The Selection — Vocabulary
Kiera Cass
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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
I was focused on it and almost didn't notice Marlee sit down beside me.p.95.922 more
focus → focused:concentrating
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
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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
You know, America, I've been meaning to ask what your focus was as a Five.p.284.422 more
place where attention is directed
Show general definition for focus (as in: The focus of our study is...) where attention is concentrated or directed
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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 was usually very slow and calm, and never raised her voice. Today, however, she turned her head and squealed at us.p.259.810 more
in spite of that
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.
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however#2in whatever way
However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more
Show sample from book
However I took them in, I had to try not to force them out on other people, especially Maxon.p.267.910 more
Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
12 top 100
genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely
I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more
Show sample from book
Both Maxon and Gavril looked over to the king and queen, and the camera panned over to show them looking at each other, smiling and holding hands. It seemed genuine, but how would we know any better?p.44.311 more
real (sincere)
Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
2 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
There wasn't a trace of sarcasm.p.115.83 more
any indication
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."
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trace#2trace → traces:follows or runs
They followed a path that traces along the edges of a dark forest.more
Show sample from book
His fingers were tracing my lips.p.16.43 more
trace → tracing:following the outline of
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
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implyimply → implied:hinted or suggested
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
Show sample from book
"Your maids?" he asked in a tone that implied I was an idiot.p.153.64 more
imply → implied:said indirectly (said it without using such blunt words)
Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
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renderrender → rendered:made
Her verbal attack rendered me speechless.more
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This was the man who was going to lead our country: the guy rendered useless by tears.p.155.72 more
Show general definition for render (as in: rendered her unconscious) to make or cause to become
1 top 500
render#2render → rendered:played (portrayed or gave her interpretation of)
The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully.more
Show sample from book
Large paintings hung on the walls, depicting the kings of the past and a few renderings of old American and Canadian leaders.p.98.42 more
render → renderings:paintings
Show general definition for render (as in: rendered interpretation) to portray or create something in a particular way; or to interpret, translate, or extract from
The exact meaning of this sense of render depends upon its context. For example:
  • "Each artist will render a different interpretation when painting a portrait." -- create in a particular way
  • "A Supreme Court judge may render his own interpretation of the Constitution." -- interpret in a particular way
  • "The computer you are using, rendered this page from software instructions." -- created through interpretation
  • "A graph is rendered from the underlying data." -- made
  • "Fat can be rendered (extracted) by cooking meat slowly." -- extracted from
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attributeattribute → attributes:characteristics
The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more
Show sample from book
The mayor then told the gathered crowd of my attributes, slyly mentioning that I was very intelligent and attractive for a Five.p.74.41 more
attribute → attributes:traits
Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic or feature (of something or someone)
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contrastnotable difference
The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more
Show sample from book
It was like he knew how to treat a lady, he just didn't know how to treat a date. It was quite a contrast to Aspen.p.183.51 more
something notably different compared (to something)
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
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themean idea that is unifying or recurrent
The party had a 1950's theme.more
Show sample from book
Sure enough, the room was full of dresses in every shade of blue. Some of them fell closer to green, others closer to purple, but it was clear there was a theme.p.237.71 more
repeated idea
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
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positivecertain
I'm positive I've seen her before.more
Show sample from book
I looked positively plain.p.122.52 more
positive → positively:absolutely (used for emphasis)
Show general definition for positive (as in: I'm absolutely positive!) certain (having no doubt; or used for emphasis)
1
positive#2optimistic
With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more
Show sample from book
I needed to turn this around, make it positive.p.230.52 more
optimistic (focusing on good things)
Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
2 top 200
subtleunderstated (so as not to draw attention to itself)
Her warning was subtle, but unmistakable.more
Show sample from book
Her hair was done up with a row of yellow jewels pinned into a line across the front in a very subtle resemblance to a crown.p.282.11 more
not obvious, but noticeable
Show general definition for subtle (as in: a subtle shade of blue) understated so as not to draw excess attention
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reflectionreflection → reflections:memories and thoughts about them
In this passage, the author shares some of her reflections on life as a waitress.more
Show sample from book
My reflections were so consuming, I didn't even realize that I'd been mulling them over until well past two in the morning.p.290.7
reflection → reflections:thoughts
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controversialtends to arouse strong disagreement
The issue of the death penalty is highly controversial in some states.more
Show sample from book
This was a far more controversial topic of discussion, and I could see him wanting to avoid it.p.227.9
tending to arouse strong disagreement
Show general definition tending to arouse strong disagreement
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ambivalentwith mixed feelings
Polling indicates the public is ambivalent on the subject. Their opinions change depending upon the latest headlines.more
Show sample from book
I wouldn't tell him. Because as mad as I was, I loved Aspen. And I couldn't bear him being hurt. Then should I leave? The ambivalence pulled at my heart. I could escape Aspen, get away from his face—a face that would torture me every day when I saw it and knew it was no longer mine. But if I left, I'd have to leave Maxon, too.p.278.1
ambivalent → ambivalence:mixed feelings
Show general definition having mixed feelings about something -- such as when part of you wants to do something and part of you does not
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critiqueanalyze and judge
Please critique the performance.more
Show sample from book
Not to mention the other girls would be right there the whole time, watching one another and mentally critiquing.p.233.7
critique → critiquing:examining and judging
Show general definition an examination and judgment of something