alacrity
3 uses
She completed each assignment with alacrity.
alacrity = quickness
Definition
Generally alacrity means:quickness; and/or cheerful eagerness
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
allay
1 use
They have tried to allay fears by saying their weapons are of a defensive nature.
allay = reduced the intensity of
Definition
Generally allay means:reduce the intensity of or calm
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
antagonism
2 uses
There is skepticism, if not antagonism, between the two groups.
antagonism = hostility
Definition
Generally antagonism means:hostility, opposition, or tension between opposing forces or ideas
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
arbiter
1 use
She was the final arbiter on all matters of fashion.
arbiter = someone who settles disputes — often because of reputation
Definition
Generally arbiter means:someone who settles disputes — often because of reputation
or:
someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
or:
someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
assuage
1 use
The panel will have an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to help assuage concern that it could be used for political ends.
assuage = soothe
Definition
Generally assuage means:to soothe (make something less unpleasant or frightening)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 17 |
condone
1 use
Such behavior is permitted, but we certainly don't condone it.
condone = accept without criticism; or approve of
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
conducive
1 use
The dorm room was not conducive to studying.
conducive = helpful
Definition
Generally conducive means:contribute (help lead to a result)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
copious
2 uses
She took copious notes.
copious = a lot of
Definition
Generally copious means:abundant (large in quantity or number)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
debase
2 uses
Prosecutors said fighters raped village elders to publicly debase them.
debase = decrease the status
Definition
Generally debase means:to degrade (decrease) the purity, quality, or status of something — often morality or metals
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
distend
2 uses
One method of declawing is to severe the tendon that allows the claws to distend.
distend = extend
Definition
Generally distend means:to extend — especially the swelling outward of a part of the body; e.g., the stomach
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
engender
3 uses
The police in Mexico don't engender confidence.
engender = cause (bring into being)
Definition
Generally engender means:cause — usually a feeling (possibly a situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
enumerate
1 use
She enumerated the many obstacles she had encountered
enumerated = to name items individually (as though making a list)
Definition
Generally enumerate means:to name items individually (as though making a list); or to count
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
forthwith
2 uses
The judge ordered her release "forthwith."
forthwith = immediately
Definition
Generally forthwith means:immediately — (most typically seen in legal documents, formal use, or classic literature)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
imbibe
2 uses
I try to eat before I imbibe and then drink plenty of water.
imbibe = drink alcohol
Definition
Generally imbibe means:to take in — especially to drink alcohol or be influenced by ideas
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
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 4 |
laconic
3 uses
I need more than the book and my teacher's laconic answers to understand this material.
laconic = using few words
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
pathos
2 uses
The novel triumphs with humor and pathos.
pathos = a quality that arouses pity or sorrow
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
repudiate
1 use
The parents repudiated their son.
repudiated = strongly rejected
Definition
Generally repudiate means:strong rejection — especially when the idea or thing being rejected was once embraced
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
sheer
4 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
sheered to the left
The boat sheered to port to avoid a collision.
sheered = turned sharply
Definition
Generally this sense of sheer means:change direction abruptly; or to cause such a change of direction — (usually said of a boat)
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
untoward
2 uses
She was embarrassed by his untoward behavior.
untoward = improper or awkward
Definition
Generally untoward means:improper, awkward, or unfavorable
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |