From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, Vocabulary List Chapters 1-3
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accustomed
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see definition»
familiar with something so that it seems normal or usual
Claudia also decided that she must get accustomed to giving up things.
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companion
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a person or animal you spend time with or enjoy being with
She planned very carefully; she saved her allowance and she chose her companion.
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despise
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to dislike (something or someone) very much
On Saturdays Claudia emptied the wastebaskets, a task she despised.
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elegant
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showing good taste : graceful and attractive
Claudia loved the city because it was elegant; it was important; and busy.
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expenditure
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the act of spending money
Claudia appointed him treasurer; he would not only hold all the money, he would also keep track of it and pass judgment on all expenditures.
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extravagant
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spending a lot of money
"...We have no more allowance. No more income. You can’t be extravagant any longer. It’s not my money we’re spending. It’s our money. We’re in this together, remember?”
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fare
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the money a person pays to travel on a bus, train, boat, or airplane or in a taxi
She had to save enough for train fare and a few expenses before she could tell Jamie or make final plans.
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indecent
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using language that offends people : including behavior or ideas that people find offensive
“Break up, not bust up. Indecent, not undecent,” Claudia corrected.
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injustice
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unfair treatment : a situation in which the rights of a person or a group of people are ignored
She was the oldest child and the only girl and was subject to a lot of injustice.
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monotony
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a boring lack of change
She was tired of arguing about whose turn it was to choose the Sunday night seven-thirty television show, of injustice, and of the monotony of everything.
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postpone
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put off (as an action or event) until a later time
It would postpone her running away only twenty-seven cents worth.
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quarrel
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an angry argument or disagreement
And they both left the bus forgetting caution and remembering only their quarrel.
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racket
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a loud, unpleasant noise
The door lever was left of the driver’s seat, and as she walked toward it, she heard an awful racket behind her.
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resist
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to prevent yourself from doing something that you want to do
Each held his breath for a long time, and each resisted at least four temptations to peek up and see what was going on.
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stifle
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to not allow yourself to do or express (something)
Claudia stifled the urge to correct his grammar again.
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tyranny
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see definition»
cruel and unfair treatment by people with power over others
“Of course. Wearing shoes all the time is one of the tyrannies you’ll escape by coming with me.”