We Beat the Street — Vocabulary
Sampon Davis, et. al.
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	7	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book Sampson had once asked George, who always seemed focused on the goal of making it to college, how he did it.7 more focus → focused:concentrating Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
	1	top 100
focus#2area where attention is concentrated Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.more Show sample from book Our focus is Health, Education, Leadership, and Mentoring.7 more place where attention is directed Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
	16	top 1000
principalmost important The principal idea is that decisions should be made by the people who are most knowledgeable about specific circumstances that impact the decision.more Show sample from book For the third time that week, he sat in the "Oh-man-you-in-trouble-now" chair in the principal's office and waited for the nun to come out and yell at him once more.†15 more most important; or person that is most important Show general definition most important; or person who is most important The exact meaning of principal can depend upon its context. For example: "the principal idea" or "the principal performer" -- the most important "the principal of the school" -- the person in charge "a principal of a company" -- an owner or person with controlling authority "the principal in a transaction" (as contrasted to the agent) -- the person on whose behalf an agent acts
	3	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book A police officer approached the cell.4 more approach → approached:moved toward Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	2	top 500
approach#2method (way of doing something) Perhaps I just need to work harder, but I may need an entirely different approach to the problem.more Show sample from book It took me some time to get used to this more peaceful approach, but once I did, I actually liked it.4 more technique (way of doing something) Show general definition for approach (as in: use the best approach) a way of doing something; or a route that leads to a particular place
	12	top 2000
pactagreement The two countries signed a non-aggression pact.more Show sample from book The Beginning of the Pact.†11 more an agreement between parties Show general definition an agreement between parties
	4	top 1000
commotiondisturbance I looked up to see what caused the commotion.more Show sample from book The dogs barked loudly and ferociously at all the screaming and commotion in front of them.†3 more noisy disturbance Show general definition a disturbance -- typically noisy
	2	top 100
genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more Show sample from book He looked around in genuine surprise as the police officers jumped out of their car and grabbed him.†1 more real Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
	4	top 1000
laboratorya workplace where people do scientific or medical research We've had success in the laboratory, but are a long way from treating patients.more Show sample from book Rameck, you forgot that these lab reports must be turned in with writing only on the front of the paper.†3 more laboratory → lab:a workplace where people do scientific or medical research, or produce drugs or chemicals (also used figuratively) OR (as an adjective) related to such a place Show general definition a workplace where people do scientific or medical research, or produce drugs or chemicals or (as an adjective): related to such a place
	2	top 500
motivationreason for doing something A generous commission structure provides motivation to our salespeople.more Show sample from book We hope you share this book with others, use it as a tool for inspiration and motivation, and make all your dreams come true.†1 more the reason for doing something; or the level of desire to do something Show general definition the reason for doing something; or the level of desire to do something
	2	top 500
mentorsomeone who guides and advises another who is less experienced Each new employee is matched with a mentor.more Show sample from book Our focus is Health, Education, Leadership, and Mentoring.†1 more mentor → mentoring:guiding and advising Show general definition someone who guides and advises another who is less experienced; or the act of providing such guidance
	21	top 100
positivepositive → positively:in a good or beneficial manner Lower interest rates positively affected home sales.†more Show sample from book I do all that I can to help young people to believe in themselves and strive toward a positive future.22 more good or beneficial Show general definition for positive (as in: had a positive effect) good or beneficial
	2
positive#2optimistic With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more Show sample from book But we managed, through patience, perseverance, and positive thinking, to grow from scrawny teenagers with doubtful futures to become medical professionals highly respected in our community.22 more optimistic (focusing on good things) Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
	3	top 1000
rigorousdifficult and demanding The class was equally interesting and rigorous.more Show sample from book George, Sampson, and Rameck now felt a lot more confident about facing the rigors of college work and thankful that their parents and teachers could once again applaud for them as they reached another milestone.2 more rigorous → rigors:difficulties (things that are difficult and demanding)
	3	top 2000
capriciousunpredictable Nothing seems more capricious than a tornado.more Show sample from book He rode in his grandmother's red Chevy Caprice Classic, a long and comfortable car that perfectly fit her style.†2 more capricious → caprice:impulsiveness or unpredictability Show general definition impulsive or unpredictable or tending to make sudden changes -- especially impulsive behavior
	2	top 2000
bravadoboldness and courage The fighter's bravado amused the crowd, even though everyone knew he was outmatched.more Show sample from book Shawn, who had done time in juvenile detention, as had Marley, said with bravado, "We goin' down to Arlington Avenue and whip somebody's butt!"†1 more a bold manner or show of bravery -- often hiding fear or insecurity Show general definition a bold manner or show of bravery -- often hiding fear or insecurity
	2	top 2000
exultexult → exultation:extreme happiness or elation I was filled with a both exultation and fear.more Show sample from book They split the money four ways and exulted in the ease and glory of it all.†1 more exult → exulted:felt or expressed extreme happiness or elation Show general definition feel or express extreme happiness or elation
	1	top 100
highlightemphasize (call attention to) The main purpose of this passage is to highlight the degree of income inequality.more Show sample from book He often had write-ups in the local paper, highlighting his playing performance: "Davis goes three for four, with four RBIs, while pitching a four-hitter as University tops Shabazz 6-5." highlight → highlighting:emphasizing (drawing attention to) Show general definition for highlight (as in: highlight the main findings) emphasize (call attention to something)
	9	top 100
negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book It took a long time for me to learn that inappropriate activities always brought negative consequences.9 more bad or harmful Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
	1
negative#2pessimistic Don't be so negative. We'll find a way to make this work.more Show sample from book He was reaching a point in life where the despair and negativity were threatening to take over his life.9 more negative → negativity:pessimism Show general definition for negative (as in: a negative attitude) pessimistic (emphasizing bad things) or disagreeable