adage
2 uses
Remember the old adage: "It's not how much you earn; it's how much you save."
adage = saying
Definition
Generally adage means:an old saying considered wise by many; e.g., "Actions speak louder than words."
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
aggrieve
1 use
He fears a lawsuit from one of the aggrieved parties.
aggrieved = feeling harmed from unfair treatment
Definition
Generally aggrieve means:feeling harmed by unfair treatment; or (more rarely) harming someone unfairly
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
apprehensive
1 use
She is apprehensive about her new job.
apprehensive = worried
Definition
Generally apprehensive means:worried over possible misfortune
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
belittle
2 uses
The gradualness of the change does not belittle its importance.
belittle = make it less important
Definition
Generally belittle means:to make someone or something seem less important
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
beseech
2 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 | 2 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
contemporary
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
they are contemporaries
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were contemporary artists who competed for some projects.
contemporary = lived at the same time
Definition
Generally this sense of contemporary means:living at the same time
or:
something occurring in the same period of time as something else
or:
something occurring in the same period of time as something else
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
corroborate
2 uses
The detectives looked for evidence to corroborate her story.
corroborate = support
Definition
Generally corroborate means:to support an opinion — typically with additional evidence or testimony
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
dictum
1 use
She is fond of quoting Ken Kesey's dictum: "You can count the seeds in the apple, but you can't count the apples in the seed."
dictum = saying
Definition
Generally dictum means:a short saying intended to make a point
in various senses, including:
- a popular saying — such as "Nothing is certain but death and taxes."
- a formal declaration from a respected source — such as the Constitution's statement that "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech"
- a non-binding remark in a judge's opinion — short for obiter dictum
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
disclaim
1 use
We disclaim any responsibility for the accident.
disclaim = deny
Definition
Generally disclaim means:to deny (responsibility for, knowledge of, or ownership of)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
discredit
1 use
She spoke only of her strengths, but others on her campaign staff worked to discredit her opponent.
discredit = damage the reputation of
Definition
Generally discredit means:damage the reputation of — often causing distrust of or disbelief in
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
immutable
1 use
It is an immutable law of physics.
immutable = unchangeable
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
incognito
1 use
They are travelling incognito.
incognito = with hidden identity (perhaps false names or even disguises)
Definition
Generally incognito means:with identity hidden — such as via a disguise or false name
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
iniquity
1 use
That was when I realized I had to climb up from the depths of iniquity.
iniquity = immorality
Definition
Generally iniquity means:immorality; or an immoral act
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
mote
3 uses
without a mote of protest
mote = a tiny bit
Definition
Generally mote means:a tiny piece of anything
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
perjury
3 uses
She was not found guilty of the theft, but was found guilty of perjury during her testimony to the grand jury.
perjury = the criminal offense of telling lies in court after formally promising to tell the truth
Definition
Generally perjury means:the criminal offense of telling lies after formally promising to tell the truth — such as when testifying in a court trial
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
quibble
1 use
Let's not quibble over pennies.
quibble = argue about unimportant things
Definition
Generally quibble means:to argue about unimportant things; or an argument or complaint about something unimportant
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
rhetoric
1 use
She has convincing rhetoric, but makes bad decisions.
rhetoric = use of words to make a point
Definition
Generally rhetoric means:the use of (or study of using) words to make a point — typically implying skillful use
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
sonorous
2 uses
The candidate discussed weighty matters in rich, sonorous tones.
sonorous = (of sound:) full and deep
Definition
Generally sonorous means:full and deep sounding
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
stolid
2 uses
She listened to both arguments thoughtfully, but with a face as stolid as a cow's.
stolid = emotionless
Definition
Generally stolid means:having or revealing little emotion — sometimes indicating qualities of not changing or being dependable
or (much more rarely):
of an object: not interesting — often large and unmoving
or (much more rarely):
of an object: not interesting — often large and unmoving
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
temperate
1 use
Northern Florida is temperate; while the south is subtropical.
temperate = lacking extremes (in this case, in weather)
Definition
Generally temperate means:lacking extremes — especially of weather, climate, or behavior
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |