coherent
1 use
She presented a compelling and coherent plan.
coherent = sensible and clear
Definition
Generally coherent means:sensible and clear; or describing parts as fitting together in a consistent or pleasing manner
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
conciliatory
2 uses
Their statements are conciliatory, but their actions are uncompromising.
conciliatory = intended to end bad feelings or build trust
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
consternation
1 use
Much to the consternation of Congress, raising the tax decreased tax collections as manufacturers moved to other countries.
consternation = dismay (unhappiness and worry)
Definition
Generally consternation means:dismay (unhappiness, worry, and often confusion) — typically over something unexpected
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
daunt
2 uses
It is a challenge that would daunt a lesser diplomat.
daunt = discourage or intimidate
Definition
Generally daunt means:to discourage or intimidate
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
docile
1 use
It is a gentle old horse, docile and obedient.
docile = easily led or managed
Definition
Generally docile means:easily led or managed — perhaps submissive or well-behaved
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
expedient
1 use
It was a necessary expedient to get the job done.
expedient = a speedy or practical action
(The word necessary, implies that there were undesired aspects of the action.)
(The word necessary, implies that there were undesired aspects of the action.)
Definition
Generally expedient means:a practical action — especially one that accepts negative tradeoffs due to circumstances
or:
convenient, speedy, or practical
or:
convenient, speedy, or practical
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
fastidious
1 use
She is fastidious in her work.
fastidious = careful and attentive to detail
Definition
Generally fastidious means:giving careful attention to detail
or:
excessively concerned with cleanliness or matters of taste
or:
excessively concerned with cleanliness or matters of taste
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
futile
2 uses
Resistance is futile.
futile = pointless because it cannot produce anything useful
Definition
Generally futile means:effort that is pointless because it is unproductive or unsuccessful
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
goad
1 use
She goaded him into an argument.
goaded = provoked (angered or annoyed)
Definition
Generally goad means:to a human: to provoke or encourage someone to do something — usually something bad and often provoking in an annoying manner
to an animal: to prod with a pointed stick to make it move
to an animal: to prod with a pointed stick to make it move
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
impact
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
at the moment of impact
The meteor impacted the moon.
impacted = collided with
Definition
Generally this sense of impact means:collision (when two objects collide or crash)
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
impede
1 use
She is impeding the progress of our project
impeding = slowing or preventing
Definition
Generally impede means:create difficulty so as to slow or prevent (something)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
innocuous
1 use
She made some innocuous comments while being careful not to hurt anyone's feelings.
innocuous = unlikely to harm or disturb
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
malinger
5 uses
They accused me of malingering and insisted I visit their doctor.
malingering = avoiding responsibilities and duties by pretending to be sick
Definition
Generally malinger means:avoid responsibilities and duties — typically by pretending to be ill
or (more rarely): to be slow
or (more rarely): to be slow
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
morose
2 uses
She drank alone in the corner, looking morose.
morose = unhappy
Definition
Generally morose means:unhappy — often with a withdrawn personality
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
orthodox
2 uses
The new findings challenge orthodox views.
orthodox = normal
Definition
Generally orthodox means:normal (describing thinking or behavior as commonly or traditionally accepted)
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
persistent
1 use
She has a persistent cough.
persistent = continuing
Definition
Generally persistent means:continuing — especially despite difficulties or opposition
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 7 |
precipitate (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 2 uses
1 —1 use
(adj) as in: a precipitate decision
Think about this. Don't make a precipitate decision.
precipitate = sudden (without adequate thought)
Definition
Generally this sense of precipitate means:acting with great haste — often without adequate thought
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
2 —1 use
(verb) as in: it could precipitate war
The accident precipitated the union strike for better working conditions.
precipitated = caused suddenly
Definition
Generally this sense of precipitate means:make something happen or to fall or move — typically suddenly and often of something undesired
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
prosper
2 uses
She is prospering at school.
prospering = doing well
Definition
Generally prosper means:to do well or to grow stronger
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
quibble
1 use
Let's not quibble over pennies.
quibble = argue about unimportant things
Definition
Generally quibble means:to argue about unimportant things; or an argument or complaint about something unimportant
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |