adapt
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
adapted to the new rules
Ideas contained in passages for this test, some of which are excerpted or adapted from published material, do not necessarily represent the opinions of the College Board.
adapted = changed (to fit this situation)
Definition
Generally this sense of adapt means:changed to fit a different situation; or made suitable
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
alliance
41 uses
The Islamic governments formed an alliance to defeat Israel.
alliance = association formed to support common interests
Definition
Generally alliance means:an association formed to support common interests
Word Statistics
| Book | 41 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
appalling
10 uses
The live in appalling conditions.
appalling = shockingly terrible or horrible
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
beckon
7 uses
I should be studying, but television beckons me.
beckons = calls (in this case by being desirable and inviting)
Definition
Generally beckon means:to call — typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
centaur
29 uses
Firenze is the name of a centaur character in the Harry Potter stories.
centaur = a mythical being that is half man and half horse
Word Statistics
| Book | 29 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
chide
14 uses
She constantly chides me for my grammar.
chides = corrects or criticizes
Definition
Generally chide means:to tell someone they have done wrong — sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
Word Statistics
| Book | 14 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
clamor
8 uses
She ignored the clamor of the crowd.
clamor = loud noise and/or persistent demands
Definition
Generally clamor means:loud noise and/or persistent demands — especially from human voice
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
conjure
11 uses
She fears his black magic will conjure up evil spirits.
conjure = summon into action or bring into existence
Definition
Generally conjure means:summon into action or bring into existence — often as if by magic
Word Statistics
| Book | 11 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
debut
32 uses
The band debuts a new song or two every month.
debuts = introduces (or presents for the first time)
Definition
Generally debut means:a first presentation
in various senses, including:
- the first performance of a new play
- the introduction of a new product
- the introduction of a young woman to society at a social event held in her honor (a debutante ball)
Word Statistics
| Book | 32 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
deceive
10 uses
The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.
deceive = mislead
Definition
Generally deceive means:to lie to or mislead someone — occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
deviate
2 uses
She never deviated from her goal of getting a good education and becoming a teacher.
deviated = strayed (changed)
Definition
Generally this sense of deviate means:differ or change
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
discord
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
discord amongst the group
There is too much discord in the team.
discord = conflict
Definition
Generally this sense of discord means:conflict or disagreement — especially among those expected to cooperate
or (especially in the form discordant):
seeming different or wrong along with everything else
or (especially in the form discordant):
seeming different or wrong along with everything else
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
disdain
4 uses
She tries to be polite, but cannot hide her disdain for authority.
disdain = lack of respect
Definition
Generally disdain means:a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority
or:
to reject as not good enough
or:
to reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
dispose
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
disposed the troops along...
Troops were disposed strategically along the northern border.
disposed = placed
Definition
Generally this sense of dispose means:the arrangement, positioning, or use of things
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
duplicity
1 use
I trust her. Duplicity isn't in her nature or her tool kit.
duplicity = deception
Definition
Generally duplicity means:deception (lying to or misleading others) — usually over an extended period
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
grave
4 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 | 4 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
hideous
25 uses
The beast had hideous fangs.
hideous = extremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening
Word Statistics
| Book | 25 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
illustrate
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an illustrated children's book
I write and illustrate children's books.
illustrate = draw pictures to accompany
Definition
Generally this sense of illustrate means:to draw pictures (or provide photographs) to accompany a book or other writing
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
mortal
9 uses
1 —9 uses as in:
mortal body
Don't expect perfection of a mere mortal.
mortal = human
Definition
Generally this sense of mortal means:human (especially merely human); or subject to death
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
pious
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a good, pious woman
The cartoon with a drawing of Muhammad outraged many pious Muslims.
pious = highly religious
Definition
Generally this sense of pious means:religious or highly moral
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |