absolve
4 uses
The committee absolved her of any wrong doing.
absolved = found blameless
Definition
Generally absolve means:to find someone blameless; or forgive; or relieve (of a requirement or obligation)
Word Statistics
Book | 4 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
alliance
2 uses
The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.
alliance = association formed to support common interests
Definition
Generally alliance means:an association formed to support common interests
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
compel
2 uses
Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?
compel = force
Definition
Generally compel means:to force someone to do something
or more rarely:
to convince someone to do something
or more rarely:
to convince someone to do something
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 9 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 2 |
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 2 |
disdain
1 use
She tries to be polite, but cannot hide her disdain for authority.
disdain = lack of respect
Definition
Generally disdain means:a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority
or:
to reject as not good enough
or:
to reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
dismay
2 uses
Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.
dismayed = sad, disappointed, or worried
Definition
Generally dismay means:to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry — typically in response to something surprising
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
duplicity
1 use
I trust her. Duplicity isn't in her nature or her tool kit.
duplicity = deception
Definition
Generally duplicity means:deception (lying to or misleading others) — usually over an extended period
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
establish
1 use
1 —1 use 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 | 1 use |
Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 100 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
insolent
2 uses
I don't recommend the hotel. The employees are insolent and unhelpful.
insolent = rudely disrespectful
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
martyr
29 uses
Many believe that all of the Apostles were martyred except John; however, the Bible reports only on the martyrdom of James.
martyrdom = someone who dies upholding religious principles
Definition
Generally martyr means:someone who dies or suffers to uphold principles — especially someone killed for refusing to renounce their religion, or someone who commits a suicide death in the name of their religion
or:
someone who suffers a great deal
or:
someone who suffers a great deal
Word Statistics
Book | 29 uses |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
perish
1 use
...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln -- Gettysburg Address
perish = 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 | 1 use |
Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
persecution
2 uses
Everyone knows about the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.
persecution = very bad and unfair treatment
Definition
Generally persecution means:very bad and unfair treatment of others — usually because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
precede
2 uses
Stone tools preceded bronze tools.
preceded = were before in time
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 100 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
pretense
5 uses
The country maintains a pretense of a free press.
pretense = false appearance
Definition
Generally pretense means:a false appearance or action to help one pretend
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
refute
1 use
The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments.
refuted = argued against
Definition
Generally refute means:to disprove or argue against
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
resignation
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
submitted her resignation
I know you're unhappy there, but don't submit your resignation until you find a better job.
resignation = a document expressing that someone is quitting a job
Definition
Generally this sense of resignation means:to quit — especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
scorn
2 uses
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
scorned = rejected
Definition
Generally scorn means:disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 500 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
treachery
2 uses
Benedict Arnold remains the U.S.'s symbol of ultimate treachery.
treachery = betrayal
Definition
Generally treachery means:the behavior of someone who pretends to be a friend and then tricks, cheats, or betrays
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
treason
3 uses
He was executed for treason in a time of war.
treason = betraying one's own country
Definition
Generally treason means:betraying someone or something — typically betraying one's own country
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal—often by helping enemies)
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal—often by helping enemies)
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |