The Picture of Dorian Gray — Vocabulary
Oscar Wilde
13 chapter version
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	14	top 1000
loathehate I make New Year's resolutions every year and then loathe myself for breaking them.more Show sample from book Would it teach him to loathe his own soul?13 more Show general definition hate, detest, or intensely dislike Show editor's word notes Word Confusion: Do not confuse loathe with loath which sounds very similar or the same. Loathe is a verb while loath is an adjective describing "reluctance or unwillingness to do something." Note that loathing and loathsome are forms of the verb loathe even though both word forms lack the "e". Occasionally, you will see loath spelled as loathe even in a published book, but it is rare enough that it is generally considered an error rather than a non-standard spelling.
	14	top 2000
operaa classical music play in which most of the dialogue is sung She is a popular opera singer.more Show sample from book They ... used to be always seen together at the Opera, and wherever good music was going on.13 more performances of classical music plays in which most of the dialogue is sung Show general definition a form of musical theater with orchestra in which most of the words are sung, often in a classical style and sometimes in a foreign language
	10	top 2000
vulgarvulgar → vulgarity:crudeness (showing of bad taste) Her vulgarity was a turnoff.more Show sample from book There was something so crude and vulgar about everything of the kind.9 more of bad taste Show general definition of bad taste -- often crude or offensive or: unsophisticated (or common) -- especially of taste
	9	top 2000
temperamentcharacter resulting in mood and tendencies She has the experience, temperament, and judgment for the job.more Show sample from book Still, there are certain temperaments that marriage makes more complex.†8 more temperament → temperaments:usual moods and tendencies Show general definition for temperament (as in: it is her temperament) usual mood and tendencies
	7	top 1000
tediousboring I'll have to endure one of her tedious lectures.more Show sample from book They are good husbands, or faithful wives, or something tedious.6 more Show general definition boring -- especially because something goes on too long or without variation
	6	top 1000
languidslow, unhurried No urging could increase his languid pace.more Show sample from book "It is your best work, Basil, the best thing you have ever done," said Lord Henry, languidly.†5 more languid → languidly:without much energy; or moving slowly or in a relaxed manner Show general definition lacking energy or relaxed or moving slowly
	7	top 1000
divinewonderful Her pies are divine.more Show sample from book ...she is absolutely and entirely divine.6 more Show general definition for divine (as in: to forgive is divine) wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
	6	top 1000
listlesslacking energy and normal enthusiasm She was listless and bored.more Show sample from book Yet she was curiously listless.†5 more
	6	top 2000
infamousfamous (for something bad) He is one of Chicago's most infamous mobsters.more Show sample from book don't tell me that you are infamous!5 more have an exceedingly bad reputation Show general definition having an exceedingly bad reputation
	6	top 2000
tremulousquivering (shaky) She spoke timidly in a tremulous voice.more Show sample from book In the garden-scene it had all the tremulous ecstasy that one hears just before dawn when nightingales are singing.†5 more Show general definition quivering (unsteady or shaky) -- usually from weakness or fear -- especially of the voice
	5	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book "You have done too many foolish things in your life to be entitled to give yourself that name, Dorian," answered Lord Henry, with his sweet, melancholy smile.†4 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	5	top 1000
reproachreproach → reproached:criticized and expressed disappointment She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more Show sample from book He could not bear the idea of reproaching him any more.4 more reproach → reproaching:criticizing 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.
	6	top 2000
grotesquedistorted or ugly She was wearing a grotesque mask that was quite disturbing.more Show sample from book They were as grotesque as the scenery, and that looked as if it had come out of a pantomime of fifty years ago.†5 more distorted and unnatural in shape or size Show general definition distorted and unnatural in shape or size -- especially in a disturbing way or: ugly, gross, or very wrong
	6	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book I must admit I was rather annoyed at the idea of seeing Shakespeare done in such a wretched hole of a place.†5 more miserable or very bad 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."
	2	top 1000
discordconflict There is too much discord in the team.more Show sample from book --to observe where they met, and where they separated, at what point they were in unison, and at what point they were at discord,2 more conflict (disagreement) Show general definition for discord (as in: discord amongst the group) conflict or disagreement -- especially among those expected to cooperate or (especially in the form discordant): seeming different or wrong in context
	1	top 1000
discord#2discord → discordant:unpleasant sounding She described the loud discordant music as a form of torture.more Show sample from book Their voices were horribly shrill and discordant.2 more discord → discordant:unpleasant sounding (especially in combination) Show general definition for discord (as in: discordant music) unpleasant sound -- especially a combination of sounds that sound wrong together (though sometimes done intentionally in music)
	8
pallidabnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color) She looked weak and her face was pallid.more Show sample from book Dorian Gray lifted his golden head from the pillow, and looked at him with pallid face and tear-stained eyes, as he walked over to the deal painting-table that was set beneath the large curtained window.†7 more abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color)… Show general definition abnormally pale (lacking healthy skin color); or anything that lacks energy or liveliness
	6
inquestformal inquiry or investigation The coroner's inquest ruled the death a homicide.more Show sample from book There will have to be an inquest, of course, and you must not be mixed up in it.†5 more formal investigation Show general definition a formal inquiry or investigation -- typically into the cause of an undesirable event -- often an investigation of an unexpected death
	2	top 500
censurecensure → censured:formally criticized They censured him for bringing dishonor upon the Senate.more Show sample from book Women who had wildly adored him, and for his sake had braved all social censure and set convention at defiance, were seen to grow pallid with shame or horror if Dorian Gray entered the room.1 more criticism Show general definition harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization -- such as the U.S. Senate
	4
pathosa quality that arouses pity or sorrow The novel triumphs with humor and pathos.more Show sample from book You said to me once that pathos left you unmoved, but that beauty, mere beauty, could fill your eyes with tears.†3 more