acquiesce
1 use
She is opposed, but will ultimately acquiesce to the will of the majority.
acquiesce = reluctantly comply
Definition
Generally acquiesce means:reluctant or unenthusiastic compliance, consent, or agreement
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.15 |
acute (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 2 uses
1 —1 use as in:
acute pain
She felt an acute pain in her neck.
acute = sharp (a severely negative event) — often with a rapid onset
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.9 |
2 —1 use as in:
acute vision
Beavers have an acute sense of smell.
acute = sharp (highly perceptive or intelligent)
Definition
Generally this sense of acute means:sharp (highly perceptive in some area or mentally sharp)
(often with a connotation that resulting awareness is painful)
(often with a connotation that resulting awareness is painful)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.10 |
benevolent
2 uses
They called themselves The Benevolent Association because their mission was to help others.
benevolent = kind, generous, or charitable
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.3 |
capricious
1 use
Nothing seems more capricious than a tornado.
capricious = impulsive or unpredictable
Definition
Generally capricious means:impulsive or unpredictable or tending to make sudden changes — especially impulsive behavior
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.3 |
consequence
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
of little consequence
Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.
consequential = important
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:importance or relevance
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.6 |
correspond
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
corresponding by email
We correspond regularly via email.
correspond = write to each other
Definition
Generally this sense of correspond means:communicate by writing letters or email
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.6 |
decorum
1 use
All decorum was lost in the classroom.
decorum = manners and conduct considered to be proper and in good taste
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.9 |
deference
2 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 | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.5 |
didactic
1 use
Though John loved her lessons, George hated her didactic tone.
didactic = describing someone as inclined too inclined to instruct
Definition
Generally didactic means:describing something intended to instruct; or someone excessively inclined to instruct
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.2 |
dubious
1 use
She was dubious, but agreed to come with us anyway.
dubious = doubtful; or suspicious; or full of uncertainty
Definition
Generally dubious means:doubtful — such as:
- uncertain that something can be relied upon
- uncertain about the quality or wisdom of something
- a relatively gentle way of saying that the quality of something described as good is in such doubt that it is considered bad
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.2 |
furtive
2 uses
She watched me in a furtive manner—trying to hide her interest.
furtive = cautious or taking pains to avoid being observed
Definition
Generally furtive means:taking pains to avoid being observed
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.8 |
gesticulate
1 use
The moderator turned her microphone off, leaving us to see her gesticulations, but not hear her words.
gesticulations = gestures (hand or body movements) made while speaking or to express something
Definition
Generally gesticulate means:to make gestures (hand or body movements) while speaking or to express something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.3 |
incisive
1 use
As usual, Mary's comments were incisive.
incisive = direct, clear, and sharp in thinking or expression
Definition
Generally incisive means:direct, clear, and sharp in thinking or expression — often indicating a decisive person (makes decisions quickly) or a penetrating mind
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.4 |
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 2.13 |
munificent
1 use
She was in a munificent mood and contributed a million dollars to the cause.
munificent = very generous — especially with money
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.2 |
negligent
2 uses
Please forgive my negligence in not calling you sooner.
negligence = insufficient care or attention
Definition
Generally negligent means:insufficient care or attention (not being careful enough or not trying hard enough to fulfill a responsibility)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.1 |
philanthropy
1 use
Her primary interests are family and philanthropy.
philanthropy = helping others
Definition
Generally philanthropy means:helping others — especially donating money to worthy causes; or an organization that does so
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.2 |
redolent
1 use
The film is redolent of the early Harry Potter movies.
redolent = reminiscent (serving to bring to mind)
Definition
Generally redolent means:reminiscent (serving to bring to mind)
or:
or smelling like something; or having a sweet fragrance
or:
or smelling like something; or having a sweet fragrance
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.8 |
spurious
1 use
Don't be fooled by such spurious arguments.
spurious = false; or not genuine — often seeming plausible, or intentionally deceptive
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.13 |