The Chrysanthemums — Vocabulary
John Steinbeck
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner
I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more
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Take a pot," he continued earnestly, "a bent pot, or a pot with a hole.†
earnest → earnestly:sincerely or seriously
Show general definition characterized by sincere belief

or:

intensely or excessively serious or determined
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perplexperplex → perplexed:confused
She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more
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She stopped and seemed perplexed.†
perplex → perplexed:confused or puzzled
Show general definition to confuse
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bewilderconfuse
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more
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He looked bewildered.†
bewilder → bewildered:confused
Show general definition to confuse someone
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tauttight
The string is pulled taut.more
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Then all three stopped, and with stiff and quivering tails, with taut straight legs, with ambassadorial dignity, they slowly circled, sniffing daintily.†
pulled or drawn tight; OR  subjected to great tension
Show general definition pulled or drawn tight;
or: subjected to great tension
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fugitivefugitive → fugitives:people hiding from law enforcement officers
She is one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.more
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She touched the under edge of her man's hat, searching for fugitive hairs.†
someone hiding from law enforcement officers
Show general definition for fugitive (as in: she is a fugitive) someone who is running away or hiding to avoid arrest or an unpleasant situation
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retortquickly reply
She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.more
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"It's a good bitter smell," she retorted, "not nasty at all."†
retort → retorted:quickly replied
Show general definition for retort (as in: quick retort) a quick reply to a question or remark -- especially a witty or critical one
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definitivefinal
I have only a tentative answer, but I will be definitive next week.more
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Two rows of articles, and the triumphantly definitive "Fixed" below.†
best possible, final, or definite (beyond question)
Show general definition best possible, final, or definite (beyond question)
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fawnfawn → fawns:shows excessive flattery or affection
She fawns all over her children.more
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She crouched low like a fawning dog.†
fawn → fawning:showing excessive flattery or affection
Show general definition for fawn (as in: fawned all over her) showing excessive flattery or affection
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ceasestop
According to the treaty, all offensive military action will cease at midnight.more
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The laughter had disappeared from his face and eyes the moment his laughing voice ceased.†
cease → ceased:stopped or discontinued
Show general definition to stop or discontinue