acquit
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
she acquitted herself well
Although they did not win, the team acquitted itself well and we were proud to have them represent us.
acquitted = handled (itself in a specified way)
Definition
Generally this sense of acquit means:to handle oneself in a specified way — which is typically in a positive way
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
amiable
6 uses
She seemed an ideal candidate—attractive, amiable, intelligent and energetic.
amiable = friendly, agreeable, and likable
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
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 2 |
defer
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
deferred the decision
The weather forced us to defer our departure another day.
defer = delay
Definition
Generally this sense of defer means:delay or postpone (hold off until a later time)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
deference
6 uses
They changed their strategy in deference to the President's wishes.
deference = respect
Definition
Generally deference means:polite respect — often when submitting to another's wishes
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 24 |
discreet (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 6 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
discreet--not showy or gossipy
I leave my phone on silent mode, so it can alert me discreetly when I receive a text message.
discreetly = in a manner that is unlikely to attract attention
Definition
Generally this sense of discreet means:trustworthy with secrets and/or inconspicuous or unobtrusive
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 35 |
2 —3 uses as in:
discreet--not foolish
She is a discreet investor.
discreet = sensible and careful
Definition
Generally this sense of discreet means:sensible and careful; possibly having good manners
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
discretion (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 6 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
embarrassing lack of discretion
This firm prides itself on its discretion and will not reveal client matters or even acknowledge who is a client.
discretion = behavior that does not attract undesired attention or reveal secrets
Definition
Generally this sense of discretion means:behavior that does not attract undesired attention or reveal private information
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
2 —3 uses as in:
Parental discretion advised.
This program contains violence that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised.
discretion = good judgment
Definition
Generally this sense of discretion means:good judgment or good taste
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
dissemble
2 uses
After the primaries, she will dissemble her past statements to appear more moderate in her beliefs.
dissemble = be deceptive about
Definition
Generally dissemble means:hide or disguise the truth without outright lying
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
eloquent
7 uses
Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.
eloquence = the powerful use of language
Definition
Generally eloquent means:powerful use of language
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
engender
1 use
The police in Mexico don't engender confidence.
engender = cause
Definition
Generally engender means:cause — usually a feeling (possibly a situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 30 |
however
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
However much she tried...
However hard he tried, he couldn't do it.
however = to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
ingenious
6 uses
It was an ingenious solution to the problem—as reliable as it was easy.
ingenious = showing inventiveness and skill
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
irony
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
verbal irony
She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.
ironic = saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else — usually as humor or sarcasm
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
oblige (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 12 uses
1 —8 uses 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 | 8 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
2 —4 uses 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 | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
obstinate
8 uses
She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.
obstinate = stubbornly not doing what others want
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
reproach
7 uses
She reproached him for being thoughtless and lazy.
reproached = criticized
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |
scrupulous
4 uses
You can count on her. She is scrupulous in her work.
scrupulous = careful to behave ethically and/or diligently
Definition
Generally scrupulous means:careful to behave ethically and/or diligently (with great care and attention to detail)
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |