Hopeless — Vocabulary
Colleen Hoover
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	25	top 500
adoptadopt → adopted:took on as its own The country adopted the metric system.more Show sample from book I've never really been that curious to find out who my father was or why he "put me up for adoption."†p.344.524 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
	2	top 200
uttercomplete She suffered utter devastation when her child died in the accident.more Show sample from book With that threat, he spins me around to face him and he shakes my shoulders, glaring at me with utter disappointment.p.325.73 more complete or total Show general definition for utter (as in: utter stupidity) complete or total (used as an intensifier--typically when stressing how bad something is)
	2	top 2000
utter#2say something with the voice I was too shocked to utter a complaint.more Show sample from book As soon as I see the stars above my head, there isn't even enough time to count one of them before my eyes roll back in my head and I'm holding back sounds that I'm too embarrassed to utter.p.141.23 more make (with the voice) Show general definition for utter (as in: utter a complaint) say something or make a sound with the voice
	6	top 100
negativenegative → negatively:in a bad or harmful manner Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.more Show sample from book Not that her parenting style is a negative one.p.6.85 more bad or harmful Show general definition for negative (as in: had a negative effect) bad or harmful
	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 "Life," he says indifferently.†p.134.96 more indifferent → indifferently:in a manner that is without interest 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."
	9	top 2000
allianceassociation formed to support common interests The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.more Show sample from book We have an alliance to discuss.†p.20.18 more Show general definition an association formed to support common interests
	5	top 100
factorthing (that influenced a result) Cost was an important factor in our decision.more Show sample from book I think maybe it was the deciding factor in a decision she had wanted to make for a long time.†p.243.14 more thing that affects a result or outcome Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.) something that affects a result or outcome Show editor's word notes You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
	21	top 2000
directwithout intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected) This flower does best in direct sunlight.more Show sample from book I swear it's as though his fingers have a direct line to every sensitive spot on my entire body.p.138.226 more unobstructed (with nothing in between) Show general definition for direct (as in: directly above; or buy direct) without anything in between -- whether in time, space, or involvement
	2	top 100
direct#2straightforward I left them with direct instructions.more Show sample from book He didn't directly say he loves me, but hearing that word come out of his mouth makes my heart swell in my chest.p.289.226 more direct → directly:in a straightforward word-for-word manner Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
	4	top 100
direct#3instruct On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more Show sample from book His voice is without a doubt directed at me now.p.28.826 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
	2	top 2000
ironywhen what happens is very different than what might be expected She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more Show sample from book I attempt to look back up at him, lifting my hand over my eyes to shield the sun that's glowing over his head like a halo. How ironic.p.41.23 more irony → ironic:when things seem incongruous together Show general definition for irony (as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended. The expression ironic smile, generally references someone smiling at situational irony. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	2	top 2000
irony#2irony → ironic:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more Show sample from book "Hope, do you remember me?" "How could I forget you?" The irony is, I did forget him. Completely.p.328.93 more saying one thing while meaning the opposite Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony) saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasm Show editor's word notes This is sometimes referred to as "verbal irony." Typically, the speaker says one thing but means the opposite, and the tone of voice or the context of the situation makes the true, contradictory meaning clear. All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.
	4	top 100
genuinegenuine → genuinely:sincerely I am genuinely sorry for what I did.more Show sample from book It's a genuine, pure laugh that makes me smile.†p.21.53 more real Show general definition real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
	13	top 2000
positivecertain I'm positive I've seen her before.more Show sample from book I've never been more positive of anything in my life.p.235.316 more Show general definition for positive (as in: I'm absolutely positive!) certain (having no doubt; or used for emphasis)
	4
positive#2optimistic With a positive attitude and some effort, I'm sure we can make this work.more Show sample from book I try to stay positive about it, but it's hard seeing the interactions and relationships the other students have at school that I'm not a part of.p.80.216 more optimistic (or feeling good) Show general definition for positive (as in: a positive attitude) optimistic (expecting or focusing on good things); or agreeable
	4	top 200
validategive evidence for the truth of something To further validate their results, researchers did a larger study the following year.more Show sample from book The last thing I want is for the things people say about me to be validated.†p.11.63 more validate → validated:give evidence for the truth or value of; OR declare as legally approved Show general definition give evidence for the truth or value of; or declare as legally approved
	3	top 200
analogycomparison of different things to point to a shared characteristic Her analogy is flawed.more Show sample from book Speaking of analogies.†p.90.92 more analogy → analogies:comparisons of different things to point to shared characteristics Show general definition a comparison of different things to point to a shared characteristic Show editor's word notes Analogies are typically used to explain something unfamiliar by comparing it to something that is simpler or more familiar. They are also used in argument to suggest that what is true for one situation is also true in the other.
	4	top 1000
inciteprovoke -- (arouse feelings that will cause) They want to incite a riot.more Show sample from book I take it you won't be saying anything that will incite me to give you trouble this semester, Mr. Mulligan?†p.69.73 more provoke Show general definition provoke -- (arouse feelings, often leading to action)
	4	top 2000
appeasesatisfy or pacify (bring peace and calm among) The President is thought to have made the statement to appease the party faithful.more Show sample from book I swing open the door and reluctantly follow him to the fence, hoping if I appease him this one last time that I'll get a quick explanation from him.†p.254.23 more satisfy or pacify (make less angry or upset) Show general definition satisfy or pacify (make less angry or upset) -- typically by giving something wanted Show editor's word notes For example, a salesperson might give a discount coupon to appease an angry customer; or you might grab a quick snack to appease your hunger.
	3	top 1000
induceinduce → induced:persuaded I induced her to stay another year with a 20% raise.more Show sample from book So in order for me to continue to make love to you, I would very much appreciate it if you would make alternative contraceptive arrangements so that we don't find ourselves in a pregnancy-induced marriage with an expiration date on it.p.378.42 more Show general definition for induce (as in: induce her to) to successfully persuade somebody to do something