anxiety
4 uses
Despite my growing anxiety, it was glorious up here.
anxiety = nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
cajole
2 uses
I got to be the bad cop and lay down the law. "Angel," I began cajolingly. "We can't always..."
cajolingly = in a gently persuading manner
Definition
Generally cajole means:gently persuade
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
candid
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a candid photograph
"Smile, you're on Candid Camera," said Fang, pointing at a window.
candid = describing pictures taken without warning
(editor's note: In this case, Patterson is referencing a television show called Candid Camera that filmed people in funny situations who did not know they were being filmed.)
(editor's note: In this case, Patterson is referencing a television show called Candid Camera that filmed people in funny situations who did not know they were being filmed.)
Definition
Generally this sense of candid means:unposed — typically said of a photograph
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Part 5 |
deign
1 use
Maybe, just maybe, it would deign to answer me.
deign = do something considered beneath one's dignity
Definition
Generally deign means:do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 6 |
feral
2 uses
"I was about to say the same thing to you," he replied with a feral smile.
feral = untamed or wild
Definition
Generally feral means:previously domesticated, but now living in the wild
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 4 |
fetid
3 uses
After the fetid, dank stench of the sewers, it was amazing.
fetid = bad smelling
Definition
Generally fetid means:having a bad odor
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 6 |
fledgling
7 uses
Finally, the raucous fledglings quieted.
fledglings = baby birds that recently grew feathers for flight
(editor's note: This is a less common sense of fledgling which more commonly references "a person or organization that is inexperienced".)
(editor's note: This is a less common sense of fledgling which more commonly references "a person or organization that is inexperienced".)
Definition
Generally this sense of fledgling means:inexperienced; or a person or organization that is inexperienced
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
imminent
3 uses
The funny thing about facing imminent death is that it really snaps everything else into perspective.
imminent = about to occur
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 1 |
impassive
2 uses
Fang glanced over at me, his face smooth and impassive, though I could almost feel the anticipation rolling off his feathers.
impassive = revealing little emotion
Definition
Generally impassive means:having or revealing little emotion — especially under circumstances others would find exciting
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 3 |
incisive
1 use
There was no way I was going to break first—and give Fang the satisfaction? I don't think so. But I did have an obligation, as leader, to take care of Nudge. As much as I hated to stop and lose time, it was a reality. "Okay, okay. We need food." How's that for incisive leadership?
incisive = decisive, direct and clear
Definition
Generally incisive means:direct, clear, and sharp in thinking or expression — often indicating a decisive person (makes decisions quickly) or a penetrating mind
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
irony
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
situational irony
And yes, I get the irony, thanks.
irony = when what happened was very different than what might have been 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 | Part 2 |
magnanimous
1 use
"...Thanks, Max."
I hadn't had anything to do with it, but I smiled and nodded: magnanimous Max.
I hadn't had anything to do with it, but I smiled and nodded: magnanimous Max.
magnanimous = kind and generous
Definition
Generally magnanimous means:kind and generous in spirit — especially toward those defeated in battle
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 4 |
nonchalant
1 use
I tried to sound nonchalant, so he wouldn't know I was quaking in my boots.
nonchalant = calm and unconcerned
Definition
Generally nonchalant means:calm in manner — appearing unconcerned
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 5 |
parched
1 use
Below them, the ground looked parched, with only occasional roads, cactuses, brush.
parched = dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight
Definition
Generally parched means:dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight; or very thirsty
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
placate
2 uses
It was soothing, calming, placating.
placating = calming (to remove anger or concern)
Definition
Generally placate means:calm someone who is or may become angry or concerned
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 1 |
querulous
1 use
The voice was querulous, aggressive, and rough, as if its owner had spent the last fifty years smoking cigarettes.
querulous = 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 |
| 1st use | Part 4 |
taint
1 use
I inhaled eagerly, but even outdoors at the School the air was tainted and foul.
tainted = spoiled or contaminated
Definition
Generally taint means:to spoil something so it is not desirable — as when bacteria contaminates a food; or as when a rumor makes people distrust a person
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 3 |
trepidation
1 use
I could see surprise, shock, incredible excitement on all of their faces, but also hints of fear and trepidation.
trepidation = nervousness or anxiety about what will happen
Definition
Generally trepidation means:nervousness (fear or anxiety about what will happen)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 6 |
volition
1 use
My eyes shut of their own volition.
volition = will (without telling them to do it)
Definition
Generally volition means:will (done consciously and voluntarily without being forced or threatened)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 2 |
wary
5 uses
She sounded wary and glanced around, like maybe in the time since she'd last seen me I had gone over to the side of evil.
wary = careful or distrustful
Definition
Generally wary means:nervous about (or distrustful of) someone or something
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Part 3 |