Orange Is the New Black — Vocabulary
Piper Kerman
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookMy deep contempt for Levy was not only because I didn't like the way she put herself above others but also because she was the opposite of stoic.† Show general definitionseeming unaffected by pleasure, pain, or emotions |
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| 10 | top 2000 | |
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incarcerate
About 7 out each 1,000 Americans is incarcerated.more
Show sample from bookI didn't think they were going to understand my adolescent fascination with the underbelly of society, my involvement in international drug trafficking, or my impending incarceration.† Show general definitionput in prison, or otherwise confine |
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| 9 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookMy indictment in federal court for criminal conspiracy had been triggered by the collapse of my ex-lover's drugsmuggling operation.† Show general definitiona secret agreement or plot -- especially to do something illegal or harmful |
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| 8 | top 2000 | |
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mandatory
In our state, the mandatory minimum sentence for a gun crime is ten years.more
Show sample from bookI was in a whole new world, one where "conspiracy charges" and "mandatory minimum sentencing" would determine my fate.† Show general definition for mandatory (as in: it is mandatory)required by rule or law |
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| 8 | top 1000 | |
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fraud
She was arrested for committing credit card fraud after using someone else’s account to buy expensive electronics.more
Show sample from bookFor Internet auction fraud.† Show general definitionthe act of deceiving someone for personal gain; or a person or thing that is not what it pretends or appears to be |
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| 5 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookHousing, employment, health, family—these are the factors that determine whether a person returning home from prison will succeed or fail as a law-abiding citizen.† Show general definition for factor (as in: It was the deciding factor.)something that affects a result or outcomeShow editor's word notesYou also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome." |
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| 5 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookThis was an irresistible novelty, and soon we were laughing at each other, although Boo had refrained from being really mean at anyone's expense.† Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation)new and original -- typically something considered good |
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| 8 | top 2000 | |
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hygiene
Many illnesses, especially diarrhea, can be prevented by good hygiene.more
Show sample from bookIt was necessary to schlep all your hygiene products to the bathroom—shampoo, soap, razor, washcloth, and whatever else you might need.† Show general definitionpractices promoting the prevention of illness and maintenance of health -- such as cleanliness or promoting sanitary conditions |
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| 7 | top 2000 | |
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ecstatic
They are ecstatically in love.more
Show general definitionfeeling intense happiness and excitement (as when in a state of ecstasy) |
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| 2 | top 2000 | |
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irony
She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.more
Show sample from bookThe beautiful irony of Larry's family was that when something minor was amiss, it was as if the Titanic were going down, but when a real disaster struck, they were the people you wanted in your life raft.
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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| 2 | 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 bookNo, I didn't think any of this was the least bit funny; nor was I interested in jailhouse irony anymore. 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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| 6 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookI looked at him, disgusted and perplexed.† Show general definitionto confuse |
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| 6 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookMost of the accumulated varnish of the five unhappy years spent on pretrial was gone.† Show general definitionto collect or gradually increase |
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| 1 | top 100 | |
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correspond
The girls are using a simple code where "1" corresponds to "A", "2" to "B" and so on for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.more
Show sample from bookThere was a system for checking out those tools: each prisoner had an assigned number and a bunch of corresponding metal chits that looked like dog tags. Show general definition for correspond (as in: corresponding time period)connect or fit together by being equivalent, proportionate, or matched(Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.) |
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| 1 | ||
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correspondence
She took a correspondence course while she was in prison.more
Show sample from bookIt didn't mean much in terms of getting one closer to a college degree (for that you needed to pay for correspondence courses), but it did count toward "program" credit with an inmate's case manager. Show general definition for correspondence (as in: a correspondence course)done from afarShow editor's word notesFor example, a corresponding member or a correspondence course.This sense of corresponding arose because people who lived in distant cities and could not be present for meetings, could communicate by sending written communications. |
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| 9 | ||
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furlough
If a budget is not approved, non-essential Federal employees will be furloughed.more
Show sample from bookWhen I said no, she told me there was no point in giving me the form—I would never be granted a furlough for a grandparent.† Show general definitiona temporary leave from work, duty, or confinement, usually granted by an employer, the military, or an institutionShow editor's word notesFurloughs are often without pay in private companies, but government workers are sometimes furloughed with pay, especially during shutdowns. A prison furlough is a temporary release from prison, usually for a specific reason, like visiting family or attending a funeral. |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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camaraderie
Basketball encourages teamwork and camaraderie.more
Show sample from bookThe five of us had a camaraderie that made those few hours among the most enjoyable of the week.†
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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proficiency
After months of practice, her proficiency in Spanish let her hold real conversations.more
Show sample from bookYvette was by far the most competent of my coworkers, and she and I would often work together on any electrical job requiring proficiency with tools.†
Show general definitionskillfulness in something |
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| 3 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookThis was the penitence that sometimes happens in the penitentiary.† Show general definitionfeeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookI learned from her example how to operate in such adverse conditions with grace and charm, with patience and kindness.† Show general definitionworking against one's interests |
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