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 | Story 2.20 |
ascetic
1 use
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 | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.31 |
askance
1 use
He looked askance at the offer.
askance = with disapproval, distrust, or suspicion
Definition
Generally askance means:with disapproval, distrust, or suspicion
or:
directed to one side — especially a sideways glance
or:
directed to one side — especially a sideways glance
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.31 |
beatific
1 use
She has a beatific smile that makes you feel like all is well in the world.
beatific = expressing a calm joy
Definition
Generally beatific means:expressing or producing a calm joy — especially from a holy source
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.29 |
belittle
1 use
The gradualness of the change does not belittle its importance.
belittle = make it less important
Definition
Generally belittle means:to make someone or something seem less important
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.3 |
cavort
1 use
The puppies cavorted in the basket.
cavorted = played in a lively, unrestrained manner
Definition
Generally cavort means:to play in a lively, unrestrained manner — typically with someone — sometimes implying sexual play
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.27 |
compunction
1 use
While most developed nations recognize the embargo, China ignores it without compunction.
compunction = a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
Definition
Generally compunction means:guilt for a misdeed; or a feeling that it would be wrong to do something
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.31 |
derogatory
3 uses
It is unacceptable to use derogatory terms to reference a race or ethnicity.
derogatory = disrespectful
Definition
Generally derogatory means:expressing disrespect or criticism
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.16 |
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 | Story 1.16 |
ebullient
1 use
Her family was jumping for joy, but she was less ebullient.
ebullient = filled with energy and joy
Definition
Generally ebullient means:happy and energetic
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.27 |
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 | Story 4.38 |
ensconced
1 use
She moved to New York for college and has been happily ensconced in the city ever since.
ensconced = settled comfortably
Definition
Generally ensconced means:fixed firmly; or settled comfortably
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 2.20 |
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 | Story 4.33 |
flout
2 uses
The current enforcement policy encourages people to flout the law.
flout = openly disregard
Definition
Generally flout means:to openly disregard — typically a law, rule, or custom
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.27 |
mallet
2 uses
She split the logs with a mallet and wedge.
mallet = a tool resembling a hammer but with a large cylindrical head
Definition
Generally mallet means:a piece of equipment for pounding or hitting
such as:
- a tool resembling a hammer but with a large cylindrical head that is usually made of rubber or wood
- a long stick with a thick cylindrical head used to hit a ball in polo or croquet
- a light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike percussion instruments
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 3.30 |
metamorphosis
3 uses
the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting
metamorphosis = a complete transformation or change
Definition
Generally metamorphosis means:a complete change; or more specifically, the rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some insects
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 2.20 |
mollify
2 uses
She managed to mollify the angry customer.
mollify = calm
Definition
Generally mollify means:calm someone who is or may become angry or upset
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.16 |
rondo
91 uses
The most common rondo forms are ABACA and ABACABA.
rondo = a musical form in which one recurring theme is interspersed with a series of new themes
Definition
Generally rondo means:a musical form in which one recurring theme is interspersed with a series of new themes; often used in the last movement of a sonata
Word Statistics
Book | 91 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.6 |
testimonial
3 uses
Her testimonial for the candidate was especially persuasive.
testimonial = statement that serves as evidence
Definition
Generally testimonial means:something that recommends (or expresses commendation) — especially a verbal statement
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.16 |
untoward
4 uses
She was embarrassed by his untoward behavior.
untoward = improper or awkward
Definition
Generally untoward means:improper, awkward, or unfavorable
Word Statistics
Book | 4 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Story 1.9 |