The Monkey's Paw — Vocabulary
W. W. Jacobs
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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solemnvery serious He took a solemn oath.more Show sample from book "Better let it burn," said the soldier, solemnly.†1 more solemn → solemnly:with seriousness and dignity Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
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inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book "And what is there special about it?" inquired Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.†2 more inquire → inquired:asked about or looked into Show general definition to ask about or look into something
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attributeattribute → attributed:credited (pointed to as the source of) She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more Show sample from book "Morris said the things happened so naturally," said his father, "that you might if you so wished attribute it to coincidence."† credit (point to as the source of something) Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something) in two typical senses: "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea
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audiblecapable of being heard She spoke in a barely audible whisper.more Show sample from book There was no reply; the old woman's face was white, her eyes staring, and her breath inaudible; on the husband's face was a look such as his friend the sergeant might have carried into his first action.†1 more audible → inaudible:not capable of being heard Show context notes The prefix "in-" in inaudible means not and reverses the meaning of audible. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
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condolencecondolence → condolences:expressions of sympathy They sent their condolences.more Show sample from book The old man rose with hospitable haste, and opening the door, was heard condoling with the new arrival.†1 more condolence → condoling:an expression of sympathy to another who is in sorrow Show context notes This is a verb from of the more commonly seen, condolence or condolences. Show general definition an expression of sympathy to another who is in sorrow -- typically in grief over a death in the family
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coincidencea situation where things happened at the same time by chance even though it was unlikely It was a pure coincidence that both got sick the same weekend.more Show sample from book "Morris said the things happened so naturally," said his father, "that you might if you so wished attribute it to coincidence."†1 more Show general definition a situation where two things happened at the same time or in the same way by chance even though it was unlikely
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sinisterevil They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.more Show sample from book She broke off suddenly as the sinister meaning of the assurance dawned upon her and she saw the awful confirmation of her fears in the other's averted face. evil, harmful, or frightening Show general definition evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
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dubiousquestionable or unreliable The theory is based on dubious evidence that hasn’t been verified.more Show sample from book Mr. White took the paw from his pocket and eyed it dubiously.† dubious → dubiously:doubtfully or suspiciously Show general definition doubtful, questionable, or suspicious -- especially in a way that makes something seem unreliable, improper, or uncertain doubtful in various senses, including: questionable or doubtful that something should be relied upon -- as in "The argument relies on a dubious assumption." suspicious or doubtful that something is morally proper -- as in "The company is accused of using dubious sales practices to influence minors." bad or of questionable value -- as in "The state has the dubious distinction of the highest taxes." uncertain or doubtful -- as in "She is dubious about making the change."
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ceasestop According to the treaty, all offensive military action will cease at midnight.more Show sample from book The knocking ceased suddenly, although the echoes of it were still in the house.† cease → ceased:stopped or discontinued Show general definition to stop or discontinue
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furtivedone in a way that attempts to avoid notice Despite her attempt to look interested, her teacher did not miss her furtive glances at the clock.more Show sample from book He gazed at her furtively, and listened in a preoccupied fashion as the old lady apologized for the appearance of the room, and her husband's coat, a garment which he usually reserved for the garden.† furtive → furtively:while taking pains to avoid being observed; or in a nervous manner (as though hoping not to be seen) Show general definition taking pains to avoid being observed or: in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
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perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving radical changes, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.† Show general definition danger
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amiablefriendly and likable She seemed an ideal candidate--attractive, amiable, intelligent, and energetic.more Show sample from book "Hark at the wind," said Mr. White, who, having seen a fatal mistake after it was too late, was amiably desirous of preventing his son from seeing it.† amiable → amiably:in a friendly way Show general definition friendly, agreeable, and likable
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provokeprovoke → provoked:caused Her remarks provoked a public outcry.more Show sample from book Father and son were at chess, the former, who possessed ideas about the game involving radical changes, putting his king into such sharp and unnecessary perils that it even provoked comment from the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.† provoke → provoked:caused (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 has anybody else wished?" persisted the old lady.† Show general definition to continue -- often despite difficulty or to repeat a question
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talismana small object or piece of jewelry thought to have magical power The ancient talisman was said to have magical powers that could protect its wearer from harm.more Show sample from book Her husband drew the talisman from pocket, and then all three burst into laughter as the sergeant-major, with a look of alarm on his face, caught him by the arm.†5 more Show general definition a small object or piece of jewelry thought to have magical power -- especially to protect against evil
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apathylack of interest and enthusiasm Seeing too much senior apathy, the high school began having juniors declare a major for their senior year.more Show sample from book But the days passed, and expectation gave place to resignation—the hopeless resignation of the old, sometimes miscalled, apathy.†1 more
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credulousgullible (being too willing to believe) The trick would fool none but the most credulous.more Show sample from book His mother laughed, and following him to the door, watched him down the road; and returning to the breakfast table, was very happy at the expense of her husband's credulity.†1 more credulous → credulity:gullibility (being too willing to believe)
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assentconsent or agreement The patient gave her assent to the surgery, even though she was nervous about it.more Show sample from book The visitor bowed in assent.† to express agreement -- especially with a statement or proposal to do something Show general definition to express agreement -- especially with a statement or proposal to do something
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visageface The visage of the old woman was weathered and wrinkled, but her eyes sparkled with a youthful energy.more Show sample from book The new arrival also condoled with himself, so that Mrs. White said, "Tut, tut!" and coughed gently as her husband entered the room, followed by a tall, burly man, beady of eye and rubicund of visage.† someone's face or facial expression Show general definition someone's face or facial expression
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aghastshocked with feelings of surprise or dismay She stepped back aghast at the behavior.more Show sample from book "Good God, you are mad!" he cried, aghast.† shocked with feelings of surprise and dismay Show general definition shocked with feelings of surprise and dismay (sadness, disappointment, or worry)