ameliorate
2 uses
The drug ameliorates the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
ameliorates = lessens (something that is bad)
Definition
Generally ameliorate means:to improve — especially a bad situation
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3. |
attribute (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 8 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
It is an attribute of...
The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example the second column has the average full-grown weight.
attributes = characteristics
Definition
Generally this sense of attribute means:a characteristic (of something or someone)
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2. |
2 —4 uses as in:
I attribute it to...
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.
attributed = credited (pointed to as the source of)
Definition
Generally this sense of attribute means:to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
- "I attribute it to her work." — to say who or what made something happen
- "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." — indicate the source of a quotation or idea
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6. |
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 9. |
contrast (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 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 11. |
2 —1 use as in:
there is a contrast
The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.
contrast = notable difference
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:a difference — especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3. |
countervail
1 use
The US Constitution was designed to balance interests through a system of countervailing powers.
countervailing = counterbalance
Definition
Generally countervail means:to counterbalance, or oppose (the effects of something)—often in such a manner that the effects being opposed are neutralized (made ineffective)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1. |
defer
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
deferred to her wishes
I defer to her expertise.
defer = submit
Definition
Generally this sense of defer means:submit or yield (typically to another person's opinion because of respect for that person or their knowledge)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1. |
discord
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
discord amongst the group
There is too much discord in the team.
discord = conflict
Definition
Generally this sense of discord means:conflict or disagreement — especially among those expected to cooperate
or (especially in the form discordant):
seeming different or wrong along with everything else
or (especially in the form discordant):
seeming different or wrong along with everything else
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11. |
dispose
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
disposed the troops along...
Troops were disposed strategically along the northern border.
disposed = placed
Definition
Generally this sense of dispose means:the arrangement, positioning, or use of things
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 10. |
doctrine
32 uses
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.
doctrine = principle
Definition
Generally doctrine means:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Book | 32 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | notes |
establish
5 uses
1 —5 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 | 5 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1. |
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 | Intr. |
illustrate
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
as illustrated by this example
Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.
illustrate = make clear
Definition
Generally this sense of illustrate means:to help make clear — typically by example
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1. |
intellectual
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
intellectual stimulation
The job pays my expenses, but it doesn't offer much intellectual stimulation.
intellectual = relating to the use of intelligence
Definition
Generally this sense of intellectual means:related to intelligence — such as requiring, appealing to, or possessing intelligence
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Intr. |
minute
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
minute size
Don't eat a lot of poppy seeds for a few days before a drug test. They have a minute amount of a chemical that can cause a false positive when testing for heroin use.
minute = tiny
Definition
Generally this sense of minute means:small, exceptionally small, or insignificant
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9. |
passage
6 uses
Each passage below is followed by a number of questions.
passage = a short part of a longer written work
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | notes |
prudent
9 uses
She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.
prudent = sensible and careful
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2. |
yield (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 7 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
will yield valuable data
The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.
yield = produce (lead to)
Definition
Generally this sense of yield means:to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3. |
2 —3 uses as in:
yield to pressure
The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.
yield = give in
Definition
Generally this sense of yield means:to give in, give way, or give up
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2. |