Politics and the English Language — Vocabulary
George Orwell
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	11	top 1000
metaphormetaphor → metaphorically:with a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally denote He was speaking metaphorically when he referred to being mugged by reality.more Show sample from book I list below, with notes and examples, various of the tricks by means of which the work of prose-construction is habitually dodged: DYING METAPHORS.†10 more metaphor → metaphors:figures of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally mean Show general definition a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is implied by using a word to refer to something it does not literally mean—as in, "All the world’s a stage." Show editor's word notes When Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." he was not saying the world is really a stage and all people are actors. But he was pointing to the similarities he wants us to recognize. While metaphors and similes are both techniques of figurative language. The distinction is that a simile explicitly shows that a comparison is being made, by using words such as "like" or "as". A metaphor simply substitutes words assuming the reader will understand the meaning should not be take literally. "She is like a diamond in the rough" is a simile; while "She is a diamond in the rough" is a metaphor.
	3	top 100
phenomenonsomething that is of special interest It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.more Show sample from book This had to be so, because no modern writer of the kind I am discussing—no one capable of using phrases like "objective consideration of contemporary phenomena"—would ever tabulate his thoughts in that precise and detailed way.†2 more phenomenon → phenomena:things that exists or happened -- often of special interest Show general definition something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary Show editor's word notes "Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
	3	top 500
evokeevoke → evoked:aroused Her story evoked sympathy.more Show sample from book But in between these two classes there is a huge dump of worn-out metaphors which have lost all evocative power and are merely used because they save people the trouble of inventing phrases for themselves.†2 more evoke → evocative:bringing strong feelings or memories to mind Show general definition to call forth or cause -- typically to arouse an emotion or bring a memory to mind
	3	top 1000
democracya system of government in which citizens have power with equal votes The United States has a representative democracy.more Show sample from book In the case of a word like DEMOCRACY, not only is there no agreed definition, but the attempt to make one is resisted from all sides.†2 more
	3
bourgeoistypical middle class Our lifestyle upsets their bourgeois sensibilities.more Show sample from book Other words used in variable meanings, in most cases more or less dishonestly, are: CLASS, TOTALITARIAN, SCIENCE, PROGRESSIVE, REACTIONARY BOURGEOIS, EQUALITY.†2 more typical of the middle class or their values and habits Show general definition typical of the middle class or their values and habits - typically used disapprovingly or (in Marxist theory): typical of the property-owning class Show editor's word notes Bourgeois is often used to refer to the values of the upper middle class. You may also see the term petit bourgeois to describe very small business owners. Note that bourgeois, bourgeoisie, and bourgeoise are often interchanged. Bourgeois is most common and can be used as an adjective or a noun. Bourgeoisie is typically used only as a noun, and bourgeoise is occasionally used as an alternate spelling of bourgeois.
	3	top 2000
dialectregional variety of a language It's not uncommon to hear "y'all" when talking in the American south where the rural areas still have a distinct dialect.more Show sample from book You cannot speak any of the necessary dialects, and when you make a stupid remark its stupidity will be obvious, even to yourself.†2 more dialect → dialects:regional varieties of a language Show general definition a regional variety of a language Show editor's word notes A dialect can use a different accent, vocabulary, and grammar than other dialects of the same language.
	2	top 1000
inexorableunstoppable She believed that she could not change her inexorable destiny.more Show sample from book Adjectives like EPOCH-MAKING, EPIC, HISTORIC, UNFORGETTABLE, TRIUMPHANT, AGE-OLD, INEVITABLE, INEXORABLE, VERITABLE, are used to dignify the sordid processes of international politics, while writing that aims at glorifying war usually takes on an archaic color, its characteristic words being: REALM, THRONE, CHARIOT, MAILED FIST, TRIDENT, SWORD, SHIELD, BUCKLER, BANNER, JACKBOOT, CLARION.†1 more impossible to stop, persuade, or change Show general definition impossible to stop, persuade, or change
	2	top 1000
prescribeprescribe → prescribed:gave medical instructions instructing that the patient should take The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for the infection.more Show sample from book —PROFESSOR HAROLD LASKI (Essay in FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION) (2) Above all, we cannot play ducks and drakes with a native battery of idioms which prescribes such egregious collocations of vocables as the Basic PUT UP WITH for TOLERATE or PUT AT A LOSS for BEWILDER.†1 more prescribe → prescribes:recommends or requires what should be done OR (of a medical doctor) gives medical instructions -- such as writing that a patient should take antibiotics Show general definition to recommend or require what should be done or more specifically: of a medical doctor: to give medical instructions -- such as writing that a patient should take antibiotics
	1	top 100
conformconform → conformist:someone who thinks and acts like others in a group Most teenagers are surprisingly conformist within their subgroup.more Show sample from book And this reduced state of consciousness, if not indispensable, is at any rate favorable to political conformity.† conform → conformity:compliance, fitting in, or being similar to what is normal Show general definition to comply, fit in, or be similar to what is normal
	2	top 2000
orthodoxnormal The new findings challenge orthodox views.more Show sample from book Orthodoxy, of whatever color, seems to demand a lifeless, imitative style.†1 more orthodox → orthodoxy:a commonly accepted belief or practice Show general definition normal (describing thinking or behavior as commonly or traditionally accepted)
	2	top 2000
habitualdone regularly The counseling is to break the cycle of habitual drug abuse.more Show sample from book Meanwhile, here are five specimens of the English language as it is now habitually written.†1 more habitual → habitually:in a manner that is done regularly
	2
indefinitelyfor an unspecified, but long period of time She was benched indefinitely due to the illness.more Show sample from book But an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely.†1 more for an unspecified, but long period of time; OR forever Show general definition for an unspecified, but long period of time; or forever
	2	top 2000
socialisman economic system based on government ownership and control of all companies -- with the ideal of equal benefits to all people She believes that more socialism would be more fair.more Show sample from book The words DEMOCRACY, SOCIALISM, FREEDOM, PATRIOTIC, REALISTIC, JUSTICE, have each of them several different meanings which cannot be reconciled with one another.†1 more an economic system based on government ownership or control of all important com… Show general definition an economic system based on government ownership or control of all important companies -- with the ideal of equal benefits to all people
	2	top 2000
specimenspecimen → specimens:examples representative of their type The museum holds over a million insect specimens.more Show sample from book Meanwhile, here are five specimens of the English language as it is now habitually written.†1 more specimen → specimens:examples regarded as typical of their class Show general definition an example thought to represent its type; or a bit of tissue, blood, or urine that is taken for diagnostic purposes
	5
idioman expression whose meaning cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up Having just arrived from Egypt, I did not understand what she meant by the idiom, "Don't cut corners."more Show sample from book What image or idiom will make it clearer?†4 more a way of putting things that is characteristic of a specific group of people Show general definition a way of putting things that is characteristic of a specific group of people Show editor's word notes An idiom typically refers to an expression whose meaning cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up (as in "feeling under the weather"). It can also refer to a particular artistic style.
	3	top 1000
jargonwords or expressions commonly used in a particular field but not elsewhere The medical jargon used by the doctors was difficult for the patient to understand.more Show sample from book (v) Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent†2 more specialized vocabulary Show general definition words or expressions commonly used in a particular field but not understood by most people
	2	top 200
egregiousexceptionally bad She asked for triple damages due to egregious negligence.more Show sample from book —PROFESSOR HAROLD LASKI (Essay in FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION) (2) Above all, we cannot play ducks and drakes with a native battery of idioms which prescribes such egregious collocations of vocables as the Basic PUT UP WITH for TOLERATE or PUT AT A LOSS for BEWILDER.†1 more Show general definition exceptionally bad
	2	top 2000
euphemisma word or phrase that serves as a less harsh way of saying something unpleasant Passed away is a euphemism for died.more Show sample from book Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness.†1 more a word or phrase that serves as a less harsh or less offensive way of saying something unpleasant Show general definition a word or phrase that serves as a less harsh or less offensive way of saying something unpleasant -- such as "passed away" rather than "died"
	2	top 2000
slovenlymessy She scolded her son for his slovenly habits.more Show sample from book It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.†1 more slovenly → slovenliness:messy or dirty; OR excessively careless or casual Show general definition messy or dirty; or: excessively careless or casual
	2
veritableused for emphasis to introduce a dramatic metaphor All the pictures make the living room look like a veritable shrine to her children.more Show sample from book Adjectives like EPOCH-MAKING, EPIC, HISTORIC, UNFORGETTABLE, TRIUMPHANT, AGE-OLD, INEVITABLE, INEXORABLE, VERITABLE, are used to dignify the sordid processes of international politics, while writing that aims at glorifying war usually takes on an archaic color, its characteristic words being: REALM, THRONE, CHARIOT, MAILED FIST, TRIDENT, SWORD, SHIELD, BUCKLER, BANNER, JACKBOOT, CLARION.†1 more Show general definition used for emphasis: to describe one thing as almost like another (more intense) thing