alternative
3 uses
1 —3 uses as in:
an alternative plan
Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, though the carriage was not to be had; and as she was no horsewoman, walking was her only alternative.
alternative = other possibility
Definition
Generally this sense of alternative means:something available as another possibility
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT | top 100 |
1st use | Chapter 7 |
benevolent
4 uses
She tried to recollect some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. Darcy;
benevolence = kindness or generosity
Definition
Generally benevolent means:kind, generous, or charitable
Word Statistics
Book | 4 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 7 |
capricious
4 uses
...his pride and caprice were the cause, of all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer.
caprice = impulsive behavior
Definition
Generally capricious means:impulsive or unpredictable or tending to make sudden changes — especially impulsive behavior
Word Statistics
Book | 4 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 1 |
censure
8 uses
You will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him.
censured = criticized
Definition
Generally censure means:harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization — such as the U.S. Senate
Word Statistics
Book | 8 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 4 |
complacent
5 uses
Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening.
complacency = contentment (happiness)
Definition
Generally complacent means:contented (unworried and satisfied) — often to a fault
Word Statistics
Book | 5 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 5 |
condescending
15 uses
Her ladyship, with great condescension, arose to receive them;
condescension = doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
Definition
Generally condescending means:treating others as inferior; or doing something considered beneath one's position or dignity
Word Statistics
Book | 15 uses |
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 48 |
conjecture
15 uses
It was a painful, but not an improbable, conjecture.
conjecture = conclusion or opinion based on inconclusive evidence
Definition
Generally conjecture means:a conclusion or opinion based on inconclusive evidence; or the act of forming of such a conclusion or opinion
Word Statistics
Book | 15 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 2 |
defer
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
deferred the decision
Arguments are too much like disputes. If you and Miss Bennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall be very thankful;
defer = postpone
Definition
Generally this sense of defer means:postpone (hold off until a later time)
Word Statistics
Book | 1 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT | top 1000 |
1st use | Chapter 10 |
depravity
1 use
Wilfully and wantonly to have thrown off the companion of my youth, the acknowledged favourite of my father, a young man who had scarcely any other dependence than on our patronage, and who had been brought up to expect its exertion, would be a depravity,
depravity = immoral or evil act
Definition
Generally depravity means:complete immorality or evilness
Word Statistics
Book | 1 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 35 |
deride
2 uses
[the world's] derision for disappointed hopes
derision = disrespect — typically while laughing at or making fun of
Definition
Generally deride means:laugh at or make fun of—while showing a lack of respect
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 18 |
duplicity
2 uses
If I were not afraid of judging harshly, I should be almost tempted to say that there is a strong appearance of duplicity in all this.
duplicity = deception
Definition
Generally duplicity means:deception (lying to or misleading others) — usually over an extended period
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 26 |
entreat
20 uses
I entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.
entreat = ask
Definition
Generally entreat means:to ask or attempt to persuade — especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
Word Statistics
Book | 20 uses |
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 6 |
expedient
2 uses
It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and the niece, that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy's in coming to see them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to be imitated, though it could not be equalled, by some exertion of politeness on their side; and, consequently, that it would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pemberley the following morning.
expedient = practical
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 | 2 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 22 |
forbearance
8 uses
he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy.
forbearing = patient and tolerant
Definition
Generally forbearance means:refraining (holding back) from acting
or:
patience, tolerance, or self-control
or:
patience, tolerance, or self-control
Word Statistics
Book | 8 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 18 |
hackneyed
1 use
But that expression of "violently in love" is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea.
hackneyed = lacking in impact due to too much previous exposure
Definition
Generally hackneyed means:lacking impact due to too much previous exposure — especially writing that is unimaginative and filled with overused expressions, ideas, and formulas
Word Statistics
Book | 1 uses |
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 25 |
impetuous
1 use
Her pale face and impetuous manner made him start, and before he could recover himself to speak, she...
impetuous = impulsive
(editor's note: In this context, "made him start" means "startled him".)
(editor's note: In this context, "made him start" means "startled him".)
Definition
Generally this sense of impetuous means:impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) — often with an unfortunate consequence
Word Statistics
Book | 1 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 46 |
indolent
3 uses
he was an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards;
indolent = lazy
Definition
Generally this sense of indolent means:lazy; disinclined to work
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 47 |
ostentatious
2 uses
They were then, with no other delay than his pointing out the neatness of the entrance, taken into the house; and as soon as they were in the parlour, he welcomed them a second time, with ostentatious formality to his humble abode,
ostentatious = intended to impress others
Definition
Generally ostentatious means:intended to attract notice and impress others — especially with wealth in a vulgar way
Word Statistics
Book | 2 uses |
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 28 |
reprehensible
3 uses
She could only imagine, however, at last that she drew his notice because there was something more wrong and reprehensible, according to his ideas of right, than in any other person present.
reprehensible = bad and unacceptable
Definition
Generally reprehensible means:bad and unacceptable — deserving severe criticism
Word Statistics
Book | 3 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 10 |
sagacious
1 use
Young ladies have great penetration in such matters as these; but I think I may defy even your sagacity, to discover the name of your admirer.
sagacity = wisdom
Definition
Generally sagacious means:wise — especially through long experience and thoughtfulness
Word Statistics
Book | 1 uses |
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
1st use | Chapter 57 |