candid
1 use
Don't worry about my feelings. I'd like your candid opinion.
candid = honest and direct
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 34-36 |
countenance
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a pleasant countenance
She has a pleasant countenance.
countenance = facial expression; or face
Definition
Generally this sense of countenance means:facial expression; or face; or composure
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 49-51 |
credulous
1 use
The trick would fool none but the most credulous.
credulous = gullible (being too willing to believe)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 16-18 |
deride
3 uses
Critics derided her as unprofessional.
derided = laughed at or made fun of—while showing a lack of respect
Definition
Generally deride means:laugh at or make fun of—while showing a lack of respect
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 31-33 |
discern
14 uses
The second picture has more pixels, but the human eye can't discern the difference.
discern = to notice or understand something — often something that is not obvious
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Pref. |
disdain
3 uses
She tries to be polite, but cannot hide her disdain for authority.
disdain = lack of respect
Definition
Generally disdain means:a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority
or:
to reject as not good enough
or:
to reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
disparage
1 use
She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.
disparaging = criticizing or making seem less important
Definition
Generally disparage means:to criticize or make seem less important — especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7-9 |
dubious
4 uses
She was dubious, but agreed to come with us anyway.
dubious = doubtful; or suspicious; or full of uncertainty
Definition
Generally dubious means:doubtful
in various senses, including:
- doubtful that something should be relied upon — as in "The argument relies on a dubious assumption."
- doubtful that something is morally proper — as in "The company is accused of using dubious sales practices to influence minors."
- bad or of questionable value — as in "The state has the dubious distinction of the highest taxes."
- doubtful or uncertain — as in "She is dubious about making the change."
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
guile
2 uses
Her cleverness and inventiveness was exceeded only by her guile.
guile = cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceit
Definition
Generally guile means:cunning (shrewdness and cleverness) and deceitful
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 31-33 |
impetuous
2 uses
She regretted her impetuous promise.
impetuous = impulsive (made suddenly without much thought)
Definition
Generally this sense of impetuous means:impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) — often with an unfortunate consequence
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 19-21 |
novel
3 uses
We're looking for novel advertising ideas.
novel = new and original
Definition
Generally this sense of novel means:new and original — typically something considered good
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 28-30 |
parish
35 uses
Are we talking about a governmental or a religious parish?
parish = a local church community
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
or in Louisiana: a jurisdiction of government like a county
Word Statistics
| Book | 35 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7-9 |
perplex
13 uses
Scientists are perplexed by the mystery.
perplexed = confused or puzzled
Definition
Generally perplex means:to confuse
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
prudent
2 uses
She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.
prudent = sensible and careful
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
resolve (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 15 uses
1 —14 uses as in:
I resolved to stop drinking.
This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.
resolved = decided
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:to decide — typically a firm or formal decision
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
2 —1 use as in:
Her resolve weakened.
She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.
resolve = determination (firmness of purpose)
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 22-24 |
stoic
4 uses
She suffered quietly, courageously, with a stoic acceptance of her illness.
stoic = seeming unaffected by pleasure, pain, or emotions
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 43-45 |
superfluous
7 uses
Eliminate superfluous words.
superfluous = more than is needed, desired, or required
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4-6 |
trifle with (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 20 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
trifle with her affections
She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.
trifle with = treat thoughtlessly or without respect
Definition
Generally this sense of trifle with means:to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 28-30 |
2 —16 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 | 16 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10-12 |