The adventures of Tom Sawyer

New words for me from the book "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

superstitions

/ˌsuː.pəˈstɪʃ.ənz/

A belief or practice that is not based on scientific knowledge and is often connected with religion or magic.

1. Many people believe that breaking a mirror will bring bad luck, demonstrating their faith in common superstitions.

2. She had a superstition about never walking under a ladder, fearing it would bring misfortune.

odd

/ɒd/

Unusual or different from what is expected.

Example sentences:

1. His choice of clothing was quite odd, drawing the attention of everyone at the party.

2. It was odd to see the usually busy street so empty on a Saturday evening.

upon

/əˈpɒn/

On, or immediately after, (the occurrence of an event).

Example 1: The cat jumped upon the table, knocking over a vase.

Example 2: She called upon her friends to help her move.

prevalent

/ˈprɛvələnt/

A clear and concise definition of the word

1. This disease is prevalent in tropical regions.

2. Their ideas are prevalent in contemporary culture.

that is to say

/ðæt ɪz tə seɪ/

A phrase used to clarify or explain what one means.

She was unhappy with the results; that is to say, she expected much better.

He didn't see the need for the meeting, that is to say, he felt it was pointless.

wonder

/ˈwʌn.dər/

Noun:

1. A feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar.

2. A remarkable person or thing.

Verb:

3. To desire to know something; to feel curious.

4. To feel surprise or amazement.

Example Sentences (noun):

The child looked at the fireworks in wonder.

The Great Wall of China is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.

Her voice is a true wonder—so powerful and clear.

Example Sentences (verb):

I wonder what he meant by that comment.

She often wondered if she made the right decision.

You can’t help but wonder how they built such a huge monument without modern tools.

spectacles

/ˈspek.tə.kəlz/

1. Glasses worn to correct or protect eyesight.

2. (Less common) An impressive or visually striking performance or display (usually singular: spectacle).

He put on his spectacles to read the fine print.

She forgot her spectacles at home and couldn’t see the board clearly.

The elderly man adjusted his spectacles before continuing his story.

seldom

/ˈsel.dəm/

Not often; rarely; infrequently.

He seldom goes out after dark.

We seldom see such dedication in young employees.

Although she loves art, she seldom visits museums.

Accidents like this are seldom seen in this area.

stove

/stoʊv/

1. A device used for cooking or heating, typically powered by electricity, gas, or wood.

She heated the soup on the stove.

Be careful—the stove is still hot!

They bought a new gas stove for their kitchen.

He forgot to turn off the stove after making coffee.

lid

/lɪd/

1. A removable or hinged cover for the top of a container.

2. (Informal) An eyelid.

3. (Figurative) A limit or control (e.g., "keep a lid on something").

She put the lid back on the pot to let it simmer.

The jar won’t open because the lid is stuck.

He closed his eyes, letting his lids rest after a long day.

The manager tried to keep a lid on the rumors spreading in the office.

perplex

/pəˈpleks/

To confuse or puzzle someone, especially by being complicated or difficult to understand.

The question perplexed the students during the exam.

His strange behavior perplexes everyone around him.

I was perplexed by the technical terms in the manual.

The magician’s trick perplexed the entire audience.

fiercely

/ˈfɪrs.li/

1. In a strong, powerful, or aggressive way.

2. With great intensity or passion.

The wind blew fiercely all night.

She fiercely defended her opinion during the debate.

The two players competed fiercely for the championship title.

He loves his family fiercely, no matter what.

​