conspicuous
1 use
I can see a strange, provoking, formless sort of figure, that seems to skulk about behind that silly and conspicuous front design.
conspicuous = very noticeable (attention-attracting)
Definition
Generally conspicuous means:easily noticed — typically attracting attention such as by being large, flashy, or unusual
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
constant
2 uses
On a pattern like this, by daylight, there is a lack of sequence, a defiance of law, that is a constant irritant to a normal mind.†
constant = unchanging, continuous, or happening repeatedly
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 64 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
deceit
1 use
And that cultivates deceit, for I don't tell them I'm awake—O no!
deceit = the act of lying to or misleading someone
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
diagonal
1 use
But, on the other hand, they connect diagonally, and the sprawling outlines run off in great slanting waves of optic horror, like a lot of wallowing seaweeds in full chase.†
diagonally = a straight line connecting opposite corners of a rectangle; or any slope that could connect the corners of an imaginary rectangle that has one side parallel to the floor
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
earnest
1 use
I tried to have a real earnest reasonable talk with him the other day,
earnest = sincere or serious
Definition
Generally earnest means:characterized by sincere belief
or:
intensely or excessively serious
or:
intensely or excessively serious
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
florid
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a florid style
The outside pattern is a florid arabesque [curved design],
florid = elaborate (with much decorative detail)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
hereditary
1 use
A colonial mansion, a hereditary estate,
hereditary = passed from parent to child
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
hideous
1 use
The color is hideous enough, and unreliable enough, and infuriating enough, but the pattern is torturing.†
hideous = extremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
hinder
1 use
I am sitting by the window now, up in this atrocious nursery, and there is nothing to hinder my writing as much as I please, save lack of strength.
hinder = slow down or cause problems for
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
however
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
However, complications may...
The furniture in this room is no worse than inharmonious, however, for we had to bring it all from downstairs.†
however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
Definition
Generally this sense of however means:though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 61 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
humiliate
1 use
It must be very humiliating to be caught creeping by daylight!†
humiliating = extremely embarrassing (decreasing dignity)
Definition
Generally humiliate means:extremely embarrass (decrease dignity, self-respect, or pride — especially in front of others)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
impertinent
1 use
I get positively angry with the impertinence of it and the everlastingness.
impertinence = rudeness or improper boldness
Definition
Generally this sense of impertinent means:rude or improperly bold — especially toward someone more respected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
on the other hand
1 use
But, on the other hand, they connect diagonally, and the sprawling outlines run off in great slanting waves of optic horror, like a lot of wallowing seaweeds in full chase.†
on the other hand = from another point of view; or in a way that is different (a phrase used to introduce a different perspective or idea)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
optic
1 use
But, on the other hand, they connect diagonally, and the sprawling outlines run off in great slanting waves of optic horror, like a lot of wallowing seaweeds in full chase.
optic = relating to sight
Definition
Generally optic means:relating to sight or light
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
piazza
1 use
I wanted one downstairs that opened on the piazza and had roses all over the window, and such pretty old-fashioned chintz hangings! but John would not hear of it.†
piazza = architecture: Italian term for a plaza (large open square created or defined by several buildings forming a perimeter enclosure)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
querulous
1 use
I don't feel as if it was worth while to turn my hand over for anything, and I'm getting dreadfully fretful and querulous.
querulous = habitually complaining
Definition
Generally querulous means:habitually complaining — especially in a high-pitched whiny voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
stimulus
1 use
I sometimes fancy that my condition if I had less opposition and more society and stimulus—but John says the very worst thing I can do is to think about my condition, and I confess it always makes me feel bad.†
stimulus = something that creates growth or excitement, or something that causes an action
Definition
Generally stimulus means:something that creates growth or excitement, or something that causes an action
in various senses, including:
- economic stimulus — something that makes the economy grow
- biological or psychological stimulus — something that makes the body react in a particular way such as when more light make the eye pupil shrink, or when lack of sleep causes stress
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
temperament
1 use
There is nothing so dangerous, so fascinating, to a temperament like yours.†
temperament = usual mood and tendencies
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
whim
1 use
It is an airy and comfortable room as any one need wish, and, of course, I would not be so silly as to make him uncomfortable just for a whim.
whim = sudden desire that arises without any logical explanation
Definition
Generally whim means:a sudden desire that arises without any logical explanation
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |