A Stolen Life — Vocabulary
Jaycee Lee Dugard
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	8	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book Reunification was unique in the fact that it focused on getting my feet on the ground, and during the reunification work we focused on reconnecting me to different facets of my family and dealt with the everyday practical things that I had not been accustomed to such as getting the kids their shots and overall checkups, which we never had the opportunity to do before.†p.249.79 more focus → focused:concentrated 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
	2	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 I wasn't the main focus of the group or singled out in an odd way.†p.249.69 more where attention is concentrated or directed Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
	1	top 100
directstraightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book Although I would have liked some direct answers to my questions, I learned to not question too much because the answer I got would be lengthy and in the end make me forget the question in the first place.†p.106.71 more clear, or straightforward Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	1	top 100
direct#2instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book At first all the anger was directed at both of them [Phillip and Nancy], but time makes things clear and blame is in the right place now.p.192.11 more direct → directed:aimed, or intended for Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
	5	top 1000
nonethelessin spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas) Sometimes she gets angry and loses her temper, but I love her nonetheless.more Show sample from book Free to roam the backyard but still prisoner nonetheless.†p.130.14 more Show general definition in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, all the same, still, and however.)
	4	top 500
adoptadopt → adopted:took on as its own The country adopted the metric system.more Show sample from book I will probably have to give her up for adoption, how can I possibly raise a baby in this environment?†p.98.43 more adopt → adoption:the act of taking something on as one's own Show general definition to take on as one's own The exact meaning of adopt depends upon its context. For example: "adopt a child" -- to legally take on parental responsibilities for another person's child "adopt a plan" -- to accept or begin to use something "adopt a pet" -- to take in a pet -- especially one from an animal shelter "Congress adopted the resolution." -- had a formal vote and passed "adopted a confident attitude" -- took on or displayed
	3	top 100
genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more Show sample from book Although each father is unique in his own way, they all have one thing in common—genuine love for their children.†p.44.42 more real Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
	2	top 100
themean idea that is unifying or recurrent The party had a 1950's theme.more Show sample from book I have experienced basketball games and theme parks, reconnected with family members, and met some amazing people.p.269.91 more theme → theme parks:amusement parks each of which have one or more basic underlying ideas -- such as the "Magic Kingdom" of Disneyworld Show general definition for theme (as in: theme of the novel) a basic idea that underlies what is being said or done -- especially in a literary or artistic work
	3	top 200
enableenable → enables:makes possible The test enables earlier identification of autism.more Show sample from book What I have learned is the difference between supportive therapy and enabling therapy.†p.149.12 more enable → enabling:making possible Show general definition to make possible in various senses, including: to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something -- as in "The study will enable an informed discussion." to activate a computer system for use -- as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page." to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern -- as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
	3	top 500
ultimatefinal The president has ultimate responsibility for directing a war.more Show sample from book Yes, Nancy and Phillip were ultimately to blame, no question, but what made my heart soar was to hear that someone didn't pass the buck like Phillip always did.†p.271.82 more ultimate → ultimately:finally; or in the end Show general definition most extreme as in final, best, worst, most important, or most fundamental The exact meaning of ultimate depends upon its context. For example: "the ultimate decision-maker" -- the final "the ultimate car" -- the best "the ultimate insult" -- the worst "the ultimate source" -- original or most fundamental "the ultimate sacrifice" -- most extreme
	3	top 1000
adamantdetermined not to change a decision Despite her friends’ attempts to persuade her, Jane remained adamant in her decision to pursue a career in the arts.more Show sample from book When I was first found I was adamant that there would be no book, no one would ever know what happened.†p.49.32 more determined not to change a decision or belief Show general definition determined not to change a decision or belief
	3	top 1000
speculatespeculate → speculated:thought and guessed without certainty Philosophers have speculated on the question for thousands of years.more Show sample from book On a promo for the news tonight the press is speculating that the man that killed Polly Klass also took and killed me.p.181.12 more speculate → speculating:guessing or theorizing Show general definition for speculate (as in: don't know, but I'll speculate) to think about, wonder, guess or theorize with much uncertainty
	4	top 2000
deludedelude → deluded:with a false belief She is a sincere but deluded idealist.more Show sample from book I'm not sure why Phillip chose the name he did for my first daughter, which later in his delusional thinking began to symbolize the powerful spirit forces that controlled his mind.†p.110.43 more delude → delusional:out of touch with reality (having false beliefs) Show general definition deceive (convince to have a false belief)
	2	top 500
crucialvery important Doing well on the ACT is crucial to getting into the college I want to attend.more Show sample from book My hope is to provide counseling and housing for families and victims of abductions and exploitations during the crucial early days of reconnection.†p.268.11 more Show general definition very important or necessary -- often because it determines how something else will turn out
	37	top 2000
paroleconditional early release from imprisonment Being home by 10 pm is one of the conditions of my parole.more Show sample from book A few months later, Phillip was suddenly informed that he has another new parole officer and needs to report in.p.198.236 more parole → parole officer:person responsible for seeing that special conditions are met by a person who was released from prison early Show general definition for parole (as in: released on parole) conditional early release from imprisonment in which a person is required to comply with special conditions
	7
subconsciousmental activity of which we are not aware, but which can influence feelings and behavior In the experiment, the image flashed too quickly to be seen consciously, but it impacted the subconscious.more Show sample from book Since they treat ADD with methamphetamines, he believes that's what he subconsciously was trying to do all these years.†p.147.96 more subconscious → subconsciously:of mental activity of which one is not aware, but which can influence feelings and behavior Show general definition mental activity of which one is not aware, but which can influence feelings and behavior; or the part of the mind that engages in such activity Show editor's word notes Though commonly used in daily conversation, the word subconscious is not used clinically. Where the layperson says subconscious, psychologists are likely to say unconscious mind.
	3	top 2000
affirmstate strongly (that something is true) I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that these statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.more Show sample from book Affirmation to counteract the negative feelings I have inside. I am a creative, positive, successful, and happy person...p.194.72 more affirm → affirmation:something firmly stated as true (for encouragement) Show general definition for affirm (as in: I affirm the statement) to firmly state that something is true
	3
instillinstill → instilled:put into one's mind His time in the army instilled him with confidence and discipline.more Show sample from book I have tried to instill in my kids a love of reading and even encouraged them to write their own stories.†p.165.92 more Show general definition to put ideas, principles, or teachings into one's mind -- typically another's mind over time with repetition
	3
dementiadeterioration of mental abilities She suffered from drug induced dementia.more Show sample from book She was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with Parkinson's and low-grade dementia.†p.197.32 more Show general definition the deterioration of mental abilities Show editor's word notes Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases or conditions.
	2	top 2000
inquisitiveinterested in learning about things She is an inquisitive child who always asks questions.more Show sample from book I think I was always an inquisitive person.†p.106.51 more interested in learning about things -- often asking many questions Show general definition interested in learning about things -- often asking many questions