affirm
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
I affirm the statement
I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that these statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
affirm = state strongly (that something is true)
Definition
Generally this sense of affirm means:to firmly state that something is true
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
bewilder
2 uses
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.
bewilder = confuse
Definition
Generally bewilder means:to confuse someone
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
blasphemy
1 use
The government of the Muslim nation monitors major websites for blasphemy.
blasphemy = disrespect of something considered sacred
Definition
Generally blasphemy means:something said or done that is disrespectful of something considered sacred — especially God or religion
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
congregation
1 use
It's a casual congregation where many people wander into services late.
congregation = people who worship together in the same building
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
consort
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
consort together
She consorts with criminals.
consorts = spends leisure time with
Definition
Generally this sense of consort means:spend time with — especially spending leisure time with people considered undesirable; or one of the people with whom time is spent
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
despair
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
she felt despair
Don't give in to despair.
despair = a feeling of hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
discern
1 use
The second picture has more pixels, but the human eye can't discern the difference.
discern = notice or see (something that is not obvious)
Definition
Generally discern means:to notice or understand something — often something that is not obvious
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
eloquent
1 use
Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.
eloquence = powerful use of language
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
entreat
1 use
She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.
entreated = asked
Definition
Generally entreat means:to ask — especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
grave
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
incantation
1 use
She believes in the power of magical incantations.
incantations = combinations of words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud
Definition
Generally incantation means:words believed to have a magical effect when they are said aloud; or the saying of such words
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
manifest
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
manifest destiny
Domestic violence doesn't always manifest as physical abuse.
manifest = show (make itself known)
Definition
Generally this sense of manifest means:obvious; or to make obvious; or to show or demonstrate
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
nettle
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
my nettlesome little sister
Her superior attitude really nettles me.
nettles = annoys — especially with minor irritations
Definition
Generally this sense of nettle means:to annoy — especially with minor irritations
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
pious
6 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
a good, pious woman
The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.
pious = highly religious
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:religious or highly moral
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
resolve
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
I resolved to stop drinking.
This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.
resolved = decided
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:to decide — typically a firm or formal decision
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
resume
2 uses
We hope for a resumption of negotiations.
resumption = the act of beginning again
Definition
Generally resume means:begin or take on again
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
revere
4 uses
Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
revere = deeply respect and admire
Definition
Generally revere means:regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration — sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
serpent
3 uses
There was a picture of a serpent eating its tail.
serpent = snake
Definition
Generally serpent means:a snake
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
venerable
2 uses
They looked to the venerable old woman for advice.
venerable = respected
Definition
Generally venerable means:respected (worthy of respect) — typically because of age or position
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
wither
2 uses
The grapes withered on the vine.
withered = shriveled (wrinkled as they dried out)
Definition
Generally wither means:to shrivel (wrinkle and contract — usually from lack of water)
or:
to become weaker; or feel humiliated
or:
to become weaker; or feel humiliated
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |