accompany
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
accompany on the journey
I was not invited to accompany him on his mysterious comings and goings
accompany = travel along with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to travel along with
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 32 |
accord (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 7 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
according to, or in accord with
As soon as I heard of the shocking occurrence I perceived that my statement might be helpful and came forward accordingly.
accordingly = in keeping with (the perception)
Definition
Generally this sense of accord means:in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with
This sense of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example:
- "According to Kim, ..." — as stated by
- "To each according to her ability." — based upon
- "Points are scored according to how well they perform." — depending upon
- "The dose is calculated according to body weight." — in proportion to
- "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." — because of what was just said; or as a result
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 53 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
2 —3 uses as in:
done of her own accord
You, I understand, went to the police of your own accord?
own accord = own mind (voluntarily)
Definition
Generally this sense of accord means:mind
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
alacrity
1 use
Needless to say, I accepted with alacrity.
alacrity = quickness; and/or cheerful eagerness
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 32 |
anonymous
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an anonymous author
Did she ever get anonymous letters?
anonymous = written by an unknown person
Definition
Generally this sense of anonymous means:an unknown person, or of an unknown person — such as an unknown author, or donation of an unknown person
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
candid
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
your candid opinion
She did not attempt to gloss over facts, as so many might have been tempted to do, but went straight to the point with an admirable candour.
candour = honesty and directness
(editor's note: This is a British spelling. Americans use candor.)
(editor's note: This is a British spelling. Americans use candor.)
Definition
Generally this sense of candid means:honest and direct
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
coherent
2 uses
She sat twisting her hands together, almost weeping, appealing incoherently to Poirot.
incoherently = in an unclear manner (not understandable)
(Editor's note: The prefix "in-" in incoherently means not and reverses the meaning of coherently. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.)
(Editor's note: The prefix "in-" in incoherently means not and reverses the meaning of coherently. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure.)
Definition
Generally coherent means:sensible and clear; or describing parts as fitting together in a consistent or pleasing manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 23 |
conjecture
3 uses
"That's all pure conjecture," I objected.
conjecture = opinion based on inconclusive evidence
Definition
Generally conjecture means:a conclusion or opinion based on inconclusive evidence; or the act of forming of such a conclusion or opinion
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
cunning
1 use
Stupid and cunning, ruthless and magnanimous-and that there must be some dominating factor that reconciles his two natures.
cunning = clever
Definition
Generally this sense of cunning means:being good at achieving goals through cleverness — and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 31 |
disdain
2 uses
The inspector's tone was disdainful.
disdainful = lacking respect
Definition
Generally disdain means:a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority
or:
to reject as not good enough
or:
to reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
dissent
1 use
There were no dissentient voices
dissentient = disagreeing
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 15 |
elicit
4 uses
As far as I could judge, no new facts were elicited by his questions but he himself seemed quite satisfied.
elicited = brought out
Definition
Generally elicit means:get or bring out in response — such as information or a feeling
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
gesticulate
1 use
He gesticulated as words failed him, then shook his head again.
gesticulated = made gestures (hand or body movements) 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 |
Monsieur
9 uses
It is necessary to go into everything, Monsieur,
Monsieur = Mr. (in French)
Definition
Generally this sense of Monsieur means:French equivalent to the English Mr.
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
narrative
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
Narrative of the Life of...
In this narrative of mine I have departed from my usual practice of reporting only those incidents and scenes at which I myself was present.
narrative = story
Definition
Generally this sense of narrative means:a story
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Frwd. |
obstinate
3 uses
And if you're an obstinate, positive man, like Mr. Strange, you'll never consider the possibility of having been mistaken.
obstinate = stubbornly unyielding to other's wishes
Definition
Generally obstinate means:stubbornly not doing what others want
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 33 |
plausible
3 uses
I thought it sounded very plausible.
plausible = reasonable, but unproven
Definition
Generally plausible means:apparently reasonable, but unproven
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
reproach
4 uses
I tore open the letter (Poirot for once did not reproach me for untidiness) and extracted the printed sheet.
reproach = criticize
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism — especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
reticent
1 use
It is invariably one of suspicion and the natural result is reticence.
reticence = reluctance to speak freely
Definition
Generally reticent means:reluctant — especially to speak freely
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
superintendent
12 uses
The Sussex Chief Constable looked at his superintendent.
superintendent = a person who directs and manages an organization
Definition
Generally superintendent means:a person who directs and manages an organization — such as a school district
or:
a caretaker of a building — such as an apartment building
or:
a caretaker of a building — such as an apartment building
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |