Nicholas Nickleby
Vocabulary

2 uses

his present state of apathy and terror.

apathy = lack of interest and enthusiasm

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

3 uses

If any caprice of temper should induce him to cast aside this golden opportunity before he has brought it to perfection, I consider myself absolved from extending any assistance to his mother and sister.

caprice = impulsiveness

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

1 use

'He looks well, indeed,' returned Ralph, who, for some purposes of his own, seemed desirous to conciliate the schoolmaster.

conciliate = attempt to end bad feelings or build trust

3 uses

Both utterly heartless, both men upon town, both thoroughly initiated in its worst vices, both deeply in debt, both fallen from some higher estate, both addicted to every depravity for which society can find some genteel name

depravity = immorality or evilness

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

4 uses

He heard his sister's sufferings derided,

derided = disrespected (as though of no importance)

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

4 uses

'I have considered others,' rejoined Nicholas; 'but as honesty and honour are both at issue, nothing shall deter me.'

deter = discourage an action

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

1 use

1 use

It is no disparagement to Nicholas to say, that before he had been closeted with the two brothers ten minutes, he could only wave his hand at every fresh expression of kindness and sympathy, and sob like a little child.

disparagement = criticism

8 uses

So many times did he peruse and re-peruse it, that Newman considered it expedient to remind him of his presence.

expedient = practical

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

5 uses

the fastidious lady, who seemed desperately apprehensive that he was going to relate something improper,

fastidious = excessively concerned with matters of taste

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

3 uses

There was something so earnest and guileless in the way in which all this was said, and such a complete disregard of all conventional restraints and coldnesses, that Nicholas could not resist it.

guileless = innocent — without cunning (shrewdness, cleverness) or deceit

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

6 uses

He is an impetuous youth.

impetuous = impulsive

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

2 uses

He had had sufficient leisure to reflect upon these things, during their late retirement; and, at times, when his careless and indolent nature would permit, had availed himself of the opportunity.

indolent = lazy

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

147 uses

I can easily inquire.

inquire = ask about or look into something

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

1 use

It was not a very easy matter to rouse him: so lethargic and heavy were his slumbers.

lethargic = lacking energy

2 uses

We mustn't look ostentatious;

ostentatious = as though trying to attract notice and impress others

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

97 uses

Perhaps you recollect me?

recollect = to remember

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

2 uses

Newman pointed to the empty glass, as though it were a sufficient refutation of the charge,

refutation = evidence or argument that something is false

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

10 uses

I will perform the double duty that is imposed upon me most scrupulously and strictly.

scrupulously = carefully ethical and/or diligent

All Book Uses  Typical Usage

4 uses

nothing damped the zeal of Nicholas in the service of his kind patrons

zeal = active interest and enthusiasm

All Book Uses  Typical Usage