abject
14 uses
As the world grows more affluent, our definition of abject poverty changes.
abject = extreme
Definition
Generally abject means:extreme (in a negative sense such as misery, hopelessness, submissiveness, cruelty, or cowardice)
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
abominable
15 uses
She described the abominable treatment of prisoners.
abominable = exceptionally bad
Definition
Generally abominable means:exceptionally bad or detestable
Word Statistics
| Book | 15 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
approach
6 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
approached the city
Winter is approaching.
approaching = getting nearer
Definition
Generally this sense of approach means:to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 104 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
austere
10 uses
He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.
austere = lacking luxury (and stern)
Definition
Generally austere means:a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration
or:
of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
or:
of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
catholic
1 use
When the Apostles' Creed uses the word "catholic", it does not reference the church headed by the Pope, but rather a universal church.
catholic = universal; or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Definition
Generally this sense of catholic means:universal or inclusive of a wide range of people or interests
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
cease
82 uses
They signed a cease-fire agreement.
cease = to stop or discontinue (in this case, to stop firing weapons at each other)
Definition
Generally cease means:to stop or discontinue
Word Statistics
| Book | 82 uses |
| Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
compulsion
2 uses
I had a compulsion to tell the brutal truth.
compulsion = strong urge (possibly uncontrollable)
Definition
Generally compulsion means:a strong (possibly uncontrollable) urge to do something; or a force or a requirement that forces an action
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
contempt
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
feels contempt towards her
Familiarity breeds contempt.
contempt = lack of respect
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior — often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
contrast
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
contrast their writing styles
Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.
contrast = point to differences between
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:point to differences between; or compare to show differences
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
correspond
4 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
corresponding by email
We correspond regularly via email.
correspond = write to each other
Definition
Generally this sense of correspond means:communicate by writing letters or email
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
decorum
9 uses
All decorum was lost in the classroom.
decorum = proper manners and conduct
Definition
Generally decorum means:manners and conduct considered to be proper and in good taste
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
defer
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
deferred the decision
The weather forced us to defer our departure another day.
defer = delay
Definition
Generally this sense of defer means:delay or postpone (hold off until a later time)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
descend
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
thieves descended upon us
Despair descended upon us.
descended = came suddenly
Definition
Generally this sense of descend means:to come or arrive — especially suddenly or from above or as an attack
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
establish
4 uses
1 —4 uses 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 | 4 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
evoke
8 uses
Her story evoked sympathy.
evoked = aroused
Definition
Generally evoke means:to call forth or cause — typically to arouse an emotion or bring a memory to mind
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
grave
4 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 | 4 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
irrevocable
7 uses
We agreed not to take any irrevocable action until after the meeting.
irrevocable = incapable of being undone
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
monotonous
13 uses
We hope to replace people with robots for the most monotonous work.
monotonous = lacking variety and boring
Definition
Generally monotonous means:lacking in variety — typically boring
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
tranquil
15 uses
I love a lake with tranquil blue water.
tranquil = calm
Definition
Generally tranquil means:calm and undisturbed
Word Statistics
| Book | 15 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
trivial
14 uses
We're in agreement on the main issues. We just have some trivial details to work out.
trivial = unimportant
Definition
Generally trivial means:of little importance — sometimes more specifically describing a challenge as easy and uninteresting
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |