I Survived The American Revolution — Vocabulary
Lauren Tarshis
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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hideousextremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening
The beast had hideous fangs.more
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Reports trickled in from the hideous battle raging outside.p.110.93 more
terrible in the sense of causing horror
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revolutiondramatic change
Social media created a revolution in how people connect.more
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The Revolutionary War had begun.p.51.61 more
revolution → revolutionary:related to the overthrow of a government
Show general definition for revolution (as in: the computer revolution) dramatic change -- sometimes violent overthrow of a government
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wretchedmiserable
The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more
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But there was no way he'd go back to that wretched orphanage.p.25.91 more
miserable (very bad)
Show general definition very bad
in various senses, including:
  • unfortunate or miserable -- as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor"
  • of poor quality -- as in "wretched roads"
  • morally bad -- as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
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meagerlacking in quantity or quality
We make the most of our meager resources.more
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Now Martin hoped his meager soldiers' pay would help him save up to buy freedom for his family.p.63.8
small in quantity
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dwindlegradually decrease
As the night wore on, the crowd at the concert began to dwindle.more
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The Connecticut 5th had dwindled down to just thirty men.p.115.3
dwindle → dwindled:decreased
Show general definition to gradually become smaller, fewer, or weaker
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tauntintentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone
She used Twitter to taunt the opposing candidate.more
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They roared and taunted.†p.40.9
taunt → taunted:intentionally angered, challenged, or upset
Show general definition to intentionally anger, challenge, or upset someone -- especially by mocking them or hurling insults

or (as a noun): an insult or other action intended to anger, challenge, or upset someone
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elegantrefined and tasteful
She was an elegant bride.more
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He was very tall, and always wore an elegant blue uniform with silver buttons and a bright white sash across his chest.p.68.9
attractive
Show general definition for elegant (as in: an elegant gown) refined and tasteful in appearance, behavior or style
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stallionstallion → stallions:a male horse that has not been castrated
Breeders carefully select stallions with excellent lineage to improve the bloodline of their horses.more
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He'd ride by the camp on his gray stallion.†p.68.8
a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded)
Show general definition a male horse that has not been castrated (gelded) -- especially one used for breeding purposes
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serpentsnake
There was a picture of a serpent eating its tail.more
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They were like gigantic black serpents, peering out from their caves.†p.37.9
serpent → serpents:snakes
Show general definition a snake
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augustgreatly admired
I am humbled to be chosen as a steward of this august institution.more
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AUGUST 29, 1776p.1.12 more
the month between July and September
Show general definition for august (as in: august stature) majestic or greatly admired -- especially due to high rank or age
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assetsthings of value
The University is one of the city's greatest assets.more
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Because he left no will, all of your uncle's assets go to you.p.116.7
Show general definition for assets (as in: it's one of her best assets) a positive trait or thing of value
in various senses, including:
  • a positive trait -- as in "Her confidence is an asset in the job search."
  • something highly valued -- as in "The University is one of the city's greatest assets."
  • soldiers or military equipment -- as in "They moved assets into the contested area."
  • a spy -- as in "She was the United States' most valuable asset in China."
Show editor's word notes Assets are often contrasted to their opposite, liabilities.
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squalla windy storm
A squall blew in while we were sailing.more
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It came out of nowhere, a ferocious squall with swirling black clouds, pounding rain, and lightning that tore open the sky.p.9.1
windy storm
Show general definition for squall (as in: a squall blew in) sudden strong winds; or a storm -- usually at sea or in the snow
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determinedfirmly planning
I'm determined to become a lawyer.more
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Nate's cheeks burned, but he was determined to prove the captain wrong.p.62.22 more
firm in purpose
Show general definition for determined (as in: is determined to succeed) firm in purpose