anxiety
2 uses
She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.
anxiety = nervousness
Definition
Generally anxiety means:nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
ballad
1 use
her latest album is a collection of love ballads.
ballads = songs that tells a story
Definition
Generally ballad means:a song (or poem) that tells a story
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
beseech
1 use
She teaches and beseeches her students to think about their future.
beseeches = begs
Definition
Generally beseech means:to ask strongly or beg for something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 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 | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
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 for someone or something thought inferior — often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
demure
1 use
the shy, demure, innocent type
demure = modest and quiet
Definition
Generally demure means:modest, quiet, and shy; or pretending such in a playful way
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
despair
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
she felt despair
Don't give in to despair.
despair = a feeling of hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
dismay
2 uses
Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.
dismayed = sad, disappointed, or worried
Definition
Generally dismay means:to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry — typically in response to something surprising
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 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 1000 |
| 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, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 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 |
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 | 19 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 | 8 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 | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
scorn
2 uses
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
scorned = rejected
Definition
Generally scorn means:disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 10 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:in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
trifle
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
a trifling matter
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.
trifling = small (of little importance)
Definition
Generally this sense of trifle means:something of small importance; or a small quantity
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |