The Name of the Wind — Vocabulary
Patrick Rothfuss
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	332	top 2000
chroniclechronicle → chronicles:records or reports She chronicles daily events of interest in Twitter.more Show sample from book "She's not much of a horse, sir," Chronicler said.†p.18.4331 more chronicle → chronicler:a record of events… Show general definition a record of events; or the act of creating such a record or telling others of the events
	31	top 1000
expelexpel → expulsion:the act of forcing out (in this case, kicking someone out of school) Her records show expulsion from two schools.more Show sample from book I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in.†p.53.930 more expel → expelled:forced out Show general definition force out especially in 2 primary senses: kicking someone out of an organization -- such as a school or country squeezing something to eliminate a liquid or gas
	34	top 2000
patronpatron → patrons:customers The café was filled with patrons enjoying coffee and studying for exams.more Show sample from book I'm thinking someone's patron might have been roughing it last night with a cheery little campfire....†p.552.833 more a regular customer… 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
	16	top 500
rhetoricuse of words to make a point She has convincing rhetoric, but she makes bad decisions.more Show sample from book It was Rhetoric and Logic, the book Ben had used to teach me argument.†p.109.615 more the use of (or study of using) words to make a point Show general definition the use of (or study of using) words to make a point -- typically implying skillful use Show editor's word notes Rhetoric is used with many connotations. "Effective rhetoric" has a positive connotation, If someone says something is "just rhetoric," they're implying that the words may make a good surface impression, but they are lacking in substance.
	17	top 1000
incredulousdifficult to believe I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more Show sample from book "What gives you the slightest impression that I would be here when you came back?" he asked incredulously.†p.48.516 more incredulous → incredulously:with disbelief; or with difficulty accepting something so unexpected Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
	13	top 500
nonchalantcalm and unconcerned I could tell she was nervous, but she was trying to look nonchalant.more Show sample from book Kote shrugged nonchalantly, his smile fading an imperceptible amount.†p.45.312 more nonchalant → nonchalantly:calmly (appearing unconcerned) Show general definition calm in manner -- appearing unconcerned
	15	top 1000
grievancegrievance → grievances:complaints The First Amendment also says Congress will make no law depriving the right of people to peaceably "assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."more Show sample from book "Two grievances are recorded against Kvothe by Master Hemme," The Chancellor said sternly, not taking his eyes away from me.†p.264.114 more Show general definition the cause of a complaint (real or imagined); or the complaint in formally written form
	15	top 1000
composurecalm state of mind After I regained my composure, I thanked her for telling me about the problem.more Show sample from book Hemme maintained more composure than I would have if I had been faced with twenty stone of furious, bellowing artificer.†p.323.514 more Show general definition for composure (as in: regained her composure) calm state of mind
	16	top 2000
chordchord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together In her first day learning the guitar, she has learned how to play G major, C major, and D major chords.more Show sample from book I moved my hands again and the lute made two chords whispering against each other.†p.220.515 more chord → chords:a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded togeth… Show general definition for chord (as in: piano chord) a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together; or figuratively to express harmonious blending or clashing
	12	top 1000
emitemit → emitted:sent out The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays emitted by the sun.more Show sample from book But you can use it to make a different type of emitter for sympathy lamps.†p.421.111 more emit → emitter:something that sends something out Show general definition to produce and send out -- such as sound or light
	8	top 100
varybe different Your mileage may vary.more Show sample from book He locked the door and shuttered the wide windows of the inn, as if to distance himself from the stars and all their varied names.†p.10.97 more vary → varied:differed; or changed Show general definition to be different, or to change Show editor's word notes Vary 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."
	11	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book "Oh come now," Bast reproached, his smile falling away.†p.14.610 more reproach → reproached:criticized Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	11	top 1000
wryhumorous in an subtle, ironic, or cynical way The old woman gave a wry smile, as if she knew something that I didn't.more Show sample from book The sound of it tugged one corner of his mouth into a wry smile as he sank into the deep chair in front of the fire.†p.11.710 more humor Show general definition humor -- often understated, sarcastic, or ironic -- often expressed by twisting the face
	12	top 2000
fidgetfidget → fidgeting:making small restless movements The child is always fidgeting in his seatmore Show sample from book Denna looked down at her hands, fidgeting with a ring on her finger, twisting it.†p.215.311 more Show general definition to make small restless movements
	12
shambleshamble → shambled:walked in an awkward, shuffling way She shambled about the house in over-sized slippers.more Show sample from book Then he started gathering old faerie stories too, legends about bogies and shamble-men.†p.80.911 more walk in an awkward, shuffling way Show general definition for shamble (as in: she shambled along) to walk in an awkward, shuffling way
	6	top 2000
flippanthaving an inappropriate lack of seriousness Her response is entertaining, but the question deserves a less flippant answer.more Show sample from book She made a flippant gesture.†p.442.75 more showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness Show general definition showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness
	6
alloymixture of metals Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.more Show sample from book It made an alloy of sorts, a counterpoint.†p.1.55 more a metal that consists of more than one element Show general definition a metal that consists of more than one element
	3	top 500
disparagedisparage → disparaging:criticizing or making seem less important She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.more Show sample from book She sighed disparagingly.†p.550.92 more disparage → disparagingly:with criticism or in a manner that makes something seem less important Show general definition to criticize or make seem less important -- especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner
	5
balladslow, emotional song that tells a story The singer ended the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.more Show sample from book In doing this, let us pass over innumerable boring stories: the rise and fall of empires, sagas of heroism, ballads of tragic love.†p.53.14 more ballad → ballads:a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings Show general definition a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings -- typically slow in tempo
	2	top 100
analyticallogical and systematic in seeking understanding She has an analytical mind.more Show sample from book As I was deep into the Heart of Stone, all I felt was a slight analytical curiosity about what it would be like to be publicly whipped.†p.268.31 more relating to logical examination to improve understanding Show general definition relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it -- often implying some kind of quantitative analysis