acquire
2 uses
Children acquire language at an amazing rate.
acquire = obtain (come into the possession of something)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
calculus
2 uses
She placed out of calculus in college.
calculus = the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
Definition
Generally this sense of calculus means:any system or process used to calculate values or to reason
or:
the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
or:
the branch of mathematics that is concerned with continuously changing values
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
conflict
1 use
Violent conflict has broken out again in the Middle East.
conflict = struggle
Definition
Generally conflict means:a struggle or disagreement (in various senses such as:)
- a serious disagreement
- the tension from two opposing ideas or feelings
- a violent fight or war
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
contrary
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
contrary to
Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico—not Egypt.
contrary to = in opposition to
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
despise
1 use
She despises the people he has to work for.
despises = strongly dislikes
Definition
Generally despise means:to strongly dislike — and often to look down upon with disrespect
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
direct
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
directly above; or buy direct from
This flower does best in direct sunlight.
direct = without intervention from anything (in this case, not sun that is partially blocked or reflected)
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:straight (exactly where stated); or without involvement of anything in between
—including such senses as:
—including such senses as:
- straight (without varying from a straight line)
- exact (without other factors)
- close (with other factors minimized)
- personal (without other people in between)
- unobstructed (without anything in between)
- of a look: straight, steady, or focused—not a brief glance taken while generally looking at other things; not a sideways look
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 53 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
equivalent
1 use
At $50 a share, it is equivalent to about a billion dollars.
equivalent = being equal or essentially equal
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
grave
1 use
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.
gravity = seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Definition
Generally this sense of grave means:serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave is often subject to its context. For example:
The exact meaning of this sense of grave is often subject to 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 (with a heavy heart)
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — sincere and dignified without humor
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
however
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
However, complications may...
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.
however = despite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally this sense of however means:though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
(Based on "idea 1" we might not expect "idea 2", but this is a way of saying that even though "idea 1" exists, we still have "idea 2." Synonyms include in spite of that,, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(Based on "idea 1" we might not expect "idea 2", but this is a way of saying that even though "idea 1" exists, we still have "idea 2." Synonyms include in spite of that,
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 53 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
indicate
2 uses
These maps are drawn with north to the top unless otherwise indicated.
indicated = pointed out (shown)
Definition
Generally indicate means:to show (point out, demonstrate, express, or suggest)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 38 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
infuriate
1 use
She was infuriated by his rude behavior.
infuriated = made very angry or annoyed
Definition
Generally infuriate means:to make very angry or annoyed
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
mockery
1 use
I will not permit the defendant to make a mockery of this trial.
mockery = something that is ridiculous
Definition
Generally mockery means:ridicule (to make fun of)
or:
something so inadequate it is ridiculous (silly)
or:
something so inadequate it is ridiculous (silly)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 29 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
neurology
1 use
In the United States a specialty in neurology requires 8 years of post-undergraduate education and clinical training.
neurology = the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system (including the brain)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
Paradise Lost
1 use
In Paradise Lost, Milton condemns reverence for physical objects—however well intentioned.
Paradise Lost = admired Milton epic poem of original sin (1667)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
Robinson Crusoe
2 uses
Some describe Robinson Crusoe as the first novel of realistic fiction written in English.
Robinson Crusoe = Daniel Defoe's famous novel and the name of its main character — a shipwrecked English sailor who survives on a small tropical island (1719)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
rote
1 use
She memorized her lesson by rote, but never really understood it.
rote = memorization by repetition
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
senile
1 use
Her memory is getting worse and she's afraid of going senile.
senile = (into) mental weakness caused by old age
Definition
Generally senile means:mental weakness caused by old age
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
sheer
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
sheer fun
She got the job through sheer persistence.
sheer = pure (completely by)
Definition
Generally this sense of sheer means:complete or pure — without restriction, qualification, or other elements (used for emphasis)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
specter
1 use
It aroused specters from her past.
specters = a mental image of something frightening or disturbing
Definition
Generally this sense of specter means:a mental image of something frightening or disturbing
or:
a ghostly appearing image
or:
a ghostly appearing image
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
tradition
1 use
My family's Thanksgiving tradition is to gather together and eat turkey.
tradition = a long-established practice
Definition
Generally tradition means:a long-established or previously long-established practice or belief
and/or:
one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
and/or:
one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 32 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |