allude
2 uses
Not proof against this chance, the outlaws made up a purse, in no wise disconcerted by Bill's contemptuous allusions to their banding together.†
allusions = indirect references
(editor's note: The suffix "-sions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in discussions from discuss, explosions from explode, and revisions from revise.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-sions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in discussions from discuss, explosions from explode, and revisions from revise.)
Definition
Generally allude means:to make an indirect reference
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
attribute
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
I attribute it to...
He attributed it, however, to the long strain, the suspense nearing an end.†
attributed = credited (pointed to a source for something)
Definition
Generally this sense of attribute means:to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
- "I attribute it to her work." — to say who or what made something happen
- "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." — indicate the source of a quotation or idea
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
augment
5 uses
But Duane's years on the border had augmented a natural instinct or gift to read character, or at least to sense the evil in men; and he knew at once that these strangers were dishonest.†
augmented = enlarged or increased
Definition
Generally augment means:enlarge or increase
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
conscience
10 uses
But now with conscience flayed to the quick, yet utterly powerless over this tiger instinct, he was lost.†
conscience = feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
contrast (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 uses
1 —1 use as in:
contrast their writing styles
Colonel Longstreth returned then, and after bidding Duane a good night, which seemed rather curt by contrast to the graciousness of the girls, he led them away.†
by contrast = in a comparison that shows differences
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:point to differences between; or compare to show differences
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
2 —2 uses as in:
there is a contrast
But in striking contrast to this mystery was the person, character, and cold-blooded action of Poggin and Knell, the chief's lieutenants.†
contrast = notable difference
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:a difference — especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
denotes
3 uses
Presently he turned to Duane with an expression that denoted resignation, and yet a spirit which showed wherein they were of the same blood.†
denoted = means literally; or indicates
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
however
48 uses
1 —48 uses as in:
However, complications may...
He held back, however, trying to evolve further plans.†
however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
Definition
Generally this sense of however means:though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,
Word Statistics
| Book | 48 uses |
| Library | 61 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
juncture
4 uses
At this juncture several more outlaws crowded out of the door, and the one in the lead was a tall man of stalwart physique.†
juncture = where things come together — especially a point in time with a critical event
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
laconic
4 uses
Soon, perchance, I shall have the pleasure of writing of the border of to-day, which in Joe Sitter's laconic speech, "Shore is 'most as bad an' wild as ever!"†
laconic = using few words
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
manifest
15 uses
1 —15 uses as in:
manifest destiny
Manifestly the short while he had spent inside the saloon had been devoted to drinking and talking himself into a frenzy.†
manifestly = obvious; or to make obvious; or to show or demonstrate
Word Statistics
| Book | 15 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 22 |
moreover
5 uses
Moreover, these rough men were always interesting.†
moreover = in addition to what has just been said
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
nevertheless
10 uses
Duane heard no step, saw no movement; nevertheless, there was another present at that camp-fire vigil.†
nevertheless = in spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally nevertheless means:in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
precede
4 uses
That instant gave Duane a power to read in his enemy's eyes the thought that preceded action.†
preceded = went or was before
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
refuge
7 uses
Somewhere out there was a refuge.†
refuge = something giving protection — especially a safe place
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
scorn
8 uses
"You mean for me to run?" asked Duane, in scorn.†
scorn = disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
scrutiny
9 uses
He had a long face, a flaming red beard, and clear, cold blue eyes that fixed in close scrutiny upon Duane.†
scrutiny = careful look or inspection
Definition
Generally scrutiny means:careful examination of something
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
somber
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
a somber mood
I'm done," he said, somberly.†
somberly = solemnly (in a manner that is serious—not cheerful or lighthearted)
Definition
Generally this sense of somber means:serious and without humor or fun — perhaps sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 24 |
vary
3 uses
The number varies.†
varies = differs; or changes
Definition
Generally vary means:to be different, or to change
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
yield
6 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
yield to pressure
Yet he knew in his heart that he was yielding to her, that he could not resist her a moment longer.†
yielding = giving in, giving up, or giving way (easily moved or soft)
Definition
Generally this sense of yield means:to give in, give way, or give up
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |