The Devil and Daniel Webster — Vocabulary
Stephen Vincent Benét
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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mortgageproperty loan We are the proud owners of a new home and a $100,000 mortgage.more Show sample from book So when—ahem—the mortgage falls due next year, you shouldn't have any regrets.†4 more a real estate loan; or pledging something for a loan Show general definition a real estate loan; or to offer real estate as collateral for a loan (collateral is something that has to be given to the lender if the loan isn't paid as agreed)
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repentto feel regret for having done wrong and to firmly decide to be a better person in the future Prisoners who repent are more likely to be released on parole.more Show sample from book "Repent of such notable wonders and undertakings?" said the stern old justice.†1 more to express or feel regret for having done wrong
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neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book Nevertheless, my congratulations, as between two gentlemen.† 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.
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varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book Why, they vary.† differ; or change Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
	2	top 2000
abidetolerate I can't abide her continual complaints.more Show sample from book "And now," said the stranger, smiling and showing his teeth, "I shall call upon you, as a law-abiding citizen, to assist me in taking possession of my property."†1 more abide → law-abiding:law-obeying Show general definition for abide (as in: abide by her decision) to tolerate or put up with something
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legacya gift left in a will She left her vacation home as a legacy for her family.more Show sample from book Well, Jabez told his family it was a lawyer, come to see him about a legacy. gift left in a will Show general definition coming from the past or left to the future in various senses including: in law -- a gift given through a will -- "She left a legacy of $10,000 to her niece." of a situation -- resulting from the past -- "Today's debt problem is a legacy of profligate spending by prior administrations." of culture -- a practice passed from one generation to the next -- "The city has along legacy of bribes and corruption." of technology -- something that still uses old technology -- "We're using a legacy software that only the old-timers know how to update." of a member or potential member of an organization -- the child of a previous member -- "She is a legacy candidate."
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denouncedenounce → denounced:strongly criticized or accused publicly She denounced him as a liar.more Show sample from book Till, finally, it was time for him to get up on his feet, and he did so, all ready to bust out with lightnings and denunciations.† denounce → denunciations:criticisms or accusations Show general definition to strongly criticize or accuse publicly or more rarely: to inform against someone (turn someone into the authorities)
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glowerglower → glowering:staring angrily Shake hands and stop glowering at each other.more Show sample from book "Benedict Arnold is engaged upon other business," said the stranger, with a glower.† stare angrily Show general definition to stare angrily
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vexfrustrate The complicated math problem continued to vex the entire class until the teacher provided a clearer explanation of the formula.more Show sample from book There was Morton of Merry Mount, who so vexed the Plymouth Colony, with his flushed, loose, handsome face and his hate of the godly.† vex → vexed:annoyed Show general definition to annoy, worry, or frustrate -- especially by being difficult or persistent
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wryhumorous in an subtle, ironic, or cynical way The old woman gave a wry smile, as if she knew something that I didn't.more Show sample from book The stranger turned to Dan'l Webster, smiling wryly.† wry → wryly:humor Show general definition humor -- often understated, sarcastic, or ironic -- often expressed by twisting the face
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presidelead or direct The principal will preside over the graduation ceremony this year.more Show sample from book He presided at certain witch trials once held in Salem.† preside → presided:chaired; or headed; or was in charge Show general definition to lead or be in charge of a meeting, event, or group -- especially in an official or formal role
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defendanta person (or institution) legally accused or sued in court The defendant is confident she will be found innocent.more Show sample from book We find for the defendant, Jabez Stone.† a person or institution legally accused or sued in court
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twingea sudden, short-lived feeling of pain I often feel a twinge at that tooth when I drink something cold.more Show sample from book True, every now and then, especially in rainy weather, the little white scar on his finger would give him a twinge. Show general definition a sudden, short-lived feeling of pain or emotion
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prosperousfinancially successful She owns a prosperous law firm.more Show sample from book Pretty soon, he was one of the prosperous people of the county; they asked him to stand for selectman, and he stood for it; there began to be talk of running him for state senate.† successful or good -- especially with regard to finances or wealth Show general definition successful or good -- especially with regard to finances or wealth
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prosperprosper → prospering:doing well She is prospering at school.more Show sample from book He had good enough land, but it didn't prosper him; he had a decent wife and children, but the more children he had, the less there was to feed them.†1 more do well Show general definition to do well or to grow stronger
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contemptthe crime of disrespect for the authority of a court The judge held her in contempt.more Show sample from book He didn't care if it was contempt of court or what would happen to him for it. the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority Show general definition for contempt (as in: held in contempt of court) the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body Show editor's word notes Formally, this is called "contempt of court," but it is often shortened as just "contempt."
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foalyoung horse I've trained her to ride since she was a foal.†more Show sample from book And no demon that was ever foaled could know the inwardness of it—it took a man to do that.† foal → foaled:a young horse; OR giving birth to a young horse Show general definition a young horse; or giving birth to a young horse
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PuritansEnglish Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries wanted more purity and less ritual in worship, and who stressed hard work above pleasure The Pilgrims who we remember on Thanksgiving were Puritans who came to the New Word.more Show sample from book He pointed his finger once more, and a tall man, soberly clad in Puritan garb, with the burning gaze of the fanatic, stalked into the room and took his judge's place.† Puritans → Puritan:an English Protestant who in the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted simpler worship and strict, hard-working lives Show general definition English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries who wanted simpler, “purer” worship and emphasized hard work over pleasure Show editor's word notes Protestants are Christian groups that broke away from the Catholic Church; in the United States, well-known Protestant churches include Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.
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indivisibleunited (inseparable) The two of them are indivisible, no matter the challenges they face.more Show sample from book Then you better answer the Union stands as she stood, rock-bottomed and copper sheathed, one and indivisible, or he's liable to rear right out of the ground.† impossible to separate… Show general definition impossible to separate or: in math: impossible to divide evenly without leaving a remainder
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Missouri Compromisesalve state / free state compromise She says the Missouri Compromise both delayed the Civil War and sowed its seeds.more Show sample from book I've got about seventy-five other things to do and the Missouri Compromise to straighten out, but I'll take your case.† slave state / free state compromise Show general definition 1820 agreement in the United States that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, and set a line in the Louisiana Purchase territory north of which slavery was mostly banned