accompany
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
accompany on the journey
"Knight, Hatter, and Dodge will also accompany you," said General Doppel, which was when they noticed that Dodge was no longer among them.
accompany = travel with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to travel along with
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.26, p.181.4 |
adapt
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
adapted to the new rules
—but so well had she adapted to the customs and beliefs of the time, so well had she adopted the inclinations of other girls her age, that she'd befriended those who used to tease her mercilessly.
adapted = changed to fit
Definition
Generally this sense of adapt means:changed to fit a different situation; or made suitable
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1, p.9.5 |
alliance
3 uses
A last-minute negotiation with King Arch of Boarderland to establish an alliance between their two nations against Redd.
alliance = association (of nations) formed to support common interests
Definition
Generally alliance means:an association formed to support common interests
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.2, p.17 |
appropriate (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 5 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
it is appropriate
As was perhaps appropriate for any shop specializing in the sale of puzzles and games, this one was itself built in the shape of a puzzle.
appropriate = fitting or suitable
Definition
Generally this sense of appropriate means:suitable (fitting) for a particular situation
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Prol., p.2.8 |
2 —1 use as in:
appropriate from their culture
Whenever one of them made a move she had never seen before, she quickly appropriated it—imagined it as part of her own repertoire.
appropriated = took
(editor's note: In this context, repertoire means "set of skills she can perform when desired".)
(editor's note: In this context, repertoire means "set of skills she can perform when desired".)
From page 311.4 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of appropriate means:to take without asking — often without right
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.48, p.311.4 |
coalition
1 use
The coalition of Diamond, Club, and Spade dynasties that made up Parliament was falling apart.
coalition = political group (made of different groups working together)
From page 10.4 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally coalition means:a political group made up of different groups working together
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1, p.10.4 |
compose (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 4 uses
1 —1 use as in:
compose a poem
Piped in from who knew where played the background music of Wondertropolis' free fall into decay. ... a composition on infinite repeat, featuring lyrics Redd had written herself, which sang her praises as Wonderland's savior.
composition = musical work
(editor's note: The suffix "-ition" often changes a verb into a related noun. This is the same pattern seen in words like addition, partition, and definition.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-ition" often changes a verb into a related noun. This is the same pattern seen in words like addition, partition, and definition.)
From page 141.8 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to write or create something with care — especially music or a literary work, but could be other things as diverse as a plan or a letter
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19, p.141.8 |
2 —3 uses as in:
keep your composure
Regaining his usual composure, he took a seat next to the princess.
composure = calm state of mind
(editor's note: The suffix "-ure" sometimes converts a verb that ends in an "s" sound to a related noun. This pattern is seen is words like pleasure, pressure, and exposure.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-ure" sometimes converts a verb that ends in an "s" sound to a related noun. This pattern is seen is words like pleasure, pressure, and exposure.)
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to calm someone or settle something
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.43, p.269.3 |
conjure
30 uses
To conjure several doubles of herself was one thing, but an entire army?
conjure = bring into existence by magic
Definition
Generally conjure means:summon into action or bring into existence — often as if by magic
Word Statistics
| Book | 30 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.48, p.311.5 |
determine (3 meanings)
3 meanings, 9 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
determine the truth
But the portal was connected to the Continuum by such an unlikely arrangement of crystal byways (courtesy of strategically placed looking glasses) that no traveler who wasn't Alyssian had ever determined its location or even learned of its existence.
determined = discovered
(editor's note: Looking glass is a synonym for mirror. In this book, characters can step into a mirror in one location and out of a mirror in another location.)
(editor's note: Looking glass is a synonym for mirror. In this book, characters can step into a mirror in one location and out of a mirror in another location.)
Definition
Generally this sense of determine means:to learn, discover, or officially decide
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 21 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.39, p.254.5 |
2 —4 uses as in:
is determined to succeed
They may have been few in number, but they were strong and determined.
determined = firm in purpose
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.31, p.212.3 |
3 —3 uses as in:
I determined what to do
She was as keen as Alyss for King Nolan's return, but she had determined to enjoy the day's festivities.
determined = decided
(editor's note: This sense of determined is seen more in classic literature. In most of those uses today, it would be replaced by decided.)
(editor's note: This sense of determined is seen more in classic literature. In most of those uses today, it would be replaced by decided.)
Definition
Generally this sense of determine means:decide
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.6, p.36.2 |
direct (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 12 uses
1 —1 use as in:
was direct in my instructions
His methods were indirect and labyrinthine, but they brought him twice the profit of simpler business arrangements.
indirect = not straightforward (complex or devious)
(editor's notes: The prefix "in-" in indirect means not and reverses the meaning of direct. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure. Labyrinthine means "complicated and confusing". You might be more familiar with the base word labyrinth, that refers to a maze or network of passages in which it is easy to get lost.)
(editor's notes: The prefix "in-" in indirect means not and reverses the meaning of direct. This is the same pattern you see in words like invisible, incomplete, and insecure. Labyrinthine means "complicated and confusing". You might be more familiar with the base word labyrinth, that refers to a maze or network of passages in which it is easy to get lost.)
From page 181.9 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:straightforward (uncomplicated or simple — perhaps also indicating openness and honesty)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.26, p.181.9 |
2 —1 use as in:
directed her question to
Dodge glared at the advancing card soldiers, his words directed at Alyss: "We'll keep them busy."
directed = aimed, or intended for
From page 297.6 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:to indicate direction; or to cause movement or focus in a direction or towards an object
The exact meaning of this sense of direct is subject to its context. For example:
- "intentionally directed fire at unarmed civilians" — aimed a gun
- "directed the question to her" — aimed a question
- "directed her north" — pointed in a particular direction
- "directed attention to the 3rd paragraph" — focused attention on a particular object
- "The sound of her voice directed him to the kitchen." — guided or gave directions to someone to help them move to a particular place
- "She directed him to the airport." — gave directions to send someone to a particular place
- "She directed the boat north." — steered it
- "directed the letter to" — send a letter to a particular person by putting a name and address on it
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 36 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.47, p.297.6 |
unquizzed meaning —10 uses
engage (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 18 uses
1 —10 uses as in:
engage in conversation
To lessen his fears, Jack tried to engage the Milliner in a little chitchat.
engage = involve
(editor's note: Chitchat means pleasant conversation about nothing important.)
(editor's note: Chitchat means pleasant conversation about nothing important.)
Definition
Generally this sense of engage means:to interact in various ways — such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract
The exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example:
- "They engaged in debate." — participated
- "She engaged him in conversation." — involved
- "She is an engaging conversationalist." — interesting
- "She has an engaging smile." — attractive (attracting interest and interaction)
- "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." — attracts and involves
- "She engages with her constituents." — interacts in a meaningful way
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.9, p.52.5 |
2 —3 uses as in:
engage the enemy
If he crosses paths with Redd, he'll try to engage with her.
engage = begin fighting
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19, p.137.3 |
unquizzed meaning —5 uses
interpret
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
her interpretation of the data
Mrs. Liddell, not hearing this exchange, flashed her daughter a look, which Alice was at a loss to interpret.
interpret = understand
Definition
Generally this sense of interpret means:to understand or explain something in a particular way — often the meaning or significance of something
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.33, p.222.6 |
reflect (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 22 uses
1 —1 use as in:
reflect American Values
The caterpillars' prophecies were always so vague. Sometimes their visions reflected only possibilities, the dark wishes of those who never planned to carry them out. But she couldn't take a chance, not when it concerned Redd.
reflected = showed
(editor's notes: The Looking Glass Wars commonly uses the word reflect to refer to shining back an image—as seen in a mirror. But it is also used in two other fairly common ways in the book. Prophecies are predictions about the future. Vague means "not clear".)
(editor's notes: The Looking Glass Wars commonly uses the word reflect to refer to shining back an image—as seen in a mirror. But it is also used in two other fairly common ways in the book. Prophecies are predictions about the future. Vague means "not clear".)
From page 46 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of reflect means:to show something — such as to demonstrate, express, or represent
The exact meaning of this sense of reflect depends upon its context. For example:
- "She says the immorality in the movie reflects American values." — expresses or represents
- "It reflects the selfishness she had seen growing for years." — demonstrates
- "She did not reflect the panic that surrounded her." — demonstrate or show indication of
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.7, p.46 |
2 —1 use as in:
I want to reflect on it.
After the temper subsides and one has a moment to calmly reflect, it isn't uncommon for declarations shouted in a fit of rage to strike one as untrue, and because they may have been hurtful to family, friends, lovers, husbands, or wives, one wishes them unsaid.
reflect = think
(editor's notes: The Looking Glass Wars commonly uses the word reflect to refer to shining back an image—as seen in a mirror. But note that it is also used in two other fairly common ways in the book. In this context, subsides is a synonym for calms, and declarations is a synonym for statements.)
(editor's notes: The Looking Glass Wars commonly uses the word reflect to refer to shining back an image—as seen in a mirror. But note that it is also used in two other fairly common ways in the book. In this context, subsides is a synonym for calms, and declarations is a synonym for statements.)
From page 148.1 Typical Usage
Definition
Generally this sense of reflect means:think carefully — possibly aloud or in writing
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.21, p.148.1 |
unquizzed meaning —20 uses
tyranny
3 uses
In time, a new Heart Palace would stand in place of the old, its garden featuring the grave of Sir Justice Anders as well as memorials to Queen Genevieve, King Nolan, and the numerous brave Alyssians who lost their lives during Redd's tyrannical rule.
tyrannical = harsh and unjust
Definition
Generally tyranny means:harsh and unjust rule
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.56, p.355.5 |