The Adventure of the Speckled Band — Vocabulary
Arthur Conan Doyle
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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sinisterevil They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.more Show sample from book It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business.2 more evil, harmful, or frightening Show general definition evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
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subtlemaking use of slight distinctions She used subtle reasoning to expose the absurdity of his argument.more Show sample from book I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two souls which are so closely allied.2 more not obvious, but noticeable by someone with adequate knowledge or sensitivity Show general definition for subtle (as in: a subtle difference or thinker) not obvious, but noticeable with enough insight and knowledge or: able to notice or understand things that require insight and sensitivity
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establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book Dr. Roylott then abandoned his attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran.1 more settle Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
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inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book ...the slow process of official inquiry came to the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly playing with a dangerous pet.2 more Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
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sufficientadequate (enough) We have sufficient supplies.more Show sample from book "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data."1 more sufficient → insufficient:not adequate Show context notes The prefix "in-" in insufficient means not and reverses the meaning of sufficient. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure. Show general definition adequate (enough -- often without being more than is needed)
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agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book She raised her veil as she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal.1 more agitate → agitation:emotional unrest Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
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avertavert → averted:turned away She averted her eyes from the violence on TV.more Show sample from book He does not say so, but I can read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes.1 more avert → averted:turned away or aside Show general definition for avert (as in: avert her eyes) turn away or aside -- often to turn your eyes away from something
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cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone more cunning than himself upon his track.1 more clever and deceptive Show general definition for cunning (as in: a cunning thief) being good at achieving goals through cleverness -- and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
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loathehate I make New Year's resolutions every year and then loathe myself for breaking them.more Show sample from book In an instant his strange headgear began to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent.1 more loathe → loathsome:disgusting or very bad Show general definition hate, detest, or intensely dislike Show editor's word notes Word Confusion: Do not confuse loathe with loath which sounds very similar or the same. Loathe is a verb while loath is an adjective describing "reluctance or unwillingness to do something." Note that loathing and loathsome are forms of the verb loathe even though both word forms lack the "e". Occasionally, you will see loath spelled as loathe even in a published book, but it is rare enough that it is generally considered an error rather than a non-standard spelling.
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occupantsomeone who is inside a vehicle The car was badly damaged, but its only occupant walked away unharmed.more Show sample from book The metallic clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant.2 more someone who lives in a specific place Show general definition someone who lives in, uses, or is present in a space, vehicle, or position
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narrativeStory He titled his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.more Show sample from book It is not necessary that I should prolong a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling how...1 more story Show general definition for narrative (as in: Narrative of the Life of...) a story; or related to a story
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contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book To me at least there was a strange contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this sinister quest upon which we were engaged.† Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
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adaptadapt → adapted:changed (to fit this situation) Ideas contained in passages for this test, some of which are excerpted or adapted from published material, do not necessarily represent the opinions of the College Board.more Show sample from book The last squire dragged out his existence there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he established a large practice.† change to fit a different situation; or make suitable Show general definition for adapt (as in: adapted to the new rules) changed to fit a different situation; or made suitable
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obligeoblige → obliges:requires The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.more Show sample from book To determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned.1 more oblige → obliged:required Show general definition for oblige (as in: I am obliged by law.) require (obligate) to do something
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obligedgrateful or indebted I am much obliged to you for your help.more Show sample from book I should be very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pocket.1 more Show general definition for obliged (as in: I'm much obliged for your kindness) grateful or indebted
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alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a speckled band?1 more allude → allusion:an indirect reference Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
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manora large house that belongs to a wealthy person Bletchley Manor was converted into a home for code breakers during World War II.more Show sample from book The manor-house is, as I have already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited.2 more a large house of a lord or wealthy person Show general definition a large house of a wealthy person or historically: the main house of a lord and the land around it that was worked by tenant farmers
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deducededuce → deduced:concluded by reasoning From the muddy footprints and the open window, she deduced that someone had snuck into the house.more Show sample from book "You have evidently seen more in these rooms than was visible to me." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more."1 more Show general definition conclude by reasoning -- especially reasoning from the general to the particular
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meddlemeddle → meddling:interfering (getting involved where not wanted) She's always meddling in other people's business.more Show sample from book Don't you dare to meddle with my affairs.1 more intrude or interfere Show general definition interfere (in another's affairs or business) or: get involved with something where involvement isn't warranted
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consequenceconsequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book 'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.'† importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance