aloof
12 uses
People who don't know her, think she is aloof from the rest of the team, but she is just focused on the game.
aloof = socially distant or uninterested
Definition
Generally aloof means:socially distant or uninterested in something that interests others — often thinking oneself superior to others
Word Statistics
Book | 12 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
askance
2 uses
He looked askance at the offer.
askance = with disapproval, distrust, or suspicion
Definition
Generally askance means:with disapproval, distrust, or suspicion
or:
directed to one side — especially a sideways glance
or:
directed to one side — especially a sideways glance
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 3 |
beguile
11 uses
Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.
beguiling = enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive
Definition
Generally beguile means:to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive — especially through charm
Word Statistics
Book | 11 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 2 |
bountiful
3 uses
the bountiful Thanksgiving dinner
bountiful = an abundant (large) amount
Definition
Generally bountiful means:given in abundance (a large amount); or an abundant (large) amount
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 6 |
chattel
1 use
In that culture, family members were legally dependent upon the oldest male, but they were not chattel.
chattel = owned property
Definition
Generally chattel means:owned property (in law, tangible property other than real estate)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 24 |
chide
10 uses
She constantly chides me for my grammar.
chides = corrects or criticizes
Definition
Generally chide means:to tell someone they have done wrong — sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
Word Statistics
Book | 10 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
cleave (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 5 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
cleave through
Large molecules cleave at their weakest points and produce smaller fragments.
cleave = split
Definition
Generally this sense of cleave means:to split something — especially with violent force
or:
to cut through something
or:
to cut through something
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 16 |
2 —3 uses as in:
cleave to
The New Testament quotes the Old Testament twice in saying, "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to this wife, and they become one flesh."
cleaves = holds firmly
Definition
Generally this sense of cleave means:to hold firmly to something — such as an object, a person or idea
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 20 |
craven
2 uses
the craven fellow turned and ran
craven = exceedingly cowardly
Definition
Generally craven means:exceedingly cowardly; or someone who is exceedingly cowardly
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 11 |
eschew
1 use
Her bumper sticker says "Eschew obfuscation."
eschew = avoid and stay away from
Definition
Generally eschew means:avoid and stay away from deliberately
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 9 |
expound
1 use
You will be asked to expound on a teacher-selected topic from the book.
expound = discuss in detail
Definition
Generally expound means:explain or discuss in detail
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 18 |
harangue
17 uses
My parents continuously harangue me about my grades.
harangue = annoyingly try to persuade or criticize
Definition
Generally harangue means:to try to persuade, or to criticize in an impassioned and often annoying manner; or a speech with such an intent
Word Statistics
Book | 17 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 3 |
iniquity
3 uses
That was when I realized I had to climb up from the depths of iniquity.
iniquity = immorality
Definition
Generally iniquity means:immorality; or an immoral act
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
nimble
9 uses
Jack be nimble. Jack be quick. Jack jump over the candlestick.
nimble = quick and agile
Definition
Generally nimble means:quick and agile — typically physically, but can also reference quick, agile thinking
(someone who is agile does things easily)
(someone who is agile does things easily)
Word Statistics
Book | 9 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
omen
13 uses
He looked for an omen before going into battle.
omen = a sign of what would happen
Definition
Generally omen means:a sign of something about to happen
Word Statistics
Book | 13 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
preeminent
2 uses
I think of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as the world's most preeminent orchestra.
preeminent = surpassing all others
Definition
Generally preeminent means:outstanding or surpassing others in status, ability, or possession of a notable characteristic
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 3 |
remiss
3 uses
I'd be remiss in this overview if I didn't also mention...
remiss = careless — not doing a good job
Definition
Generally remiss means:careless — especially with regard to a duty
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 13 |
ruinous
11 uses
It was a ruinous war.
ruinous = extremely harmful
Definition
Generally ruinous means:catastrophic or extremely harmful; or badly damaged or decayed (like ancient ruins)
Word Statistics
Book | 11 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
satiate
5 uses
The candy satiated my craving for sugar.
satiated = satisfied
Definition
Generally satiate means:to satisfy a hunger; or fill to satisfaction (typically said of hunger for food, but can be said of anything desired—such as of knowledge or sensual pleasure)
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Book 5 |
untoward
2 uses
She was embarrassed by his untoward behavior.
untoward = improper or awkward
Definition
Generally untoward means:improper, awkward, or unfavorable
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |