A Bend in the River — Vocabulary
V. S. Naipaul
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Exemplary sample	Uses	Broad Use
	7	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 If it was Ferdinand, however, this wasn't the best way for me to meet him.†p.270.914 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. 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.
	8	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 His manners were like a form of consideration; and however small the occasion, his manners never failed.p.118.714 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)
	14	top 500
contracta written agreement that is enforceable by law She signed the contract.more Show sample from book All our contracts are oral, but we deliver what we promise.p.236.814 more contract → contracts:agreements Show general definition for contract (as in: legal contract) an agreement - typically written and enforceable by law
	1	top 500
contract#2contract → contracts:gets shorter When it is cold, the metal in the bridge contracts and the joints are further apart.more Show sample from book The sun was bright and hot, and I studied the contracting shadows of trees and market stalls and buildings around the square.p.70.414 more contract → contracting:getting shorter or smaller Show general definition for contract (as in: the metal contracted in the cold) when something gets shorter or smaller
	4	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 Yet there was something ironical about the whole thing. The action which had drawn that softness from Ferdinand was the simple gesture of a man from the coast whose family had lived close, too close, to their servants, once their slaves, descendants of people snatched from this part of Africa. Ferdinand would have been outraged if he knew.p.83.910 more 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.
	7	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 "The President is coming this afternoon. Wouldn't you like to see him?" ... I was careful to take all irony out of [my voice]. I said, "I would like to, citizen. But I have to go."p.276.810 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.
	13	top 1000
externallocated outside The external walls of the building are made of concrete and are eight inches thick.more Show sample from book I took the brazier to the landing of the external staircase at the back of the house, squatted and fanned.†p.26.212 more outside Show general definition outside in various senses, including: coming from or existing outside a place, organization or thing -- as in "external trade" forming or relating to an outside boundary -- as in "external walls" on the surface or superficial as contrasted to something that is deep or complete -- as in "external appearances"
	15	top 2000
prosperprosper → prospering:doing well She is prospering at school.more Show sample from book There was an officer—his name was Prosper: I knew him.†p.265.214 more do well Show general definition to do well or to grow stronger
	10	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 I envied him that indifference; and I thought, after I left him that day, that his Africa, of bush and river, was different from mine.†p.62.19 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."
	11	top 2000
patronpatron → patrons:customers The café was filled with patrons enjoying coffee and studying for exams.more Show sample from book Metty had taken to calling me patron, and in the presence of a third person, could make it sound ironical.p.43.310 more someone who supports an organization or a person Show general definition for patron (as in: a patron of the arts) a regular customer; or someone who gives money or support to an organization, cause, or person
	8	top 2000
suburbanin an area located near the outer edge of a city where it isn't so crowded I want a suburban home with a white picket fence and a big yard.more Show sample from book But more unnerving than anything else was the ruined suburb near the rapids.†p.27.17 more suburban → suburb:a residential area located near the outer edge of a city where it isn't as crowded Show general definition relating to a residential area located near the outer edge of a city where it isn't as crowded
	8	top 2000
refugeerefugee → refugees:people who fled their homeland to getaway from a dangerous or difficult situation We're asking for humanitarian aid to assist and resettle the refugees.more Show sample from book Like me, they were migrants from the east and refugees from their own community.†p.28.87 more refugee → refugees:people who fled their homeland Show general definition someone who has fled their homeland to getaway from a dangerous or difficult situation; or related to such people
	5	top 200
domesticrelated to the home or family The shelter helps victims of domestic violence find safe housing and support.more Show sample from book Most of the people who left our coast went to Arabian homes as domestic servants.p.12.94 more household (relating to a home) Show general definition for domestic (as in: domestic happiness) relating to a home or family
	7	top 1000
contemptlack of respect Familiarity breeds contempt.more Show sample from book I remembered the look of contempt and irritation Indar had given me.p.19.96 more Show general definition for contempt (as in: feels contempt towards her) lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior -- often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust Show editor's word notes A famous saying, "familiarity breeds contempt" comes from Aesop's fable, "The Fox and the Lion". (6th century BC) When first the Fox saw the Lion he was terribly frightened, and ran away and hid himself in the wood. Next time however he came near the King of Beasts he stopped at a safe distance and watched him pass by. The third time they came near one another the Fox went straight up to the Lion and passed the time of day with him, asking him how his family were, and when he should have the pleasure of seeing him again; then turning his tail, he parted from the Lion without much ceremony. The moral is traditionally, "Familiarity breeds contempt"; though an alternative moral is "Acquaintance softens prejudices."
	10
squattersquatter → squatters:people who live in an unoccupied place without the legal right She estimates that there are over a billion squatters in the world.more Show sample from book Squatters had taken over the downstairs part, cooking on fire stones in the verandah and throwing out their rubbish onto the courtyards and grounds.†p.35.59 more Show general definition someone who lives in an unoccupied place without the legal right Show editor's word notes In most countries, if squatters are able to stay long enough, they will acquire legal title.
	1	top 2000
delicacya rare and expensive type of food Chocolate covered ants are a delicacy of Columbia's Guane Indians.more Show sample from book He bought his newspaper in one shop, read it with morning coffee in a tiny café that also offered old watercolour paintings for sale; took a turn in the park; shopped for delicacies in the various food shops.p.240.31 more delicacy → delicacies:rare and expensive types of foods Show general definition for delicacy (as in: eat the delicacy) something that is rare or expensive -- usually a prized food
	1	top 2000
delicacy#2sensitivity and tact She is admired for her delicacy in negotiations.more Show sample from book I saw a delicacy in him that I had never seen on the coast. His manners were like a form of consideration; and however small the occasion, his manners never failed.p.118.61 more Show general definition for delicacy (as in: discuss with delicacy) care and gentleness -- especially speaking or acting with sensitivity and tact
	4
maximshort saying that expresses a general truth or principle The advisor often quotes the maxim that all politics is local.more Show sample from book Portraits, maxims, occasional statues of the African madonna —they continued all the way to the hotel.†p.248.23 more maxim → maxims:short sayings that express general truths or principles Show general definition a short saying that expresses a general truth or principle
	3	top 2000
abjectextreme As the world grows more affluent, our definition of abject poverty changes.more Show sample from book Now, so quickly, they had become abject.†p.76.62 more Show general definition extreme (in a negative sense such as misery, hopelessness, submissiveness, cruelty, or cowardice)
	3
parodya humorous, exaggerated imitation of somebody's style Did you see Saturday Night Live's parody of people in a fitness class?more Show sample from book The point of the message may be lost in the parody.†p.194.62 more a humorous, exaggerated imitation of somebody's style… Show general definition a humorous, exaggerated imitation of somebody's style or: a very poor imitation of somebody's style