confide
She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.
confided = placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things
Definition
Generally confide means:to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
implication
2 meanings
as in:
the implication is that...
I object to her implication that my work was sub-standard.
implication = something implied (said indirectly)
Definition
Generally this sense of implication means:Something that follows from something else.
The thing that follows could be:
- something suggested indirectly (not said directly)
- something that can be concluded (often a logical consequence)
- something that results from something else
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
Her implication in the crime
She is suspected of implication in three burglaries.
implication = involvement
Definition
Generally this sense of implication means:involvement in or the suggestion that someone was involved in something — especially a crime
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
static
He was raised in a static village community where most people farmed in the same manner as their grandparents.
static = not changing
Definition
Generally this sense of static means:not moving or not changing
Word Statistics
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
artificial
2 meanings
as in:
an artificial heart
The plants look real, but they are artificial.
artificial = made by humans
Definition
Generally this sense of artificial means:made by humans — often to replace something that can be found in nature
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
an artificial smile
She hated his artificial humility.
artificial = not sincere
Definition
Generally this sense of artificial means:not sincere, pretended, or designed to impress
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
indulge
She indulges her children more than is good for them.
indulges = allows them to get their way (gives into their desire)
Definition
Generally indulge means:to give into a desire or enjoy something — especially in excess of what is thought good—such as a desire to eat too much cake, or be too lazy
or:
to allow or help someone to get their way or enjoy something — especially something that (probably because of excess) is not considered to be good or proper
or:
to allow or help someone to get their way or enjoy something — especially something that (probably because of excess) is not considered to be good or proper
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
apprehension
3 meanings
as in:
apprehension about finals
She looked around the examination room with apprehension.
apprehension = concern about what will happen
Definition
Generally this sense of apprehension means:worry about what is to come
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
apprehension of the criminal
The tip led to the criminal's apprehension in Mexico.
apprehension = capture
Definition
Generally this sense of apprehension means:the capture of a criminal
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
apprehension of the situation
Nat Turner was said to have "natural intelligence and quickness of apprehension, surpassed by few."
apprehension = understanding
Definition
Generally this sense of apprehension means:to understand
or:
in psychology and philosophy: immediate awareness prior to analysis and judgment
or:
in psychology and philosophy: immediate awareness prior to analysis and judgment
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
simulate
A computer model is used to simulate the effects of wind.
simulate = imitate or represent
Definition
Generally simulate means:make an imitation or representation of
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
lament
She lamented the loss.
lamented = expressed grief about
Definition
Generally lament means:to express grief or regret
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
treacherous
2 meanings
as in:
the road is steep and treacherous
The road through Afghanistan's Kabul gorge is even more treacherous than the Road of Death in Bolivia.
treacherous = dangerous
Definition
Generally this sense of treacherous means:dangerous — often in a non-obvious way
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a scheming, treacherous assistant
That was how she uncovered his treacherous plot.
treacherous = betraying trust
Definition
Generally this sense of treacherous means:guilty of betrayal or deception or likely to betray or deceive
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
contemporary
as in:
they are contemporaries
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were contemporary artists who competed for some projects.
contemporary = lived at the same time
Definition
Generally this sense of contemporary means:living at the same time
or:
something occurring in the same period of time as something else
or:
something occurring in the same period of time as something else
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
gender
Gender roles were more defined when my grandmother was growing up.
gender = male/female/trans
Definition
Generally this sense of gender means:male or female
or (especially with regard to self-identification): the state of being male, female, or in any of many trans categories
or (especially with regard to self-identification): the state of being male, female, or in any of many trans categories
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
erratic
Her behavior became erratic and often argumentative.
erratic = irregular or unpredictable
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
unprecedented
Human impact on the environment is increasing at an unprecedented rate.
unprecedented = not having happened before
Definition
Generally unprecedented means:not having happened before; or nothing similar having happened before
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
controversial
The issue of the death penalty is highly controversial in some states.
controversial = tends to arouse strong disagreement
Definition
Generally controversial means:tending to arouse strong disagreement
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
mitigate
Don't judge her so harshly until you consider the mitigating circumstances.
mitigating = serving to make less harmful or unpleasant
Definition
Generally mitigate means:make less harmful or unpleasant
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
solidarity
The incident threatens Arab solidarity.
solidarity = agreement and mutual support
Definition
Generally solidarity means:a state of agreement and support — especially for political action
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
complacent
She had become complacent after years of success.
complacent = unworried and satisfied
Definition
Generally complacent means:contented (unworried and satisfied) — often to a fault
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
notwithstanding
Notwithstanding other provisions of this contract, employee may be fired immediately if there is any material misrepresentation on employee's resume or job application.
notwithstanding = in spite of (used to connect contrasting ideas)
(In this case, even if other parts of the contract protect the employee from being fired without notice, the employee can be fired immediately for these reasons. The other parts of the contract do not withstand this part.)
(In this case, even if other parts of the contract protect the employee from being fired without notice, the employee can be fired immediately for these reasons. The other parts of the contract do not withstand this part.)
Definition
Generally notwithstanding means:in spite of; or in spite of the thing mentioned
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. Other synonyms could include words and phrases such as nevertheless, nonetheless, all the same, still, and however.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
inhibit
as in:
she is shy and inhibited
She's personable and funny with her friends, but tends to be inhibited with strangers.
inhibited = unable to act naturally due to being overly self-conscious
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
austere
He took a vow of silence and leads an austere life at the monastery.
austere = lacking luxury (and stern)
Definition
Generally austere means:a notable absence of luxury, comfort, or decoration
or:
of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
or:
of a person: stern in manner; or practicing great self-denial
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
altercation
We have video of the altercation.
altercation = a noisy argument, confrontation, or fight
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
mediate
She suggested asking Saudi Arabia to mediate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
mediate = help others to settle a disagreement
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
capitalize
as in:
capitalize on our strength
How can we capitalize on being first with this idea?
capitalize on = gain advantage from
Definition
Generally this sense of capitalize means:benefit from an advantage
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
conducive
The dorm room was not conducive to studying.
conducive = helpful
Definition
Generally conducive means:contribute (help lead to a result)
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
brevity
I'm not sure they appreciated her speech, but I know they liked its brevity.
brevity = lasting a short time
Definition
Generally brevity means:the use of just a few words; or lasting a short time
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
abysmal
The refugee camp has abysmal living conditions.
abysmal = very bad
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
malleable
The mind is malleable — especially while young.
malleable = capable of being shaped (or easily influenced)
Definition
Generally malleable means:of people: easily influenced
of materials: capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
of materials: capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
diversify
She has been typecast as the female who beats up males, but she's eager to diversify her roles.
diversify = make more varied
Definition
Generally diversify means:to make more varied
Diversify is used to describe variation in some things so frequently that they can be implied by the general context without a need to state them explicitly — such as:
- with regard to people — varying races, ethnicities, and genders
- with regard to investments — varying types of investments
- with regard to a company — varying sources of business
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
tone
Which of the following words best maintains the tone established in this passage.
tone = general feeling
Definition
Generally this sense of tone means:the general feeling, mood, or attitude of something — especially of something said or written
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
grave
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.
gravity = seriousness or importance (weightiness)
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
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
sustain
as in:
sustained by her faith
We sustained ourselves on bread and water.
sustained = supported
Definition
Generally this sense of sustain means:provide support or necessities
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
motive
She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.
motive = reason (for doing something)
Definition
Generally this sense of motive means:a reason for doing something
Word Statistics
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
devour
2 meanings
as in:
devours crime novels
She devoured everything he wrote.
devoured = read with eager interest
Definition
Generally this sense of devour means:to read, listen, or watch with eager interest
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
devoured by flames
The entire block was devoured in the fire.
devoured = completely consumed or destroyed
Definition
Generally this sense of devour means:to completely consume, destroy, or engulf (surround or cover)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
dispute
as in:
their border dispute
The area has long been a source of dispute between India and Pakistan.
dispute = disagreement
Definition
Generally this sense of dispute means:disagreement, argument, or conflict
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
initiate
3 meanings
as in:
initiate discussions
The study concluded that women initiate divorce more frequently than men.
initiate = begin the process of
Definition
Generally this sense of initiate means:to cause (something) to begin
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
initiate into the art of drumming
That weekend, she was initiated into the art of fly fishing.
initiated = introduced (did it for the first time)
Definition
Generally this sense of initiate means:introduce to an activity or area of knowledge
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
initiate into the fraternity
The photo is from the ceremony when she was initiated into the sorority.
initiated = accepted into the group in a special ceremony
Definition
Generally this sense of initiate means:to accept someone's membership into an organization — typically in a ceremony — sometimes including a period of instruction and/or test
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
apprehensive
She is apprehensive about her new job.
apprehensive = worried
Definition
Generally apprehensive means:worried over possible misfortune
Word Statistics
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
rhetoric
She has convincing rhetoric, but makes bad decisions.
rhetoric = use of words to make a point
Definition
Generally rhetoric means:the use of (or study of using) words to make a point — typically implying skillful use
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
superficial
She has only superficial knowledge on the subject.
superficial = shallow
Definition
Generally superficial means:relating to a surface rather than to anything deep or penetrating (often of injuries or thinking)
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
diverse
The college wants a diverse student body.
diverse = varied (in this case, of different ethnic groups and genders)
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
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
pervasive
We were losing 35 to 0 at halftime and there was a pervasive sense of gloom in the locker room.
pervasive = existing throughout something
Definition
Generally pervasive means:existing throughout something; or generally widespread
Word Statistics
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
exemplify
When he said "Let's roll," his courage exemplified America's determination to defend itself.
exemplified = acted as an example
Definition
Generally exemplify means:to act as an example
Word Statistics
| Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
although
Although she knows a lot about the business, she still has a lot to learn from her mother.
although = even though (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Definition
Generally although means:even though; or but
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. At the start of a sentence, other synonyms could include words and phrases such as however, yet, all the same, on the other hand, still, even so, and nonetheless.)
(Used to connect contrasting ideas. At the start of a sentence, other synonyms could include words and phrases such as however, yet, all the same, on the other hand, still, even so, and nonetheless.)
Word Statistics
| Library | 70 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
trace
2 meanings
as in:
found a trace of
There was not a trace of the defendant's DNA at the crime scene.
trace = a tiny quantity or indication
Definition
Generally this sense of trace means:a small quantity; or any indication or evidence of
The exact meaning of this sense of trace depends upon its context. For example:
- a small indication that something was present — as in "The plane disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean without leaving a trace."
- a very small amount of something — as in "The blood test showed a trace of steroids."
- any evidence of something — as in "We did not find a trace of the gene."
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
trace the origin or development
Early cat domestication is traced back to China over 5,000 years ago.
traced = found through investigation
Definition
Generally this sense of trace means:to find, search, research, or keep track of
This sense of trace usually has to do with information. It's specific meaning depends on its context. For example:
to find or search for something through investigation — often the origin of something:
- "The police traced the call." — found out where it originated
- "We are tracing the lost luggage" — searching for
- "Can you trace the problem to its source?" — find through investigation
- "She traced her family history to discover that her great-grandmother came to the United States from Lithuania when the Nazis occupied it." — discovered something through investigation
to research or report on the development of something
- "She traced the history of the automobile in her paper." — researched the development of something
- "Her presentation traced recent progress in alternative energy solutions." — reported on
to monitor or keep track of the progress or development of something
- "She traces the progress of at-risk students." — monitors information
- "I used binoculars to trace her progress up the mountain." — monitor, follow, or track
Word Statistics
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
relative
as in:
the relative importance
I am comparing the relative benefits of both proposals.
relative = compared with something else (in this case comparing the benefits of each proposal to the other rather than looking for some absolute benefit)
Definition
Generally this sense of relative means:compared with something else (not an absolute value or not complete)
Word Statistics
| Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
adopt
The country adopted the metric system.
adopted = took on as its own
Definition
Generally adopt means:to take on as one's own
The exact meaning of adopt depends upon its context. For example:
- "adopt a child" — to legally take on parental responsibilities for another person's child
- "adopt a plan" — to accept or begin to use something
- "adopt a pet" — to take in a pet — especially one from an animal shelter
- "Congress adopted the resolution." — had a formal vote and passed
- "adopted a confident attitude" — took on or displayed
Word Statistics
| Library | 30 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
resolve
4 meanings
as in:
I resolved to stop drinking.
This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.
resolved = decided
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:to decide — typically a firm or formal decision
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
This committee hereby resolves...
The Security Council resolved that all parties should work together for the successful implementation of the National Peace Accords.
resolved = voiced an opinion by formal group vote
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:make a decision or voice an opinion by formal group vote
Word Statistics
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
Her resolve weakened.
She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.
resolve = determination (firmness of purpose)
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
Word Statistics
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
How did you resolve the problem?
Three of the five issues have already been resolved.
resolved = settled or solved
Definition
Generally this sense of resolve means:to solve a problem or settle a disagreement
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
preserve
4 meanings
as in:
preserve the records
They are preserving the elephant habitat.
preserving = protecting or keeping something from changing
Definition
Generally this sense of preserve means:to protect something or to keep it as it is
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
preserve the peaches
Salt was used to preserve the meat.
preserve = prepare food in a way to keep it from spoiling
Definition
Generally this sense of preserve means:to prepare food in a way that keeps it from spoiling
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a wildlife preserve
The land was donated to the state so it could forever remain a wildlife preserve.
preserve = a place where conditions are kept unchanged to protect wildlife
Definition
Generally this sense of preserve means:a place where conditions are kept as they were to protect wildlife
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
no longer a male preserve
At that time, Yoga was the preserve of India's highest-caste men.
preserve = an activity done exclusively by a group
Definition
Generally this sense of preserve means:something exclusive to (someone or some group) — such as an activity or place
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
despair
3 meanings
as in:
she felt despair
Don't give in to despair.
despair = a feeling of hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
do not despair
Don't despair. Next year will be better.
despair = lose hope
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:to lose hope
Word Statistics
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
she was the despair of the team
Conditions that would have been the despair of most people, only served to motivate her.
despair = thing that causes hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:something that causes hopelessness or great distress
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
thus
2 meanings
as in:
Thus it was necessary.
Increase law enforcement reduced the supply of the drug and thus increased the cost, but the improvement was partially offset when the increased cost encouraged more supply.
thus = therefore (for that reason)
Definition
Generally this sense of thus means:therefore (for that reason; or what follows is so because of what was just said)
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
betrayed her thus
She read my diary and mocked my most private thoughts in public. My worst fears realized thus, I avoided friends between classes.
thus = in that way
Definition
Generally this sense of thus means:in the way mentioned or shown
Word Statistics
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
therefore
Kim is taller than Ashley. Ashley is taller than Anna. Therefore, Kim is taller than Anna.
therefore = for that reason
Definition
Generally therefore means:for that reason (what follows is so because of what was just said)
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
essential
The essential feature of the pen is that it writes so consistently.
essential = absolutely necessary; or of greatest importance
Definition
Generally essential means:necessary or important or relating to the basic nature of something
Word Statistics
| Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
anxiety
She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.
anxiety = nervousness
Definition
Generally anxiety means:nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
| Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
dwell
3 meanings
as in:
Don't dwell on it.
Don't dwell on the past.
dwell = think or talk about something longer than seems appropriate
Definition
Generally this sense of dwell means:to think, communicate, or let attention stay on (or return to) something for a prolonged period
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
It dwells in the forest.
The creature dwells in the forest.
dwells = lives in
Definition
Generally this sense of dwell means:make one's home in; or to live in; or to stay (in a place)
Word Statistics
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a modest dwelling
There is a second dwelling unit on the property.
dwelling = home
Definition
Generally this sense of dwelling means:a house or shelter in which someone lives
Word Statistics
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |
intrigue
as in:
involved in intrigue
I try to avoid political intrigue.
intrigue = secret schemes or plots
Definition
Generally this sense of intrigue means:a secret scheme or plot
Word Statistics
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT® | top 1000 |