100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know [Paperback]

Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0618374124 | ISBN-13: 978-0618374120 | Publication Date: May 5, 2003 | Edition: None

What should the vocabulary of a well-rounded high school graduate be like? These 100 words provide the starting point in answering that question. The list is representative of the words that serious students will encounter in their coursework and will come to use as adults, whether in conversation or while reading the daily newspaper. Each word is fully defined and shown in context with example sentences from well-known authors. 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know is a must-have for every grad, perfect for building vocabulary, quizzing friends and family — and just having fun.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries and of other reference titles published by Houghton Mifflin Company are trained lexicographers with a varied array of interests and expertise. Most of the editors hold graduate degrees and have studied at least one foreign language. Several have degrees in linguistics or in the history of the English language. Others have degrees in science or sometimes other disciplines. All the editors familiarize themselves with the vocabulary in specific subject areas, collect materials on new developments and usage, and work in association with consultants to ensure that the content of our publications is as accurate and as up-to-date as possible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; None edition (May 5, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618374124
• ISBN-13: 978-0618374120
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #125,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Words & Language > Vocabulary, Slang, & Word Lists

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Evanescent isn't just musical and more fun word facts here., August 20, 2004

By 

Julie Jordan Scott "Writer, Life Coach - Owne... (Bakersfield, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know (Paperback)

I was strolling through my local bookstore and spotted this title in the reference section, begging to be picked up and thumbed through. I really wanted to check my vocabulary with that of a respectable high school senior.

It was eye-opening to say the least. The last time I was in a conventional classroom was upon receiving my bachelor's degree twenty years ago..... and I wondered if I had been adequately introduced to these words then... or not?

(It reminds me of the line Tom Hanks speaks in "Sleepless in Seattle" - "I don't even want to think about what they are not teaching you in school.")

I knew some words well - like oligarchy and usurp and feckless. I patted myself on the back in that moment.

I had been able to sort of "get" inculcate (to impress upon the mind of another by frequent instruction) but on the other hand, I had no idea what nanotechnology meant nor did I know much about the word "evanescent" except for some songs made popular by a band called "Evanescence" which I now can tell you means "vanishing like vapors."

The book includes an occasional quote from thinkers and writers which incorporates the word being stressed. My favorites included Willa Cather and Thomas Hobbes.

I noticed from visiting here at Amazon there is also a version of this book for college freshmen. I think my seventh grade daughter and I will start with that volume (a word a day) and work up to this one.

Not only was it educational, it was enjoyable - a significant combination.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 100 Words Smarter, March 12, 2006

By 

L. Nye (Utah, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know (Paperback)

This book is easy to read and made it fun to learn new words. My 17-year-old son has added significantly to his vocabulary. There are some words that I am not sure I would have included in the list of 100, but regardless, it's a worthy investment.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great concept -- odd words, February 27, 2008

By 

Mary Boone (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know (Paperback)

I've been using this book to review vocbulary and spelling with my high school creative writing classes. It's a terrific concept but the word choice is a bit odd. As a college grad and professional author, I have rarely needed to know words like BAWDLERIZE or QUOTIDIAN.