blasphemy
20 uses
The government of the Muslim nation monitors major websites for blasphemy.
blasphemy = disrespect of something considered sacred
Definition
Generally blasphemy means:something said or done that is disrespectful of something considered sacred — especially God or religion
Word Statistics
| Book | 20 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 3. |
bountiful
3 uses
the bountiful Thanksgiving dinner
bountiful = an abundant (large) amount
Definition
Generally bountiful means:given in abundance (a large amount); or an abundant (large) amount
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 8. |
commend
15 uses
I commend you for a good job.
commend = praise
Definition
Generally commend means:praise or recommend
Word Statistics
| Book | 15 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 8. |
contentious
2 uses
We started with the most contentious item on the agenda.
contentious = likely to cause disagreement
Definition
Generally contentious means:causing or likely to cause disagreement; or argumentative
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 6. |
contrary
9 uses
1 —9 uses as in:
contrary to
Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico—not Egypt.
contrary to = in opposition to
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 5. |
covenant
25 uses
Biblical scholars point to seven covenants described in the Bible.
covenants = binding agreements (in this case between God and man)
Definition
Generally covenant means:a binding agreement
or (much more rarely): to formally or solemnly promise
or (much more rarely): to formally or solemnly promise
Word Statistics
| Book | 25 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
dissemble
1 use
After the primaries, she will dissemble her past statements to appear more moderate in her beliefs.
dissemble = be deceptive about
Definition
Generally dissemble means:hide or disguise the truth without outright lying
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 9. |
dominion
12 uses
France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa.
dominion = dominance or power
Definition
Generally dominion means:dominance or power over others; or a region so dominated
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Book 12. |
eschew
1 use
Her bumper sticker says "Eschew obfuscation."
eschew = avoid and stay away from
Definition
Generally eschew means:avoid and stay away from deliberately
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 21. |
forsake
17 uses
The country must forsake terrorism as a political instrument.
forsake = abandon or give up
Definition
Generally forsake means:to abandon or give up on — such as someone who needs you, or an idea, or a place
Word Statistics
| Book | 17 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 19. |
garnish
4 uses
She garnished the plate with parsley.
garnished = decorated or adorned
Definition
Generally this sense of garnish means:to decorate or adorn something (most typically food with another food); or the item added for decoration
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
hypocrite
20 uses
She calls him a hypocrite for suggesting a green lifestyle except when it is personally inconvenient.
hypocrite = someone who violates claimed moral standards
Word Statistics
| Book | 20 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
moreover
17 uses
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long term lease on expensive office space.
moreover = in addition to what has just been said
Word Statistics
| Book | 17 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
notwithstanding
13 uses
Notwithstanding other provisions of this contract, employee may be fired immediately if there is any material misrepresentation on employee's resume or job application.
notwithstanding = in spite of (used to connect contrasting ideas)
(In this case, even if other parts of the contract protect the employee from being fired without notice, the employee can be fired immediately for these reasons. The other parts of the contract do not withstand this part.)
(In this case, even if other parts of the contract protect the employee from being fired without notice, the employee can be fired immediately for these reasons. The other parts of the contract do not withstand this part.)
Definition
Generally notwithstanding means:in spite of; or in spite of the thing mentioned
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
penury
1 use
The couple suffered from substance abuse, gambling, lack of family support, and other social ills that lead to penury.
penury = extreme poverty
Definition
Generally penury means:a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 3. |
pernicious
1 use
By the 21st century, it had evolved into a pernicious lack of employment.
pernicious = harmful
Definition
Generally pernicious means:harmful or something spreading harm — especially in a gradual or subtle way
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 22. |
preeminent
2 uses
I think of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as the world's most preeminent orchestra.
preeminent = surpassing all others
Definition
Generally preeminent means:outstanding or surpassing others in status, ability, or possession of a notable characteristic
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 12. |
purloin
1 use
The museum's night watchman purloined the artifacts.
purloined = stole
Definition
Generally purloin means:to steal — especially in violation of trust
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 17. |
sloth
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
mental sloth
It is difficult to change the habit of sloth.
sloth = laziness
Definition
Generally this sense of sloth means:laziness (an unwillingness to work or exert oneself)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 1. |
untoward
1 use
She was embarrassed by his untoward behavior.
untoward = improper or awkward
Definition
Generally untoward means:improper, awkward, or unfavorable
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Book 5. |