliness Show general definition for desolate (as in: felt desolate) sad or miserable--and often lonely
	1	top 2000
plaintivesad She asked in a plaintive voice.more Show sample from book "Jordan, what should I do?" Monique asked plaintively. plaintive → plaintively:in a sad manner Show general definition expressing sadness -- sometimes with a plea for help