We Shall Overcome — Vocabulary
Lyndon B. Johnson
1965 Speech
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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democracya system of government in which citizens have power with equal votes The United States has a representative democracy.more Show sample from book I speak tonight for the dignity of man and the destiny of Democracy.†3 more
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ingeniousshowing cleverness and originality It is an ingenious solution to the problem. It is as reliable as it is easy.more Show sample from book Experience has clearly shown that the existing process of law cannot overcome systematic and ingenious discrimination.†1 more
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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 The broad principles of that bill will be in the hands of the Democratic and Republican leaders tomorrow.1 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
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consciencemoral judgment of personal behavior I have a guilty conscience and want to make it right.more Show sample from book His actions and protests, his courage to risk safety, and even to risk his life, have awakened the conscience of this nation.†1 more feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner Show general definition feeling or judgment of morally right or wrong personal behavior
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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 Because it's not just Negroes, but really it's all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. something coming from the past 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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abundantpresent in great quantity Farmers in the region enjoy good soil, moderate temperatures, and an abundant supply of water.more Show sample from book Rarely are we met with a challenge, not to our growth or abundance, or our welfare or our security, but rather to the values and the purposes and the meaning of our beloved nation.† abundant → abundance:large amount or quantity
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persistentcontinuing over time She has a persistent cough.more Show sample from book And who among us can say that we would have made the same progress were it not for his persistent bravery and his faith in American democracy?† continuing -- especially despite difficulties or opposition Show general definition continuing -- especially despite difficulties or opposition
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principlebelief I accept as a basic principle that all people are precious and should be treated with equal dignity.more Show sample from book The broad principles of that bill will be in the hands of the Democratic and Republican leaders tomorrow.† principle → principles:basic rules or beliefs Show general definition a basic rule or belief The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example: "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
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tediousboring I'll have to endure one of her tedious lectures.more Show sample from book It will eliminate tedious, unnecessary lawsuits which delay the right to vote.† boring or monotonous Show general definition boring -- especially because something goes on too long or without variation
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colleaguefellow worker -- especially in a respected profession such as teaching, medicine, or law My colleague suggested a different approach.more Show sample from book I am grateful for this opportunity to come here tonight at the invitation of the leadership to reason with my friends, to give them my views and to visit with my former colleagues.† colleague → colleagues:fellow workers -- especially in a respected profession such as teaching, medicine, or law
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grandeurimpressive magnificence The hotel is well past the days of its grandeur.†more Show sample from book But I do not want to be the president who built empires, or sought grandeur, or extended dominion. Show general definition impressive magnificence -- usually on a grand (large) scale
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provokeprovoke → provoked:caused Her remarks provoked a public outcry.more Show sample from book His demonstrations have been designed to call attention to injustice, designed to provoke change; designed to stir reform.† cause (a reaction) Show general definition to cause a reaction — often an emotional reaction like anger, and sometimes done on purpose
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persistpersist → persisted:continued The child persisted in asking questions despite my obvious desire to be left alone.more Show sample from book And if he persists and, if he manages to present himself to the registrar, he may be disqualified because he did not spell out his middle name, or because he abbreviated a word on the application.† persist → persists:continues Show general definition to continue -- often despite difficulty or to repeat a question
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prejudiceunreasonable and unfair belief or feeling The group works to eliminate racial prejudice.more Show sample from book And they knew even in their youth the pain of prejudice.† 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
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comprehensiveincluding everything important The site provides a comprehensive survey of world affairs.more Show sample from book I have had prepared a more comprehensive analysis of the legislation which I had intended to transmit to the clerk tomorrow, but which I will submit to the clerks tonight.† large in scope; or including everything or everything important Show general definition large in scope; or including everything or everything important
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emancipatedreleased from social restraints (used as a metaphor for the literal sense of being released from slavery) She was an emancipated 20th century woman pursuing her career.†more Show sample from book But emancipation is a proclamation and not a fact.† emancipated → emancipation:the act of being released from slavery or servitude; or (metaphorically) from social restraints Show general definition released from slavery or servitude; or (metaphorically) from social restraints
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ingenuitythe ability to solve problems in smart creative ways It will take more than ingenuity to clean this up. We're going to have to admit our mistake.more Show sample from book Every device of which human ingenuity is capable, has been used to deny this right.† ability to solve problems in smart creative ways
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thoroughfaremain road It's the city's main north-south thoroughfare.more Show sample from book But free assembly does not carry with it the right to block public thoroughfares to traffic.† thoroughfare → thoroughfares:main roads Show general definition a road -- typically a main road, but potentially any road, path, or means of getting from one place to another
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vetoveto → vetoed:blocked (prevented it from taking effect) Congress passed the legislation, but the President vetoed it.more Show sample from book And so, at the request of your beloved Speaker and the Senator from Montana, the Majority Leader, the Senator from Illinois, the Minority Leader, Mr. McCullock and other members of both parties, I came here tonight, not as President Roosevelt came down one time in person to veto a bonus bill; not as President Truman came down one time to urge passage of a railroad bill, but I came down here to ask you to share this task with me.† block (prevent) an action Show general definition to exercise the right to override another's decision by preventing their intended action
	1
bigotryintolerance and prejudice It's a difficult subject due to her bigotry.more Show sample from book Because it's not just Negroes, but really it's all of us, who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.† Show general definition intolerance and prejudice