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 |
accordion
1 use
An accordion wall can be closed to divide the room.
accordion = characterized by narrower parallel folds when closed and wider when open — such as a door or musical instrument with that characteristic
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
assert
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
asserted her opinion that...
The defense also asserts that the defendant has no previous record of crime.
asserts = says
Definition
Generally this sense of assert means:to say that something is true — especially something disputed
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
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 |
delicacy
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
discuss with delicacy
She is admired for her delicacy in negotiations.
delicacy = sensitivity and tact
Definition
Generally this sense of delicacy means:care and gentleness — especially speaking or acting with sensitivity and tact
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
immaterial
1 use
For political reasons, most senators had to vote for the bill. The fine print was immaterial to the final vote.
immaterial = not important
Definition
Generally this sense of immaterial means:not important, or not relevant
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
importune
1 use
She began to importune school trustees as soon as she learned of the problem.
importune = beg insistently or urge repeatedly
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 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 |
laconic
1 use
I need more than the book and my teacher's laconic answers to understand this material.
laconic = using few words
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
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 | 9 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 | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
perceive (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 4 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
perceive the system as unfair
She finally perceived the futility of her protest.
perceived = viewed in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
Definition
Generally this sense of perceive means:to view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
2 —1 use as in:
though blind, can perceive light
I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.
perceive = see (become aware of)
Definition
Generally this sense of perceive means:to become aware of — especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
pithy
1 use
I follow her pithy commentary on Twitter.
pithy = concise (said in few words), but full of meaning
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
positive
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
had a positive effect
Lower interest rates positively affected home sales.
positively = in a good or beneficial manner
Definition
Generally this sense of positive means:good or beneficial
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
remonstrate
1 use
When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.
remonstrate = argue in protest or opposition
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
retort
6 uses
She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, 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 | 6 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
sultry
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a sultry afternoon
It was a sultry afternoon. I could barely breath.
sultry = hot and humid
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
superfluous
1 use
Eliminate superfluous words.
superfluous = more than is needed, desired, or required
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
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 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |