agitate
1 use
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 | 1 use |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.47.7 |
begrudge
2 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 | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5, p.119 |
bewilder
5 uses
Some of their customs can bewilder travelers.
bewilder = confuse
Definition
Generally bewilder means:to confuse someone
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.46.6 |
consequence
1 use
1 —1 use 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 | 1 use |
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Dawn, p.3.9 |
distort
5 uses
These sunglasses distort my vision.
distort = alter in an unnatural or untrue way
Definition
Generally distort means:to alter something in an unnatural or untrue way
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.23.3 |
eulogy
2 uses
She gave the eulogy at his funeral.
eulogy = formal speech praising someone at their funeral
Definition
Generally eulogy means:a formal expression of praise — typically a speech given at someone's funeral
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2, p.67.9 |
forfeit
1 use
We had to forfeit the deposit.
forfeit = lose
Definition
Generally forfeit means:to lose or surrender something — often as a penalty
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.50.2 |
indignant
3 uses
She was indignant, but agreed to be searched when they accused her of shoplifting.
indignant = angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.79.3 |
malicious
1 use
I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.
malicious = evil; or made with the intent to make others suffer
Definition
Generally malicious means:wanting to see others suffer; or threatening evil
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4, p.94.2 |
minute (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 uses
1 —1 use as in:
minute size
Don't eat a lot of poppy seeds for a few days before a drug test. They have a minute amount of a chemical that can cause a false positive when testing for heroin use.
minute = tiny
Definition
Generally this sense of minute means:small, exceptionally small, or insignificant
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6, p.149.9 |
2 —2 uses as in:
keep the minutes
The secretary keeps the minutes of the meeting.
minutes = written record of what happens at a meeting
Definition
Generally this sense of minutes means:a written record of what happened at a meeting
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6, p.143.6 |
monologue
4 uses
In books we find monologues from the greatest minds. And where those books disagree, it is up to the reader to create a dialogue.
monologues = a long speech by one person
Definition
Generally monologue means:a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor
or:
a long speech by one person — especially one that prevents others from talking
or:
a continuous series of jokes and stories by a single comedian
or:
a long speech by one person — especially one that prevents others from talking
or:
a continuous series of jokes and stories by a single comedian
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6, p.139.4 |
nurture
4 uses
We want older employees to help nurture the talents of new employees.
nurture = help to develop
Definition
Generally nurture means:help develop or grow
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.25.2 |
persistent
4 uses
She has a persistent cough.
persistent = continuing
Definition
Generally persistent means:continuing — especially despite difficulties or opposition
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.46.8 |
protrude
4 uses
Metal spikes protrude from the dog's collar.
protrude = stick out
Definition
Generally protrude means:to stick out from
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.82.1 |
relevant
1 use
Shannon tells an interesting story, but it's not relevant to the decision we have to make.
relevant = important (related in a meaningful way)
Definition
Generally relevant means:relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 10 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6, p.139.4 |
revolution
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
the computer revolution
Social media created a revolution in how people connect.
revolution = dramatic change
Definition
Generally this sense of revolution means:dramatic change — sometimes violent overthrow of a government
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3, p.83.9 |
scorn
1 use
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
scorned = rejected
Definition
Generally scorn means:disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1, p.41.8 |
Shakespeare
7 uses
As Shakespeare said, "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."
Shakespeare = author widely regarded as the greatest in the English language and whose works include Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet
Definition
Generally this sense of Shakespeare means:English dramatist and poet frequently cited as the greatest writer in the English language and who wrote such works as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet (1564-1616)
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5, p.119.3 |
vary
1 use
Your mileage may vary.
vary = be different
Definition
Generally vary means:to be different, or to change
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 5, p.125 |