allay
1 use
They have tried to allay fears by saying their weapons are of a defensive nature.
allay = reduced the intensity of
Definition
Generally allay means:reduce the intensity of or calm
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
begrudge
5 uses
I don't begrudge her making a profit, but this is unreasonable.
begrudge = resent (feel bitter about)
Definition
Generally begrudge means:to resent (feel bitterness—usually over unfairness); or to give unwillingly
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 23 |
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 | Chapter 30 |
beseech
5 uses
She teaches and beseeches her students to think about their future.
beseeches = begs
Definition
Generally beseech means:to ask strongly or beg for something
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
diffident
1 use
She is diffident around adults, but dominant with her peer group.
diffident = hesitant and unassertive
Definition
Generally diffident means:hesitant and unassertive — often due to a lack of self-confidence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
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 | Chapter 9 |
edict
1 use
The Taliban issued an edict that girls could not attend school.
edict = order
Definition
Generally edict means:an order — typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decree
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
filial
3 uses
She tried to restrain her mother, so far as filial respect would allow.
filial = child-to-parent
Definition
Generally filial means:relating to the relationship of children to their parents
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
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 12 |
harangue
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
importune
1 use
She began to importune school trustees as soon as she learned of the problem.
importune = beg insistently or urge repeatedly
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
inarticulate
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
loathe
5 uses
I make New Year's resolutions every year and then loathe myself for breaking them.
loathe = hate
Definition
Generally loathe means:hate, detest, or intensely dislike
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
magistrate
5 uses
The local magistrate insisted on a cash payment for the speeding ticket.
magistrate = judge
Definition
Generally magistrate means:a judge or judicial official
The exact meaning of magistrate varies widely depending upon the context. For example:
- in the U.S. federal court: assists district court judges by handling minor offenses or administrative tasks such as preliminary hearings (often referred to as a magistrate judge rather than just a magistrate)
- in some U.S. states: a judge in the state court
- in France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and other civil law countries: a sitting magistrate is a judge and a standing magistrate is a prosecutor
- in England: may be a volunteer without formal legal training who performs a judicial role with regard to minor matters
- in ancient Rome: a powerful officer with both judicial and executive power
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
parsimonious
1 use
Ebenezer Scrooge was parsimonious in Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
parsimonious = (having the trait of) extreme reluctance to spend money or use resources
Definition
Generally parsimonious means:extreme reluctance to spend money or use resources
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 30 |
rebuke
5 uses
She was stung by the rebuke.
rebuke = severe criticism
Definition
Generally rebuke means:criticize severely; or such criticism
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
subsist
1 use
Fortunately, the museum doesn't have to subsist entirely on admission charges.
subsist = survive
Definition
Generally subsist means:to survive — especially without being able to manage comforts or luxuries
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 17 |
vendor
6 uses
My school is looking for a new vendor to provide food and service in the cafeteria.
vendor = someone who sells a good or service
Definition
Generally vendor means:someone who sells goods or services
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
wizened
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
zenith
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |