amorous
2 uses
She rejected his amorous advances.
amorous = romantic or sexual
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 16 |
arable
2 uses
China has almost 20% of the world's population, but has only 7% of its arable land.
arable = capable of being farmed productively
Definition
Generally arable means:of land: capable of being farmed productively
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 20 |
arbiter
2 uses
She was the final arbiter on all matters of fashion.
arbiter = someone who settles disputes — often because of reputation
Definition
Generally arbiter means:someone who settles disputes — often because of reputation
or:
someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
or:
someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 4 |
authenticate
1 use
How did they authenticate that it was painted by Leonardo da Vinci?
authenticate = prove or show
Definition
Generally authenticate means:establish that something is real or legitimate
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Intr. |
capacious
2 uses
She carries a capacious bag.
capacious = very large
Definition
Generally capacious means:large in capacity
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 23 |
derogatory
2 uses
It is unacceptable to use derogatory terms to reference a race or ethnicity.
derogatory = disrespectful
Definition
Generally derogatory means:expressing disrespect or criticism
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Foot |
desist
8 uses
The Federal Trade Commission ordered the company to cease-and-desist from making such claims.
desist = to not do something
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 15 |
disclaim
5 uses
We disclaim any responsibility for the accident.
disclaim = deny
Definition
Generally disclaim means:to deny (responsibility for, knowledge of, or ownership of)
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Intr. |
dissemble
3 uses
After the primaries, she will dissemble her past statements to appear more moderate in her beliefs.
dissemble = be deceptive about
Definition
Generally dissemble means:hide or disguise the truth without outright lying
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 2 |
diversify
2 uses
She has been typecast as the female who beats up males, but she's eager to diversify her roles.
diversify = make more varied
Definition
Generally diversify means:to make more varied
Diversify is used to describe variation in some things so frequently that they can be implied by the general context without a need to state them explicitly — such as:
- with regard to people — varying races, ethnicities, and genders
- with regard to investments — varying types of investments
- with regard to a company — varying sources of business
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Pref. |
interpose
5 uses
She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.
interposed = inserted
Definition
Generally interpose means:to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Foot |
officious
4 uses
She plays the role of a well-meaning but officious classmate who thinks she knows what's best for everyone.
officious = too eager to tell others what to do
Definition
Generally officious means:too eager to tell others what to do — often regarding unimportant matters
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 3 |
Paradise Lost
36 uses
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 | 36 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Foot |
perfidy
6 uses
She is guilty of perfidy if not treason.
perfidy = an act of deliberate betrayal
Definition
Generally perfidy means:an act of deliberate betrayal; or such behavior
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 2 |
pernicious
4 uses
By the 21st century, it had evolved into a pernicious lack of employment.
pernicious = harmful
Definition
Generally pernicious means:harmful or something spreading harm — especially in a gradual or subtle way
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 5 |
redress
5 uses
Action must be taken to redress the wrongs of the past.
redress = fix, compensate, or make up for
Definition
Generally redress means:fix a problem; or make up for a wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Book 6 |
sagacious
3 uses
She is a smart and sagacious statesman.
sagacious = wise
Definition
Generally sagacious means:wise — especially through long experience and thoughtfulness
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Foot |
simile
6 uses
When she said he was "as subtle as a sledgehammer," she was using ironic simile.
simile = a phrase that highlights similarity between things of different kinds
Definition
Generally simile means:a phrase that highlights similarity between things of different kinds — usually formed with "like" or "as"
as in "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," or "She is as quiet as a mouse."
as in "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," or "She is as quiet as a mouse."
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Pref. |
sloth
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
mental sloth
It is difficult to change the habit of sloth.
sloth = laziness
Definition
Generally this sense of sloth means:laziness (an unwillingness to work or exert oneself)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 10 |
timorous
6 uses
She was timorous as a mouse.
timorous = timid
Definition
Generally timorous means:timid (fearful) or shy
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Pref. |