The Secret Sharer — Vocabulary
Joseph Conrad
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Exemplary sample	Uses	Broad Use
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sufficientadequate (enough) We have sufficient supplies.more Show sample from book A sufficiently fierce story to make an old judge and a respectable jury sit up a bit.†3 more sufficient → sufficiently:adequately (in a manner that provides enough -- often without being more than is needed) Show general definition adequate (enough -- often without being more than is needed)
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novelnew and original We're looking for novel marketing ideas.more Show sample from book All its phases were familiar enough to me, every characteristic, all the alternatives which were likely to face me on the high seas--everything! … except the novel responsibility of command.1 more new (not previously encountered) Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation) new and original -- typically something considered good
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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 My nerves were so shaken that I could not govern my voice and conceal my agitation.†1 more agitate → agitation:the act of stirring up (emotionally or physically); or a state of 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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earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more Show sample from book His dominant trait was to take all things into earnest consideration.†1 more sincere or serious Show general definition characterized by sincere belief or: intensely or excessively serious or determined
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inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book "But all this doesn't tell me how you came to hang on to our side ladder," I inquired, in the hardly audible murmurs we used, after he had told me something more of the proceedings on board the Sephora once the bad weather was over.†3 more inquire → inquired:asked about or looked into Show general definition to ask about or look into something
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incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book "Are you going to try that, sir?" he stammered out incredulously.†1 more incredulous → incredulously:with disbelief; or with difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
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monotonouslacking variety and boring We hope to replace people with robots for the most monotonous work.more Show sample from book His care to subdue his voice made it sound monotonous.†1 more lacking in variety and/or boring Show general definition lacking in variety -- typically boring
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perplexperplex → perplexed:confused She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more Show sample from book A grave, preoccupied manner, as though he were in possession of some perplexing intelligence, did not leave him henceforth.†1 more perplex → perplexing:confusing due to complexity Show general definition to confuse
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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 And then I could at last shut, with a clear conscience, the door of my stateroom and get my double back into the recessed part.†2 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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eccentricodd or unusual Her eccentric outfits always turned heads at school.more Show sample from book My action might have made me appear eccentric.†1 more unconventional or strange; OR a person with such traits Show general definition unconventional or strange; or a person with such traits -- often in a way that seems interesting or harmless
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brusqueabrupt (not taking the time to be friendly) She is known for her brusque manner and brief meetings.more Show sample from book I did not think of asking him for details, and he told me the story roughly in brusque, disconnected sentences.†1 more abrupt Show general definition abrupt (sudden and quick -- without taking the time to be friendly)
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recoilrecoil → recoiled:suddenly moved back (away from) She recoiled in horror.more Show sample from book Now a side ladder of that sort is a light affair and comes in easily, yet my vigorous tug, which should have brought it flying on board, merely recoiled upon my body in a totally unexpected jerk.†1 more recoil → recoiled:moved back suddenly Show general definition to move backward suddenly (sometimes figuratively) especially: the backward jerk of a gun or cannon when it is fired when a person flinches (suddenly draws back) from someone or something, as with fear, disgust, or pain when a person is emotionally repulsed, as by disgust when something intended to go in one direction figuratively falls back in the opposite direction; for example, a story told to hurt someone that comes back to hurt the teller
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vexfrustrate The complicated math problem continued to vex the entire class until the teacher provided a clearer explanation of the formula.more Show sample from book I was vexed with myself.†1 more vex → vexed:annoyed Show general definition to annoy, worry, or frustrate -- especially by being difficult or persistent
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phosphorescencea soft, lasting glow We watched the ocean's eerie phosphorescence glow under the moonlight.more Show sample from book The phosphorescence flashed in the swirl of the water all about his limbs, his other hand seized the ladder.3 more dim glowing light Show general definition a soft, dim glow that comes either from a chemical reaction in a living thing or from something that keeps glowing after the light shining on it is gone
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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 "Unless you manage to recover him before tomorrow," I assented, dispassionately...."I mean, alive."†1 more assent → assented: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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elapseelapse → elapsed:passed Several hours elapsed before they heard any news.more Show sample from book Before an hour had elapsed since the ship had begun to move, having occasion to ask the mate (he stood by my side) to take a compass bearing of the pagoda, I caught myself reaching up to his ear in whispers.†1 more elapse → elapsed:of time: to pass by Show general definition of time: to pass by
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arbitrarybased on chance or impulse It was an arbitrary decision.more Show sample from book It was this maddening course of being shouted at, checked without rhyme or reason, arbitrarily chased out of my cabin, suddenly called into it, sent flying out of his pantry on incomprehensible errands, that accounted for the growing wretchedness of his expression.† arbitrary → arbitrarily:in a manner based on chance or impulse Show general definition based on chance or impulse (rather than upon reasoning, consistent rules, or a proper sense of fairness)
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mishapminor accident We tripped while roller skating, but we survived to laugh at the mishap.more Show sample from book "Be careful," he murmured, warningly—and I realized suddenly that all my future, the only future for which I was fit, would perhaps go irretrievably to pieces in any mishap to my first command.† unfortunate accident Show general definition an unfortunate accident -- usually minor
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trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book These are trifling instances, though it's to no commander's advantage to be suspected of ludicrous eccentricities.†1 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
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trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book It was, as it were, trifling with the terrific character of his whiskers; but my object was to give him an opportunity for a good look at my cabin.†1 more trifle with → trifling with:treating thoughtlessly or without respect Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect