David Copperfield — 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
	101	top 500
recollectremember I think I recollect that she was away at college that year.more Show sample from book How well I recollect the wintry ride!100 more 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.
	41	top 2000
accordaccord → accordance:keeping She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more Show sample from book I readily pledged myself to accompany him in accordance with his wish.45 more accord → accordance:keeping (or agreement) 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
	5	top 2000
accord#2accord → own accord:own mind -- voluntarily (without anyone asking) She was not forced. She did it of her own accord.more Show sample from book I was charmed by her presently asking me, of her own accord, to give her that cookery-book I had once spoken of,45 more accord → own accord:own mind (without prompting or anyone telling her to) Show general definition for accord (as in: done of her own accord) mind Show editor's word notes This sense of accord is typically seen in the form own accord or one accord.
	41	top 2000
approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer Winter is approaching.more Show sample from book Even when he kissed her — and I never saw him approach her, but I felt that nature had given him the soul of a gentleman — she seemed to cling closer to her uncle, even to the avoidance of her chosen husband.42 more get 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 But for the reluctance I had to betray the confidence of Agnes, but for my uncertainty how to approach the subject with no risk of doing so, it would have reached them before he said, 'God bless you, Daisy, and good night!'42 more speak with someone 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
	40	top 100
alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book by which he meant snail, and this was in allusion to his being slow to go,39 more allude → allusion:an indirect reference Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
	50	top 1000
endeavorendeavor → endeavored:tried or attempted I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.more Show sample from book Without such assurance I should certainly have left it alone, and bestowed my energy on some other endeavour.49 more endeavor → endeavour:project (attempting to do something else) Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use endeavor. Show general definition to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
	4	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book I imagined it would be a kind of company to have the boys, and the bedroom where I used to tell the stories, so near me: although the boys would know nothing of my being there, and the bedroom would yield me no shelter.15 more give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	12	top 100
yield#2give in The country vowed not to yield to pressure from its larger neighbors.more Show sample from book I didn't have it in my mind a minute ago, to say a word about myself; but it come up so nat'ral, that I yielded to it afore I was aweer.'15 more yield → yielded:gave in, gave way, or gave up Show general definition for yield (as in: yield to pressure) to give in, give way, or give up
	33	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book There was no higher praise for her; no higher reproach for me.32 more criticism Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame Show editor's word notes The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. "Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.
	37
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book I entreat Mr. Traddles to bear with me in entering into these details.36 more ask Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	35	top 2000
utmostgreatest It is of the utmost importance.more Show sample from book It made me very miserable to hear it, and I looked at Mrs. Micawber's red eyes with the utmost sympathy.†34 more
	24	top 1000
cordialfriendly The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more Show sample from book He greeted me cordially; and told me I should certainly be happy under Doctor Strong, who was one of the gentlest of men.†23 more cordial → cordially:in a friendly way Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
	18
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book It was so precious to me that I look back on these trifles, now, with an aching heart.†23 more trifle → trifles:things of small importance Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	6
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more Show sample from book There must be no trifling with HER affections, poor dear.†23 more trifle with → trifling with:treating thoughtlessly or without respect Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
	32
interposeinterpose → interposed:inserted She interposed herself between them before someone threw a punch.more Show sample from book Mr. Murdstone seemed afraid of a renewal of hostilities, and interposing began: 'Miss Trotwood!'†31 more interpose → interposing: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
	15	top 1000
constraintlimitation I will devote my full energy to the project, without constraint.more Show sample from book The constraint that had been put upon me, was quite abandoned.†14 more something that limits something else Show general definition limitation (something that limits something else)
	18
remonstratecriticize or argue When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more Show sample from book 'My dearest,' I remonstrated, 'don't talk preposterous nonsense!'17 more remonstrate → remonstrated:protested Show general definition argue, complain, or criticize
	4	top 2000
apprehendunderstand She doesn't yet apprehend the seriousness of the charge against her.more Show sample from book 'I apprehend, if you come to that,' said Mr. Creakle, with his veins swelling again bigger than ever, 'that you've been in a wrong position altogether, and mistook this for a charity school.'6 more Show general definition for apprehend (as in: apprehend the situation) to understand or perceive (see or become aware of)
	3
apprehend#2fear, or anticipate with worry It can be worse to apprehend than to suffer.more Show context notes Today, this meaning of apprehend is commonly seen in the forms apprehensive or apprehension, but it is also seen in this form in classic literature. Show sample from book Steerforth not yet appearing, which induced me to apprehend that he must be ill, I left the Commons early on the third day, and walked out to Highgate.6 more fear Show context notes Today, this meaning of apprehend is commonly seen in the forms apprehensive or apprehension, but it is also seen in this form in classic literature.