approach (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 5 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
approached the city
Winter is approaching.
approaching = getting nearer
Definition
Generally this sense of approach means:to get closer to
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 88 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
2 —2 uses as in:
approached her with the proposal
They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.
approached = began speaking with someone about something
Definition
Generally this sense of approach means:to begin communication with someone about something — often a proposal or a delicate topic
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Pref. |
complacent
17 uses
He had become complacent after years of success.
complacent = contented (unworried and satisfied) — often to a fault
Word Statistics
| Book | 17 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
consequence (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 66 uses
1 —56 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 | 56 uses |
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
2 —10 uses as in:
of little consequence
Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.
consequential = important
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:importance or relevance
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
countenance (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 uses
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 28 |
2 —2 uses as in:
giving countenance
We will not countenance torture.
countenance = to tolerate or approve
Definition
Generally this sense of countenance means:to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 46 |
credulous
2 uses
The trick would fool none but the most credulous.
credulous = gullible (being too willing to believe)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 59 |
engender
2 uses
The police in Mexico don't engender confidence.
engender = cause
Definition
Generally engender means:cause — usually a feeling (possibly a situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
establish (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 12 uses
1 —10 uses as in:
establish a positive tone
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 43 |
2 —2 uses as in:
establish that there is a need
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.
establishing = showing or demonstrating
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 30 |
obscure
7 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
it obscured my view
The stars are obscured by the clouds.
obscured = hidden or made less visible
Definition
Generally this sense of obscure means:to block from view or make less visible or understandable
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 52 |
passage
1 use
Each passage below is followed by a number of questions.
passage = a short part of a longer written work
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 29 |
phenomenon
51 uses
It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.
phenomenon = something that can be seen and is of special interest
Definition
Generally phenomenon means:something that exists or happened — especially something of special interest — sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary
Word Statistics
| Book | 51 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |
remonstrate
28 uses
When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.
remonstrate = argue in protest or opposition
Word Statistics
| Book | 28 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 35 |
render (3 meanings)
3 meanings, 3 uses
1 —1 use as in:
rendered service or a verdict
We're waiting for the jury to render a verdict.
render = give
Definition
Generally this sense of render means:to give or supply something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 61 |
2 —1 use as in:
rendered her unconscious
Her verbal attack rendered me speechless.
rendered = made (caused to become)
Definition
Generally this sense of render means:to make or cause to become
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 60 |
3 —1 use as in:
rendered with, or rendered from
The pianist rendered the Beethoven sonata beautifully.
rendered = played (portrayed or gave her interpretation of)
Definition
Generally this sense of render means:to portray or create something in a particular way; or to interpret, translate, or extract from
(see word notes for more detailed definitions based on context)
(see word notes for more detailed definitions based on context)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 54 |
retort
82 uses
She wanted to retort that he that he sounded more foolish than he looked, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.
retort = quickly reply
Definition
Generally this sense of retort means:a quick reply to a question or remark — especially a witty or critical one
Word Statistics
| Book | 82 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
sanguine
12 uses
She argues that we've been too sanguine about the challenge in inner city schools.
sanguine = confidently optimistic and cheerful
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |