atrophy
1 use
Muscles that are not used will quickly atrophy.
atrophy = wither or weaken — especially from lack of use
Definition
Generally atrophy means:to wither or weaken — especially from lack of use
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 15 |
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 |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
complacent
1 use
She had become complacent after years of success.
complacent = unworried and satisfied
Definition
Generally complacent means:contented (unworried and satisfied) — often to a fault
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Epil. |
conciliatory
1 use
Their statements are conciliatory, but their actions are uncompromising.
conciliatory = intended to end bad feelings or build trust
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
coup
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
delivered the coup de grace
Mercifully, she delivered the coup de grace.
coup de grace = deathblow
Definition
Generally this sense of coup de grace means:deathblow
(literally a sword strike that mercifully kills a wounded animal, or metaphorically as the last in a series of things that defeated an opponent, idea, business or other entity.)
(literally a sword strike that mercifully kills a wounded animal, or metaphorically as the last in a series of things that defeated an opponent, idea, business or other entity.)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 9 |
dissent
1 use
The Alien and Sedition Acts were attempts to silence early political dissent in America.
dissent = disagreement
Definition
Generally dissent means:to disagree; or disagreement or conflict — typically between people who cooperate, and often with official or majority beliefs
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 16 |
diversity
3 uses
Diversity has strengthened our Board of Directors.
diversity = the condition of variety
Definition
Generally diversity means:the condition of variety — especially in reference to members of a population group who are of different races or cultures
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Epil. |
fallacious
1 use
She reached a false conclusion that was based on fallacious reasoning.
fallacious = mistaken (based on incorrect information or belief)
Definition
Generally fallacious means:not correct
- typically describing something as mistaken due to incorrect information or belief
- sometimes describing something as an intentional lie
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Pro. |
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 1 |
florid
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
florid color
Symptoms include loss of concentration and a florid face.
florid = a reddish complexion
Definition
Generally this sense of florid means:a reddish color — (especially about someone's complexion or in various medical contexts)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 20 |
furtive
3 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 | 3 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 15 |
irony (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 2 uses
1 —1 use as in:
situational irony
She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.
irony = when what happens is very different than what might be expected
Definition
Generally this sense of irony means:when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together — especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 24 |
2 —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
Definition
Generally this sense of irony means:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else — usually as humor or sarcasm
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 9 |
lethargic
2 uses
I'm hoping a cold iced tea will help me get past this lethargic feeling.
lethargic = lacking energy
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 13 |
liberal arts
1 use
It is a prestigious liberal arts school.
liberal arts = focusing on studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills
Definition
Generally liberal arts means:studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 10 |
lucid
3 uses
Although she was on heavy pain medication, she was still lucid.
lucid = capable of thinking clearly
Definition
Generally lucid means:of a person: capable of thinking clearly
or:
of language: clearly expressed so it is easily understood
or:
of language: clearly expressed so it is easily understood
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
minute
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
keep the minutes
The secretary keeps the minutes of the meeting.
minutes = written record of what happens at a meeting
Definition
Generally this sense of minutes means:a written record of what happened at a meeting
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 16 |
recant
1 use
According to popular legend, after being forced to recant his theory that the Earth moved around the Sun, Galileo whispered, "And yet it moves."
recant = say he no longer believed (something previously said)
Definition
Generally recant means:for one to say they no longer believe a previously made statement or belief — often while under pressure
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 13 |
servile
1 use
We expect our waiters to give world-class service, but not to be so servile they sacrifice their human dignity.
servile = excessively submissive
Definition
Generally servile means:submissive — typically excessively so (so submissive or eager to serve and please that one seems to have no self-respect)
or:
relating to the work that requires obeying demeaning commands
or:
slave-like or relating to slaves
or:
relating to the work that requires obeying demeaning commands
or:
slave-like or relating to slaves
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 23 |
superfluous
2 uses
Eliminate superfluous words.
superfluous = more than is needed, desired, or required
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 19 |