Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — Vocabulary
Robert Louis Stevenson
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Exemplary sample Uses Broad Use
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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
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For two months, however, I was true to my determination; for two months I led a life of such severity as I had never before attained to, and enjoyed the compensations of an approving conscience.p.96.98 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.
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however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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At my appearance (which was indeed comical enough, however tragic a fate these garments covered) the driver could not conceal his mirth.p.102.78 more
regardless of how
Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
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consequenceconsequenceconsequences:results
Your decision will have three major consequences.more
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"Foul play!" cried the lawyer, a good deal frightened and rather inclined to be irritated in consequence.p.52.52 more
result
Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
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consequence#2consequenceconsequential:important
Think carefully. This is a consequential decision.more
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I met with one accident which, as it brought on no consequence, I shall no more than mention.p.92.22 more
significant result
Show general definition for consequence (as in: of little consequence) importance or relevance
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scarcityshortage
There is a scarcity of work in the region.more
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I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why.†p.9.57 more
scarcityscarce:in short supply  OR  barely or hardly (by a small margin)
Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
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countenancefacial expression; or face
She has a pleasant countenance.more
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...a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile;p.1.18 more
face; or facial expression
Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
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consciencemoral judgment of personal behavior
I have a guilty conscience and want to make it right.more
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Henry Jekyll stood at times aghast before the acts of Edward Hyde; but the situation was apart from ordinary laws, and insidiously relaxed the grasp of conscience.†p.91.86 more
feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner
Show general definition feeling or judgment of morally right or wrong personal behavior
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inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something
I'm inclined to believe him.more
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inclined to be irritatedp.52.43 more
having a tendency
Show general definition for inclined (as in: I'm inclined to) a tendency, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
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narrativeStory
He titled his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.more
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Nor must I delay too long to bring my writing to an end; for if my narrative has hitherto escaped destruction, it has been by a combination of great prudence and great good luck.†p.108.14 more
story
Show general definition for narrative (as in: Narrative of the Life of...) a story; or related to a story
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profoundintense (of great emotional depth)
Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more
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profound slumberp.104.43 more
intense (deep)
Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
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loathehate
I make New Year's resolutions every year and then loathe myself for breaking them.more
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I had taken a loathing to my gentleman at first sight.†p.5.63 more
loatheloathing:disgust or intense dislike
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.
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composecalm
I took a deep breath to compose myself and then began my speech.more
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So far the letter had run composedly enough, but here with a sudden splutter of the pen, the writer's emotion had broken loose.p.57.41 more
composecomposedly:calmly (under control)
Show general definition for compose (as in: compose myself) to calm someone or settle something
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indifferentwithout interest
About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more
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Hyde was indifferent to Jekyll, or but remembered him as the mountain bandit remembers the cavern in which he conceals himself from pursuit.p.95.92 more
Show general definition without interest
in various senses, including:
  • unconcerned -- as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
  • unsympathetic -- as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
  • not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) -- as in "an indifferent performance"
  • impartial -- as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
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trifletrifletrifling:unimportant
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more
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"Yes, certainly, I know that," said the doctor, a trifle sharply.p.25.64 more
little
Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
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trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect
She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more
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Confident as I am that you will not trifle with this appeal, my heart sinks and my hand trembles at the bare thought of such a possibility.p.72.64 more
Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
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penitentsorry for having done wrong
When her anger passed, she was penitent.more
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As for the moral turpitude that man unveiled to me, even with tears of penitence, I cannot, even in memory, dwell on it without a start of horror.p.81.23 more
penitentpenitence:feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds (sorrow for having done wrong); or a person who does such
Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
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reputabletrusted and respected
It is a reputable business.more
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A FORTNIGHT later, by excellent good fortune, the doctor gave one of his pleasant dinners to some five or six old cronies, all intelligent, reputable men and all judges of good wine; and Mr. Utterson so contrived that he remained behind after the others had departed.p.24.22 more
respected (with good reputation)
Show general definition trusted and respected (having a good reputation)
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thoroughfaremain road
It's the city's main north-south thoroughfare.more
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He walked fast, hunted by his fears, chattering to himself, skulking through the less-frequented thoroughfares, counting the minutes that still divided him from midnight.p.103.92 more
thoroughfarethoroughfares:roads
Show general definition a road -- typically a main road, but potentially any road, path, or means of getting from one place to another
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inordinateexcessive
She has an inordinate fear of spiders.more
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And still the figure had no face by which he might know it; even in his dreams, it had no face, or one that baffled him and melted before his eyes; and thus it was that there sprang up and grew apace in the lawyer's mind a singularly strong, almost an inordinate, curiosity to behold the features of the real Mr. Hyde.†p.15.91 more
excessive or more than is reasonable or normal
Show general definition excessive or more than is reasonable or normal
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narratenarratenarrates:writes or tells (a story)
She narrates the story with the wisdom of an older woman looking back on life.more
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And he briefly narrated what the maid had seen, and showed the broken stick.†p.31.11 more
narratenarrated:told (a story)
Show general definition to tell a story-possibly as the main voice in a documentary; or a character who speaks to the audience in a performance
The specific meaning of narrate depends on context. For example:
  • "She narrated her story with tears in her eyes." -- told a story
  • "Her diary chillingly narrates her descent into madness." -- tells a story in writing
  • "Morgan Freeman narrated the documentary which features historic news reports and interviews." -- was the voice that tells a story while tying the scenes of a documentary together
  • "The character who plays the Stage Director in 'Our Town' also narrates for the audience." -- when an actor in a play, movie, or other performance helps to tell the story by talking directly to the audience (breaking the imaginary barrier between the performers and the audience)