ACT English and World Knowledge - Figurative Meanings

the process of refining and extracting the essential elements from a complex body of information or ideas

a task or activity that is easy and straightforward to complete

a significant and sudden increase in a price, number, rate, etc.

a factor, force, or influence that initiates or causes a particular action, process, or change

an unexpected turn in the course of events

a set of facts or information that can be used to win an argument against someone or to criticize them

a change or deviation from the usual or expected standard

the way in which something is perceived or received by others, often referring to the response or reaction to an idea, message, or product

the information or events that stimulate action or response

the influence or control over someone or something

an undesirable condition or difficulty that requires attention or resolution

the collapse or failure of a plan or intended outcome

a transitional phase that marks the end of one era and the beginning of another

a thoughtful and deliberate consideration, often calm and extended

a group of parts that have been put together to form a unit

a round, thin piece of plastic with a hole in the middle, on which music, etc. is recorded

the act of withdrawing to a peaceful or private place for rest, meditation, or spiritual renewal

offering no protection or refuge

relating to classified details or topics critical to national safety

(of conditions or actions) unpleasantly rough or severe

effectively concise in expression

developing or reaching success in a quick way

easily understood or readable with comprehension

(of qualities or behaviors) likely to influence others rapidly

deserving deep respect and admiration due to its spiritual, religious, or significant importance

able to understand and notice things quickly

having the vast extent or degree characteristic of the ocean

to deliberately and quickly move past or jump over certain sections or portions of media, such as audio tracks, video segments, or chapters

to show a particular trait or behavior prominently

to let out or express a strong emotion or feeling, such as anger, frustration, or excitement

to cause the loss of something, often valuable, or a negative outcome resulting from a particular action or decision

to give away or yield something, usually under pressure or voluntarily

to refer to a source of knowledge in order to ascertain something

to describe something or someone through words

to be the influencing factor that causes something to make progress

to create a representation of something, usually in the form of a drawing, painting, or other visual medium

to fully understand or recognize the qualities, significance, or worth of something

to have firsthand knowledge of a development or event through observation or personal experience

to trigger or ignite a reaction, response, or action, often by provoking or inspiring someone or something to action

to own, manage, or organize something such as a business, campaign, a group of animals, etc.

to have a specific opinion or belief about someone or something

(of emotions, tensions, or conflicts) to be present but not openly expressed

to incorporate or infuse something with a particular quality, element, or characteristic

to manage to express a mood, quality, scene, etc. accurately in a piece of art

to follow someone closely in order to observe and learn from them, often by copying their actions, behavior, or techniques

to take something away through stealing or cunning actions

to be predominant or prevalent

to put or position something securely

(of weather) to become sunnier or less cloudy

to cause a reaction or disturbance in someone's emotional state

to possess or have a particular feature or quality that is a source of pride

to reveal or disclose something suddenly or impulsively

to consider something and possibly make adjustments based on it

to set up or program someone or something in a way that naturally inclines them toward a particular behavior, response, or way of thinking

to shield someone or something from external factors, pressures, or influences

to read written material with great enthusiasm and speed

to take away someone's possessions or assets

to end a connection or relationship completely

to recognize and honor members of armed forces for their service, bravery, or achievements

to be related by blood, typically referring to the lineage or family connection

to structure or organize ideas, plans, or systems within a framework