abject
8 uses
As the world grows more affluent, our definition of abject poverty changes.
abject = extreme
Definition
Generally abject means:extreme (in a negative sense such as misery, hopelessness, submissiveness, cruelty, or cowardice)
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16, p.226.6 |
appalling
8 uses
The live in appalling conditions.
appalling = shockingly terrible or horrible
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.39.2 |
atone
6 uses
To atone for sins is a common religious theme.
atone = make up
Definition
Generally atone means:to fix or make up for a wrong — especially a sin (even if nothing can be done to make up for the wrong other than to show regret)
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5, p.79.9 |
audible
6 uses
She spoke in a barely audible whisper.
audible = capable of being heard
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7, p.108.7 |
cease
9 uses
They signed a cease-fire agreement.
cease = to stop or discontinue (in this case, to stop firing weapons at each other)
Definition
Generally cease means:to stop or discontinue
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2, p.21.6 |
contempt
8 uses
1 —8 uses as in:
feels contempt towards her
Familiarity breeds contempt.
contempt = lack of respect
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior — often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13, p.187.9 |
content
4 uses
She grew more contented with age.
contented = satisfied
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 54 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.42.8 |
grave
9 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 | 9 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2, p.24.3 |
indefatigable
7 uses
She is an indefatigable fund raiser for the cause.
indefatigable = energetic without showing sign of tiring
Definition
Generally indefatigable means:energetic without sign of tiring
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2, p.28.8 |
orthodox
8 uses
The new findings challenge orthodox views.
orthodox = normal
Definition
Generally orthodox means:normal (describing thinking or behavior as commonly or traditionally accepted)
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10, p.148.2 |
Othello
14 uses
Othello is renowned amongst literary scholars for its portrayal of jealousy.
Othello = Shakespeare's tragedy of betrayal and jealousy
Definition
Generally Othello means:Shakespeare's tragedy of betrayal and jealousy (c. 1604)
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11, p.171.6 |
preserve
6 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
preserve the records
They are preserving the elephant habitat.
preserving = protecting or keeping something from changing
Definition
Generally this sense of preserve means:to protect something or to keep it as it is
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.5.6 |
propaganda
10 uses
There is no free press in that country — just government-approved propaganda.
propaganda = one-sided information spread to influence opinions
Definition
Generally propaganda means:one-sided information that is purposefully spread to influence opinions — often misleading information of a political nature
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.51.1 |
reproach
8 uses
She reproached him for being thoughtless and lazy.
reproached = criticized
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism — especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 13, p.192.6 |
senile
5 uses
Her memory is getting worse and she's afraid of going senile.
senile = (into) mental weakness caused by old age
Definition
Generally senile means:mental weakness caused by old age; or describing a medical condition as caused by old age
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11, p.155.9 |
simultaneous
10 uses
On Super Tuesday a large number of states have simultaneous primary elections.
simultaneous = at the same time
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.12.9 |
solidarity
13 uses
The incident threatens Arab solidarity.
solidarity = agreement and mutual support
Definition
Generally solidarity means:a state of agreement and support — especially for political action
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.52.9 |
tremulous
6 uses
She spoke timidly in a tremulous voice.
tremulous = quivering (shaky)
Definition
Generally tremulous means:quivering (shaky) — usually from weakness or fear — especially of the voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.7.7 |
utter (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 9 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
utter stupidity
She suffered utter devastation when her child died in the accident.
utter = complete
Definition
Generally this sense of utter means:complete or total (used as an intensifier—typically when stressing how bad something is)
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.40.6 |
2 —1 use as in:
utter a complaint
I was too shocked to utter a complaint.
utter = say something aloud
Definition
Generally this sense of utter means:say with the voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18, p.250.3 |