accord
5 uses
1 —5 uses as in:
according to, or in accord with
She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.
accordance = keeping
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 | 5 uses |
| Library | 53 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
allege
3 uses
She alleged that she was the victim of a crime.
alleged = asserted (said) without proof
Definition
Generally allege means:claim (asserted without proof)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
apparent
7 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 | 7 uses |
| Library | 66 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
concede
4 uses
The candidate conceded after enough votes had come in to show that he would lose†
conceded = to yield or admit — usually after dispute
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 21 |
contract
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
legal contract
She signed the contract.
contract = a written agreement that is enforceable by law
Definition
Generally this sense of contract means:an agreement - typically written and enforceable by law
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
earnest
6 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 | 6 uses |
| Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
establish
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
establish a positive tone
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
grave
6 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 | 6 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
hedonist
1 use
I'm a hedonist when it comes to chocolate.
hedonist = someone most motivated by pleasures — often sensual pleasures
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
Helen of Troy
8 uses
Helen of Troy is famously described as having "the face that launched a thousand ships."
Helen of Troy = Greek mythology: the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
Definition
Generally Helen of Troy means:Greek mythology: "the face that launched a thousand ships" — "the most beautiful woman in the world" — the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda who was abducted by Paris; the Greek army sailed to Troy to get her back which resulted in the Trojan War
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
imply
5 uses
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.
implied = hinted or suggested
Definition
Generally imply means:to suggest or say indirectly — possibly as a logical consequence
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
indignant
4 uses
She was indignant, but agreed to be searched when they accused her of shoplifting.
indignant = angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
myriad
3 uses
The development creates a myriad of exciting possibilities.†
myriad = a very large number — often of things that are not identical
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
persist
5 uses
The child persisted in asking questions despite my obvious desire to be left alone.
persisted = continued
Definition
Generally persist means:to continue — often despite difficulty
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
provocative
5 uses
Her provocative article is sure to create debate.
provocative = tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate — especially controversy, sexual desire, or anger
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
querulous
1 use
He said it in a slightly querulous tone.
querulous = habitually complaining — especially in a high-pitched whiny voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 20 |
recite
12 uses
She recited a poem.
recited = said the lines of
Definition
Generally recite means:to say or read something aloud — especially something previously memorized such as a poem
or:
to say in detail — especially a list of things
or:
to say in detail — especially a list of things
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
reprove
3 uses
She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.
reproves = criticizes
Definition
Generally reprove means:to express disapproval of one's actions to them
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
resignation
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
submitted her resignation
I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.
resignation = a document expressing that someone is quitting a job
Definition
Generally this sense of resignation means:to quit — especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
virtuoso
1 use
She is a violin virtuoso.
virtuoso = someone who is spectacularly skilled in a particular field
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |