acquiesce
1 use
Max glanced at Cooper, who nodded his acquiescence.
acquiescence = reluctant compliance
Definition
Generally acquiesce means:reluctant or unenthusiastic compliance, consent, or agreement
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
apparent
25 uses
...he pointed at their apparent pursuer, who was now nearing the footbridge they had crossed only an hour earlier.
apparent = appearing clear or obvious though not necessarily so
(editor's note: Apparent is most commonly used to describe something as "clear or obvious", but it can also be used to say that something appears that way, but that there is still doubt.)
(editor's note: Apparent is most commonly used to describe something as "clear or obvious", but it can also be used to say that something appears that way, but that there is still doubt.)
Definition
Generally apparent means:clear or obvious; or appearing as such but not necessarily so
Word Statistics
| Book | 25 uses |
| Library | 66 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
condescending
1 use
She made no attempt to mask the condescension in her voice.
condescension = the act of treating others as inferiors
(editor's note: The suffix "-sion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in admission from admit, discussion from discuss, and invasion from invade.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-sion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in admission from admit, discussion from discuss, and invasion from invade.)
Definition
Generally condescending means:treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
contempt
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
feels contempt towards her
He glanced at Miss Boon with unconcealed contempt before...
contempt = lack of respect
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior — often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
deference
1 use
The man smiled and inclined his head deferentially toward Max and David.
deferentially = with polite respect
Definition
Generally deference means:polite respect — often when submitting to another's wishes
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 9 |
deride
1 use
Cooper's face twisted into a derisive scowl and...
derisive = contemptuous (treating as inferior and unworthy of respect)
(editor's note: The suffix "-ive" converts a word into an adjective; though over time, what was originally an adjective often comes to be used as a noun. The adjective pattern means tending to and is seen in words like attractive, impressive, and supportive. Examples of the noun include narrative, alternative, and detective.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-ive" converts a word into an adjective; though over time, what was originally an adjective often comes to be used as a noun. The adjective pattern means tending to and is seen in words like attractive, impressive, and supportive. Examples of the noun include narrative, alternative, and detective.)
Definition
Generally deride means:to criticize with strong disrespect — often
with humor
with humor
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
discern
2 uses
At a second glance, however, Max discerned that there was something eerily similar about the eyes.
discerned = to notice something that is not obvious
Definition
Generally discern means:to notice or understand something — often something that is not obvious
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
dispose
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
disposed the troops along...
I am well aware there are many men and many weapons at your disposal, Director.†
disposal = command
(editor's note: When something is "at someone's disposal" it is "at their command," or "available for their use." They can use it as they please.)
(editor's note: When something is "at someone's disposal" it is "at their command," or "available for their use." They can use it as they please.)
Definition
Generally this sense of dispose means:the arrangement, positioning, or use of things
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
emerge
19 uses
The moon emerged from behind the clouds and cast the sea in a milky radiance.
emerged = came out
Definition
Generally emerge means:to come out, or to appear
Word Statistics
| Book | 19 uses |
| Library | 58 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
extricate
1 use
"And I want that homing contraption out of Mr. McDaniels," added the Agent.
...
"Extrication is a bit unpleasant but harmless."
...
"Extrication is a bit unpleasant but harmless."
extrication = removal
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-tion", converts a verb into a noun that denotes the action or result of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in action, education, and observation.)
Definition
Generally extricate means:free or remove from constraint or difficulty
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
furtive
1 use
Max glanced back for the furtive movements of a mouse or the faint flutter of a moth but saw nothing.
furtive = quiet (taking pains to avoid being noticed)
Definition
Generally furtive means:taking pains to avoid being observed
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
or:
in a manner indicating nervousness (being cautious or appearing suspicious)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
futile
3 uses
Should Rowan continue this futile resistance, all it holds dear will perish in agony.
futile = effort that is pointless because it will be unproductive or unsuccessful
Definition
Generally futile means:effort that is pointless because it is unproductive or unsuccessful
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
haughty
1 use
"Her name's Mum, in case you've forgotten," said Max, glaring at the haughty man.
haughty = arrogant
Definition
Generally haughty means:arrogant or condescending (acting superior or self-important)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
heresy
2 uses
There were others who viewed such ideas as heresy, outraged over the notion that we might turn away from the Old Magic that distinguished us among humankind.
heresy = severely improper because it violated cherished principles
Definition
Generally heresy means:opinions or actions most people consider immoral
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
impudent
1 use
Take the reins yourself or be still, you impudent child!
impudent = improperly bold or disrespectful
Definition
Generally impudent means:improperly bold or disrespectful — especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 16 |
languish
1 use
For several days, the six walked along a dusty road that bordered a field of languishing, half-harvested wheat.
languishing = suffering in a bad situation for a long time
Definition
Generally languish means:to suffer in a bad situation for a long time
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
reproach
1 use
There was no hiss or reproach or rat innards flung because of Max's long absence.
reproach = 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 18 |
scrutiny
1 use
...Bram's mysterious Key was stowed, subject no doubt to the unblinking scrutiny of hunched, whispering scholars.
scrutiny = careful look or inspection
Definition
Generally scrutiny means:careful examination of something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
stolid
1 use
"That's a direct order, Miss Boon," said the Agent stolidly.
stolidly = having or revealing little emotion
Definition
Generally stolid means:having or revealing little emotion — sometimes indicating qualities of not changing or being dependable
or (much more rarely):
of an object: not interesting — often large and unmoving
or (much more rarely):
of an object: not interesting — often large and unmoving
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
summon
40 uses
What does it take to summon a major spirit?
summon = call forth; or call to come
Definition
Generally summon means:to call forth
The exact meaning of summon can depend upon its context. For example:
- "summon to court" — officially demand that someone appear in court (call them to court)
- "summon the team to a meeting" — call upon the team members to attend a meeting
- "summon help" — call others to come and help
- "summon her courage" — call forth her courage from within
Word Statistics
| Book | 40 uses |
| Library | 35 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |