The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 — Vocabulary
Christopher Paul Curtis
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
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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 The characters and events in this novel are fictional. However, there were many unsolved bombings in Birmingham at the time of the story, including the one that took place at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963.p.209.13 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.
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however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book Grandma Sands called a couple of times and told them that the police thought two white men drove by in a car and threw it in during services, or that they'd already hidden it in the church with a clock set to go off during Sunday school. However it got in the church it had killed four little girls, blinded a couple more and sent a bunch of other people to the hospital.p.191.63 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
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demonstratedemonstrate → demonstrated:showed The salesperson demonstrated features of both phones so I could compare them.more Show sample from book Today Miss Henry and I would like to give you a demonstration of your own possibilities in this regard.p.23.41 more demonstrate → demonstration:display 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 → demonstrated:joined with others in a public protest The students demonstrated against hate speech.more Show sample from book Picketing, protest marches, and demonstrations made headlines.p.208.71 more demonstrate → demonstrations:public protests or displays of support 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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appreciateam grateful for I appreciate your wanting to help, but this is something I need to do myself.more Show sample from book But By sure didn't appreciate it.p.130.72 more recognize the value or feel gratitude for Show general definition for appreciate (as in: I appreciate your help.) to recognize the value or importance of and/or: to be grateful for
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appreciate#2understand I didn't appreciate how long it would take to write a good report.more Show sample from book Before I dazzle you with the symphonic sound of this unit, let me point out some of its less-appreciated features.p.112.32 more appreciate → appreciated:understood Show general definition for appreciate (as in: I appreciate the complexities) to understand a situation-often one with important complications
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segregationkeeping people of different races separated Martin Luther King, Jr. helped to end institutionalized segregation in the United States.more Show sample from book Black students had enrolled in segregated schools such as Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the University of Alabama.†p.208.64 more segregation → segregated:the act of keeping people or things separate Show general definition the act of keeping people or things separate -- especially people due to discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religion
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discriminateunfairly treat of different groups of people differently We do not discriminate based on race, nationality, social status, age, gender, religion, or sexual preference.more Show sample from book In the Northern, Eastern and Western states, African Americans often faced discrimination, but it was not as extreme and pervasive as in the South.p.207.42 more discriminate → discrimination:unfair treatment due to race Show general definition for discriminate (as in: suffered discrimination) to treat people of different groups differently -- especially unfair treatment due to race, religion or gender
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passagea short part of a longer written work Each passage below is followed by a number of questions.more Show sample from book Alums would like you to read a few passages from Langston Hughes.p.22.8 passage → passages:short parts of longer written works Show general definition for passage (as in: In lines 1-9 of the passage...) a short part of a longer written work Show editor's word notes This meaning of passage is commonly seen on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
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novelnew and original We're looking for novel marketing ideas.more Show sample from book The characters and events in this novel are fictional.†p.208.9 Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation) new and original -- typically something considered good
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pervasiveexisting throughout something We were losing 35 to 0 at halftime and there was a pervasive sense of gloom in the locker room.more Show sample from book In the Northern, Eastern and Western states, African Americans often faced discrimination, but it was not as extreme and pervasive as in the South.†p.207.4 existing throughout something; OR generally widespread Show general definition existing throughout something; or generally widespread
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enhanceimprove This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more Show sample from book That opening is scientifically and mathematically positioned by a factory-trained technician to enhance the TT AB-700's true high-fidelity sound!†p.113.1 increase or improve Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
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dispositionnormal mood or typical way of behaving She has a cheerful disposition.more Show sample from book Yeah, I swear I've been looking in the rearview mirror and wondering where my babies were and where these three bad-dispositioned, sour-faced, middle-age midgets came from.p.153.8 disposition → dispositioned:mood Show general definition for disposition (as in: a kind disposition) someone's personality, nature, or typical way of behaving
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techniqueway of doing something She developed a new surgical technique that shortens recovery time.more Show sample from book They adopted many of the techniques that Mohandas Gandhi had used to liberate India from British rule.†p.208.4 technique → techniques:ways of doing things Show general definition a way of doing something; or the methods used to do it well
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hypnotizehypnotize → hypnotized:fascinated so much that awareness of other surrounding things is lost or too much trust is granted When I look into her eyes, I feel hypnotized.more Show sample from book Joey kept pulling at his hand but it looked like Byron was hypnotized and he wouldn't move.p.69.53 more hypnotize → hypnotized:so focused or fascinated that awareness of other surrounding things is lost Show general definition for hypnotize (as in: hypnotized by her performance) fascinate so much that awareness of other surrounding things is lost or too much trust is granted
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civil rights movementpopular effort to establish political and social equality for African Americans in the USA (1954-1968) Aretha Franklin is remembered as the Queen of Soul, but she was also an integral part of the civil rights movement.more Show sample from book At the time of the Watson family's trip, the U.S. South was caught up in a struggle for basic human rights that became known as the civil rights movement.†p.207.12 more popular effort to establish political and social equality for African Americans …
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boycottrefusal to buy Chavez led a nationwide boycott of table grapes.more Show sample from book Sit-ins and boycotts of stores and public transportation applied economic pressure.p.208.51 more boycott → boycotts:refusals to participate with (as an expression of protest) Show general definition to refuse to buy things (from someone); or to refuse to participate in an activity (with someone) in order to express disapproval
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emulateimitate (copy) It wasn't just that she copied her older sister's hairstyle. She tried to emulate her in every way.more Show sample from book If, instead of trying to intimidate your young brother, you would emulate him and use that mind of yours, perhaps you'd find things much easier.†p.24.3 imitate (copy or match) Show general definition imitate (copy or match)
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pinnaclehighest point She wrote the book at the pinnacle of her popularity.more Show sample from book It's the pinnacle of Western civilization.p.103.4 highest point (best stage of development) Show general definition the highest point -- either literally, like the top of a mountain, or figuratively, like the peak of success or achievement
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filialchild-to-parent She tried to restrain her mother, so far as filial respect would allow.more Show sample from book Dad blocked the door and filially, finally turned the knob that said "Start."†p.116.4 filial → filially:relating to the relationship of children to their parents Show general definition relating to the relationship of children to their parents