The Secret Garden — Vocabulary
Frances Hodgson Burnett
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	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 The most absorbing thing, however, was the preparations to be made before Colin could be transported with sufficient secrecy to the garden.†p.178.89 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.
	4	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 Mistress Mary always felt that however many years she lived she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow.p.95.19 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)
	27	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book "Do you?" inquired Mary.†p.22.126 more inquire → inquired:asked about or looked into Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	22	top 2000
hysteriastate of excessive, uncontrolled emotion We need to get past the hysteria and decide what to do.more Show sample from book The boy is half insane with hysteria and self-indulgence.†p.167.621 more a state of excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show general definition a state of excessive, uncontrollable emotion Show editor's word notes In addition to being the adjective form of hysteria, the form hysterical can also indicate that something is exceedingly funny (leading to uncontrollable laughter)
	18
manora large house that belongs to a wealthy person Bletchley Manor was converted into a home for code breakers during World War II.more Show sample from book When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.†p.1.117 more a large house of a wealthy person; OR historically:… Show general definition a large house of a wealthy person or historically: the main house of a lord and the land around it that was worked by tenant farmers
	10	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book "No," answered Mary, quite indignantly.†p.23.79 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	10	top 2000
obstinatestubbornly not doing what others want She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.more Show sample from book "I love his big mouth," said Mary obstinately.†p.99.19 more obstinate → obstinately:stubbornly unyielding to the wishes of others
	7	top 500
indifferentwithout interest About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more Show sample from book Mary said nothing at all, and Mrs. Medlock looked rather discomfited by her apparent indifference, but, after taking a breath, she went on.†p.12.86 more Show general definition without interest in various senses, including: unconcerned -- as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat." unsympathetic -- as in "She is indifferent to his needs." not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) -- as in "an indifferent performance" impartial -- as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
	5	top 500
scarcityshortage There is a scarcity of work in the region.more Show sample from book Because they scarce ever had their stomachs full in their lives.†p.27.84 more scarcity → scarce:in short supply OR barely or hardly (by a small margin) Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
	4	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book "It is different in India," said Mistress Mary disdainfully.†p.23.93 more disdain → disdainfully:with a lack of respect; or with a sense of superiority Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	3	top 100
contradictdisagree with Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?more Show sample from book "You're not!" contradicted Mary unsympathetically.†p.148.22 more contradict → contradicted:disagreed Show general definition disagree in various senses, including: to say something is not true -- as in "She contradicted his testimony." to say something else is true when both can't be true -- as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened." to be in conflict with -- as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
	6	top 2000
alcoverecessed (pushing outward from the main room) It is a beautiful room with an alcove window.more Show sample from book As she came near the second of these alcoves she stopped skipping.†p.70.45 more alcove → alcoves:a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show general definition a recessed or secluded space -- such as in a room or garden Show editor's word notes The alcove of a room is a smaller room attached to a larger room and separated by an arch or other architectural feature other than a door.
	5	top 1000
accustomaccustom → accustomed to:used to (have adapted to and have an expectation of) In the United States we're accustomed to forming our own opinion about the promises of advertisements and politicians.more Show sample from book He was an Italian servant and was accustomed, as all the servants of the villa were, to accepting without question any strange thing his foreign master might do.†p.252.94 more accustom → accustomed:used to (adapted to something, so it seems normal) Show general definition to make someone used to something (used to is an expression that means someone has adapted to something, so it does not seem unusual) Show editor's word notes In professional environments, you may make a better impression by saying one is accustomed to something rather than one is used to something.
	4	top 1000
shrewdsmart She is a shrewd negotiator.more Show sample from book "Aye, that I did," he answered with a shrewdly significant air.†p.261.53 more shrewd → shrewdly:in a smart manner Show general definition smart -- especially in negotiating with people (may infer underhanded dealings)
	6	top 2000
imperiousarrogant She dismissed the matter with an imperious wave of her hand.more Show sample from book Mary asked, still in her imperious little Indian way.†p.23.35 more expecting obedience; OR arrogant; OR domineering Show general definition expecting obedience; or arrogant; or domineering
	4	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book Basil was a little boy with impudent blue eyes and a turned-up nose, and Mary hated him.†p.8.13 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
	3
sallowwith a pale or yellow complexion She looks sallow and unhealthy.more Show sample from book If she were not so sallow and had a nicer expression ...her features are rather good.†p.10.72 more an unhealthy pale of yellowish complexion; OR to cause such a complexion Show general definition for sallow (as in: a sallow complexion) an unhealthy pale of yellowish complexion; or to cause such a complexion
	2
conceitexcessive pride Her conceit will be her downfall.more Show sample from book "He's a conceited one," he chuckled.†p.34.11 more conceit → conceited:excessively proud of oneself Show general definition for conceit (as in: confident, but not conceited) excessive pride in oneself, arrogance, or vanity
	1	top 500
notwithstandingin spite of Notwithstanding my fear, I want to try parachuting from an airplane.more Show sample from book Rumors of the new and curious things which were occurring in the invalid's apartments had of course filtered through the servants' hall into the stable yards and out among the gardeners, but notwithstanding this, Mr. Roach was startled one day when he received orders from Master Colin's room to the effect that he must report himself in the apartment no outsider had ever seen, as the invalid himself desired to speak to him.†p.179.6 used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go … Show general definition used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go against it Show editor's word notes Most commonly, you can substitute "in spite of" for notwithstanding. But see the first exemplary sample sentences for other common word substitutions.
	1	top 500
austerelacking luxury (and stern) He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.more Show sample from book "I told you he was a charmer," said Colin austerely.†p.174.9 austere → austerely:in a manner that lacks luxury, comfort, or anything beyond minimum requirements Show general definition a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration or: of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial