abyss
6 uses
Vanish, ye gloomy Vaulted abysses!†
abysses = holes or dropoffs so deep the bottom cannot be seen — often used figuratively to imply frightening bottomless pits
Definition
Generally abyss means:a hole or dropoff so deep the bottom cannot be seen — often used figuratively to imply a frightening bottomless pit
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
allude
4 uses
The other satirical allusions to classes of notabilities will, without difficulty, be guessed out by the readers.†
allusions = indirect references
(editor's note: The suffix "-sions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in discussions from discuss, explosions from explode, and revisions from revise.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-sions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in discussions from discuss, explosions from explode, and revisions from revise.)
Definition
Generally allude means:to make an indirect reference
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | notes |
beckon
5 uses
Far out to sea I'm drawn, sweet voices listening,
The glassy waters at my feet are glistening,
To new shores beckons me a new-born day.
The glassy waters at my feet are glistening,
To new shores beckons me a new-born day.
beckons = calls (figuratively by being desirable)
Definition
Generally beckon means:to call — typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
cleave
4 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
cleave through
A dismal dream once came to me; In it I saw a cloven tree, It had a —— but still, I looked on it with right good-will.†
cloven = split (or divided in two)
Definition
Generally this sense of cleave means:to split something — especially with violent force
or:
to cut through something
or:
to cut through something
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
condescending
1 use
The gentleman but makes me more confused With all his condescending goodness.
condescending = doing something considered beneath one's position
Definition
Generally condescending means:treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
confound
5 uses
Confound you!†
confound = confuse or frustrate
Definition
Generally confound means:to confuse, prove wrong, frustrate, or express frustration
in various senses, including:
confuse or surprise — sometimes specifically to confuse one thing with another
- "confounded by the puzzle" — confused or perplexed
- "Test results confounded the experts." — surprised and confused
- "Do not confound confidence with correctness." — mistake one thing for another
prove wrong, defeat, or frustrate
- "The test results confounded my theory." — proved wrong
- "Their defense confounded our offense." — defeated or frustrated
make worse
- "She confounded the problem by painting without sanding." — made worse
- "The task is complicated by other confounding factors." — making worse
an exclamation expressing anger or frustration
- "Confound it! Will I ever get this thing to work?"
- "I don't understand the confounded directions!"
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
contrast
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
contrast their writing styles
] [Footnote 6: The "Macrocosm" is the great world of outward things, in contrast with its epitome, the little world in man, called the microcosm (or world in miniature).†
in contrast = in a comparison that shows differences
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:point to differences between; or compare to show differences
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | notes |
critique
1 use
Children and apes will gaze delighted, If their critiques can pleasure impart; But never a heart will be ignited, Comes not the spark from the speaker's heart.†
critiques = an examination and judgment of something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
dominion
6 uses
Willing, it beareth me, On a new path, through ether's blue dominions, To untried spheres of pure activity.†
dominions = dominance or power over others; or a region so dominated
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
endeavor
7 uses
I tell you, give them more and ever more and more, And then your mark you'll hardly stray from ever; To mystify be your endeavor, To satisfy is labor sore....†
endeavor = to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
grave
2 uses
But hereby hangs a grave condition, Of this we'll talk when next we meet; But for the present I entreat Most urgently your kind dismission.†
grave = serious and solemn
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 | 2 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
heed
8 uses
But give ye good heed!†
heed = pay close attention to; or do what is suggested
Definition
Generally heed means:pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested — especially with regard to a warning or other advice
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
malicious
1 use
Thus, with the ever-working power Of good dost thou in strife persist, And in vain malice, to this hour, Clenchest thy cold and devilish fist!†
malice = the desire to hurt others or see them suffer
Definition
Generally malicious means:wanting to see others suffer; or threatening evil
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
melancholy
7 uses
In every dress I well may feel the sore Of this low earth-life's melancholy.†
melancholy = a sad feeling or manner
Definition
Generally melancholy means:a sad feeling or manner — sometimes thoughtfully sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
mortal
4 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
mortal body
Alas! that mortals so unhappy prove!†
mortals = humans (especially merely humans) or people subject to death
Definition
Generally this sense of mortal means:human (especially merely human); or subject to death
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
perish
4 uses
No, lead me to that nook of calm devotion, Where blooms pure joy upon the Muses' hill; Where love and friendship aye create and cherish, With hand divine, heart-joys that never perish.†
perish = die, be destroyed, or cease to exist
Definition
Generally perish means:to die — especially in an unnatural way
or:
to be destroyed or cease to exist
or:
to be destroyed or cease to exist
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | notes |
scorn
6 uses
The crowd's applause has now a scornful tone; O couldst thou hear my conscience tell its story, How little either sire or son Has done to merit such a glory!†
scornful = full of strong disrespect or rejection
Definition
Generally scorn means:disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
venerate
4 uses
_ What feelings, O great man, thy heart must swell Thus to receive a people's veneration!†
veneration = feelings of respect and reverence
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
Definition
Generally venerate means:regard with feelings of respect and reverence
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
wretched
7 uses
Yet ah! this once, my gratitude Is due to thee, most wretched of earth's creatures.†
wretched = miserable or very bad
Definition
Generally wretched means:very bad
in various senses, including:
- unfortunate or miserable — as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor"
- of poor quality — as in "wretched roads"
- morally bad — as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
yearn
14 uses
All our loving, longing, yearning?†
yearning = strongly desiring; or a strong desire
Definition
Generally yearn means:have a strong desire — often for something difficult or impossible to have
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |