abstract
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
abstract thought
We all agree that we want what's "best for the country", but that is an abstract concept and we cannot agree on which specific laws should be passed.
abstract = of a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
acumen
1 use
She built a very successful company with uncommon business acumen.
acumen = uncommon ability to make good decisions
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
aggregate
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
the aggregate effect
Aggregate expenses include expenses of all the divisions of our company for the entire year.
aggregate = a total of different things
Definition
Generally this sense of aggregate means:the combination of different, but related, things; or relating to such a thing
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
astute
2 uses
Astute investors spread their risk instead of investing all their money in just one thing.
astute = smart and perceptive
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
axiom
3 uses
We prove with axioms. We do not prove axioms, so we have to agree on a place to start.†
axioms = something assumed to be self-evident
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
commensurate
1 use
Apartment rents increased without a commensurate increase in incomes.
commensurate = proportionate
Definition
Generally commensurate means:appropriate in proportion to
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
diverse
1 use
The college wants a diverse student body.
diverse = varied (in this case, of different ethnic groups and genders)
Definition
Generally diverse means:varied (having variety amongst things of the same kind) — especially with regard to ideas or members of a population group
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
dogma
1 use
he believed all the Marxist dogma†
dogma = a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
educe
1 use
We were unprepared, but enthralled by the story educed by her question.†
educed = developed or evolved from a latent or potential state
or (more rarely):
determined by reasoning
or (more rarely):
determined by reasoning
Definition
Generally educe means:to develop or evolve from a latent or potential state (can be something physical or an understanding)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
egregious
1 use
She asked for triple damages due to egregious negligence.
egregious = exceptionally bad
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
ennui
1 use
She's suffering mid-life ennui with evaporating hopes.†
ennui = the feeling of being bored by something tedious
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
inevitable
1 use
It is as inevitable as death and taxes.
inevitable = certain to happen
Definition
Generally inevitable means:certain to happen (even if one tried to prevent it)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
juxtaposition
1 use
Shakespeare often makes us think by juxtaposing contrasting concepts like youth and age or freedom and responsibility.
juxtaposing = positioning dissimilar things side-x-side (usually to contrast)
Definition
Generally juxtaposition means:the act of positioning dissimilar things side-x-side (usually to contrast)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
precipitate
1 use
1 —1 use
(adj) as in: a precipitate decision
Think about this. Don't make a precipitate decision.
precipitate = sudden (without adequate thought)
Definition
Generally this sense of precipitate means:acting with great haste — often without adequate thought
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
promulgate
2 uses
They are working in concert to promulgate the Administration's view.†
promulgate = spread word or announce
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
purloin
5 uses
The museum's night watchman purloined the artifacts.
purloined = stole
Definition
Generally purloin means:to steal — especially in violation of trust
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
rigorous
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
we follow a rigorous procedure
She followed the procedures rigorously.
rigorously = thoroughly and carefully
Definition
Generally this sense of rigorous means:thorough and careful procedures
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
sagacious
2 uses
She is a smart and sagacious statesman.
sagacious = wise
Definition
Generally sagacious means:wise — especially through long experience and thoughtfulness
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
spurious
1 use
Don't be fooled by such spurious arguments.
spurious = false; or not genuine — often seeming plausible, or intentionally deceptive
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
sufficient
4 uses
We have sufficient supplies.
sufficient = adequate (enough)
Definition
Generally sufficient means:adequate (enough — often without being more than is needed)
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |