anxiety
2 uses
She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.
anxiety = nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
beckon
2 uses
I should be studying, but television beckons me.
beckons = calls (in this case by being desirable and inviting)
Definition
Generally beckon means:to summon (call to join) with a gesture, or to be desirable and inviting
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
beseech
1 use
She teaches and beseeches her students to think about their future.
beseeches = asks strongly or begs
Definition
Generally beseech means:to ask strongly or beg for something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
bewilder
2 uses
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.
bewilder = confuse
Definition
Generally bewilder means:to confuse someone
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
conjure
2 uses
She fears his black magic will conjure up evil spirits.
conjure = summon into action or bring into existence
Definition
Generally conjure means:summon into action or bring into existence — often as if by magic
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
consequence
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
a direct consequence of
Your decision will have three major consequences.
consequences = results
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
contempt
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
feels contempt towards her
Familiarity breeds contempt.
contempt = lack of respect
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:lack of respect — often accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
dismay
2 uses
Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.
dismayed = feel sad, disappointed, or worried — typically in response to something surprising
Definition
Generally dismay means:to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry — typically in response to something surprising
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
grave
6 uses
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.
gravity = seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Definition
Generally this sense of grave means:serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
- "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." — important, dangerous, or causing worry
- "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." — sad or solemn
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — in a sincere and serious manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
inclined
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
I'm inclined to
I'm inclined to believe him.
inclined = have a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something
Definition
Generally this sense of inclined means:a tendency; in the mood; or an attitude that favors something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
indignant
4 uses
She was indignant, but agreed to be searched when they accused her of shoplifting.
indignant = angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
ingenuity
1 use
He exercised great ingenuity in making excuses for missing class.
ingenuity = cleverness (the ability to use intelligence and creativity)
Definition
Generally ingenuity means:the ability to solve problems in smart creative ways
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
inquire
4 uses
Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.
inquire = ask about or look into
Definition
Generally inquire means:to ask about or look into something
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 21 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
melancholy
4 uses
Since her dog died she's been in a melancholy mood.
melancholy = very sad
Definition
Generally melancholy means:a sad feeling or manner — sometimes thoughtfully sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
oblige (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 2 uses
1 —1 use as in:
I am obliged by law.
The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.
obliges = requires
Definition
Generally this sense of oblige means:require (obligate) to do something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
2 —1 use as in:
I'm much obliged for your kindness
I am much obliged to you for your help.
obliged = grateful or indebted
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
provoke
7 uses
Her remarks provoked a public outcry.
provoked = caused — typically an emotional reaction such as anger
Definition
Generally provoke means:to cause a reaction — typically an emotional reaction such as anger; and sometimes caused intentionally
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
scorn
2 uses
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
scorned = treated with disrespect or disdain
Definition
Generally scorn means:treat with a strong disrespect or disdain — sometimes accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
solemn
5 uses
He took a solemn oath.
solemn = very serious
Definition
Generally solemn means:very serious—and often dignified
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
trifle with
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
a trifling matter
Don't waste my time with trifling matters.
trifling = things of little importance
Definition
Generally this sense of trifling means:something of small importance; or a small quantity
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |