Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry — Vocabulary
Mildred D. Taylor
(Edited)

Book sample Uses ACT/SAT
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warycautious or nervous about
"...the only thing any of you got to back that credit with is this land . . . and I'd hate to see you put it up."
"Why's that?" asked Uncle Hammer, wary of his interest.p.161.56 more
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
She was taught to be wary of strangers.more
distrustful
Show general definition careful or nervous about something
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mortgageproperty loan that must be paid to keep the property
Your mama's got no job come fall and there's the mortgage and next year's taxes to think of.p.202.18 more
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
We are the proud owners of a new home and a $100,000 mortgage.more
property loan
Show general definition a real estate loan; or to offer real estate as collateral for a loan

(collateral is something that has to be given to the lender if the loan isn't paid as agreed)
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distinctclearly seen
As the men rounded a curve in the road, they became more distinct.p.33.94 more
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
Martinez and his colleagues identified 21 distinct emotions made by the human face.more
different
Show general definition clear, easily noticed, and/or identifiable as different or separate
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resolveresolve → resolved:decided
I resolved to make the best of my rather dubious position.p.21.11 more
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more
Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision
Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
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resolve#2resolve → resolved:determined (having firm purpose)
Each time she did, we set our faces into looks of great seriousness, resolved that we would be adult about the matter and not gloat in our hour of victory.p.57.71 more
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She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more
determination (firmness of purpose)
Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
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indignantanger at something unjust or wrong
He just stood staring down at the open book, shivering with indignant anger.p.24.74 more
Show context notes This is when Little Man sees that his book was issued to white students until it was in "very poor" condition, and was then issued to African American students.
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
"I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more
indignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong
Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
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inquireinquire → inquired:asked
"They gonna haul that bus outa there tonight?" Big Ma inquired.p.56.94 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
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sufficientsufficient → sufficiently:adequately (enough)
But before the boys could sufficiently admire the car, Mama and Big Ma shooed us toward the church for the service.p.136.11 more
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We have sufficient supplies.more
adequate (enough)
Show general definition adequate (enough -- often without being more than is needed)
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abruptabrupt → abruptly:suddenly
He stopped abruptly, his eyes bulging in a terrified stare as Mr. Morrison climbed down from the wagon.p.225.13 more
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The bus came to an abrupt stop.more
sudden and unexpected
Show general definition for abrupt (as in: an abrupt change) sudden and unexpected

or (less commonly): characterized by sudden changes or at a steep angle
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comprehendcomprehend → comprehending:understanding
T.J., for the first time comprehending that we were no longer his friends, stopped.p.193.91 more
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.more
comprehend → comprehends:fully understands
Show general definition to understand something -- especially to understand it completely
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audibleable to be heard
"What did Mr. Jamison want?" she asked, her voice barely audible.p.200.33 more
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She spoke in a barely audible whisper.more
capable of being heard
Show general definition for audible (as in: barely audible) capable of being heard
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prevailprevail → prevailed:proved superior or won
Big Ma didn't answer immediately; she was occupied in a test of wills with Jack. When hers had prevailed and Jack had settled into a moderate trot, she replied moodily...p.103.51 more
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Neither side has the strength to prevail over the other.more
win (prove to be superior)
Show general definition for prevail (as in: reason will prevail) prove superior or win
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consequenceconsequence → consequently:as a result
...we also had to worry about the Jefferson Davis school bus zooming from behind and splashing us with the murky waters of the road. ... But sometimes ... we did not look back as often nor listen as carefully as we should; we consequently found ourselves comical objects to cruel eyes that gave no thought to our misery.p.43.9
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
Your decision will have three major consequences.more
consequence → consequences:results
Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
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acknowledgeacknowledge → acknowledged:expressed recognition of
Big Ma looked around at Papa and Uncle Hammer, but neither of them acknowledged her glance; their eyes were pinned on Mr. Jamison.p.160.8
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
She acknowledged that she might have forgotten.more
acknowledge → acknowledged:admitted
Show general definition for acknowledge (as in: acknowledge her or the truth) express recognition or appreciation of someone or something; or to admit or express something
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engageengage → engaged:involved
Boxes lined the walls and the center floor had been cleared for dancing—several older couples from Great Faith were already engaged in movements I had never seen before.p.84.6
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
She engaged in conduct that is a violation of the honor code.more
engage → engaged:was involved
Show general definition for engage (as in: engage in conversation) to interact in various ways -- such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract
The exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example:
  • "They engaged in debate." -- participated
  • "She engaged him in conversation." -- involved
  • "She is an engaging conversationalist." -- interesting
  • "She has an engaging smile." -- attractive (attracting interest and interaction)
  • "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." -- attracts and involves
  • "She engages with her constituents." -- interacts in a meaningful way
  • "She engaged in foolish behavior." -- entered into
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compositionwriting
"You understand that if they don't have those books to study from, I'll have to fail them in both reading and composition, since I plan..."p.29.8
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
Her latest composition blends classical melodies with modern electronic beats.more
original musical creation
Show general definition for composition (as in: an original composition) a creative work, the way the creative work is put together, or the act of creating it
Show editor's word notes Context will sometimes make clear that the creative work is the writing of music or an essay, but it can anything -- such as the way the components of a picture are arranged.
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candidcandid → candidly:honestly and directly
"Because," answered Mr. Jamison candidly, "there aren't enough of those same white people who would admit how they feel, or even if they did, would hang a white man for killing a black one."p.161.9
Show context notes Mr. Jamison is answering directly rather than trying to word things to make the answer sound less disturbing than it is.
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
Don't worry about my feelings. I'd like your candid opinion.more
honest and direct
Show general definition for candid (as in: your candid opinion) honest and direct
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dispositionnormal mood and personality
His disposition had been irritatingly sour lately.p.4.8
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She has a cheerful disposition.more
normal mood or typical way of behaving
Show general definition for disposition (as in: a kind disposition) someone's personality, nature, or typical way of behaving
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gravegrave → gravely:seriously (to a very noticeable degree)
The room became gravely silent. Everyone knew that Little Man was in big trouble for no one, but no one, ever called Little Man "Clayton Chester" unless she or he meant serious business.p.23.12 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
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assumeassume → assumed:believed
I assumed that he had not heard me.p.111.2
Show exemplary sample (not from book)
I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.more
believe (without knowing for sure)
Show general definition for assume (as in: I assume it's true) to accept something as true without proof