benevolent
2 uses
If you're so wise and benevolent, why did the demons turn against you?
benevolent = kind and generous
Definition
Generally benevolent means:kind, generous, or charitable
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
bronze
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
bronze won't corrode in salt water
When the bronze doors opened, all heads turned to see Gabrielle Richter stride into the hall accompanied by her chief advisers.
bronze = made of a type of high-quality metal
Definition
Generally this sense of bronze means:a brownish-colored metal with red or yellow hues that is made of copper and (usually) tin
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
depravity
1 use
My duties most certainly do not include taking the guise of some gargantuan hag so that your depraved relations can paw at me.
depraved = completely immoral or evil
(editor's notes: In this context, guise is a synonym for disguise. Relations is a synonym for relative.)
(editor's notes: In this context, guise is a synonym for disguise. Relations is a synonym for relative.)
Definition
Generally depravity means:complete immorality or evilness
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
deride
1 use
...the elfin creature gazed back into the hazy room and gave a derisive snort.
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 5 |
despondent
1 use
Shaking his head, Max paced despondently.
despondently = in a depressed manner
Definition
Generally despondent means:emotionally depressed — especially a feeling of grief and hopelessness after a loss
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
dispose
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
disposed the troops along...
Some pikes held formation, but others were entangled in wild, savage struggles with their opponents using whatever means at their disposal.†
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 17 |
diverse
1 use
Rowan Township boasted a more diverse population that included snobbish fauns, willowy dryads, mischievous lutins, and solemn dvergar with braided beards.
diverse = varied (differing)
Definition
Generally diverse means:varied (having variety amongst things of the same kind) — especially with regard to ideas or members of a population group
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
emulate
1 use
It pointed to the stars and tried to emulate the shaman's speech, but struggled to do so.
emulate = imitate (copy)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
incessant
2 uses
He was only dimly aware of his captor's voice shouting above Yuga's incessant moan and the din of the distant armies:
incessant = continuous
Definition
Generally incessant means:continuous — often in an annoying way
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
insidious
2 uses
They've already been screened for anything insidious.
insidious = treacherous (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks)
Definition
Generally insidious means:not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time
or:
treacherous (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks)
or:
treacherous (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 10 |
malevolent
1 use
The ambassador regained his composure, easing back onto his cushions and regarding Ms. Richter and the Red Branch with brooding malevolence.
malevolence = wishing evil to others
Definition
Generally malevolent means:evil
- of a person — wishing or appearing to wish evil to others
- of a thing — exerting an evil or harmful influence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
meticulous
3 uses
Even Bram's most mundane ledgers and notes were treasured documents, meticulously preserved and jealously guarded by scholars who...
meticulously = in a manner that treats details with great care
Definition
Generally meticulous means:treating details with great care
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
ogre
66 uses
Snatching the spade, the ogre abruptly snapped it in two and seized Max by the collar.
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 | 66 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3 |
ostentatious
1 use
Her understated dress was in marked contrast to her ostentatious house:
ostentatious = intended to attract notice and impress others
Definition
Generally ostentatious means:intended to attract notice and impress others — especially with wealth in a vulgar way
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 8 |
portfolio
4 uses
1 —4 uses as in:
a leather portfolio
"Understood," said David, taking a portfolio from the Director.
portfolio = a flat, thin case for carrying papers, drawings, etc.
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 5 |
prudent
1 use
But it might be prudent for Max to clear his calendar should he be needed to serve in that capacity.
prudent = sensible and careful
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 19 |
sanguine
1 use
"If he can't, we'll try something else," said David with a sanguine air.
sanguine = confidently optimistic and cheerful
(editor's note: In this context, air is a synonym for attitude.)
(editor's note: In this context, air is a synonym for attitude.)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 6 |
somber
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
a somber mood
And if one has hired them to slay an enemy who turns out to be a distant relation ... Max returned to sit by his roommate, who was staring somberly at the fire.
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 2 |
taciturn
1 use
Max was puzzled by the goblin's taciturn mood.
taciturn = quiet (uncommunicative)
Definition
Generally taciturn means:with a tendency to be reserved and not to talk
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
zenith
1 use
He laughed with disbelief as the object finally reached its impossible zenith and began a slow, arcing descent.
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 3 |