Common Sense — Vocabulary
Thomas Paine
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	9	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book The great empires of the east are mostly inland, and consequently excluded from the possibility of rivalling her.10 more consequence → consequently:resultantly (as a result) Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	2	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book [4] Those who would fully understand of what great consequence a large and equal representation is to a state, should read Burgh's political disquisitions†10 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	16	top 1000
doctrineprinciple She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more Show sample from book Who the Author of this Production is, is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as the Object for Attention is the DOCTRINE ITSELF, not the MAN.†15 more a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some … Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
	17
monarchya government ruled by a king of queen The monarchy is over three hundred years old, but it was forced to share power and adopt a constitution during the last century.more Show sample from book FIRST — The remains of monarchial tyranny in the person of the king.†16 more monarchy → monarchial:relating to a government, country, or ruling family of a country ruled by a king of queen Show general definition a government, country, or ruling family of a country ruled by a king of queen
	13	top 1000
oppressoppress → oppresses:treats harshly and unfairly The regime oppresses its people.more Show sample from book Immediate necessity makes many things convenient, which if continued would grow into oppressions.12 more oppress → oppressions:harsh and unfair treatment Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive government) to dominate harshly and unfairly; or to make suffer The meaning of oppress depends upon its context. For example: "The authorities oppress political activists," or "The new nation oppressed Native Americans." -- to dominate harshly and unfairly "She is oppressed by excessive debt." - made to suffer
	13	top 2000
testimonythe statement of a witness at a trial Her emotional testimony moved the jury.more Show sample from book 'Tis a form of government which the word of God bears testimony against, and blood will attend it.†12 more something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing Show general definition something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
	11	top 1000
prejudiceunreasonable and unfair belief or feeling The group works to eliminate racial prejudice.more Show sample from book Alas, we have been long led away by ancient prejudices, and made large sacrifices to superstition.†10 more prejudice → prejudices:bias that prevents objective consideration Show general definition bias that prevents objective consideration -- especially an unreasonable belief that is unfair to members of a race, religion, or other group
	9	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book Common sense will tell us, that the power which hath endeavoured to subdue us, is of all others the most improper to defend us.†8 more endeavor → endeavoured:tried or attempted Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavored. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	11	top 2000
republicrepublic → republics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws The United States and each of its states are republics.more Show sample from book For it is the republican and not the monarchical part of the constitution of England which Englishmen glory in, viz.10 more republic → republican:of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives … Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
	8	top 1000
tyrannya form of government where some people control others in a harsh, unfair manner The U.S. constitution was designed with checks and balances and limited government to protect Americans from tyranny.more Show sample from book When the world was overrun with tyranny the least remove therefrom was a glorious rescue.†7 more harsh and unjust rule Show general definition harsh and unjust rule
	9	top 2000
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 Not one third of the inhabitants, even of this province, are of English descent.†8 more Show general definition a person who lives in a particular place
	6	top 500
perpetualcontinuing forever A perpetual flame burns beside the grave of John F. Kennedy.more Show sample from book Yet his electors could have no idea of giving hereditary right to his descendants, because such a perpetual exclusion of themselves was incompatible with the free and unrestrained principles they professed to live by.†5 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
	5	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book And, perhaps, it is chiefly owing to this prudent delicacy, that the King's Speech, hath not, before now, suffered a public execution.†4 more
	5	top 500
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 If the first king was taken by lot, it establishes a precedent for the next, which excludes hereditary succession.†4 more 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)
	10	top 1000
posterityfuture generations We must secure the benefits of freedom for ourselves and our posterity.more Show sample from book Secondly, as no man at first could possess any other public honours than were bestowed upon him, so the givers of those honours could have no power to give away the right of posterity.†9 more all future generations Show general definition all future generations
	3	top 500
refuterefute → refuted:argued against The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments.more Show sample from book P.S. The Publication of this new Edition hath been delayed, with a View of taking notice (had it been necessary) of any Attempt to refute the Doctrine of Independance: As no Answer hath yet appeared, it is now presumed that none will, the Time needful for getting such a Performance ready for the Public being considerably past.†2 more disprove or argue against Show general definition to disprove or argue against
	2	top 500
censurecensure → censured:formally criticized They censured him for bringing dishonor upon the Senate.more Show sample from book Compliments as well as censure to individuals make no part thereof.†1 more harsh or formal criticism Show general definition harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization -- such as the U.S. Senate
	2	top 1000
repugnantdisgusting Her behavior is shocking and repugnant.more Show sample from book It is repugnant to reason, to the universal order of things, to all examples from former ages, to suppose, that this continent can longer remain subject to any external power.†1 more Show general definition disgusting
	3
maximshort saying that expresses a general truth or principle The advisor often quotes the maxim that all politics is local.more Show sample from book that the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered; and the easier repaired when disordered; and with this maxim in view, I offer a few remarks on the so much boasted constitution of England.†2 more a short saying that expresses a general truth or principle Show general definition a short saying that expresses a general truth or principle
	3
i.e.in other words Most of the items the store sells are private-label, i.e., not national brands you'd recognize.more Show sample from book that they might be LIKE unto other nations, i.e. the Heathens, whereas their true glory laid in being as much UNLIKE them as possible.2 more that is to say or in other words Show general definition that is to say; or in other words