Death and the King's Horseman — Vocabulary
Wole Soyinka
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	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 Show sample from book However, it doesn't really interest me.6 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.
	1	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book In a night which falls before our eyes However deep, we do not miss our way.6 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)
	3	top 100
precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more Show sample from book JANE It isn't my preaching you have to worry about, it's the preaching of the missionaries who preceded you here.†2 more precede → preceded:went or was before Show general definition to go or do before
	2	top 500
agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book A swelling, agitated hum of women's voices rises immediately in the background.†1 more agitate → agitated:not calm; or stirred up (often emotionally) Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
	2	top 500
perpetualcontinuing forever A perpetual flame burns beside the grave of John F. Kennedy.more Show sample from book And they tell me my eyes were a hawk In perpetual hunger.†1 more 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
stallionstallion → stallions:a male horse that has not been castrated Breeders carefully select stallions with excellent lineage to improve the bloodline of their horses.more Show sample from book Once they told him, Howu, a stallion does not feed on the grass beneath him: he replied, true, but surely he can roll on it!†3 more a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) Show general definition a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) -- especially one used for breeding purposes
	2	top 500
teemare full (with many) The tide pools teem with tiny, fascinating creatures.more Show sample from book PRAISE-SINGER Iyaloja, mother of multitudes in the teeming market of the world, how your wisdom transfigures you!†1 more teem → teeming:filled (has many) Show general definition have a large number of things -- especially things that are moving
	3	top 2000
abominableexceptionally bad She described the abominable treatment of prisoners.more Show sample from book Hear him Mutter spells to ward off penalties For an abomination he did not intend.†2 more abominable → abomination:something that is exceptionally bad or detestable Show general definition exceptionally bad or intensely disliked
	2	top 1000
heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book It is those who stand at the gateway of the great change to whose cry we must pay heed.†1 more pay close attention to; or do what is suggested Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	2	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book And let me tell you, women— I like this farewell that the world designed, Unless my eyes deceive me, unless We are already parted, the world and I, And all that breeds desire is lodged Among our tireless ancestors.†1 more lie or mislead Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	3	top 2000
severend She plans to sever the relationship.more Show sample from book Did you think it all out before, this plan to push our world from its course and sever the cord that links us to the great origin?†2 more to end or cut off completely -- either physically or in relationships Show general definition to end or cut off completely -- either physically or in relationships
	2	top 1000
abyssseemingly bottomless pit At the end of the story, Gandalf falls with the demon into the abyss.more Show sample from book I needed you as the abyss across which my body must be drawn, I filled it with earth and dropped my seed in it at the moment of preparedness for my crossing.†1 more a hole or dropoff so deep the bottom cannot be seen -- often used figuratively to imply a frightening bottomless pit Show general definition a hole or dropoff so deep the bottom cannot be seen -- often used figuratively to imply a frightening bottomless pit
	1	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book PILKINGS I wish to ask you to search the quiet of your heart and tell me—do you not find great contradictions in the wisdom of your own race?† contradict → contradictions:things that disagree with themselves; or (more rarely) acts of disagreeing Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	1	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book Perhaps there were other factors involved.† factor → factors:things that affect a result or outcome Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
	3	top 2000
blasphemydisrespect of something considered sacred The government of the Muslim nation monitors major websites for blasphemy.more Show sample from book No. I mean, is there no mourning in the home of the bereaved that such blasphemy is permitted?†2 more disrespectful of something considered sacred Show general definition something said or done that is disrespectful of something considered sacred -- especially God or religion
	2	top 1000
obstructobstruct → obstructed:blocked (passage) A fallen tree obstructed the road, forcing drivers to find another way around.more Show sample from book Tell these women to stop obstructing me in the performance of my duty.†1 more obstruct → obstructing:blocking or interfering Show general definition to block, slow down, or interfere with movement, progress, or action The exact meaning of obstruct can depend upon its context. For example: "obstruct the path" -- block passage through "obstruct justice" -- hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of "obstruct her view" -- get in the way so as to hide from sight
	2
cloyingoverly sweet or sentimental She found the movie’s ending cloying, filled with clichés and syrupy dialogue.more Show sample from book Even the richest food cloys when eaten days on end; in the market, nothing ever cloys.† cloying → cloys:overly sweet or sentimental in a way that becomes unpleasant or excessive Show general definition overly sweet or sentimental in a way that becomes unpleasant or excessive -- on the tongue or in sentiment
	2
desecratedesecrate → desecrated:violated the sacred nature of They desecrated the cemetery on Halloween night.more Show sample from book OLUNDE [mildly] And that is the good cause for which you desecrate an ancestral mask?†1 more violate the sacred nature of something Show general definition violate the sacred nature of something
	2
shirkavoid She began to shirk her duties and turned to drinking to help deal with the pain.more Show sample from book PRAISE-SINGER The gourd you bear is not for shirking.†1 more shirk → shirking:avoiding Show general definition to avoid something -- such as a duty or responsibility
	2
venerateregard with feelings of respect and reverence Most contemporary Hindus do not actually worship the cow; though many venerate her.more Show sample from book I saw, I touched, I wooed, rarely was the answer No. The honour of my place, the veneration I Received in the eye of man or woman Prospered my suit and Played havoc with my sleeping hours.†1 more venerate → veneration:feelings of respect and reverence