Pygmalion — Vocabulary
George Bernard Shaw
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | Broad Use |
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| 1 | top 100 | |
Show sample from bookThis makes him a standing puzzle to the huge number of uncultivated people who have been brought up in tasteless homes by commonplace or disagreeable parents, and to whom, consequently, literature, painting, sculpture, music, and affectionate personal relations come as modes of sex if they come at all. Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of)a result of something (often an undesired side effect) |
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| 1 | top 1000 | |
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consequence#2
Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more
Show sample from bookThe pathos of this deplorable figure, with its innocent vanity and consequential air, touches Pickering, who has already straightened himself in the presence of Mrs. Pearce.
Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence)importance or relevance |
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| 9 | top 2000 | |
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dialect
It's not uncommon to hear "y'all" when talking in the American south where the rural areas still have a distinct dialect.more
Show sample from bookI am myself a student of Indian dialects; Show general definitiona regional variety of a languageShow editor's word notesA dialect can use a different accent, vocabulary, and grammar than other dialects of the same language. |
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| 7 | top 1000 | |
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resolute
She stood resolute as some complained that she was asking too much of the team.more
Show sample from book[He makes resolutely for the door] Show general definitionfirm in purpose, belief, or action |
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| 7 | top 1000 | |
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coax
Although she has retired from public life, we are going to try to coax her to accept the award.more
Show sample from bookBut I haven't forgot what you said a minute ago; and I won't be coaxed round as if I was a baby or a puppy.† Show general definition for coax (as in: coax her to join us)try to obtain a result through gentle and careful effort -- often gentle persuasion |
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| 6 | top 1000 | |
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intimidate
I was intimidated on my first day at the job, but I'm comfortable now.more
Show general definitionto cause fear, nervousness, or a sense of inadequacy |
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| 3 | top 100 | |
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nevertheless
The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more
Show sample from bookThe future of phonetics rests probably with his pupils, who all swore by him; but nothing could bring the man himself into any sort of compliance with the university, to which he nevertheless clung by divine right in an intensely Oxonian way.†
Show general definitiondespite thatShow editor's word notesBased on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 was just stated, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but. |
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| 3 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookHe takes off his hat to Mrs. Pearce, who disdains the salutation and goes out. Show general definitionto disrespect or reject as unworthy |
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| 3 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookHis great ability as a phonetician (he was, I think, the best of them all at his job) would have entitled him to high official recognition, and perhaps enabled him to popularize his subject, but for his Satanic contempt for all academic dignitaries and persons in general who thought more of Greek than of phonetics.† Show general definitionto make possible
in various senses, including:
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| 4 | top 1000 | |
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resignation
It wasn't her first choice, but she accepted it with resignation.more
Show sample from bookMRS. PEARCE [only half resigned to it] Very well, sir. It's for you to say. Show general definition for resignation (as in: accepted it with resignation)acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils |
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| 2 | top 200 | |
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malice
I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.more
Show sample from bookHis manner varies from genial bullying when he is in a good humor to stormy petulance when anything goes wrong; but he is so entirely frank and void of malice that he remains likeable even in his least reasonable moments.† Show general definitionthe intention or desire to see others suffer |
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| 3 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookTHE FLOWER GIRL [subsiding into a brooding melancholy over her basket, and talking very low-spiritedly to herself] I'm a good girl, I am.† Show general definitiona sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad |
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| 3 | top 1000 | |
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conviction
Even though many kids laughed at her idea, Bella spoke with great conviction that recycling one bottle could really help save the planet.more
Show sample from bookPickering: if we listen to this man another minute, we shall have no convictions left.† Show general definition for conviction (as in: spoke with conviction)a strong, firmly held belief |
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| 2 | top 200 | |
Show sample from bookHe gets out of her way deferentially and apologizes. Show general definitionpolite respect -- often when submitting to another's wishes |
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| 2 | top 500 | |
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impetuous
His impetuous decision to quit his job left his family stunned and worried.more
Show sample from bookHe is, in fact, but for his years and size, rather like a very impetuous baby "taking notice" eagerly and loudly, and requiring almost as much watching to keep him out of unintended mischief. Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision)impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence |
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| 3 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookGeneral hubbub, mostly sympathetic to the flower girl, but deprecating her excessive sensibility. Show general definitionto diminish or treat something as unimportant or of low quality; or to express disapproval |
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| 2 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookMRS. HIGGINS [cordially] Quite right: I'm very glad indeed to see you.† Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception)friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite |
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| 3 | ||
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infatuated
She was completely infatuated with her new neighbor and couldn't stop thinking about him.more
Show sample from bookFreddy bows and sits down in the Elizabethan chair, infatuated.† Show general definitiondeeply but often foolishly in love with or obsessed with someone or something |
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| 3 | ||
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remonstrate
When she has a complaint with her staff, she will remonstrate quietly and in private.more
Show sample from bookPICKERING [in good-humored remonstrance] Does it occur to you, Higgins, that the girl has some feelings? Show general definitionargue, complain, or criticize |
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| 3 | ||
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relapse
She returned to the hospital due to difficulty breathing after a relapse of the flu.more
Show sample from bookHIGGINS [relapsing into gloom] Lord forbid!† Show general definitionto return to an undesirable previous condition -- especially illness, addiction, or bad behavior |
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