allude
21 uses
The man, who had manifested so hostile an intention, appeared to understand the other's allusion, and suffered himself to be diverted from his object.†
allusion = an indirect reference
(editor's note: The suffix "-sion", 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 admission from admit, discussion from discuss, and invasion from invade.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-sion", 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 admission from admit, discussion from discuss, and invasion from invade.)
Definition
Generally allude means:to make an indirect reference
Word Statistics
| Book | 21 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
bestow
25 uses
Beloved, happy, and bestowing happiness!†
bestowing = giving
Definition
Generally bestow means:to give — typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
Word Statistics
| Book | 25 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
compel
22 uses
Before he had time to reproach his comrade for this apparent treachery, a dozen Siouxes were around them, and the whole party were compelled to yield themselves as prisoners.†
compelled = forced; or (more rarely) convinced
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 | 22 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
consequence
29 uses
1 —29 uses as in:
a direct consequence of
Many French words have, consequently, become of local use in this quarter of America, and not a few names given in that language have been perpetuated.†
consequently = resultantly (as a result)
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
Word Statistics
| Book | 29 uses |
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
countenance
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a pleasant countenance
...in whose countenance disappointment and rage were struggling with the affected composure of his station,
countenance = facial expression
Definition
Generally this sense of countenance means:facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 28 |
deference
16 uses
His example was followed by the trapper, as well as the rest of the party; and then, without much deference to the presence of their guest, the travellers proceeded to make their dispositions to pass the night.†
deference = polite respect
Definition
Generally deference means:polite respect — often when submitting to another's wishes
Word Statistics
| Book | 16 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
disdain
14 uses
The woman answered with a hollow, unnatural, and scornful laugh, and even her heavy sons, as they slowly passed the seat of the already abstracted naturalist, did not disdain to manifest their contempt in smiles.†
disdain = a 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 | 14 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 23 |
dispute
8 uses
1 —8 uses as in:
She disputes his claim.
"And such I call barefaced and downright wantonness and waste," interrupted his sturdy disputant.†
disputant = someone involved in challenging, arguing about, or fighting over something
Definition
Generally this sense of dispute means:challenge, argue about, or fight over
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
dwell
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
a modest dwelling
There were, it is true, in general, the same wide and empty wastes, the same rich and extensive bottoms, and that wild and singular combination of swelling fields and of nakedness, which gives that region the appearance of an ancient country, incomprehensibly stripped of its people and their dwellings.†
dwellings = houses or shelters in which people live
Definition
Generally this sense of dwelling means:a house or shelter in which someone lives
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 32 |
enable
17 uses
The day was not yet sufficiently advanced to enable her to distinguish its form and character, though enough was discernible to induce her to imagine it a fierce and savage animal.†
enable = make possible
Definition
Generally enable means:to make possible
in various senses, including:
- to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something — as in "The study will enable an informed discussion."
- to activate a computer system for use — as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page."
- to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern — as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
Word Statistics
| Book | 17 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
endeavor
29 uses
"Well, since it is your wish, Ellen," returned the youth, endeavouring to swallow his spleen, "I will make the trial; though, as you ought to know, it is part of the religion of a Kentuckian to fret himself a little at a mischance."†
endeavouring = trying or attempting
(editor's note: This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavoring.)
(editor's note: This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavoring.)
Definition
Generally endeavor means:to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
Word Statistics
| Book | 29 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
establish (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 8 uses
1 —7 uses as in:
establish a positive tone
When this equivocal species of amity was established between the warrior of the prairies and the experienced old trapper, the latter proceeded to give his directions to Paul, concerning the arrangements of the contemplated halt.†
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
2 —1 use as in:
establish that there is a need
"I am but an infant," he commenced, looking furtively around him, in order to detect how far his well-established character for prudence and courage contradicted his assertion.†
established = known
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 27 |
grave
13 uses
Throughout the whole of a ceremony, which is ever solemn and admonitory, the squatter had maintained a grave and serious deportment.†
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 | 13 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
manifest
38 uses
1 —38 uses as in:
manifest destiny
...she rather manifested the quality of impatience, than any feeling of alarm.
manifested = showed
Definition
Generally this sense of manifest means:obvious; or to make obvious; or to show or demonstrate
Word Statistics
| Book | 38 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
mortal
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
mortal body
It would appear that the two fortunate mortals, to whose happy lot it fell to enjoy a meal in which health and appetite lent so keen a relish to the exquisite food of the American deserts, were far from being insensible of the advantage they possessed.†
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 | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
notwithstanding
34 uses
Notwithstanding the surprise and the disadvantage of his attitude, the youth was not disposed to become a captive so easily.†
notwithstanding = in spite of; or in spite of the thing just mentioned (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally notwithstanding means:in spite of; or in spite of the thing mentioned
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 34 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
novel
4 uses
Hard-Heart listened like one in whom a train of novel ideas had been excited by the reasoning of the other.†
novel = new and original
Definition
Generally this sense of novel means:new and original — typically something considered good
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
precede
22 uses
Several shots in quick succession, each sending its dangerous messenger, still nearer than the preceding discharge, cut short her speech, no less in prudence than in terror.†
preceding = prior (in time or space)
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Book | 22 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
prudent
13 uses
Presently its proportions became more distinct, and then an airy, female form appeared to hesitate, as if considering whether it would be prudent to advance.†
prudent = sensible and careful
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |