anxiety
2 uses
Startled as she was, Alice was more frightened for him than for herself at the moment, and watched him with some anxiety as he mounted again.
anxiety = nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
ballad
1 use
As the Knight sang the last words of the ballad, he ...
ballad = a song 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
"O Oysters, come and walk with us!"
The Walrus did beseech.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:"
The Walrus did beseech.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:"
beseech = request
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
said Alice, who was by this time completely bewildered.
bewildered = confused
Definition
Generally bewilder means:to confuse someone
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
conjure
2 uses
It was just like a conjuring-trick, she thought.
conjuring = bringing something into existence as if by magic
Definition
Generally conjure means:summon into action or bring into existence — often as if by magic
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
contempt
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
feels contempt towards her
Tweedledum interrupted in a tone of great contempt.
contempt = disrespect
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
Kitty sat very demurely on her knee
demurely = quietly
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
Alice repeated in despair, 'Oh, that'll never be done!'
despair = 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
she exclaimed in a tone of dismay, as she put her hands up to something very heavy, and fitted tight all round her head.
dismay = to feel or cause sadness, worry, or discouragement — often 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 | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
grave
6 uses
"You know," he added very gravely, "it's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle—to get one's head cut off."
gravely = in a serious and solemn manner
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 | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
inclined
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
I'm inclined to
...feeling very much inclined to laugh.
inclined = in the mood
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 | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
indignant
4 uses
'I never ask advice about growing,' Alice said indignantly.
indignantly = with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong
Definition
Generally indignant means:angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
inquire
4 uses
Alice inquired a little anxiously.
inquired = asked
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
'Only it is so VERY lonely here!' Alice said in a melancholy voice; and at the thought of her loneliness two large tears came rolling down her cheeks.
melancholy = sad
Definition
Generally melancholy means:a sad feeling or manner — sometimes thoughtfully sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 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.
There was a Beetle sitting next to the Goat (it was a very queer carriage-full of passengers altogether), and, as the rule seemed to be that they should all speak in turn, HE went on with 'She'll have to go back from here as luggage!'
Alice couldn't see who was sitting beyond the Beetle, but a hoarse voice spoke next. 'Change engines—' it said, and was obliged to leave off.
Alice couldn't see who was sitting beyond the Beetle, but a hoarse voice spoke next. 'Change engines—' it said, and was obliged to leave off.
obliged = required (to do something)
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
So much obliged!
obliged = grateful or indebted
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
provoke
7 uses
'It's VERY provoking,' Humpty Dumpty said after a long silence, looking away from Alice as he spoke, 'to be called an egg—VERY!'
provoking = irritating (causing an angry reaction)
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
'When "I" use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.'
scornful = disrespectful
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
'It can talk,' said Haigha, solemnly.
solemnly = with seriousness and dignity
Definition
Generally solemn means:very serious—and often dignified
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
trifle
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
a trifling matter
...hoping to make them a LITTLE ashamed of fighting for such a trifle.
trifle = something of small 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 |