affectation
1 use
She is comfortable in her own skin and meets strangers without affectation.
affectation = behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.3 |
byline
1 use
They moved her byline from the bottom of the article to the top.
byline = printed line giving the name of the writer of an article
Definition
Generally this sense of byline means:a line giving the name of the writer of an article — typically at the top of the article
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.20 |
chaos
4 uses
The country entered a period of civil war and chaos.
chaos = extreme confusion and disorder
Definition
Generally chaos means:a state of extreme confusion and disorder
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.25 |
daunt
1 use
It is a challenge that would daunt a lesser diplomat.
daunt = discourage or intimidate
Definition
Generally daunt means:to discourage or intimidate
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.34 |
distend
1 use
One method of declawing is to severe the tendon that allows the claws to distend.
distend = extend
Definition
Generally distend means:to extend — especially the swelling outward of a part of the body; e.g., the stomach
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.26 |
eccentric
1 use
She's a little eccentric, but we don't mind because she's the best player on the team.
eccentric = unconventional or strange
Definition
Generally eccentric means:unconventional or strange; or a person with such traits
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.5 |
engender
1 use
The police in Mexico don't engender confidence.
engender = cause (bring into being)
Definition
Generally engender means:cause — usually a feeling (possibly a situation)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.21 |
expedient
1 use
It was a necessary expedient to get the job done.
expedient = a speedy or practical action
(The word necessary, implies that there were undesired aspects of the action.)
(The word necessary, implies that there were undesired aspects of the action.)
Definition
Generally expedient means:a practical action — especially one that accepts negative tradeoffs due to circumstances
or:
convenient, speedy, or practical
or:
convenient, speedy, or practical
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.26 |
furtive
1 use
She watched me in a furtive manner—trying to hide her interest.
furtive = cautious or taking pains to avoid being observed
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 1.3 |
gesticulate
1 use
The moderator turned her microphone off, leaving us to see her gesticulations, but not hear her words.
gesticulations = gestures (hand or body movements) made while speaking or to express something
(editor's note: The suffix "-tions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in actions, illustrations, and observations.)
(editor's note: The suffix "-tions", converts a verb into a plural noun that denotes results of the verb. Typically, there is a slight change in the ending of the root verb, as in actions, illustrations, and observations.)
Definition
Generally gesticulate means:to make gestures (hand or body movements) while speaking or to express something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.26 |
impervious
1 use
She has made up her mind and is impervious to criticism.
impervious = unaffected
Definition
Generally impervious means:not admitting passage through; or not capable of being affected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.16 |
impetuous
1 use
She regretted her impetuous promise.
impetuous = impulsive (made suddenly without much thought)
Definition
Generally this sense of impetuous means:impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) — often with an unfortunate consequence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.4 |
nonchalant
1 use
I could tell she was nervous, but she was trying to look nonchalant.
nonchalant = calm and unconcerned
Definition
Generally nonchalant means:calm in manner — appearing unconcerned
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.14 |
perfunctory
1 use
She gave us menus and a perfunctory smile.
perfunctory = done without much interest or effort
Definition
Generally perfunctory means:done without much interest or effort — especially as when dispensing with a formality
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.3 |
pugnacious
1 use
Nicknamed, "The Pit Bull", he is known as a pugnacious supporter of workers' rights.
pugnacious = quick to fight or argue
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1.6 |
recession
1 use
The economy entered a recession.
recession = period when the economy is doing poorly
Definition
Generally this sense of recession means:a period when the economy does poorly
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.32 |
resignation
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
accepted it with resignation
It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.
resignation = (accepted) something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
Definition
Generally this sense of resignation means:acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.41 |
sober
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
I need to sober up.
Coffee doesn't really help one to sober up; though it does help fight sleepiness.
sober up = become less drunk
Definition
Generally this sense of sober up means:to become less drunk
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Pro. |
stoic
1 use
She suffered quietly, courageously, with a stoic acceptance of her illness.
stoic = unemotional
Definition
Generally stoic means:seeming unaffected by pleasure, pain, or emotions
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 3.36 |
vivacious
1 use
She's a charming and vivacious hostess.
vivacious = has an engaging liveliness
Definition
Generally vivacious means:having an engaging liveliness — when said of a person, typically said of a female
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2.31 |