A Brief History of the World — Vocabulary
Richard Lederer
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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precedentan example from a prior time that justifies the belief If the looters are not punished, it will set a precedent that others can loot with impunity.more Show sample from book Abraham Lincoln became America's greatest Precedent.† an example from a prior time Show general definition for precedent (as in: sets a precedent) an example from a prior time -- typically used to justify similar occurrences at a later time (especially a judicial decision)
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caricaturea drawing that exaggerates physical traits for comedic effect The artist drew a caricature of the politician, exaggerating his features for comedic effect.more Show sample from book The Bible is full of interesting caricatures.† caricature → caricatures:a representation that exaggerates or highlights certain aspects Show general definition a representation that exaggerates or highlights certain aspects -- especially of a person for comic effect; or creating a drawing with such exaggeration
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telepathycommunication from one mind to another without using the known senses My dog is so good at knowing what I'm thinking, you'd think she had canine telepathy.more Show sample from book Samuel Morse invented a code of telepathy.† Show general definition communication from one mind to another without using the known senses (often used in fiction but not scientifically supported as real)
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Renaissancethe period of European history known for a revival of intellectual and artistic achievement (14th through mid-17th centuries) We're visiting the museum to see the exhibit of Renaissance art.more Show sample from book During the Renaissance America began.2 more a period of European history known for a revival of intellectual and artistic achievement (14th through mid-17th centuries) Show general definition for Renaissance (as in: The Renaissance) the period of European history known for a revival of intellectual and artistic achievement (14th through mid-17th centuries) Show editor's word notes Named as an indication of a rebirth of certain classical ideas that had long been lost to Europe. It has been argued that the movement was strongly influenced by the rediscovery of ancient texts that had been forgotten by Western civilization, but were preserved in some monastic libraries and in the Islamic world, and the translations of Greek and Arabic texts into Latin. Some historians have suggested that the term Renaissance is loaded and are suggesting the term Early Modern to replace it -- as Middle Ages has largely replaced Dark Ages for the period that preceded the Renaissance.
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BeethovenGerman composer considered to be one of the masters of the classical style (1770-1827) Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is arguably to classical music what the Mona Lisa is to painting.more Show sample from book Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf.†1 more Ludwig van Beethoven -- German composer considered to be one of the masters of the classical style (1770-1827)
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Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon Bonaparte → Napoleon:French general and emperor who ruled (through conquest) most of continental Europe for a brief time Napoleon and Hitler were both defeated by the Russian winter.more Show sample from book Napoleon wanted an heir to inherit his power, but since Josephine was a baroness, she couldn't bear children.1 more Napoleon Bonaparte → Napoleon:French general and emperor who conquered most of continental Europe for a brief time early in the 19th century Show general definition French general and emperor who ruled (through conquest) most of continental Europe for a brief time (1769-1821) Show editor's word notes Napoleon rose during the French Revolution, seized power in 1799, and crowned himself emperor in 1804. He expanded French influence through wars across Europe and also passed lasting reforms, especially the Napoleonic Code, which shaped modern civil law in many countries. His failed invasion of Russia (1812) began his decline; he was forced to abdicate, briefly returned to power, and was finally defeated at Waterloo (1815). He died in exile on St. Helena.
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Abraham LincolnU.S. president who led during the Civil War and ended slavery before being assassinated (1809-1865) Abraham Lincoln is celebrated for his role in ending slavery in the United States.more Show sample from book Abraham Lincoln became America's greatest Precedent.†1 more Show general definition U.S. president who led during the Civil War and ended slavery before being assassinated (1809-1865)
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Achillesmythical Greek hero of the Iliad In the Iliad, Achilles is proud, arrogant, and too easily offended.more Show sample from book Achilles appears in the Iliad, by Homer.1 more mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; central character and foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy Show general definition for Achilles (in Greek mythology) mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; central character and foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy Show editor's word notes Achilles was seen as semi-divine. His mother tried to make him immortal by bathing him in a magical river when he was a baby, but the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable--his "Achilles' heel."
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Middle Agesperiod of European history roughly dated as 500-1500 AD The Middle Ages are commonly dated as starting with the fall of the Western Roman Empire.more Show sample from book Then came the middle Ages.† the period of European history beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire and ending with the Modern Era (roughly 500-1500 AD) Show general definition the period of European history beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire and followed by the Renaissance (roughly 500-1500 AD) Show editor's word notes Often thought of as a time of instability, superstition, plagues, feudal lords, and knighthood.
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Socratesancient Greek philosopher who did much to influence Western thinking (470-399 BC) In his Dialogues, Plato quotes Socrates as saying, "The unexamined life is not worth living."more Show sample from book Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice.† Show general definition ancient Athenian philosopher who did much to influence Western thinking; teacher of Plato and Xenophon (470-399 BC) Show editor's word notes A memory trick to remember the relationships between Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and Alexander the Great is to put them in reverse alphabetical order: Socrates taught Plato who taught Aristotle, who taught Alexander the Great.
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Julius Caesarthe most famous of Ancient Rome's generals and leaders Julius Caesar was both admired for his leadership and feared for having too much power.more Show sample from book Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul.† Show general definition the most famous of Ancient Rome's generals and leaders (100-44 BC) Show editor's word notes Julius Caesar was never emperor of the Roman Empire because Rome was a Republic during his lifetime. He was assassinated by senators (including his friend Brutus as told in Shakespeare's play) who feared that he was taking too much power from the senators. The assassination restored the Republic, but provoked a civil war which led to the autocratic Roman Empire. Emperors of that empire took the last name Caesar because of him.
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King Arthurmythical king of Britain who rules at Camelot and leads the Knights of the Round Table While the stories of King Arthur are myth and legend, they may have originated with stories of the life of a 6th century leader.more Show sample from book King Alfred conquered the Dames, King Arthur lived in the Age of Shivery, King Harold mustarded his troops before the Battle of Hastings, Joan of Arc was canonized by Bernard Shaw.† Show general definition mythical British king of medieval stories who rules at Camelot and leads the Knights of the Round Table Show editor's word notes King Arthur may or may not be based on a real historical leader, but the stories about him are mainly legend. Medieval writers describe him as a brave and noble king who defends Britain, carries the magical sword Excalibur, and gathers honorable knights at a round table that symbolized equal honor and rank. Arthurian tales often include quests for the Holy Grail, tests of loyalty and courage, and tragic love stories such as that of Lancelot and Guinevere. Over time, King Arthur has become a symbol of chivalry, idealized leadership, and a lost "golden age" that people remember with longing.
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The French Revolutionviolent revolution that replaced the French Monarchy with a republic (1789-1799) During The French Revolution, a more radical faction seized power and instituted the Reign of Terror in which many of the less radical were executed as alleged "counter-revolutionaries."more Show sample from book The Marseillaise was the theme song of the French Revolution. Show general definition violent revolution that replaced the French Monarchy with a republic (which in turn was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte) (1789-1799)
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Thomas Jefferson3rd President of the US and primary writer of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson's portrait is on the U.S. nickel (5 cent coin).†more Show sample from book Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two singers of the declaration of Independence.† Show general definition 3rd President of the US and primary writer of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)
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Louis PasteurFrench scientist who proved germs cause disease and created pasteurization and early vaccines Louis Pasteur's experiments with spoiled wine and beer helped convince skeptical scientists that invisible germs, not "bad air," were responsible for contamination.more Show sample from book Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbis.† French scientist who proved germs cause disease and created pasteurization and e… Show general definition French scientist who proved germs cause disease and created pasteurization and early vaccines (1822-1895) Show editor's word notes Louis Pasteur helped show that many diseases and forms of food spoilage are caused by tiny living organisms called germs, not by "bad air" or spontaneous decay. He discovered that gently heating liquids like milk and wine could kill harmful germs without ruining the taste—a process now called pasteurization. Pasteur also developed early vaccines, including ones for anthrax in animals and for rabies in humans, proving that weakened forms of a disease could protect people from the real thing. His work strongly supported the germ theory of disease, which helped convince doctors to keep tools and hands cleaner and laid the groundwork for modern medicine and hygiene.
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Miguel de CervantesSpanish author best known for writing Don Quixote In 1575, Miguel de Cervantes was captured by Barbary pirates and held captive for five years until he was ransomed.more Show sample from book Writing at the same time as Shakespear was Miguel Cervantes.† Show general definition Spanish writer best remembered for Don Quixote which satirizes chivalry and influenced the development of the novel form (1547-1616)
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genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more Show sample from book I have pasted together the following "history" of the world from certifiably genuine student bloopers collected by teachers through the U.S., from eighth grade through college.† real Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
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inhabitantinhabitant → inhabitants:people (who live in a particular place) What will traffic be like if the city has twice as many inhabitants?more Show sample from book The inhabitants of ancient Egypt were called mummies.†1 more Show general definition a person who lives in a particular place
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adoptadopt → adopted:took on as its own The country adopted the metric system.more Show sample from book The Constitution was adopted to secure domestic hostility.† adopt → adopted:took on as one's own Show general definition to take on as one's own The exact meaning of adopt depends upon its context. For example: "adopt a child" -- to legally take on parental responsibilities for another person's child "adopt a plan" -- to accept or begin to use something "adopt a pet" -- to take in a pet -- especially one from an animal shelter "Congress adopted the resolution." -- had a formal vote and passed "adopted a confident attitude" -- took on or displayed
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cultivatedevelop or grow We encourage our representatives to cultivate a close relationship with their clients.more Show sample from book The climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere, so certain areas of the dessert are cultivated by irritation.† cultivate → cultivated:developed, grown, or prepared for growing crops Show general definition enhance growth or development in various senses, including: to grow crops or prepare land for them enhance a relationship -- especially for a purpose develop discernment (better recognition of differences) in taste or judgment to grow a culture in a petri dish