Great Expectations — Vocabulary
Charles Dickens
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by chapter of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	13	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book The Educational scheme or Course established by Mr. Wopsle's great-aunt may be resolved into the following synopsis.p.76.416 more Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	4	top 100
establish#2establish → establishing:showing or demonstrating The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more Show sample from book So convinced I was of that woman's being her mother, that I wanted no evidence to establish the fact in my own mind.p.425.316 more prove Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	27	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book Never had I breathed, and never would I breathe—or so I resolved —a word of Estella to Provis.p.374.726 more Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision Show editor's word notes In modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine.
	32	top 1000
retortquickly reply She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.more Show sample from book "And do you remember," retorted Mr. Jaggers, "that but for me you wouldn't be here and couldn't be here?"p.175.231 more retort → retorted:quickly replied Show general definition for retort (as in: quick retort) a quick reply to a question or remark -- especially a witty or critical one
	16	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book With these fears upon me, I began either to imagine or recall that I had had mysterious warnings of this man's approach.p.344.617 more coming near Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)
	2	top 2000
approach#2approach → approached:began communication with They approached her about becoming a member of the committee.more Show sample from book Having thought of the matter with care, I approached my subject as if I had never hinted at it before.p.314.717 more approach → approached:began talking about Show general definition for approach (as in: approached her with the proposal) to begin communication with someone about something -- often a proposal or a delicate topic
	21	top 1000
dismalterrible The coach will probably be replaced after such a dismal year.more Show sample from book At this dismal time we were evidently all possessed by the idea that we were followed.p.467.920 more depressing or gloomy Show general definition of terrible quality or depressing; or dark and dreary (as when bad weather blocks the sun or when it is drizzly)
	26	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book It was wretched weather; stormy and wet, stormy and wet; and mud, mud, mud, deep in all the streets.p.333.725 more Show general definition very bad in various senses, including: unfortunate or miserable -- as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor" of poor quality -- as in "wretched roads" morally bad -- as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
	23	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book ...a countenance expressive of grief and despair...p.204.822 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	3	top 10
contrastpoint to differences between Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more Show sample from book But, it was only the pleasanter to turn to Biddy and to Joe, whose great forbearance shone more brightly than before, if that could be, contrasted with this brazen pretender.p.508.45 more contrast → contrasted:compared to show differences Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
	3	top 10
contrast#2notable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book The air of completeness and superiority with which she walked at my side, and the air of youthfulness and submission with which I walked at hers, made a contrast that I strongly felt.p.250.95 more Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	15	top 500
deriveget She likes to win, but she doesn't derive pleasure from watching others lose.more Show sample from book That person is the person from whom you derive your expectations, and the secret is solely held by that person and by me.p.147.314 more Show general definition to get something from something else (If the context doesn't otherwise indicate where something came from, it is generally from reasoning--especially deductive reasoning.)
	21	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book Wemmick explained to me ... that this was according to custom, and...p.316.921 more accord → according to:in agreement with Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example: "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by "To each according to her ability." -- based upon "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
	1
accord#2accord → accorded:given special treatment They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more Show sample from book He further gave me leave to accompany the prisoner to London; but declined to accord that grace to my two friends.p.474.621 more give special treatment Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved) to give someone special treatment -- especially respect
	6
acquitofficially find "not guilty" It took the jury only 30 minutes to acquit her of the murder charge.more Show sample from book "Yes; but not only that," said Wemmick, "she went into his service immediately after her acquittal, tamed as she is now."p.418.46 more acquit → acquittal:official finding of "not guilty" Show general definition for acquit (as in: she was acquitted) to officially find "not guilty" of criminal charges Show editor's word notes Being acquitted does not mean the court declared the person innocent. It simply means there was not enough evidence to prove guilt according to the law. The amount of evidence required depends on the type of case. In a criminal case, where someone could go to prison, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—a very high standard. In a civil case, a lawsuit usually about money, the plaintiff only needs to show that the defendant is responsible more likely than not—a much lower standard. This is why the same person can be found "not guilty" in a criminal trial (their guilt was not proved beyond a reasonable doubt) but still be found guilty in a civil trial for the same actions (because their guilt was more likely than not).
	1
acquit#2acquit → acquitted:handled (itself in a specified way) Although they did not win, the team acquitted itself well and we were proud to have them represent us.more Show sample from book For such reasons, I was very glad when ten o'clock came and we started for Miss Havisham's; though I was not at all at my ease regarding the manner in which I should acquit myself under that lady's roof.p.56.76 more handle (conduct or behave) Show general definition for acquit (as in: she acquitted herself well) to handle oneself in a specified way -- which is typically in a positive way
	11	top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong When her anger passed, she was penitent.more Show sample from book ...I lay there, penitently whispering, "O God bless him!"p.494.110 more penitent → penitently:feeling remorse (sorrow) for misdeeds Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
	11
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book The last word grated on me; but how could I remonstrate!†p.501.210 more argue, complain, or criticize Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize
	10
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book At that point, my convict became so frantically exasperated, that he would have rushed upon him but for the interposition of the soldiers.†p.37.89 more interpose → interposition:to insert between other elements; OR to interrupt or stop action by others Show general definition to insert between other elements; or to interrupt or stop action by others
	6	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book ...and he seems to have felt pity for her, and forbearance towards her.p.432.25 more patience or tolerance Show general definition patient tolerance or self-control; or holding back from taking action or enforcing a right Show editor's word notes Today, the word, forbearance, is most commonly seen in the field of law to indicate that a legal right, claim or privilege is not being enforced.