City of Ashes — Vocabulary
Cassandra Clare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	34	top 500
mundaneordinary -- possibly boring I'm going to have to spend all of Saturday running errands and doing mundane chores.†more Show sample from book "Out, mundane," said Jace, pointing to the door.†33 more ordinary or lacking interest or excitement Show general definition ordinary or lacking interest or excitement -- possibly to the point of being boring or more rarely: belonging to this earth or world; not ideal or heavenly
	4	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book She did not, however, push him away, and clearly taking this as a sign of encouragement, Simon slid his hand behind her head and deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his.†5 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	2	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book However much Simon might appreciate it, it seemed early to break out the topless sleeping arrangements.5 more regardless of how Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
	13	top 1000
bewilderconfuse Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.more Show sample from book Maryse's expression changed slowly from bewilderment to shock as she looked at Luke—really looked at him—for the first time.†12 more bewilder → bewilderment:a feeling of extreme confusion Show general definition to confuse someone
	11	top 500
waverwaver → wavered:faltered (stopped being strong) Through good times and bad her love for him has never wavered.more Show sample from book He turned away after they'd splashed out of the pond, without even a good-bye for Isabelle, and disappeared back into the wavering reflection of the moon.†10 more waver → wavering:moving back and forth; or being unsure or weak Show general definition to move back and forth (shake or quiver) or: to change, be unsure, or weak
	9	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book Pete was staring incredulously.†8 more incredulous → incredulously:with disbelief; or with difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book She wore a neat black suit, very plain, in contrast to the multiple brightly colored rings that burned on her fingers.1 more contrast → in contrast:in a comparison that shows differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	1	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book Even his hair seemed darker, in stark contrast to the white of his skin.1 more difference (in brightness or tone) 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
	9	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book It's a common enough Shadowhunter name—I never thought it was strange they shared it, and as for Michael's boy's middle name, I never inquired.†8 more inquire → inquired:asked about or looked into Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	8	top 1000
arrogantwith an excessive sense of superiority She is rude and arrogant.more Show sample from book An obnoxious, arrogant attitude?†7 more having an excessive sense of superiority Show general definition having an excessive sense of superiority
	6	top 500
exasperatedgreatly annoyed She was exasperated by his teasing.more Show sample from book Simon threw up his hands in exasperation.†5 more exasperated → exasperation:great annoyance
	8	top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more Show sample from book This one opened out into a pavilion surrounded by spires of carved bone—a pavilion Clary remembered very well.†7 more a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
	6	top 1000
contortcontort → contorted:twisted into an unnatural shape Her face contorted in fury and frustration.more Show sample from book The black shape withdrew, leaving the warlock lying contorted on the marble floor.†5 more contort → contorted:twisted Show general definition twist or bend to an unnatural shape -- something such as the human body, a facial expression, or the truth
	5	top 1000
protrudestick out Metal spikes protrude from the dog's collar.more Show sample from book The boy swallowed hard and the membranous black wings protruding from his narrow shoulder blades (he had cut slits in the back of his denim jacket to accommodate them) flapped nervously.†4 more protrude → protruding:sticking out Show general definition to stick out from
	3	top 2000
credulousgullible (being too willing to believe) The trick would fool none but the most credulous.more Show sample from book "You saw what I just did," Jace said, incredulity rising in his voice, "and you're worried about me?"†2 more credulous → incredulity:a state of not believing Show context notes The prefix "in-" in incredulity means not and reverses the meaning of credulity. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
	3
infernalvery annoying Please stop making that infernal noise!more Show sample from book "The Ritual of Infernal Conversion," Magnus said.†2 more very bad; OR very annoying; OR characteristic of hell or the underworld Show general definition very bad; or very annoying; or characteristic of hell or the underworld
	2	top 2000
implacableunyielding Despite his apologies, she remained implacable and refused to forgive him.more Show sample from book Alec's voice as he interrupted his mother was firm, implacable, and not unkind.†1 more Show general definition unyielding -- often in remaining angry
	2	top 2000
lenientnot strict (forgiving) The rules are strict, but the enforcement is lenient.more Show sample from book No reports, even from Idris, so the Clave is feeling lenient.†1 more less strict or more tolerant than might be expected Show general definition less strict or more tolerant than might be expected
	2
complicitguilty of helping She is accused of being complicit in the crime.more Show sample from book You could be considered complicit.†1 more guilty of helping in wrongdoing Show general definition act of helping in a crime or offense
	2
penancean act seeking forgiveness In some traditions, saying a prayer or performing a good deed can serve as penance for a sin.more Show sample from book Not talking to him was her penance for what had happened to Simon.†1 more an act that shows sorrow for wrongdoing Show general definition an act that shows sorrow for wrongdoing -- such as expressing regret, asking for forgiveness, or trying to make up for the harm done