accord
8 uses
1 —7 uses as in:
according to, or in accord with
She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.
accordance = keeping
Definition
Generally this sense of accord means:in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with
This sense of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example:
- "According to Kim, ..." — as stated by
- "To each according to her ability." — based upon
- "Points are scored according to how well they perform." — depending upon
- "The dose is calculated according to body weight." — in proportion to
- "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." — because of what was just said; or as a result
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 53 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
unquizzed meaning —1 use
consequence
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
a direct consequence of
Your decision will have three major consequences.
consequences = results
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.4 |
context
1 use
She said she was quoted out of context and that anyone who read her full speech would know it.
context = in a misleading manner (because the quote left out additional words that changed the meaning of what was quoted)
Definition
Generally context means:the setting or situation in which something occurs
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.13 |
descend
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
thieves descended upon us
Despair descended upon us.
descended = came suddenly
Definition
Generally this sense of descend means:to come or arrive — especially suddenly or from above or as an attack
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.4 |
despair
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
do not despair
Don't despair. Next year will be better.
despair = lose hope
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:to lose hope
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1 |
enable
6 uses
The test enables earlier identification of autism.
enables = makes possible
Definition
Generally enable means:to make possible
in various senses, including:
- to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something — as in "The study will enable an informed discussion."
- to activate a computer system for use — as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page."
- to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern — as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.17 |
establish
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
establish a positive tone
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
evoke
9 uses
Her story evoked sympathy.
evoked = aroused
Definition
Generally evoke means:to call forth or cause — typically to arouse an emotion or bring a memory to mind
Word Statistics
| Book | 9 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.2 |
ferret out
1 use
She ferreted out the truth.
ferreted out = searched for and discovered through persistent investigation
Definition
Generally ferret out means:search for and discover through persistent investigation
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.17 |
futile
10 uses
Resistance is futile.
futile = pointless because it cannot produce anything useful
Definition
Generally futile means:effort that is pointless because it is unproductive or unsuccessful
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1 |
grave
3 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 | 3 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
highlight
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
highlights of the year
Did you watch the video highlights?
highlights = best parts
Definition
Generally this sense of highlight means:something that stands out
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
intellectual
6 uses
1 —6 uses as in:
She is an intellectual.
During China's The Cultural Revolution, many intellectuals were killed or sent to the countryside to do farmwork.
intellectuals = highly educated people interested in learning and exploring ideas
Definition
Generally this sense of intellectual means:a highly educated person interested in learning and exploring ideas — sometimes while ignoring practical considerations
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
militant
11 uses
The Taliban militant said he was fighting for his religion and way of life.
militant = someone who uses extreme or violent methods to achieve a political goal
Definition
Generally militant means:using extreme or violent methods used to achieve a political goal; or someone who uses such methods
Word Statistics
| Book | 11 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.5 |
naive
24 uses
She critized America's naive foreign policy.
naive = lacking the understanding that comes from experience or sophistication
Definition
Generally naive means:lacking experience or sophistication, and the understanding that comes from them — often too trusting or optimistic
Word Statistics
| Book | 24 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1 |
nevertheless
2 uses
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.
nevertheless = in spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally nevertheless means:in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.6 |
objective
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an objective viewpoint
By any objective analysis, you would have to agree that...
objective = fact-based (not influenced by personal feelings or preferences)
Definition
Generally this sense of objective means:fact-based without the influence of personal feelings or preferences
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.18 |
secular
1 use
Many countries of the Middle East and North Africa maintain a dual system of secular courts and religious courts, in which the religious courts mainly regulate marriage and inheritance.
secular = non-religious
Definition
Generally secular means:not religious
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.4 |
Soviet Union
13 uses
Over half of the citizens of the Soviet Union were Russian.
Soviet Union = a former communist country that fought the cold war with the United States
Definition
Generally Soviet Union means:a former communist country that fought the cold war with the United States and which consisted of Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics; established 1922 and officially dissolved 31 December 1991
Word Statistics
| Book | 13 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.19 |
yearn
11 uses
I yearn for her return.
yearn = strongly desire or wish
Definition
Generally yearn means:have a strong desire — often for something difficult or impossible to have
Word Statistics
| Book | 11 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.1 |