Kindred — Vocabulary
Octavia Butler
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	8	top 100
assumebelieve (without knowing for sure) I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.more Show sample from book Blacks here were assumed to be slaves unless they could prove they were free—unless they had their free papers.p.34.88 more assume → assumed:thought (believed without really knowing) Show general definition for assume (as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof
	1	top 100
assume#2assume → assumed:took on (or adopted) She assumed the identify of her victim until the body was found.more Show sample from book I wasn't good at accents. I had deliberately decided not to try to assume one.p.74.78 more take on (or pretend to have) Show general definition for assume (as in: She assumed a false identity) to take on (adopt, wear, strike a pose or appearance of) -- often while pretending or disguising
	2	top 100
criticaltends to find fault She is critical of everything he does.more Show sample from book So Margaret supervised—ordered people to do work they were already doing, criticized their slowness and laziness even when they were quick and industrious, and in general, made trouble.p.93.93 more critical → criticized:gave an unfavorable opinion of Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show general definition for critical (as in: don't be so critical) finding fault and telling others; or tending to have unfavorable opinions
	2	top 100
critical#2"Critical acclaim" is a common expression meaning praise from people whose job is to share expert judgement. The film is receiving critical acclaim.more Show sample from book He pushed me close to a whale-oil lamp, and there, in the bright yellow light, he stared at me silently, critically until I looked toward the door.p.130.33 more critical → critically:with thoughtful examination Show general definition for critical (as in: critical acclaim) relating to careful analysis or thoughtful judgement of what is good and bad about something -- possibly from people whose job is to share their expert opinions in a given industry
	1	top 100
focusarea 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 Another fact: The boy was the focus of my travels—perhaps the cause of them.p.24.73 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
	3	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 Then I saw a blurred face above me ... I stared upward, managed to focus on him clearly at last.p.43.93 more adjust vision (to see something clearly) 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
	2	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 There may be no need for this letter since I hope to reach you ahead of it. If I'm held up, however, I want you—and Dana—to know that I'm coming.p.179.13 more though (used to connect contrasting ideas) 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 However little sense it made, I cared.p.180.13 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)
	1	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book I couldn't help contrasting Nigel's lessons with Rufus's.p.106.42 more contrast → contrasting:comparing in a way that shows differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	2	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book And the contrast made me bitter.p.106.42 more difference 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
	4	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 I thought he'd be more likely to believe me if I sounded indignant.†p.41.53 more angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	4	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 And there was Rufus, swung from his father's indifference to his mother's sugary concern.†p.69.93 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."
	4	top 1000
solemnvery serious He took a solemn oath.more Show sample from book I sat down and Rufus looked up at me solemnly.†p.70.23 more solemn → solemnly:with seriousness and dignity Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
	5	top 2000
purgerid She thinks fasting once a month helps purge her body of impurities.more Show sample from book He says all the doc knows is bleeding and blistering and purging and puking and making folks sicker than they was to start.†p.202.34 more purge → purging:getting rid of Show general definition get rid of things thought undesirable The exact meaning of purge can depend upon its context. For example: "purge the government of our enemies" -- get rid of people for political reasons "purge my closet of everything I haven't worn in a year" -- get rid of undesired things "To purge yourself of crippling sorrow, you'll need to express it." -- get rid of unwanted feelings "I'm doing a 24-hour purge and then starting a new diet." -- emptying the intestinal tract
	12
palleta simple, austere bed The exhausted medieval peasant flopped down onto her straw pallet.more Show sample from book Finally, I made my way to my pallet in the attic, and lay down wearily.p.149.111 more Show general definition for pallet (as in: a sleeping pallet) a simple, austere bed (such as a straw-filled mattress or temporary bed made on the floor for a child)
	4
antiseptica substance used to clean wounds because it prevents infection by killing harmful micro-organisms such as bacteria I washed the wound and then used alcohol as an antiseptic.more Show sample from book Rufe, have you got any kind of antiseptic?p.146.83 more chemical that kills micro-organisms Show general definition a substance that prevents infection by killing harmful micro-organisms; or (as an adjective) describing something very clean and free of germs
	2	top 1000
vindictiveinclined to seek revenge or desirous of hurting others Not being vindictive by nature, Grant did what he could to see that the Confederate prisoners were treated well.more Show sample from book If Rufus was vindictive enough, he could surely have the man killed.†p.121.31 more desirous of seeking revenge or wanting to hurt someone Show general definition desirous of seeking revenge or wanting to hurt someone
	3
opiuma powerful narcotic Today, other drugs have replaced opium for most medical uses.more Show sample from book The doctor gave him some opium, but the pain seemed to reach him right through it.†p.78.12 more Show general definition a powerful drug made from a type of poppy; relieves pain and aids sleep, but highly addictive and dangerous when abused recreationally
	2	top 1000
petulantunreasonably annoyed or upset She stomped her foot like a petulant child.more Show sample from book "Why didn't you tell me that's where you were going?" he said petulantly.†p.122.21 more petulant → petulantly:with unreasonable anger or upset Show general definition unreasonably annoyed or upset or: easily annoyed or upset
	2	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book You were impudent before.†p.219.41 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status