Inheritance — Vocabulary
Christopher Paolini
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
141 top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas)
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more
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Those they knew of, however, had to be kept under lock and key, lest they try to subvert the Varden.†152 more
a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2.  Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
6 top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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Third—and this is what you have to believe deep in your hearts—Galbatorix isn't invulnerable, however powerful he is.152 more
regardless of how
Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
6 top 2000
however#3in whatever way
However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more
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I had to fight back; I had to show him that he hadn't broken me, and I wanted to hurt him however I could.152 more
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
43
citadelfortified place
She walked along the ancient walls of the citadel that once protected the entire city.more
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You knew you wouldn't make it out of the citadel.†42 more
a stronghold or fortress
Show general definition a stronghold or fortress
24 top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
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Nevertheless, he opened his hand, and the sword clattered against the stones even as Roran's weight settled into his arms.†23 more
Show general definition despite that
Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, we still have idea 2.  Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
28 top 2000
siegethe surrounding and prolonged attack
The Siege of Leningrad lasted 872 days.more
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At the siege of Feinster, Eragon and Arya encountered three enemy magicians, one of whom was transformed into the Shade Varaug.†27 more
a military tactic in which a fortified place is surrounded and isolated while it…
Show general definition a military tactic in which a fortified place is surrounded and isolated while it is attacked over time

or:

any prolonged attack, effort, or period of trouble
7 top 100
establishestablishestablished:created
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more
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It was only logical that Murtagh and Thorn would have taken her there, and it would explain the elvish look of the room; the elves had built much of Uru'baen, the city they called Ilirea, either before their war with the dragons—long, long ago—or after the city had become the capital of the Broddring Kingdom and the Riders had established a formal presence therein.7 more
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
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establish#2establishestablishing:showing or demonstrating
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
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Fortunately, even though he could not always figure out what a spell was supposed to do, he was often able to establish whether it would affect him, Saphira, or Glaedr.†7 more
show, determine, or understand
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
26 top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls
We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more
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Her hair fluttered about her face as she trotted over to three of Eragon's elven guards, who were standing in a pool of shadow behind a nearby pavilion.†25 more
a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary
Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
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moreoverin addition to what has just been said
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
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Moreover, the apparition gave Eragon strength and speed equal to those of the elves themselves.†15 more
17 top 1000
dismaydismaydismayed:sad, disappointed, or worried
Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.more
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To Eragon's dismay, Blodhgarm pressed on, saying, Then do not blame us for failing to fulfill what are your responsibilities, not ours, Old One.†16 more
sadness, disappointment, or worry
Show general definition to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry -- typically in response to something surprising
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protrudestick out
Metal spikes protrude from the dog's collar.more
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A sheathed dagger protruded at an angle from under the belt of his loincloth.†14 more
protrudeprotruded:stuck out
Show general definition to stick out from
19 top 2000
daisraised platform
She was seated on the inaugural dais near the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.more
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Eragon and Roran ran past the marble dais, Eragon restricting his speed so as not to leave Roran behind.†18 more
Show general definition a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to people on it
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emanateemanateemanates:emits
The lightbulb emanates a soft light.more
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Afterward, Eragon sensed discontent emanating from Glaedr.†18 more
emanateemanating:originate, emit, or show
Show general definition originate, emit, or show
23
forswearforswearforsworn:renounced or disavowed
The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more
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And the thirteen were called the Forsworn.†22 more
forswearforsworn:to decide to stop doing something; OR  to renounce or disavow something
Show general definition for forswear (as in: forswear my country of birth) to decide to stop doing something; or to renounce or disavow something
6
assailassailassailed:attacked
Critics assailed the author’s latest work, questioning its originality and depth.more
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A sudden itch in Roran's throat forced him to cough again and again, and he curled over the table until his forehead touched the wood, grimacing as waves of pain assailed him from his back, his shoulder, and his mangled mouth.†5 more
assailassailed:to attack or cause trouble
Show general definition to attack or cause trouble
5
extricatefree
She was caught in the wreckage and could not extricate herself without help.more
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The remaining priests extricated themselves and resumed their charge.†4 more
extricateextricated:freed or removed from constraint or difficulty
Show general definition free or remove from constraint or difficulty
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proficiencyskill
After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more
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It is true, you must be capable with your weapon, but anyone with the time and the inclination can acquire technical proficiency.†2 more
Show general definition skillfulness in something
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ambivalentwith mixed feelings
Polling indicates the public is ambivalent on the subject. Their opinions change depending upon the latest headlines.more
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Nasuada regarded the marks with ambivalence.1 more
ambivalentambivalence:mixed feelings
Show general definition having mixed feelings about something -- such as when part of you wants to do something and part of you does not
4 top 2000
vanquishvanquishvanquished:completely defeated
The team vanquished all competition.more
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Generous as the inhabitants of Surda were, and rich as the vanquished cities were, the regular deliveries of goods were not enough to sustain the Varden for much longer.†3 more
Show general definition to defeat completely