The Sea of Tranquility — Vocabulary
Katja Millay
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookI'm not that pathetic that I need empty compliments.
Show general definition for pathetic (as in: Her pathetic look saddened us.)pitiful (arousing pity) |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookIt's a pathetic, short glass tumbler. Is he some sort of conservationist? I'm going to need about eighteen of those right now. Show general definition for pathetic (as in: a pathetic attempt to insult me)very bad -- possibly so bad it is laughable (possibly mixed with some feeling of pity) |
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| 10 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookI look at him skeptically.† Show general definitiondoubtful (that something is true or worthwhile)or more rarely: generally tending to doubt what others believe |
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| 9 | top 500 | |
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revere
Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.more
Show sample from bookI did not plan for anyone to see me like this, much less Josh Bennett, who apparently I am supposed to fear or revere, though I don't know why. Show general definitionregard with feelings of deep respect and admiration -- sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear |
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| 6 | top 2000 | |
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irony
She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more
Show sample from bookThat's the irony of Josh and me, and it shames me every time I think about it. He has no family. No one to love him. I'm surrounded by love and I don't want any of it. 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 coincidenceShow editor's word notesThis 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. |
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| 1 | top 2000 | |
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irony#2
She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.more
Show sample from book "Yes, ma'am."
"Polite as always. How was your summer?" "You're the third person who's asked." "Nonanswer. Try again." "Hot." "Still loquacious." She smiles. "Still ironic." Show general definition for irony (as in: verbal irony)saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else -- usually as humor or sarcasmShow editor's word notesThis 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. |
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| 7 | top 200 | |
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tentative
The puppy approached us tentatively until it knew we wouldn't harm it.more
Show sample from bookAnd then he kisses me. Tentatively at first, waiting for something, but there isn't any need. I would kiss him forever. Show general definition for tentative (as in: said it tentatively)done in a careful or unsure way (indicating a lack of confidence in exactly what will happen) |
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| 8 | top 1000 | |
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resignation
It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more
Show sample from bookHe picks up a stack of papers, which I assume are handouts on rules and procedures, with a measured amount of boredom and resignation. Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation)acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils |
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| 5 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookThe table isn't set quite as fancy, which I'm happy about, because it means I'm not such a novelty this week.† Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation)new and original -- typically something considered good |
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| 4 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookI spend the rest of the afternoon involved in varying degrees of avoidance.† Show general definitionto be different, or to changeShow editor's word notesVary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice." |
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| 5 | top 500 | |
Show sample from book"Josh, I'm lucky to have a desk with a working drawer," she notes with forced exasperation, walking over to the open classroom door without missing a beat.† |
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| 6 | top 1000 | |
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intimidate
I was intimidated on my first day at the job, but I'm comfortable now.more
Show sample from bookShe's not intimidated by the popular kids or the ones with the rich parents, and she doesn't want to be your friend.† Show general definitionto cause fear, nervousness, or a sense of inadequacy |
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| 6 | top 1000 | |
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taunt
She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more
Show sample from bookThe lightning is flashing incessantly outside the window, taunting me every time it lights up the sky.† Show general definitionto intentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone -- especially by mocking them or hurling insultsor (as a noun): an insult or other action intended to anger, challenge, or upset someone |
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| 5 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookSometimes I even sing, but I save that for the days when my self-loathing is at peak levels and I want to hurt myself.† Show general definitionhate, detest, or intensely dislikeShow editor's word notesWord Confusion: Do not confuse loathe with loath which sounds very similar or the same. Loathe is a verb while loath is an adjective describing "reluctance or unwillingness to do something." Note that loathing and loathsome are forms of the verb loathe even though both word forms lack the "e". Occasionally, you will see loath spelled as loathe even in a published book, but it is rare enough that it is generally considered an error rather than a non-standard spelling. |
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| 8 | top 2000 | |
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emancipated
(used as a metaphor for the literal sense of being released from slavery) She was an emancipated 20th century woman pursuing her career.†more
Show sample from bookIs it true you got emancipated?† Show general definitionreleased from slavery or servitude; or (metaphorically) from social restraints |
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| 5 | ||
Show sample from bookThen he shows me another drawing he's added to his portfolio,
Show general definition for portfolio (as in: showed her creative portfolio)a collection of examples of creative work |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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annihilate
She reported that "ISIS needs to understand the Joint Force is on orders to annihilate them."more
Show sample from bookIt doesn't comfort me to see other people as annihilated as I am.† Show general definitionto completely destroy or defeat |
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| 3 | ||
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combustion
Increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is produced by combustion of fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas.more
Show sample from bookPanty-Combusting Ken comes complete with Piqued Princess Barbie: unachievable measurements, designer purse, and annoyed scowl included!† Show general definitionthe act of burningor metaphorically: a state of violent disturbance and excitement |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookYou make me sound like a petulant four-year-old.† Show general definitionunreasonably annoyed or upsetor: easily annoyed or upset |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
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adulterate
Heroine is often adulterated with other chemicals that add to the overdose risk.more
Show sample from bookI had pure unadulterated rage.† Show context notesThe prefix "un-" in unadulterated means not and reverses the meaning of adulterated. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.Show general definitioncorrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance |
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