alternative
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an alternative plan
Let's think of at least three alternatives before we decide what to do.
alternatives = possibilities
Definition
Generally this sense of alternative means:something available as another possibility
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
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beseech
7 uses
She teaches and beseeches her students to think about their future.
beseeches = begs
Definition
Generally beseech means:to ask strongly or beg for something
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
commend
4 uses
I commend you for a good job.
commend = praise
Definition
Generally commend means:praise or recommend
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
consequence (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 2 uses
1 —1 use as in:
a direct consequence of
Your decision will have three major consequences.
consequences = results
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
2 —1 use as in:
of little consequence
Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.
consequential = important
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:importance or relevance
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
contempt
1 use
1 —1 use 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 | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
contradict
2 uses
Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?
contradict = disagree with
Definition
Generally contradict means:disagree
in various senses, including:
- to say something is not true — as in "She contradicted his testimony."
- to say something else is true when both can't be true — as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened."
- to be in conflict with — as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
deceive
10 uses
The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.
deceive = mislead
Definition
Generally deceive means:to lie to or mislead someone — occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
endure (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 4 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
endured the pain
I endured insult and injury without complaint.
endured = suffered through
Definition
Generally this sense of endure means:to suffer through (or put up with something difficult or unpleasant)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 18 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
2 —1 use as in:
endure through the ages
She is gone, but her teachings endure through the ages.
endure = continue to exist
Definition
Generally this sense of endure means:to continue to exist
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
grave
12 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 | 12 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
incredulous
7 uses
I find it incredulous that you believe she is sincere.
incredulous = difficult to believe
Definition
Generally incredulous means:unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
indifferent
6 uses
About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.
indifferent = without interest
Definition
Generally indifferent means:without interest
in various senses, including:
- unconcerned — as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
- unsympathetic — as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
- not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) — as in "an indifferent performance"
- impartial — as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
malevolent
1 use
She tells vicious lies and spreads malevolent rumors.
malevolent = evil
Definition
Generally malevolent means:evil
- of a person — wishing or appearing to wish evil to others
- of a thing — exerting an evil or harmful influence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
nevertheless
1 use
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.
nevertheless = in spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally nevertheless means:in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
precede
1 use
Stone tools preceded bronze tools.
preceded = were before in time
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
relevant
1 use
Shannon tells an interesting story, but it's not relevant to the decision we have to make.
relevant = important (related in a meaningful way)
Definition
Generally relevant means:relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
reproach
8 uses
She reproached him for being thoughtless and lazy.
reproached = criticized
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism — especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
subdue
2 uses
1 —2 uses
verb as in: subdued the opposition
She was threatening people with a knife, but police used a Taser to subdue her.
subdue = overcome and control
Definition
Generally this sense of subdue means:to control, prevent, or make less intense — sometimes through force
The exact meaning of subdue depends upon its context. For example:
- "subdued a nation" — defeated militarily and brought under control
- "subdued the fever" — made it less intense or defeated it
- "subdued her enthusiasm" — made it less intense
- "subdued her fears" — made them less intense or overcame them
- "subdued my emotions" — kept them under control
- "subdued the crowd" — quieted or controlled it
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
vary
2 uses
Your mileage may vary.
vary = be different
Definition
Generally vary means:to be different, or to change
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |