anarchy
1 use
It's not the government I want, but it's better than anarchy.
anarchy = the complete absence of political authority
Definition
Generally anarchy means:the complete absence of political authority; or more generally, complete absence of order
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
apparent
8 uses
The effects of the drought are apparent to anyone who sees the dry fields.
apparent = clear or obvious
Definition
Generally apparent means:clear or obvious; or appearing as such but not necessarily so
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 66 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
condescending
1 use
She gave me that condescending look as though I wasn't worthy to ask her a question.
condescending = treating others as inferior
Definition
Generally condescending means:treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
construe
1 use
The executive branch does not construe the provision as requiring it to share additional information with Congress.
construe = interpret
Definition
Generally construe means:to interpret (understand) something as have a specific meaning
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
dominate
4 uses
The defending World Champions dominated their unranked opponent.
dominated = controlled (were much more powerful than)
Definition
Generally dominate means:to control; or to be most influential, powerful, abundant, important, or conspicuous
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
earnest
5 uses
I began training in earnest the summer before high school.
in earnest = in a serious manner
Definition
Generally earnest means:characterized by sincere belief
or:
intensely or excessively serious
or:
intensely or excessively serious
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
eccentric
1 use
She's a little eccentric, but we don't mind because she's the best player on the team.
eccentric = unconventional or strange
Definition
Generally eccentric means:unconventional or strange; or a person with such traits
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
emulate
1 use
It wasn't just that she copied her older sister's hairstyle. She tried to emulate her in every way.
emulate = imitate (copy)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
exasperated
3 uses
She was exasperated by his teasing.
exasperated = greatly annoyed
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
extol
1 use
She extolled passage of the law as a victory for all Americans.
extolled = praised, glorified, or honored
Definition
Generally extol means:praise, glorify, or honor
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
furtive
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
grave
3 uses
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.
gravity = seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Definition
Generally this sense of grave means:serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
- "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." — important, dangerous, or causing worry
- "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." — sad or solemn
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — in a sincere and serious manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
indifferent
3 uses
About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.
indifferent = without interest
Definition
Generally indifferent means:without interest
in various senses, including:
- unconcerned — as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
- unsympathetic — as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
- not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) — as in "an indifferent performance"
- impartial — as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
irony
1 use
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 |
ostentatious
1 use
Although wealthy, the family is not ostentatious.
ostentatious = showy (trying to attract notice and impress others in a manner seen as in bad taste)
Definition
Generally ostentatious means:intended to attract notice and impress others — especially with wealth in a vulgar way
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
relegate
1 use
Decades of slow growth have relegated the country to third-class status in international affairs.
relegated = assigned to a less important position or classification
Definition
Generally relegate means:assign to a less important position or classification
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
revere
1 use
Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
revere = deeply respect and admire
Definition
Generally revere means:regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration — sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
surreptitious
1 use
She stole a surreptitious glance at him.
surreptitious = done secretly or in a manner that avoids notice
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
transistor radio
2 uses
Transistor radios were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
transistor radios = small portable radios made with transistors
Definition
Generally transistor radio means:a small portable radio that was popular in the past and made with transistors rather than vacuum tubes
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
vacuous
1 use
It is a vacuous, feel-good philosophy.
vacuous = lacking intelligent thought
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |