agitate
50 uses
Fanny was all agitation and flutter; all hope and apprehension.
agitation = emotional unrest
Definition
Generally agitate means:to stir up — emotionally (such as anxiety) or physically (such as shaking)
Word Statistics
| Book | 50 uses |
| Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 24 |
amiable
16 uses
I shall see no one half so amiable where I am going.
amiable = friendly and kindly
Word Statistics
| Book | 16 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 11 |
approach
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
approached the city
She tried to get the better of it; tried very hard, as the dinner hour approached, to feel and appear as usual; but it was quite impossible for her not to look most shy and uncomfortable when their visitor entered the room.†
approached = got near
Definition
Generally this sense of approach means:to get closer to
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 88 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 31 |
benevolent
6 uses
The trouble and expense of it to them would be nothing, compared with the benevolence of the action.
benevolence = good done for others (kindness and generosity)
Definition
Generally benevolent means:kind, generous, or charitable
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
candid
4 uses
He was surprised; but after a few moments' silent consideration of her, replied in a calmer, graver tone, and as if the candid result of conviction, "I believe you are right."
candid = honest and direct
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |
censure
6 uses
I do not censure her "opinions"; but there certainly "is" impropriety in making them public.
censure = criticize
Definition
Generally censure means:harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization — such as the U.S. Senate
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 7 |
complacent
8 uses
And looking at her complacently, she added, "Humph, we certainly are a handsome family!"
complacently = in a satisfied manner — without any concern
Definition
Generally complacent means:contented (unworried and satisfied) — often to a fault
Word Statistics
| Book | 8 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 33 |
disdain
3 uses
send me an account of all the dashing young captains whom you disdain for his sake.
disdain = reject as not good enough
Definition
Generally disdain means:a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority
or:
to reject as not good enough
or:
to reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 25 |
disparage
1 use
I mean no disparagement to Julia.
disparagement = criticism or lack of respect
Definition
Generally disparage means:to criticize or make seem less important — especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 14 |
expedient
9 uses
in so doing he had sacrificed the right to the expedient
expedient = speedy or 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 | 9 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 4 |
grave
6 uses
Why did she draw back and look so grave at me?†
grave = serious and solemn
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 | 6 uses |
| Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 15 |
indifferent
26 uses
Never did tone express indifference plainer.
indifference = lack of interest
Definition
Generally indifferent means:without interest
in various senses, including:
- unconcerned — as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
- unsympathetic — as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
- not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) — as in "an indifferent performance"
- impartial — as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
Word Statistics
| Book | 26 uses |
| Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
indolent
10 uses
Indolence and love of ease; a want of all laudable ambition,
indolence = laziness
Definition
Generally this sense of indolent means:lazy; disinclined to work
Word Statistics
| Book | 10 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
minuteness
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
minute size; or minute description
As she opened, and saw its length, she prepared herself for a minute detail of happiness and a profusion of love and praise towards the fortunate creature who was now mistress of his fate.†
minute = small, detailed, or careful
Definition
Generally this sense of minuteness means:very small
or:
detailed (including even small considerations); or careful (done with care)
or:
detailed (including even small considerations); or careful (done with care)
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 24 |
prudent
5 uses
It was more pleasant than prudent.
prudent = sensible and careful
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
recollect
33 uses
In this occupation she hoped, moreover, to bury some of the recollections of Mansfield, which were too apt to seize her mind
recollections = memories
Definition
Generally recollect means:to remember — especially experiences from long ago
Word Statistics
| Book | 33 uses |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 40 |
revere
1 use
Did you think me speaking improperly, lightly, irreverently on the subject?
irreverently = with a lack of respect
Definition
Generally revere means:regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration — sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 34 |
scrupulous
7 uses
with a most scrupulous fear of being late
scrupulous = characterized by extreme care
Definition
Generally scrupulous means:careful to behave ethically and/or diligently (with great care and attention to detail)
Word Statistics
| Book | 7 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 13 |
taint
1 use
They have injured the finest mind; for sometimes, Fanny, I own to you, it does appear more than manner: it appears as if the mind itself was tainted.
tainted = spoiled
Definition
Generally taint means:to spoil something so it is not desirable — as when bacteria contaminates a food; or as when a rumor makes people distrust a person
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 27 |
zeal
5 uses
"If I were to decline the part," said Maria, with renewed zeal, "Julia would certainly take it."
zeal = enthusiasm
Definition
Generally zeal means:active interest and enthusiasm
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 12 |