abrupt
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an abrupt change
The bus came to an abrupt stop.
abrupt = sudden and unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 2 |
agitate
7 uses
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.
agitating = stirring up emotions to increase unrest
Definition
Generally agitate means:to stir up or shake — emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Story 2 |
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 6 |
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 6 |
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 4 |
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 2 |
comprehend
5 uses
I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.
comprehends = fully understands
Definition
Generally comprehend means:to understand something — especially to understand it completely
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Story 2 |
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 6 |
derogatory
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 6 |
endure (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
endured the pain
I endured insult and injury without complaint.
endured = suffered through
Definition
Generally this sense of endure means:to suffer through (or put up with something difficult or unpleasant)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 18 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Story 4 |
2 —1 use as in:
endure through the ages
She is gone, but her teachings endure through the ages.
endure = continue to exist
Definition
Generally this sense of endure means:to continue to exist
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Story 6 |
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 2 |
forgo
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a foregone conclusion
It is a foregone conclusion.
foregone conclusion = a conclusion that is certain to be reached
Definition
Generally this sense of foregone means:done in the past
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 6 |
indifferent
3 uses
About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.
indifferent = without interest
Definition
Generally indifferent means:without interest
in various senses, including:
- unconcerned — as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
- unsympathetic — as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
- not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) — as in "an indifferent performance"
- impartial — as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Story 4 |
irony
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
situational irony
She didn't see the irony in acting like the mother she detested.
irony = when what happens is very different than what might be expected
Definition
Generally this sense of irony means:when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together — especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 6 |
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 5 |
profuse
1 use
It grows profusely in this area.
profusely = abundantly
Definition
Generally profuse means:abundant (a lot of something)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 2 |
prosaic
1 use
It was a prosaic and unimaginative essay.
prosaic = lacking anything unusual, interesting, or challenging
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 4 |
reprehensible
1 use
Cheating is reprehensible.
reprehensible = bad — deserving criticism
Definition
Generally reprehensible means:bad — deserving severe criticism
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 6 |
stoic
1 use
She suffered quietly, courageously, with a stoic acceptance of her illness.
stoic = unemotional
Definition
Generally stoic means:seeming unaffected by pleasure, pain, or emotions
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Story 4 |