Sense and Sensibility — Vocabulary
Jane Austen
(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
	23	top 500
resolveresolve → resolved:decided This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more Show sample from book They were cheered by the joy of the servants on their arrival, and each for the sake of the others resolved to appear happy.32 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.
	10	top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose) She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more Show sample from book Perhaps she pitied and esteemed him the more because he was slighted by Willoughby and Marianne, who, prejudiced against him for being neither lively nor young, seemed resolved to undervalue his merits.32 more resolve → resolved:determined Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
	21	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book --he knew nothing of what had passed; and the first hours of his visit were consequently spent in hearing and in wondering.25 more consequence → consequently:as a result Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	5	top 1000
consequence#2consequence → consequential:important Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more Show sample from book I have something of consequence to inform you of, which I was on the point of communicating by paper.25 more importance Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
	1	top 500
perceiveperceive → perceives:views in a certain way She perceives more risk in the trip than he does.more Show sample from book ...you perceive, as well as myself, not only in this, but in many other circumstances, reason enough to be convinced that....32 more view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion Show general definition for perceive (as in: perceive the system as unfair) to view in a certain way so as to form a belief or opinion
	32	top 500
perceive#2see (become aware of) I could perceive the ship coming over the horizon.more Show sample from book They had not remained in this manner long, before Elinor perceived Willoughby, standing within a few yards of them,32 more perceive → perceived:became aware of Show general definition for perceive (as in: though blind, can perceive light) to become aware of -- especially by using the senses (to see, hear, smell, feel, or taste)
	1	top 500
resolutiona firm decision to do something Her New Year's resolution is to read deeply at least one hour a day.more Show sample from book But the resolution was made only to be broken.25 more firm decision to do something
	25	top 500
resolution#2determination She ran each mile of the marathon with increasing resolution.more Show sample from book ...to act with resolution,25 more Show general definition for resolution (as in: Her resolution weakened.) determination (firmness of purpose)
	36	top 500
inquiryinvestigation The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more Show sample from book She needed no time for deliberation or inquiry.35 more questioning or investigating Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
	35	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book Recollecting, soon afterwards, that he was probably dividing Elinor from her sister, he put an end to his visit34 more recollect → recollecting:remembering Show general definition to remember -- especially experiences from long ago Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
	32	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book I was very unwilling to enter into it, as you may imagine, without the knowledge and approbation of his mother; but I was too young, and loved him too well, to be so prudent as I ought to have been.†31 more
	13	top 100
establishestablish → established:created Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more Show sample from book The old well-established grievance of duty against will, parent against child, was the cause of all.13 more establish → established:firmly existing Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
	1	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 …and Edward's visit near Plymouth, his melancholy state of mind, his dissatisfaction at his own prospects, his uncertain behaviour towards herself, the intimate knowledge of the Miss Steeles as to Norland and their family connections, which had often surprised her, the picture, the letter, the ring, formed altogether such a body of evidence, as overcame every fear of condemning him unfairly, and established as a fact, which no partiality could set aside, his ill-treatment of herself.13 more establish → established:showed or proved Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
	14	top 500
censurecensure → censured:formally criticized They censured him for bringing dishonor upon the Senate.more Show sample from book I value not her censure any more than I should do her commendation.13 more criticism Show general definition harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization -- such as the U.S. Senate
	14	top 2000
approbationapproval She is not motivated by popular approbation.more Show sample from book I feel no sentiment of approbation inferior to love.†13 more Show general definition approval - often official
	10	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book I was startled, I confess, by the alteration in his manners this morning;—he did not speak like himself, and did not return your kindness with any cordiality.†9 more cordial → cordiality:friendliness Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
	10	top 2000
fortitudestrength of mind She has physical strength and mental fortitude.more Show sample from book She avoided the looks of them all, could neither eat nor speak, and after some time, on her mother's silently pressing her hand with tender compassion, her small degree of fortitude was quite overcome, she burst into tears and left the room.†9 more strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage Show general definition strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
	8	top 2000
scruplesprinciples that discourage certain kinds of action She doesn't share my scruples on the subject.more Show sample from book I have no such scruples, and I am sure I could put up with every unpleasantness of that kind with very little effort.†7 more
	7	top 2000
reprovereprove → reproves:criticizes She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more Show sample from book "Perhaps it is to tell you that your cousin Fanny is married?" said Mrs. Jennings, without attending to her daughter's reproof.†6 more reprove → reproof:criticism Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
	135	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book We consulted together, however, as to what should be done, and at last she determined to send for Edward.†154 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.