abstract
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
abstract thought
We all agree that we want what's "best for the country", but that is an abstract concept and we cannot agree on which specific laws should be passed.
abstract = of a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 9 |
abyss
3 uses
At the end of the story, Gandalf falls with the demon into the abyss.
abyss = seemingly bottomless pit
Definition
Generally abyss means:a hole or dropoff so deep the bottom cannot be seen — often used figuratively to imply a frightening bottomless pit
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 8 |
apparition
3 uses
Hamlet saw an apparition at midnight.
apparition = a ghostlike figure
Definition
Generally this sense of apparition means:a ghostlike figure or its appearance
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
armistice
3 uses
The Korean War armistice has yet to be followed with a peace treaty.
armistice = agreement to temporarily stop fighting
Definition
Generally armistice means:an agreement to temporarily stop fighting a war — typically to discuss terms of peace
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 11 |
banal
1 use
The movie was banal, but it led to a fascinating conversation.
banal = uninteresting due to a lack of anything original or unusual
Definition
Generally banal means:uninteresting due to a lack of anything original or unusual
(editor's note: This word is correctly pronounced differently by various educated speakers of American English.)
(editor's note: This word is correctly pronounced differently by various educated speakers of American English.)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 11 |
convention
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
conventional behavior
It was once conventional wisdom that the earth is flat.
conventional = normal
Definition
Generally this sense of convention means:something regarded as normal or typical
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 100 |
1st use | Chapter 10 |
disconcerting
3 uses
It was disconcerting to realize the experts don't really understand what is going on either.
disconcerting = disturbing
Definition
Generally disconcerting means:disrupt composure — such as to confuse or worry
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
forage
2 uses
forage for firewood
forage = searched for and gathered
Definition
Generally forage means:to search for and gather — often food and provisions
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 7 |
intrigue
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
involved in intrigue
I try to avoid political intrigue.
intrigue = secret schemes or plots
Definition
Generally this sense of intrigue means:a secret scheme or plot
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 8 |
melancholy
5 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 | 5 uses |
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
monotonous
5 uses
We hope to replace people with robots for the most monotonous work.
monotonous = lacking variety and boring
Definition
Generally monotonous means:lacking in variety — typically boring
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
onslaught
2 uses
They withstood the onslaught and counterattacked.
onslaught = powerful attack
Definition
Generally onslaught means:a powerful attack
or:
a sudden and enormous amount of something that must be handled — such as trouble, people or communications
or:
a sudden and enormous amount of something that must be handled — such as trouble, people or communications
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
predominant
1 use
In the summer, our afternoon breezes come predominantly from the southwest.
predominantly = most commonly
Definition
Generally predominant means:most frequent, common, or important; or having more power and influence
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
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 3 |
simulate
2 uses
A computer model is used to simulate the effects of wind.
simulate = imitate or represent
Definition
Generally simulate means:make an imitation or representation of
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 11 |
superficial
3 uses
She has only superficial knowledge on the subject.
superficial = shallow
Definition
Generally superficial means:relating to a surface rather than to anything deep or penetrating (often of injuries or thinking)
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 10 |
supple
2 uses
Yoga keeps my body supple.
supple = moving and bending easily
Definition
Generally supple means:moving and bending easily — sometimes used figuratively to indicate mental flexibility when adapting to different conditions
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
sustain
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
sustained by her faith
We sustained ourselves on bread and water.
sustained = supported
Definition
Generally this sense of sustain means:provide support or necessities
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
tact
1 use
She has the tact of a politician or diplomat.
tact = the ability and tendency to say or handle things in such a way that others feel good about them
Definition
Generally tact means:the ability or act of saying or handling things in such a way that others feel good about them
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
tetanus
2 uses
The Masai guide said members of his tribe have a gap cut between their front teeth so that nutrients cam be consumed in the event of tetanus (lockjaw).
tetanus = a deadly bacterial infection that results in muscle spasms whose symptoms include locking the jaw tightly closed
Definition
Generally tetanus means:a bacterial infection typically contracted through a puncture wound with a dirty object; prevented by the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine and by subsequent booster shots every 10 years
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 10 |