Ordinary People — Vocabulary
Judith Guest
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	5	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 He doesn't know exactly what he wants from people except that he prefers indifference to concern.†p.19.44 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."
	2	top 10
illustratemake clear Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.more Show sample from book To illustrate, he pulls the cowboy hat lower over his eyes.p.246.71 more help make clear Show general definition for illustrate (as in: as illustrated by this example) to help make clear -- typically by example
	2	top 100
evaluateevaluate → evaluating:thinking carefully and making a judgment about I'm evaluating colleges and deciding which I want to apply to.more Show sample from book Yet all of his reactors are at work—summing up, evaluating, rejecting.†p.145.41 more Show general definition to think carefully and make a judgment about something
	3	top 500
earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more Show sample from book Beth and Mac are in one corner, consulting earnestly about books, he is sure.†p.67.52 more earnest → earnestly:sincerely or seriously Show general definition characterized by sincere belief or: intensely or excessively serious or determined
	3	top 500
principlebelief I accept as a basic principle that all people are precious and should be treated with equal dignity.more Show sample from book There were one or two guiding principles to get him through the day.†p.5.82 more principle → principles:basic rules or beliefs Show general definition a basic rule or belief The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example: "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
	3	top 500
techniqueway of doing something She developed a new surgical technique that shortens recovery time.more Show sample from book With him, the words are gentler, but the technique is the same.†p.194.42 more Show general definition a way of doing something; or the methods used to do it well
	4	top 1000
curtbrief (using few words) Her response was so curt it was almost rude.more Show sample from book "Fine," he says curtly.†p.29.33 more curt → curtly:in a manner that uses few words or is abrupt and perhaps discourteous or rude Show general definition brief to the point of rudeness
	3	top 1000
ponderthink about The question the audience is left to ponder is...more Show sample from book If you must ponder it, then do it alone at isolated periods with long intervals in between, so as not to drive yourself bats.†p.48.32 more think deeply or carefully about Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
	2	top 500
underminegradually weaken She has taken every opportunity to undermine my influence with the team.more Show sample from book It had undermined him, taken away something that he hadn't even realized he possessed; he had regarded it so lightly, so casually.†p.50.81 more undermine → undermined:weakened gradually Show general definition weaken gradually
	2	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book And maybe his big motive was a selfish one.†p.137.11 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	4	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book It pecks inquiringly at the window for a moment; then flies off.†p.43.33 more inquire → inquiringly:in a manner that seeks information Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	4	top 2000
symphonyan orchestra that plays classical music We heard the Vienna Symphony.more Show sample from book Well, then, did she meet you at the Evanston symphony concert?†p.167.13 more a long, complex piece of music for full orchestra (often in several movements); … Show general definition a long, complex piece of music for full orchestra (often in several movements); also, the orchestra or performance of such a work, or by extension any richly harmonious combination of many parts
	4	top 2000
chordchord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together In her first day learning the guitar, she has learned how to play G major, C major, and D major chords.more Show sample from book He listens to the chords: C and G, D and A. E minor.†p.198.83 more chord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded togeth… Show general definition for chord (as in: piano chord) a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together; or figuratively to express harmonious blending or clashing
	2	top 500
warydistrustful She was taught to be wary of strangers.more Show sample from book Conrad is looking at her warily.†p.109.21 more wary → warily:in a nervous or distrustful manner Show general definition careful or nervous about something
	2	top 1000
diffusespread out When the United States focused on terrorism, the movement went further underground and became more diffuse.more Show sample from book Diffusion of energy, he called it.†p.49.71 more diffuse → diffusion:to spread; OR to soften or calm; OR to be spread out (not concentrated) Show general definition to spread; or to soften or calm or: to be spread out (not concentrated) -- sometimes implying a lack of organization
	1	top 100
narratoran actor who helps to tell a story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience) The narrator in the play, Our Town talks to characters in the play as well as to the audience.more Show sample from book May flies, the narrator explained, know the answer.†p.4.9 storyteller Show general definition someone who tells a story--especially the main voice in a documentary, or a character who talks directly to the audience in a movie, play or other performance
	2
slandertelling lies that damage the reputation of another In the United States, it is extremely difficult for someone famous to win a slander lawsuit--almost no matter what is said.more Show sample from book Now, on top of the shame, is disgust with himself for his slandering words.†p.55.71 more slander → slandering:lying in a way that damages the reputation of another Show general definition lie to damage the reputation of another; or the lies told Show editor's word notes The legal distinction between libel and slander is that libel is an oral offense while slander is written or published.
	1	top 500
precedentan example from a prior time that justifies the belief If the looters are not punished, it will set a precedent that others can loot with impunity.more Show sample from book A series of five-minute telephone calls over a two-week period does not establish much precedent for the evening that now stretches lengthily ahead.†p.165.4 an example from a prior time Show general definition for precedent (as in: sets a precedent) an example from a prior time -- typically used to justify similar occurrences at a later time (especially a judicial decision)
	1	top 500
assimilateassimilate → assimilation:fitting into a prevailing culture There is a delicate balance between assimilation and loss of cultural identity.more Show sample from book Data for assimilation, but later, later.†p.247.9 assimilate → assimilation:the process of taking in, transforming, or fitting in Show general definition take in, transform, or fit in The exact meaning of assimilate can depend upon its context. For example: "assimilate to a new country" -- fitting into a prevailing culture "assimilate the information" -- transform information within the mind into understanding "assimilate the food" -- transform nutrients within the body for its use
	1	top 1000
aloofsocially distant or uninterested People who don't know her, think she is aloof from the rest of the team, but she is just focused on the game.more Show sample from book His mother will remain cool and aloof, as if she is alone on the plane.†p.193.1 Show general definition socially distant or uninterested in something that interests others -- often thinking oneself superior to others