The Scarlet Ibis — Vocabulary
James Hurst
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Exemplary sample Uses Broad Use
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uniformall the same
A diverse committee will provide a better solution than a committee that is uniform.more
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Cotton bolls were wrenched from the stalks and lay like green walnuts in the valleys between the rows, while the cornfield leaned over uniformly so that the tassels touched the ground.†
uniform → uniformly:in a manner that is consistent (the same in some way)
Show general definition for uniform (as in: uniform consistency) consistent (the same in some way)
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sereneserene → serenely:calmly and peacefully
While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.more
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Of course, I was old enough to know this wouldn't work out, but the picture he painted was so beautiful and serene that all I could do was whisper yes, yes.†
calm and untroubled
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precariousunsure (in danger of falling)
Her footing on the ladder looked precarious.more
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On the topmost branch a bird the size of a chicken, with scarlet feathers and long legs, was perched precariously.†
precarious → precariously:in an unsafe or unsure manner
Show general definition unsafe or in danger of getting worse -- especially in danger of falling
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heresysomething immoral
It is a hardline form of Sunni Islam that condemns all other strains as heresy.more
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For a long, long time, it seemed forever, I lay there crying, sheltering my fallen scarlet ibis from the heresy of rain.†
opinions or actions most people consider immoral
Show general definition opinions or actions most people consider immoral
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iridescentrainbow like colors that shimmer or vary with movement
Oil spilled on the wet pavement created a rainbow of iridescent colors.more
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When Peter was ready to go to sleep, the peacock spread his magnificent tail, enfolding the boy gently like a closing go-to-sleep flower, burying him in the gloriously iridescent, rustling vortex.†
bright colors that shimmer or vary with movement
Show general definition bright colors that shimmer or vary with movement
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poisecomposure (calm confidence -- even when under pressure)
She has great charm and great poise.more
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Doodle stopped eating, with a piece of bread poised ready for his mouth, his eyes popped round like two blue buttons.†
poise → poised:calm, confident, and in control
Show general definition calm, confident, and in control—especially in movement, behavior, or when ready to act
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lingerlinger → lingered:remained longer than necessary or expected
She lingered at the party even after most people had gone home.more
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He was pale and lingered just inside the screen door.†
linger → lingered:to remain in a place or situation longer than necessary or expected
Show general definition to remain in a place or situation longer than necessary or expected