aggrieve
1 use
He fears a lawsuit from one of the aggrieved parties.
aggrieved = feeling harmed from unfair treatment
Definition
Generally aggrieve means:feeling harmed by unfair treatment; or (more rarely) harming someone unfairly
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
caustic
1 use
Don't get it on your skin. It's caustic.
caustic = harsh or capable of hurting skin (like a strong acid)
Definition
Generally caustic means:of a chemical substance: corrosive; capable of destroying or eating away such as a strong acid
or:
of a person: sarcastic, critical, or harsh
or:
of a person: sarcastic, critical, or harsh
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Book 4 |
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 | Book 1 |
crescendo
2 uses
Campaigning reached a crescendo the day before the election.
crescendo = maximum intensity
Definition
Generally crescendo means:a gradual increase in intensity; or the time of maximum intensity — especially in the loudness of music
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
digress
1 use
She always digresses when telling a story.
digresses = wanders from a direct course
Definition
Generally digress means:wander from a direct or straight course — typically verbally
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
dissociate
1 use
He dissociated himself from the organization.
dissociated = ended association
Definition
Generally dissociate means:end association with
The expression: "dissociate with" means to publicly state one is not associated with someone or something
The expression: "dissociate with" means to publicly state one is not associated with someone or something
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
distend
1 use
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 | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
engender
1 use
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 | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 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 | Book 2 |
ephemeral
2 uses
Her fame was ephemeral.
ephemeral = existing only for a short time
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 2 |
exorbitant
1 use
The rent in that building is exorbitant.
exorbitant = a lot more than is reasonable or typical
Definition
Generally exorbitant means:a lot more than is reasonable or typical — often said of price
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 3 |
expiate
1 use
She knows she can't expiate her sins, but hopes to heal some of the wounds.
expiate = make up for (do enough good to make up for the wrongs)
Definition
Generally expiate means:atone (demonstrate sorrow for a wrong either by doing something good to make up for the wrong, or accepting punishment)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 2 |
expound
1 use
You will be asked to expound on a teacher-selected topic from the book.
expound = discuss in detail
Definition
Generally expound means:explain or discuss in detail
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
harangue
2 uses
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 | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
inarticulate
2 uses
She becomes inarticulate when she's nervous.
inarticulate = unable to express herself clearly
Definition
Generally inarticulate means:unable to communicate clearly (or to use words)
or (more rarely): a feeling or idea that is not expressed
or (more rarely): a feeling or idea that is not expressed
The exact meaning of inarticulate depends upon its context. For example:
- unable to find good words to express oneself — as in "She gets inarticulate when she's nervous."
- verbally expressing a feeling without words — as in "She uttered an inarticulate cry of despair."
- unable to make oneself heard and understood — as in "She mumbled inarticulately."
- unable to speak — as in "She was inarticulate with rage."
- a feeling or idea that is not expressed — as in "We shared an inarticulate fear."
- inability to express or understand feelings or ideas — as in "She is emotionally inarticulate, " or "Her symphony is inarticulate."
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
increment
1 use
Bidding starts at $100 with minimum increments of $10.
increments = increases
Definition
Generally increment means:one of a series of increases; or the amount of an increase — especially in small, consistent amounts
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
interpose
5 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 | 5 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 1 |
sheer
1 use
1 —1 use 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 | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT®* | top 1000 |
1st use | Book 3 |
spurn
2 uses
She spurned his advances.
spurned = rejected
Definition
Generally spurn means:reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |
zenith
2 uses
He met her when her career was at its zenith.
zenith = highest point
Definition
Generally zenith means:the highest point - physically or as a metaphor
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Book 4 |