The City of Ember — Vocabulary
Jeanne DuPrau
(Edited)

Book sample Uses ACT/SAT
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uttercomplete
Behind it was a space of utter darkness.p.186.64 more
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She suffered utter devastation when her child died in the accident.more
Show general definition for utter (as in: utter stupidity) complete or total (used as an intensifier--typically when stressing how bad something is)
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indicateindicate → indicated:shown
The copy was as accurate as she could make it, with the missing bits between the letters carefully indicated as dashes.p.109.62 more
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These maps are drawn with north to the top unless otherwise indicated.more
indicate → indicated:pointed out (shown)
Show general definition to show (point out, demonstrate, express, or suggest)
Show editor's word notes The form, indicator can refer to many different kinds of things including intentional signals (such as a turn indicator), gauges (such as one that indicates pressure), or a measurement (such as an economic or chemical indicator).
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consequenceconsequence → consequences:results
  "And when anger is the boss, you get—"
  "I know," said Doon. "Unintended consequences?"p.89.31 more
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Your decision will have three major consequences.more
Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
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ponderponder → pondered:thought
He pondered a moment.p.38.12 more
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The question the audience is left to ponder is...more
think about
Show general definition to think deeply or carefully about something
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beckonbeckon → beckoned:called to come (by using a hand gesture or a nod)
Often they didn't even come out into the street but beckoned to a messenger from their doorway.p.157.52 more
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With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more
beckon → beckoned:called
Show general definition to call -- typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
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determinedfirm in purpose
It was a mystery in itself, whatever it was, and Lina was determined to solve it.p.96.12 more
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I'm determined to become a lawyer.more
firmly planning
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glimpsequick look
...if he could just get a look at the generator, he would have the clue he needed. From there, he could begin to work on a solution that would keep the lights of Ember burning. But one glimpse of the generator showed him how foolish he was.p.47.72 more
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I caught a glimpse of them at the game.more
Show general definition a quick look or partial understanding
The exact meaning of glimpse can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "I caught a glimpse of her when I was walking to class." -- a very quick look
  • "I glimpsed at the headlines." -- looked quickly
  • "Reading the book gave me a glimpse of the life of a devout Muslim immigrant in America." -- a quick, incomplete view
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solemnsolemn → solemnly:very seriously
So the first mayor of Ember was given the box, told to guard it carefully, and solemnly sworn to secrecy.p.2.51 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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evaluateevaluate → evaluation:analysis and judgment
Then, Evaluation. Are you good at your job? Fine. You may keep it. Are you unsatisfactory? Is there a greater need elsewhere? You will be re-assigned.p.8.3
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I'm evaluating colleges and deciding which I want to apply to.more
evaluate → evaluating:thinking carefully and making a judgment about
Show general definition to think carefully and make a judgment about something
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neverthelessanyway (despite that)
Maybe it wasn't the door out of Ember, but it was a mystery nevertheless—a mystery connected, she was sure, to the bigger mystery they were trying to solve.p.131.9
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The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
despite that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Show general definition despite that
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 was just stated, 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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engageengage → engaged:were involved
My confidence in you has been seriously diminished since I heard about the disreputable activities in which you engaged on Thursday last.p.29.9
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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assumeassume → assumed:believed (without knowing for sure)
He found another supply closet at the far south end of the Pipeworks—at least, he assumed that's what it was.p.115.5
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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
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descenddescend → descended:climbed down
Lina's arms were just long enough to reach past Poppy and hold on to the ladder. She descended very slowly.p.233.31 more
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We saw the rocket descend.more
move downward
Show general definition for descend (as in: descend the mountain) move or slope downward
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comprehendcomprehend → incomprehensible:not understandable
The mayor's voice kept coming in blasts of incomprehensible sound, and the people in the crowd were either shouting angrily or yelping in fear of being squashed.p.87.8
Show context notes The prefix "in-" in incomprehensible means not and reverses the meaning of comprehensible. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.
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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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graveserious
Ember was in grave danger.p.85.1
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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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approximateapproximate → approximately:about
This must say, 'Something something down riverbank to ledge approximately eight feet below.'p.185.2
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The state has approximately as many Republicans as Democrats.more
Show general definition almost, but not exact; or similar
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thusin that way
He filled his bottle with river water, lit a candle for himself and one for Lina, and thus equipped, they left the boat behind and crept up the rocky shelf to the path.p.249.8
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She read my diary and mocked my most private thoughts in public. My worst fears realized thus; I avoided friends between classes.more
Show general definition for thus (as in: betrayed her thus) in the way mentioned or shown
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appealappeal → appealing:attractive or desirable
The bars provided a way to climb down the riverbank. Not a very appealing way—the bars looked slippery, and the water below was so terribly fast.p.182.8
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She has an appealing smile.more
appeal → appealing:attractive
Show general definition for appeal (as in: appeals to youthful tastes) attractiveness or desirability; or to be attractive or desirable
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sheervery steep or vertical
It was a sheer rock wall, straight up and down and slick with spray, and at first that was all she saw.p.182.62 more
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Be careful on that road. There is a sheer drop-off on the right.more
so steep it is almost vertical
Show general definition for sheer (as in: a sheer cliff) so steep it is almost vertical
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demonstratedemonstrate → demonstrators:people who were protesting something
Every now and then the demonstrators would yell these slogans out loud.p.159.8
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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