abrupt
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
an abrupt change
Then Ms. Richter's attention abruptly shifted to them.
abruptly = suddenly and unexpectedly
Definition
Generally this sense of abrupt means:sudden and unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
amiable
2 uses
Max glanced at his father, relieved to see him nibbling on his sandwich and chatting amiably with Frigga and Helga as...
amiably = in a friendly way
Definition
Generally amiable means:friendly, agreeable, and likable
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
auspicious
1 use
The queen chose an auspicious time for her raid into Ulster.
auspicious = favorable
Definition
Generally auspicious means:favorable; or suggestive of good things to come
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 17 |
cacophony
3 uses
He was suddenly assailed by a bewildering cacophony of voices.
cacophony = combination of loud confusing disagreeable sounds
Definition
Generally cacophony means:loud confusing disagreeable sounds
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
converge
6 uses
Below, the lanterns bobbed wildly, rapidly converging at a point near the orchard's edge.
converging = coming together
Definition
Generally converge means:to come together; or to be adjacent or similar
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
daunt
2 uses
Mathematics and Science were straightforward and more familiar, if daunting.
daunting = discouraging or intimidating (in this case, due to difficulty)
Definition
Generally daunt means:to discourage or intimidate
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
diligent
1 use
Richter then awarded Macon's Quill to ..., while the Giving Belt went to a student known for her diligence in the Sanctuary.
diligence = hard work and care
Definition
Generally this sense of diligent means:hard work and care in tasks — often continuing when others might quit because of difficulties
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 20 |
disdain
3 uses
She tossed his hand back at him with disdain.
disdain = a 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 | 3 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
diversity
1 use
They did not look like the students at his old school; there was much more diversity sprinkled throughout these seats.
diversity = variety (in this case, people of different ethnic groups)
Definition
Generally diversity means:the condition of variety — especially in reference to members of a population group who are of different races or cultures
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
fetter
3 uses
Unfettered at last, it glided slowly through his consciousness...
unfettered = unrestrained or unhindered
(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unfettered means not and reverses the meaning of fettered. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)
(editor's note: The prefix "un-" in unfettered means not and reverses the meaning of fettered. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.)
Definition
Generally fetter means:to restrain or hinder
or more archaically:
a shackle for the ankles
or more archaically:
a shackle for the ankles
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
highlight
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
highlights of the year
We can recommend MNICD006, MMCD052, and MNICD076 as personal favorites, although other colleagues swear by MNICD037 as a candidate for this year's highlight reel.†
highlight = something that stands out
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 18 |
incredulous
12 uses
Max was incredulous; he could not imagine anyone wanting to hunt or hurt or kill anything so graceful and giving.
incredulous = unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 12 uses |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
mystic
33 uses
Mystics and math were tough.
mystics = [studying] people said to comprehend reality using supernatural means
Definition
Generally mystic means:relating to realities that are outside of scientific understanding and normal experience; or one who attempts to tune into such realities
Word Statistics
| Book | 33 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
nocturnal
2 uses
...my charge is nocturnal.
nocturnal = active during the night
Definition
Generally nocturnal means:active during the night; or relating to night
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
ogre
18 uses
Yes, I know what some of you have read about ogres, but our Bob is a reformed ogre and...
ogre = fairy tales: a frightening giant — especially one who likes to eat people
or:
an evil, hideous, and frightening person
or:
an evil, hideous, and frightening person
Word Statistics
| Book | 18 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
relevant
1 use
"While Cooper's capture is relevant, it's not the sole reason I've asked you here," the Director continued.
relevant = related in a meaningful way to the issue in question
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 14 |
reproach
1 use
Giving Max a reproachful glance, Nick climbed back into the small tree that served as his perch.
reproachful = critical (full of criticism)
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism — especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 20 |
revere
1 use
"Astaroth, you are recalled to life by your loyal servants," said the blacksmith, his voice filled with reverence.
reverence = feelings of deep respect and admiration — sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
Definition
Generally revere means:regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration — sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
somber
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a somber mood
"The vyes couldn't have gotten to the orchard," Max said somberly.†
somberly = solemnly (in a manner that is serious—not cheerful or lighthearted)
Definition
Generally this sense of somber means:serious and without humor or fun — perhaps sad
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 20 |
tapestry
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
the tapestry hangs in the museum
Was it a pretty tapestry?
tapestry = rug-like artwork — often hung on a wall for display
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |