The Silver Music Box — Vocabulary
Mina Baites
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	12	top 1000
colleaguefellow worker -- especially in a respected profession such as teaching, medicine, or law My colleague suggested a different approach.more Show sample from book Paul learned that she had gone to the girls' high school, and after leaving, had spent two years keeping house for a widowed colleague of her father's and looking after his children.†p.61.711 more fellow worker
	10	top 1000
suppresssuppress → suppressed:kept from spreading She claimed that Facebook suppressed and promoted news that met a political agenda.more Show sample from book He fought to suppress grunts as he hoisted the sacks of sand over his shoulder to stack them up against the wall.†p.41.99 more trying to keep under control Show general definition trying to keep under control The exact meaning of suppress can depend upon its context. For example: "suppressed the revolution" -- to stop others from doing something by force "suppressed a smile" -- kept something from happening "suppressed the story" -- kept news from spreading "suppressed her fear" -- controlled an emotion "suppressed the memory" -- avoided thinking about (perhaps even removed from conscious memory) Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Suppress and repress can be interchanged; though in psychology something that is repressed is done unconsciously while something that is suppressed is done voluntarily.
	11	top 2000
baptismbaptism → baptized:"spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony She was baptized at the same church as her grandmother.more Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show sample from book "According to the papers, your parents were Catholic but you were unbaptized," Mrs. Dunningham said.†p.197.110 more baptism → unbaptized:not "spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony OR not initiated or purified by a challenging experience Show context notes The prefix "un-" in unbaptized means not and reverses the meaning of baptized. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky. Show general definition a Christian ceremony signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth or: a challenging experience that initiates or purifies Show editor's word notes Most churches baptize infants, but some require an adult to request baptism, and a few (such as the Quakers) require no baptism at all. Typically, water is used as part of the ceremony, such as sprinkling a little water on a baby's head; though some churches use complete submersion in water.
	9	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book Clara looked inquiringly at Paul, wiped her hands on her apron, and sent their daughter out into the garden.†p.148.48 more inquire → inquiringly:in a manner that seeks information Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	6	top 500
agitateagitate → agitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more Show sample from book She's so often absent and agitated.†p.166.25 more agitate → agitated:not calm; or stirred up (often emotionally) Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
	8	top 2000
socialisman economic system based on government ownership and control of all companies -- with the ideal of equal benefits to all people She believes that more socialism would be more fair.more Show sample from book Walking in the park, they had stumbled across an altercation between National Socialist and Communist gangs of thugs.†p.56.97 more socialism → socialist:a person who wants an economic system based on government ownership or control of all important companies -- with the ideal of equal benefits to all people Show general definition an economic system based on government ownership or control of all important companies -- with the ideal of equal benefits to all people
	4	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book The old photo was faded, but nevertheless clear.†p.195.13 more 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.
	3	top 100
accompanyaccompany → accompanies:travels with The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.more Show sample from book Johann smiled weakly and accompanied them to the door.p.10.92 more accompany → accompanied:traveled with Show general definition for accompany (as in: accompany on the journey) to travel along with
	4	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book "What do they mean, 'Aryan descent'?" he said indignantly.p.91.23 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	5	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book A melancholy smile came to his lips.†p.211.64 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	4	top 1000
vehementforceful or intense She was vehement in her defense of her friend, insisting that he was innocent.more Show sample from book In spite of all the years that had passed, Gregor still refused vehemently to talk about his experiences on the battlefield.†p.59.63 more vehement → vehemently:marked by extreme intensity -- especially emotion such as anger Show general definition marked by extreme intensity -- especially emotion such as anger
	3	top 200
optimisticexpecting the best I'm optimistic that I'll get into a good college.more Show sample from book Be brave and look to the future with optimism.†p.5.12 more optimistic → optimism:a tendency to expect and see the best in all things Show general definition expecting the best; or focusing on the good part of things
	4	top 1000
resolutedetermined and unwavering She stood resolute as some complained that she was asking too much of the team.more Show sample from book "We must trust in the Almighty," Martha said resolutely.†p.130.63 more resolute → resolutely:with firm purpose or belief Show general definition firm in purpose, belief, or action
	4	top 1000
persecutionvery bad and unfair treatment Everyone knows about the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.more Show sample from book We dreamed of our new life in Cape Town, sure the years of deprivation and persecution would finally be behind us.†p.241.33 more Show general definition very bad and unfair treatment of others -- often because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs
	11
synagoguesynagogue → synagogues:Jewish houses of worship They were arrested for planning to bomb a series of synagogues.more Show sample from book The streets of the little Sea Point neighborhood were full of Jewish grocery stores, schools, and synagogues.†p.248.810 more synagogue → synagogues:places where members of the Jewish faith worship Show general definition a place of worship for a people of the Jewish faith
	3	top 500
disparagedisparage → disparaging:criticizing or making seem less important She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.more Show sample from book Paul didn't flinch from the man's disparaging scrutiny.†p.92.52 more Show general definition to criticize or make seem less important -- especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner
	2	top 500
anecdoteanecdote → anecdotes:short true stories Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more Show sample from book He was only too pleased to be diverted by the hilarious anecdotes his father's comrade related about his five-year-old grandson, Rudi.†p.63.71 more anecdote → anecdotes:short, true stories Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
	2	top 2000
brazenbold and improper She made a brazen attempt to take credit for her colleague’s work during the meeting.more Show sample from book Paul's shock at the brazen lies had never waned.p.60.11 more Show general definition bold and unrestrained by what others consider proper
	2	top 2000
consternationdismay (unhappiness and worry) Much to the consternation of Congress, raising the tax decreased tax collections as manufacturers moved to other countries.more Show sample from book Paul looked at his father-in-law in consternation.p.103.91 more unhappiness and worry Show general definition dismay (unhappiness, worry, and often confusion) -- typically over something unexpected
	2	top 2000
taciturnwith a tendency to be reserved and not to talk She is taciturn by nature, but people like her once they get to know her.more Show sample from book Without speaking, he gave an encouraging hug to his wife, who had become ever more taciturn as the day wore on.†p.156.11 more Show general definition with a tendency to be reserved and not to talk Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Consider using reticent rather than taciturn when the reluctance to talk is brought on by a particular situation rather than being a general disposition.