The Memory Keeper’s Daughter — Vocabulary
Kim Edwards
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	22	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book His father had delivered his own twins in the middle of an unexpected storm, following the steps he knew by heart, keeping his focus on the pulse and heart rate of the woman on the table, the taut skin, the crowning head.p.399.425 more concentration 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
	4	top 2000
focus#2into view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book David must have been testing the range of his camera, keeping the subject the same and varying the focus, the aperture, the available light.p.363.825 more lens adjustment Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	18	top 200
tracea tiny quantity or indication There was not a trace of the defendant's DNA at the crime scene.more Show sample from book The car he'd stolen had been found deserted on a side street in Louisville last night, but there had been no trace of Paul.p.294.723 more indication or sign Show general definition for trace (as in: found a trace of) a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example: a small indication that something was present -- as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace." a very small amount of something -- as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids." any evidence of something -- as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."
	6	top 1000
trace#2trace → traces:follows or runs They followed a path that traces along the edges of a dark forest.more Show sample from book He wanted to reach out and trace the delicate curved bones of her ribs; he wanted to kiss her at the point the bones met, stretching away like wings.p.114.423 more track or follow (with his finger) Show general definition for trace (as in: traced a path) to follow The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example: "The hunters traced the deer into the woods." -- followed or tracked "With soft kisses, she gently traced the scar running down his cheek." -- followed "The path traces along the edge of the forest." -- follows "A single tear traced its way down her cheek." -- followed a specific path
	8	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 When Phoebe stirred, however, sometime in the middle of the night, Caroline was on her feet in an instant.†p.58.29 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 But however hard he worked to make Paul's life smooth and easy, the fact remained that David had built that life on a lie.p.258.99 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)
	12	top 1000
yearnstrongly desire or wish I yearn for her return.more Show sample from book A passing image, perhaps a memory, but one that filled him simultaneously with sadness and with yearning.†p.12.611 more yearn → yearning:strongly desiring; or a strong desire Show general definition have a strong desire -- often for something difficult or impossible to have
	8	top 500
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 He had read it only once, swiftly, putting it away as Norah came in, trying to conceal his agitation.†p.108.17 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)
	9	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 Through the wavering air she saw Bree, moving along the perimeter of the crowd near the building, passing out leaflets.†p.131.18 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
	8	top 1000
intricatecomplicated -- having many complexly arranged elements She came up with an intricate plan.more Show sample from book She did not remember hitting the windshield, but it looked like a spiderweb, the intricate lines fanning out, delicate, beautiful, and precise.p.85.17 more numerous and complexly arranged
	6	top 200
tentativetentative → tentatively:in a careful way (indicating a lack of confidence) The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.more Show sample from book This, finally, was what had pained his mother most, the lost years standing between them, their words so tentative and formal where ease and love should have been.p.392.75 more cautious Show general definition for tentative (as in: said it tentatively) done in a careful or unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen)
	7	top 1000
fleetinglasting a short time Her moments of happiness were few and fleeting.more Show sample from book You couldn't blame him, no, you couldn't fault him for wanting to go deeper into every fleeting moment, to study its mystery, to shout against loss and change and motion.p.329.46 more Show general definition lasting a short time
	6	top 500
exasperatedgreatly annoyed She was exasperated by his teasing.more Show sample from book She gave a sound of exasperation.†p.376.25 more exasperated → exasperation:great annoyance
	2
glimmera slight indication I saw a glimmer of understanding in her eye.more Show sample from book A glimmer of regret flashed through his weariness: this would be a good photo, but he'd left his camera in the hotel safe.p.259.48 more slight indication Show general definition for glimmer (as in: a glimmer of hope) a slight indication of something -- such as hope or interest
	7	top 2000
glimmer#2glimmer → glimmered:shined (with a dim or wavering light) The moonlight glimmered on the lake.more Show sample from book She turned to see Kay Marshall, dressed in slim pink pants and a cream and pink sweater, gold leather flats, and glimmering gold earrings.p.126.68 more glimmer → glimmering:shining (with a wavering or reflected light) Show general definition for glimmer (as in: glimmering lights) a dim, wavering, or reflected light
	3	top 500
amicablefriendly The two countries have a productive and amicable relationship.more Show sample from book Their conversation had begun amicably enough, a simple discussion of who would take care of the cat while they were both out of town: she in Indianapolis for a concert, he in Lexington to help his mother.p.375.72 more amicable → amicably:in a friendly manner Show general definition friendly or showing goodwill
	2	top 200
pragmaticpractical She is a pragmatic problem solver.more Show sample from book There was a single car in the clinic parking lot, the nurse's powder-blue Fairlane, conservative and pragmatic and newer than his own.p.11.91 more Show general definition concerned with practical matters -- especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory
	2	top 500
candidunposed A photographer will take traditional wedding pictures. I'm just going to get some candid shots.more Show sample from book Paul took them and stared from one to the other: a posed picture of a girl, smiling, and then a candid shot of her shooting a basket.p.382.21 more Show general definition for candid (as in: a candid photograph) unposed -- typically said of a photograph
	4
vertigodizziness I felt a sense of vertigo as I looked over the ledge.more Show sample from book He took a deep breath, fighting a wave of vertigo, afraid even to glance at Norah.p.109.33 more a dizzy sensation Show general definition a dizzy sensation or a feeling that you are about to fall
	3	top 2000
conjecturea conclusion or opinion based on inconclusive evidence She dismissed it as mere conjecture.more Show sample from book What would happen, they conjectured, if they simply went on assuming their children would do everything.†p.98.52 more conjecture → conjectured:concluded or guessed based on inconclusive evidence Show general definition a conclusion or opinion based on inconclusive evidence; or the act of forming of such a conclusion or opinion Show editor's word notes A conjecture can be widely believed, but the word is also frequently used to imply that evidence is insufficient to support a belief.