infer
Which of the following facts can you infer from the first paragraph?
infer = figure out or guess by reasoning
Definition
Generally infer means:to figure out or guess by reasoning
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
indicate
These maps are drawn with north to the top unless otherwise indicated.
indicated = pointed out (shown)
Definition
Generally indicate means:to show (point out, demonstrate, express, or suggest)
Word Statistics
| Library | 40 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
illustrate
as in:
as illustrated by this example
Pictures of flooding help to illustrate the problem of global warming.
illustrate = make clear
Definition
Generally this sense of illustrate means:to help make clear — typically by example
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
imply
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.
implied = hinted or suggested
Definition
Generally imply means:to suggest or say indirectly — possibly as a logical consequence
Word Statistics
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
accompany
4 meanings
as in:
accompany on the journey
The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.
accompanies = travels with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to travel along with
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
law and accompanying regulations
The trend is easily seen in the accompanying graph.
accompanying = provided together to be complete
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:complement (to provide with something else to make it whole or better)
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
illness and accompanying symptoms
We'll need to increase public transportation to address the congestion that accompanies higher population density.
accompanies = occurs at the same time (as a result of)
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to be present with at the same time and/or location
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
accompanied her in the performance
Who can accompany me on the piano?
accompany = perform with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to perform with
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
relevant
Shannon tells an interesting story, but it's not relevant to the decision we have to make.
relevant = important (related in a meaningful way)
Definition
Generally relevant means:relating in a meaningful way to the issue in question
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
revise
How can you revise that paragraph to improve the expression of ideas?
revise = improve (change)
Definition
Generally revise means:to change (and hopefully improve) — most frequently to improve a written document, but it can be any intentional change such as a change in an estimated amount, a plan, or a series of procedures
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 10 |
compose
3 meanings
as in:
compose a poem
The assignment is to compose a poem.
compose = write
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to write or create something with care — especially music or a literary work, but could be other things as diverse as a plan or a letter
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
composed of many parts
The United States is composed of 50 states.
composed = made up
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to create something by arranging parts; or to be those parts
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
keep your composure
After I regained my composure, I thanked her for telling me about the problem.
composure = calm state of mind
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to calm someone or settle something
Word Statistics
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
adapt
2 meanings
as in:
adapted to the new rules
Ideas contained in passages for this test, some of which are excerpted or adapted from published material, do not necessarily represent the opinions of the College Board.
adapted = changed (to fit this situation)
Definition
Generally this sense of adapt means:changed to fit a different situation; or made suitable
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
especially well adapted for
Penguins are especially well adapted for cold weather.
well adapted = well suited
Definition
Generally this sense of adapted means:to be especially well suited or appropriate for something
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
tradition
My family's Thanksgiving tradition is to gather together and eat turkey.
tradition = a long-established practice
Definition
Generally tradition means:a long-established or previously long-established practice or belief
and/or:
one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
and/or:
one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
Word Statistics
| Library | 40 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
establish
2 meanings
as in:
establish a positive tone
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?
established = created
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:create, start, or set in [a] place
Word Statistics
| Library | 25 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
establish that there is a need
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.
establishing = showing or demonstrating
Definition
Generally this sense of establish means:show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
contrast
3 meanings
as in:
contrast their writing styles
Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.
contrast = point to differences between
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:point to differences between; or compare to show differences
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
there is a contrast
The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.
contrast = notable difference
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:a difference — especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
it is a contrast
College is quite a contrast to high school.
contrast = something notably different compared to
Definition
Generally this sense of contrast means:something noticeably different (compared to something else or to other things)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
hypothesis
as in:
a study to test her hypothesis
The study will test the hypothesis that a good marriage is more important than a higher income when measuring happiness.
hypothesis = a seemingly reasonable, but unproven, idea
Definition
Generally this sense of hypothesis means:a seemingly reasonable, but unproven idea or explanation based upon known facts
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
consequence
as in:
a direct consequence of
Your decision will have three major consequences.
consequences = results
Definition
Generally this sense of consequence means:a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
Word Statistics
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
determine
3 meanings
as in:
this game determines the champion
The research paper determines 50% of the class grade.
determines = controls
Definition
Generally this sense of determine means:to control (how something will turn out)
Word Statistics
| Library | 21 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
determine the truth
They are working to determine the cause of the accident.
determine = learn or discover
Definition
Generally this sense of determine means:to learn, discover, or officially decide
Word Statistics
| Library | 21 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
I determined what to do
I determined to prolong my holiday.
determined = decided
Definition
Generally this sense of determine means:decide
Word Statistics
| Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
passage
Each passage below is followed by a number of questions.
passage = a short part of a longer written work
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
direct
3 meanings
as in:
was direct in my instructions
I left them with direct instructions.
direct = straightforward
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:straightforward (uncomplicated or simple — perhaps also indicating openness and honesty)
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
directed her question to
The sprinkler head needs to be fixed so it directs water away from the house.
directs = aims
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:to indicate direction; or to cause movement or focus in a direction or towards an object
The exact meaning of this sense of direct is subject to its context. For example:
- "intentionally directed fire at unarmed civilians" — aimed a gun
- "directed the question to her" — aimed a question
- "directed her north" — pointed in a particular direction
- "directed attention to the 3rd paragraph" — focused attention on a particular object
- "The sound of her voice directed him to the kitchen." — guided or gave directions to someone to help them move to a particular place
- "She directed him to the airport." — gave directions to send someone to a particular place
- "She directed the boat north." — steered it
- "directed the letter to" — send a letter to a particular person by putting a name and address on it
Word Statistics
| Library | 36 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
directed the jury to...
On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.
direct = instruct
Definition
Generally this sense of direct means:give instructions or commands
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
critical
3 meanings
as in:
a critical problem
It is of critical importance.
critical = highly important
Definition
Generally this sense of critical means:important, serious, or dangerous
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
don't be so critical
She is critical of everything he does.
critical = tends to find fault
Definition
Generally this sense of critical means:finding fault and telling others; or tending to have unfavorable opinions
Word Statistics
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
critical acclaim
The film is receiving critical acclaim.
critical = "Critical acclaim" is a common expression meaning praise from people whose job is to share expert judgement.
Definition
Generally this sense of critical means:relating to thoughtful judgement of what is good and bad about something — possibly from people whose job is to share their expert opinions in a given industry
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
demonstrate
2 meanings
as in:
It demonstrates my point.
The salesperson demonstrated features of both phones so I could compare them.
demonstrated = showed
Definition
Generally this sense of demonstrate means:to show
The exact meaning of this sense of demonstrate can depend upon its context. For example:
- "I will demonstrate how to throw a Frisbee." — show how to do something
- "I will demonstrate how much quicker the new computer is than the old one." — show how something works
- "Her questioned demonstrated that she was listening and thinking deeply about what was said." — showed to be true or proved
Word Statistics
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
demonstrate to protest
The students demonstrated against hate speech.
demonstrated = joined with others in a public protest
Definition
Generally this sense of demonstrate means:a public display supporting a cause — usually joining with others in a political protest
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
contradict
Does the sentence contradict the main claim of the essay?
contradict = disagree with
Definition
Generally contradict means:disagree
in various senses, including:
- to say something is not true — as in "She contradicted his testimony."
- to say something else is true when both can't be true — as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened."
- to be in conflict with — as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
precede
Stone tools preceded bronze tools.
preceded = were before in time
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
convention
as in:
conventional behavior
It was once conventional wisdom that the earth is flat.
conventional = normal
Definition
Generally this sense of convention means:something regarded as normal or typical
Word Statistics
| Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
evaluate
I'm evaluating colleges and deciding which I want to apply to.
evaluating = thinking carefully and making a judgment about
Definition
Generally evaluate means:to think carefully and make a judgment about something
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
interpret
as in:
her interpretation of the data
I don't know how to interpret her smile.
interpret = understand (In this case: Why did she smile? What does it mean?)
Definition
Generally this sense of interpret means:to understand or explain something in a particular way — often the meaning or significance of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
correspond
as in:
corresponding time period
The girls are using a simple code where "1" corresponds to "A", "2" to "B" and so on for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.
corresponds = is equivalent
Definition
Generally this sense of correspond means:connect or fit together by being equivalent, proportionate, or matched
(Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.)
(Two things are equivalent if they have the same or very similar value, purpose, or result.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
convey
as in:
convey her thoughts
She dresses to convey a sense of a successful, no-nonsense woman.
convey = communicate or express
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
engage
as in:
engage in conversation
She engaged in conduct that is a violation of the honor code.
engaged = was involved
Definition
Generally this sense of engage means:to interact in various ways — such as to participate, involve, interest, or attract
The exact meaning of this sense of engage depends upon its context. For example:
- "They engaged in debate." — participated
- "She engaged him in conversation." — involved
- "She is an engaging conversationalist." — interesting
- "She has an engaging smile." — attractive (attracting interest and interaction)
- "The proposal engages the interest of many young voters." — attracts and involves
- "She engages with her constituents." — interacts in a meaningful way
Word Statistics
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
reflect
as in:
I want to reflect on it.
At the beginning of this passage, the author reflects on her life as a waitress.
reflects = thinks carefully
Definition
Generally this sense of reflect means:think carefully — possibly aloud or in writing
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
acknowledge
She acknowledged that she might have forgotten.
acknowledged = admitted
Definition
Generally acknowledge means:express recognition of someone or something; or admit something
Word Statistics
| Library | 29 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
nevertheless
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.
nevertheless = in spite of that (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally nevertheless means:in spite of that (Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 14 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
analyze
Analyze the situation and tell me what you think we should do.
analyze = examine in detail to better understand
Definition
Generally analyze means:to examine and consider something in detail to better understand it
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
context
She said she was quoted out of context and that anyone who read her full speech would know it.
context = in a misleading manner (because the quote left out additional words that changed the meaning of what was quoted)
Definition
Generally context means:the setting or situation in which something occurs
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
emerge
China recently emerged as a world power.
emerged = came out (became)
Definition
Generally emerge means:to come out, or to appear
Word Statistics
| Library | 58 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
sufficient
We have sufficient supplies.
sufficient = adequate (enough)
Definition
Generally sufficient means:adequate (enough — often without being more than is needed)
Word Statistics
| Library | 22 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
yield
as in:
will yield valuable data
The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.
yield = produce (lead to)
Definition
Generally this sense of yield means:to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
analysis
as in:
analysis of relevant data
According to my analysis, we should focus on improving customer service.
analysis = detailed examination
Definition
Generally this sense of analysis means:the process or result of examining and thinking about something to better understand it
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
alternative
as in:
an alternative plan
Let's think of at least three alternatives before we decide what to do.
alternatives = possibilities
Definition
Generally this sense of alternative means:something available as another possibility
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
Web Links
differentiate
2 meanings
as in:
differentiate between right/wrong
The jury determined that she was able to differentiate between right and wrong.
differentiate = recognize difference
Definition
Generally this sense of differentiate means:to recognize difference
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
differentiate our product
How does your company differentiate itself from the competition?
differentiate = make different; or show difference
Definition
Generally this sense of differentiate means:to make different; or to show difference
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
narrator
The narrator in the play, Our Town talks to characters in the play as well as to the audience.
narrator = an actor in a play, movie, or other performance who helps to tell the story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience)
Definition
Generally narrator means:someone who tells a story—especially the main voice in a documentary, or a character who talks directly to the audience in a movie, play or other performance
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
focus
2 meanings
as in:
Turn your focus to question #2.
I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.
focus = concentrate
Definition
Generally this sense of focus means:verb: to concentrate, look at, or pay attention to
noun: the act of concentration, or the ability to concentrate
(to concentrate is to direct attention or effort towards a single thing)
noun: the act of concentration, or the ability to concentrate
(to concentrate is to direct attention or effort towards a single thing)
Word Statistics
| Library | 75 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
The focus of our study is...
Since we're running out of time, let's narrow our focus to just what needs to be done tomorrow.
focus = area where attention is concentrated
Definition
Generally this sense of focus means:where attention is concentrated or directed
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
attribute
as in:
I attribute it to...
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.
attributed = credited (pointed to as the source of)
Definition
Generally this sense of attribute means:to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
- "I attribute it to her work." — to say who or what made something happen
- "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." — indicate the source of a quotation or idea
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
negative
2 meanings
as in:
had a negative effect
Higher interest rates negatively affected home sales.
negatively = in a bad or harmful manner
Definition
Generally this sense of negative means:bad or harmful
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
negative feedback from customers
The responses to my plan were negative.
negative = indicated criticism or disagreement
Definition
Generally this sense of negative means:to express criticism or disagreement, or (especially when talking over a radio or in a military setting) to say "no"
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
evolve
as in:
the policy evolved
Large brick-size phones that could only send and receive calls, evolved into today's smartphones.
evolved = gradually developed
Definition
Generally this sense of evolve means:to develop or change gradually
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
perspective
2 meanings
as in:
Look at it from her perspective
A child who was abused with have a different perspective of family life than one raised in a nurturing home.
perspective = way of seeing or thinking about things
Definition
Generally this sense of perspective means:a particular way of seeing or thinking about things
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
Keep it in perspective
She loses perspective and continually wants to change the plan in a manner that depends on the most recent complaint.
perspective = a sensible view of a situation
Definition
Generally this sense of perspective means:a sensible view of a situation that considers its different parts in a balanced way
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
highlight
as in:
highlight the main findings
The main purpose of this passage is to highlight the degree of income inequality.
highlight = emphasize (call attention to)
Definition
Generally this sense of highlight means:emphasize (call attention to something)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
omit
She recounted the whole story except that she omitted names.
omitted = left out
Definition
Generally omit means:to exclude or neglect something
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
analytical
She has an analytical mind.
analytical = logical and systematic in seeking understanding
Definition
Generally analytical means:relating to logical and systematic examination of something to better understand it — often implying some kind of quantitative analysis
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
redundant
What is clarifying for one reader can be a redundant distraction for another.
redundant = more than is needed
Definition
Generally redundant means:more than is needed — often something that is unnecessarily repeated
or in technical usage: a secondary component designed to work if the primary component fails; or of such a system
or in technical usage: a secondary component designed to work if the primary component fails; or of such a system
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
vary
Your mileage may vary.
vary = be different
Definition
Generally vary means:to be different, or to change
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
advocate
2 meanings
as in:
to advocate
She advocates stricter gun control.
advocates = publicly supports
Definition
Generally this sense of advocate means:to recommend or publicly support (someone or something)
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
an advocate supporting
She is a passionate advocate for children's welfare.
advocate = a person who publicly supports and works to advance a cause
Definition
Generally this sense of advocate means:a person who publicly supports and works to advance a cause
or more rarely:
someone acting in the role of a defense lawyer in England's past and in some jurisdictions today
or more rarely:
someone acting in the role of a defense lawyer in England's past and in some jurisdictions today
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
explicit
as in:
explicit instructions
She gave us explicit instructions.
explicit = precisely and clearly expressed
Definition
Generally this sense of explicit means:clear and with enough detail so there is no confusion
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
genuine
I am genuinely sorry for what I did.
genuinely = sincerely
Definition
Generally genuine means:real (as when a person is sincere or an object is not a replica or fake)
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
allude
He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.
alluded = indirectly referenced
Definition
Generally allude means:to make an indirect reference
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
however
as in:
However, complications may...
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.
however = despite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally this sense of however means:though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that,
Word Statistics
| Library | 61 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
primarily
Did the author mention multiple companies primarily to demonstrate diversity of solutions or to show that interest in the industry is widespread?
primarily = mainly
Definition
Generally primarily means:mainly (most importantly)
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
irrelevant
The sentence should be deleted because it introduces information that is irrelevant to the passage.
irrelevant = not relevant
Definition
Generally irrelevant means:not relevant (not related to the subject being considered, or not important enough to want to consider)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
counterargument
When I listened to her speech I agreed with her, but then I heard his counterargument and now I'm leaning towards his position.
counterargument = persuasive reasoning offered in opposition to other reasoning
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
phenomenon
It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.
phenomenon = something that is of special interest
Definition
Generally phenomenon means:something that exists or happened — especially something of special interest — sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
assume
3 meanings
as in:
I assume it's true
I assume she was at school today, but I don't remember actually seeing her.
assume = accept as true (without really knowing for sure)
Definition
Generally this sense of assume means:to accept something as true without proof
Word Statistics
| Library | 67 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
She assumed power
The dictator assumed control of the country at midnight this morning.
assumed = took (power)
Definition
Generally this sense of assume means:beginning to take power or responsibility
Word Statistics
| Library | 46 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
She assumed a false identity
She assumed the identify of her victim until the body was found.
assumed = took on (or adopted)
Definition
Generally this sense of assume means:to take on (adopt, wear, strike a pose or appearance of) — often while pretending or disguising
Word Statistics
| Library | 33 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
ambivalent
Polling indicates the public is ambivalent on the subject. Their opinions change depending upon the latest headlines.
ambivalent = with mixed feelings
Definition
Generally ambivalent means:having mixed feelings about something — such as when part of you wants to do something and part of you does not
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
positive
2 meanings
as in:
had a positive effect
Lower interest rates positively affected home sales.
positively = in a good or beneficial manner
Definition
Generally this sense of positive means:good or beneficial
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
positive feedback from my boss
Responses to my plan were positive.
positive = indicating agreement or approval
Definition
Generally this sense of positive means:approval or agreement
Word Statistics
| Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
dominate
The defending World Champions dominated their unranked opponent.
dominated = controlled (were much more powerful than)
Definition
Generally dominate means:to control; or to be most influential, powerful, abundant, important, or conspicuous
Word Statistics
| Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
factor
as in:
It was the deciding factor.
During the course of the first paragraph, the narrator's focus shifts from factors making her unhappy to identification of alternatives.
factors = things (that influence an outcome)
Definition
Generally this sense of factor means:something that affects a result or outcome
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
assert
2 meanings
as in:
asserted her opinion that...
The defense also asserts that the defendant has no previous record of crime.
asserts = says
Definition
Generally this sense of assert means:to say that something is true — especially something disputed
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
asserted her authority
She says women should assert themselves more.
assert = be forceful in exercising influence or rights
Definition
Generally this sense of assert means:to be forceful in exercising influence or rights
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
appropriate
as in:
it is appropriate
These clothes aren't appropriate for work.
appropriate = suitable (fitting)
Definition
Generally this sense of appropriate means:suitable (fitting) for a particular situation
Word Statistics
| Library | 28 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
conflict
Violent conflict has broken out again in the Middle East.
conflict = struggle
Definition
Generally conflict means:a struggle or disagreement
in various senses, including:
- a serious disagreement — as in "political conflict"
- the tension from two opposing ideas or feelings — as in "I'm conflicted about where I should go to college."
- a violent fight or war — as in "the Israeli-Palestinian conflict"
- an idiom that refers to tension between responsibilities to different entities — "conflict of interest"
Word Statistics
| Library | 21 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
novel
We're looking for novel marketing ideas.
novel = new and original
Definition
Generally this sense of novel means:new and original — typically something considered good
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
sustain
2 meanings
as in:
sustained through the ages
For twenty years, the company has sustained its leading position in creating special effects for films.
sustained = maintained through time
Definition
Generally this sense of sustain means:to continue through time
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
as in:
sustained wounds
Every building within a two miles of the center of the earthquake sustained damage.
sustained = suffered
Definition
Generally this sense of sustain means:to suffer (as of injury, damage, or loss)
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
conform
Most teenagers are surprisingly conformist within their subgroup.
conformist = someone who thinks and acts like others in a group
Definition
Generally conform means:to comply, fit in, or be similar to what is normal
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
mock
I will not permit the defendant to make a mockery of this trial.
mockery = something that is ridiculous
Definition
Generally mock means:making fun of
or:
not real
or:
not real
Word Statistics
| Library | 31 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |
sinister
They created a sinister plan to recruit terrorists.
sinister = evil
Definition
Generally sinister means:evil or harmful; or making an evil or frightening impression
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 100 |