beseech
1 use
"I want some swimming goggles," he panted, defiant and beseeching.†
beseeching = asking or begging
Definition
Generally beseech means:to ask strongly or beg for something
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
conscientious
1 use
She frowned, conscientiously worrying over what amusements he might secretly be longing for, which she had been too busy or too careless toimagine.†
conscientiously = in a manner that is careful to do what is right
Definition
Generally conscientious means:careful to do what is right—especially to perform duties in a thorough manner (as when guided by conscience)
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
grave
1 use
They looked down gravely, frowning.†
gravely = in a serious and solemn manner
Definition
Generally this sense of grave means:serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
- "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." — important, dangerous, or causing worry
- "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." — sad or solemn
- "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — in a sincere and serious manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
incredulous
1 use
He was incredulous and then proud to find he could hold his breath without strain for two minutes.†
incredulous = unbelieving; or having difficulty accepting something so unexpected
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
innumerable
1 use
Fish again—myriads of minute fish, the length of his fingernail, were drifting through the water, and in a moment he could feel the innumerable tiny touches of them against his limbs.†
innumerable = too numerous to be counted
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
inquisitive
1 use
She gave him a patient, inquisitive look as she said casually, "Well, of course, darling."†
inquisitive = interested in learning about things — often asking many questions
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
Monsieur
2 uses
Monsieur, monsieur!" while he hooked his fingers round his ears and waggled them.†
Monsieur = Mr. or Sir (in French)
Definition
Generally this sense of Monsieur means:French equivalent to the English Mr.
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
myriad
1 use
Fish again—myriads of minute fish, the length of his fingernail, were drifting through the water, and in a moment he could feel the innumerable tiny touches of them against his limbs.†
myriads = a very large number — often of things that are not identical
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
promontory
4 uses
On the edge of a small cape that marked the side of the bay away from the promontory was a loose scatter of rocks.†
promontory = a high point of land or rock that overlooks land at lower elevation — often a rocky one that juts out into the sea
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 1 use in 10 avg bks |
torment
1 use
It was a torment to him to waste a day of his careful self-training, but he stayed with her on that other beach, which now seemed a place for small children, a place where his mother might lie safe in the sun.†
torment = to cause or to experience great mental or physical suffering
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
waver
1 use
It was as if he had eyes of a different kind—fish eyes that showed everything clear and delicate and wavering in the bright water.†
wavering = moving back and forth; or being unsure or weak
Definition
Generally waver means:to move back and forth (shake or quiver)
or:
to change, be unsure, or weak
or:
to change, be unsure, or weak
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |