abstruse
2 uses
The professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them.
abstruse = difficult to understand
Definition
Generally abstruse means:difficult to understand; or not known by the great majority of people
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
acrimony
1 use
The meeting ended in acrimony.
acrimony = anger
Definition
Generally acrimony means:anger—often accompanied by bitterness
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
ascetic
2 uses
The ascetic life has been more pronounced in Hinduism and Buddhism than in other major religions.
ascetic = the practice of self-denial
Definition
Generally ascetic means:someone who practices self-denial (often to encourage spiritual growth); or relating to such self-denial
or:
severely plain (without decoration)
or:
severely plain (without decoration)
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 7 |
bequeath
2 uses
It is our duty to bequeath a better world to our grandchildren.
bequeath = pass down
Definition
Generally bequeath means:give or pass down — often upon death in a will
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 8 |
capacious
1 use
She carries a capacious bag.
capacious = very large
Definition
Generally capacious means:large in capacity
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
chronological
1 use
Events are listed in chronological order.
chronological = arranged according to time
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 2000 |
1st use | Pro. |
contiguous
1 use
Texas is the largest of the contiguous 48 states.
contiguous = sharing boundaries
Definition
Generally contiguous means:with a common boundary; or very close in space or time
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
diffident
1 use
She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.
diffident = hesitant and unassertive
Definition
Generally diffident means:hesitant and unassertive — often due to a lack of self-confidence
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Pro. |
egress
1 use
Picketing strikers may not block access to or egress from the premises.
egress = exit
Definition
Generally egress means:to exit
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
facetious
2 uses
I trust you didn't take her facetious remarks seriously.
facetious = trivially humorous
Definition
Generally facetious means:trivial humor
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
flaccid
1 use
His flaccid handshake, didn't fill me with confidence.
flaccid = lacking firmness or strength
Definition
Generally flaccid means:lacking in firmness or strength
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
harangue
1 use
My parents continuously harangue me about my grades.
harangue = annoyingly try to persuade or criticize
Definition
Generally harangue means:to try to persuade, or to criticize in an impassioned and often annoying manner; or a speech with such an intent
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
incisive
1 use
As usual, Mary's comments were incisive.
incisive = direct, clear, and sharp in thinking or expression
Definition
Generally incisive means:direct, clear, and sharp in thinking or expression — often indicating a decisive person (makes decisions quickly) or a penetrating mind
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
incognito
2 uses
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 | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
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 4 |
interpose
3 uses
She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.
interposed = inserted
Definition
Generally interpose means:to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
pathos
1 use
The novel triumphs with humor and pathos.
pathos = a quality that arouses pity or sorrow
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
perishable
2 uses
Spoilage is an important cost for businesses that deal in perishable goods.
perishable = things that decay (spoil)
Definition
Generally perishable means:things that decay (spoil) — (often said of foods that need refrigeration such as meats or milk)
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 8 |
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 4 |
venerate
1 use
Most contemporary Hindus do not actually worship the cow; though many venerate her.
venerate = regard with feelings of respect and reverence
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 7 |