The Witch of Blackbird Pond — Vocabulary
Elizabeth George Speare
(Edited)

Book sample Uses ACT/SAT
4 top 100
directdirect → directly:in a clear, straightforward manner
The magistrate spoke to her directly. "I had considered this morning's inquiry merely a formality. I did not expect to find any evidence worthy of carrying to the court. But this is a serious mater. You must explain to us how this child's name came to be written."p.215.111 more
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I left them with direct instructions.more
straightforward
Show general definition for direct (as in: gave a direct answer) straightforward -- often clear, open, or blunt in speech or behavior
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traceindication or sign
But Nat had slipped out of the room and his halfhearted pursuers reported not a single trace of him.p.223.510 more
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There was not a trace of the defendant's DNA at the crime scene.more
a tiny quantity or indication
Show general definition for trace (as in: found a trace of) a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of
The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:
  • a small indication that something was present -- as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace."
  • a very small amount of something -- as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids."
  • any evidence of something -- as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."
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trace#2trace → traced:drew
In the clean white sand on the floor Hannah traced a careful B. Looking at Prudence, Kit held her breath.p.117.410 more
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She didn't have a camera or a copier, so she used a pencil to trace an outline of the picture on thin paper.more
draw (by following the image)
Show general definition for trace (as in: trace a picture or outline) copy the lines of an image; or draw an outline; or carefully draw a specific pattern
This sense of trace has to do with drawing, but it's specific meaning depends on its context. For example:
copying the outline of an image
  • "She used tracing paper to make a copy." -- paper you can see through, so that when it is placed on a picture, you can use a pencil to follow the lines of the image being copied
  • "She projected the image onto the wall, hung a sheet of paper there, and traced the projected image onto the paper." -- followed the lines with her pencil
draw an outline or a specific pattern
  • "She used her toe to trace half the fish symbol in the sand." -- draw a simple outline
  • "The child used a stick to trace circles and swirls in the mud." -- draw
  • "She used her finger to trace his name in the sand." -- draw
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magistratejudge
The magistrate and the ministers will examine you.p.208.125 more
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The local magistrate insisted on a cash payment for the speeding ticket.more
Show general definition a judge or judicial official
The exact meaning of magistrate varies widely depending upon the context. For example:
  • in the U.S. federal court: assists district court judges by handling minor offenses or administrative tasks such as preliminary hearings (often referred to as a magistrate judge rather than just a magistrate)
  • in some U.S. states: a judge in the state court
  • in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and other civil law countries: a sitting magistrate is a judge and a standing magistrate is a prosecutor
  • in England: may be a volunteer without formal legal training who performs a judicial role with regard to minor matters
  • in ancient Rome: a powerful officer with both judicial and executive power
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solemnserious (with no sense of fun)
But it's not much fun trying to keep my hand firm and being so solemn all day long.p.104.68 more
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He took a solemn oath.more
very serious
Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
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inquireask
We have come here in order to inquire and search into the matter of Mistress Katherine Tyler, lately of Barbados, who is accused by sundry witnesses of the practice of witchcraft.p.209.510 more
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Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more
ask about or look into
Show general definition to ask about or look into something
10 top 2000
soberingsobering → sobered:became serious
...and then she was laughing with Hannah. But instantly she sobered again.p.96.69 more
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It's sobering to think that more Americans die from opioid abuse than in car accidents.more
makes one serious about an issue
Show general definition for sobering (as in: a sobering thought) serious or calm (not silly or excited); or making one serious or less excited
6 top 1000
incredulousincredulous → incredulously:having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
"'Tis a strange thing, that the only friends I have I found in the same way, lying flat in the meadows, crying as though their hearts would break."
The two young people stared at each other. "You?" breathed Kit incredulously.
Nat laughed. "I'll have you know that I was only eight years old," he explained.p.108.65 more
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I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.more
difficult to believe
Show general definition unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
2 top 10
contrastsomething notably different compared (to something else)
The bleak line of shore surrounding the gray harbor was a disheartening contrast to the shimmering green and white that fringed the turquoise bay of Barbados which was her home.p.2.11 more
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The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more
notable difference
Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
2 top 200
novelnew
Kit had no idea that her methods were novel and surprising.p.84.31 more
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We're looking for novel marketing ideas.more
new and original
Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation) new and original -- typically something considered good
1 top 10
implyimply → implying:suggesting (saying indirectly)
What are you implying, Gershom?p.61.3
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She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
imply → implied:hinted or suggested
Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
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accompanytravel along with
Matthew Wood stood on the threshold of his home, his bushy eyebrows massed close together as he surveyed the three women who waited to accompany him.p.51.1
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The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.more
accompany → accompanies:travels with
Show general definition for accompany (as in: accompany on the journey) to travel along with
4 top 1000
deliberatedeliberate → deliberately:intentionally (on purpose)
Nat's eyes deliberately taunted her.p.13.614 more
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She didn't forget. She deliberately skipped the meeting.more
deliberate → deliberately:intentionally
Show general definition for deliberate (as in: deliberate insult) to do something intentionally (do it on purpose)
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deliberate#2deliberate → deliberation:consideration of the situation
Without a second's deliberation she acted. Kicking off her buckled shoes and dropping the woolen cloak, she plunged headlong over the side of the boat.p.8.514 more
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We deliberated into the evening.more
deliberate → deliberated:thought and discussed
Show general definition for deliberate (as in: need to deliberate) to think about or discuss -- especially with great care
6 top 1000
deliberate#3slow
Lost in her own thoughts, Kit barely noticed that William's dignified pace was even more deliberate than usual.p.144.214 more
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She is a deliberate thinker--not the fastest, but always thorough.more
careful and slow
Show general definition for deliberate (as in: a deliberate thinker) done with great care -- often slowly
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demonstratedemonstrate → demonstrated:showed (how something is done)
Mercy demonstrated on two pieces of thin board to which were fastened strips of leather set with hooked wire teeth. From a great pile of heavy blue wool she pulled a small tuft, caught it in the wire teeth of one board, and drew across it the second board till the fibers were brushed flat.p.45.71 more
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The salesperson demonstrated features of both phones so I could compare them.more
demonstrate → demonstrated:showed
Show general definition for demonstrate (as in: It demonstrates my point.) to show
The exact meaning of this sense of demonstrate can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "I will demonstrate how to throw a Frisbee." -- show how to do something
  • "I will demonstrate how much quicker the new computer is than the old one." -- show how something works
  • "Her questioned demonstrated that she was listening and thinking deeply about what was said." -- showed to be true or proved
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demonstrate#2demonstrate → demonstration:public protest
Captain Talcott sensed the growing anger in the waiting crowd and raised his voice. "There is to be no demonstration," he reminded them.p.158.51 more
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The students demonstrated against hate speech.more
demonstrate → demonstrated:joined with others in a public protest
Show general definition for demonstrate (as in: demonstrate to protest) a public display supporting a cause -- usually joining with others in a political protest
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tonequality of voice expressing a feeling
Kit recoiled, as much from his angry tone as from the repulsive words.p.23.211 more
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Which of the following words best maintains the tone established in this passage.more
general feeling
Show general definition for tone (as in: the tone of the essay) the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something -- especially of something said or written
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endurecontinue to bear (suffer through)
Was this what strengthened these New Englanders to endure the winter, the knowledge that summer's return would be all the richer for the waiting?p.244.212 more
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I endured insult and injury without complaint.more
endure → endured:suffered through
Show general definition for endure (as in: endured the pain) to suffer through (or put up with something difficult or unpleasant)
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graveserious and solemn
"A true witch will always float. The innocent ones just sink like a stone." He was obviously paying her back for the morning's humiliation. But she was surprised to see that John Holbrook was not at all amused. His solemn young face was even more grave than before.p.13.89 more
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Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.more
grave → gravity:seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Show general definition for grave (as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry
  • "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn
  • "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner