affectation
1 use
She is comfortable in her own skin and meets strangers without affectation.
affectation = behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
atrophy
1 use
Muscles that are not used will quickly atrophy.
atrophy = wither or weaken — especially from lack of use
Definition
Generally atrophy means:to wither or weaken — especially from lack of use
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
bequeath
2 uses
It is our duty to bequeath a better world to our grandchildren.
bequeath = pass down
Definition
Generally bequeath means:give or pass down — often upon death in a will
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
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 | Chapter 4 |
edify
4 uses
She edifies and inspires supporters everywhere she speaks.
edifies = teaches or instructs
Definition
Generally edify means:to instruct — morally or intellectually
Word Statistics
Book | 4 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
eschew
1 use
Her bumper sticker says "Eschew obfuscation."
eschew = avoid and stay away from
Definition
Generally eschew means:avoid and stay away from deliberately
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
forgery
3 uses
The painting is a forgery.
forgery = a fake (a copy meant to look like the original)
Definition
Generally forgery means:something that is represented as real even though it is a fake; or the making of such a fake item
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
garnish
1 use
She garnished the plate with parsley.
garnished = decorated or adorned
Definition
Generally this sense of garnish means:to decorate or adorn something (most typically food with another food); or the item added for decoration
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
King Arthur
1 use
It is another story about the boy who would become King Arthur.
King Arthur = mythical king of the Britons recognized as such when he was able to pull the sword Excalibur from the stone that had locked its blade; created the Knights of the Round Table
Definition
Generally King Arthur means:mythical king of the Britons (English) recognized as such when he was able to pull the sword Excalibur from the stone that had locked its blade; created the Knights of the Round Table to protect his people
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
matinée
1 use
We can still make the half-price matinée.
matinée = daytime performance
Definition
Generally matinée means:a daytime performance (of something like a movie or play)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
perfidy
1 use
She is guilty of perfidy if not treason.
perfidy = an act of deliberate betrayal
Definition
Generally perfidy means:an act of deliberate betrayal; or such behavior
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
purloin
1 use
The museum's night watchman purloined the artifacts.
purloined = stole
Definition
Generally purloin means:to steal — especially in violation of trust
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
Queen Victoria
5 uses
The Victorian era is in reference to the 63 years that Queen Victoria ruled.
Queen Victoria = queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901 when the monarchy had primarily symbolic power
Definition
Generally Queen Victoria means:queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901 when the monarchy had primarily symbolic power; the last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
rancor
1 use
She made the suggestion to reduce the partisan rancor.
rancor = feelings of deep and bitter anger or hatred
Definition
Generally rancor means:deep and bitter anger or hatred — especially when long-standing
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
raze
1 use
The developers wanted to raze the complex and replace it with a high-rise commercial building, but they were stopped when it was designated a national historic landmark.
raze = completely destroy
Definition
Generally raze means:completely destroy — usually of buildings with the implication that they are flattened to the ground
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
spurn
1 use
She spurned his advances.
spurned = rejected
Definition
Generally spurn means:reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 3 |
stringent
1 use
We insist that our employees follow stringent safety measures.
stringent = strict
Definition
Generally stringent means:demanding strict attention to detailed rules and procedures
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
temperate
1 use
Northern Florida is temperate; while the south is subtropical.
temperate = lacking extremes (in this case, in weather)
Definition
Generally temperate means:lacking extremes — especially of weather, climate, or behavior
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
tempestuous
1 use
She has a tempestuous relationship with her mother.
tempestuous = turbulent (emotionally violent)
Definition
Generally tempestuous means:strongly turbulent — as of a storm or unstable emotions
Word Statistics
Book | 1 use |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
wizened
2 uses
She was a wizened old woman with gray hair.
wizened = thin and wrinkled
Definition
Generally wizened means:thin and wrinkled — typically from age or illness
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |