analytical
2 uses
She has an analytical mind.
analytical = logical and systematic in seeking understanding
Definition
Generally analytical means:relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it — often implying some kind of quantitative analysis
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 23 |
apprehensive
5 uses
She is apprehensive about her new job.
apprehensive = worried
Definition
Generally apprehensive means:worried over possible misfortune
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |
attain
5 uses
She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.
attain = gain or reach something with effort
Definition
Generally attain means:to gain or reach something with effort
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
cease
30 uses
They signed a cease-fire agreement.
cease = to stop or discontinue (in this case, to stop firing weapons at each other)
Definition
Generally cease means:to stop or discontinue
Word Statistics
| Book | 30 uses |
| Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
compel
27 uses
Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?
compel = force
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 | 27 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
contrast
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
there is a contrast
The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.
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 3 |
despair
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
do not despair
Don't despair. Next year will be better.
despair = lose hope
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:to lose hope
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 36 |
discord
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
discordant music
She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.
discordant = unpleasant sounding
Definition
Generally this sense of discord means:unpleasant sound — especially a combination of sounds that sound wrong together (though sometimes done intentionally in music)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
endeavor
12 uses
I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.
endeavored = tried or attempted
Definition
Generally endeavor means:to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 28 |
establish
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
establish a positive tone
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
grave
3 uses
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 | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 37 |
melancholy
8 uses
Since her dog died she's been in a melancholy mood.
melancholy = very sad
Definition
Generally melancholy means:a sad feeling or manner — sometimes thoughtfully sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
placid
7 uses
The sky is clear and the lake placid.
placid = calm
Definition
Generally placid means:calm and not easily excited
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
precede
1 use
Stone tools preceded bronze tools.
preceded = were before in time
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |
rectify
1 use
I am doing what I can to rectify the error.
rectify = correct, fix, or make right
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 37 |
retort
10 uses
She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.
retort = quickly reply
Definition
Generally this sense of retort means:a quick reply to a question or remark — especially a witty or critical one
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
taut
7 uses
The string is pulled taut.
taut = tight
Definition
Generally taut means:pulled or drawn tight;
or: subjected to great tension
or: subjected to great tension
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
whimsical
6 uses
It was an especially whimsical episode of Family Guy.
whimsical = playful or amusing
Definition
Generally whimsical means:playful, amusing, or impulsive rather than seriously rational
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 30 |
wrath
10 uses
She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.
wrath = extreme anger
Definition
Generally wrath means:extreme anger or angry punishment
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 17 |
writhe
9 uses
The patient writhed in pain.
writhed = moved in a twisting or contorted motion
Definition
Generally writhe means:to move in a twisting or contorted motion — often of a person when struggling or in pain
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 26 |