Through the Looking-Glass — Vocabulary
Lewis Carroll
(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
	27	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 However, this conversation is going on a little too fast: let's go back to the last remark but one.'27 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.
	1	top 2000
however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…) However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more Show sample from book The most curious part of the thing was, that the trees and the other things round them never changed their places at all: however fast they went, they never seemed to pass anything.27 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)
	6	top 500
gravegrave → gravity:seriousness or importance (weightiness) Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.more Show sample from book "You know," he added very gravely, "it's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle—to get one's head cut off."5 more grave → gravely:in a serious and solemn manner Show general definition for grave (as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemn The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example: "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner
	7	top 1000
provokeprovoke → provoked:caused Her remarks provoked a public outcry.more Show sample from book 'It's VERY provoking,' Humpty Dumpty said after a long silence, looking away from Alice as he spoke, 'to be called an egg--VERY!'6 more provoke → provoking:irritating (causing an angry reaction) Show general definition to cause a reaction — often an emotional reaction like anger, and sometimes done on purpose
	3	top 100
consequenceconsequence → consequences:results Your decision will have three major consequences.more Show sample from book when you've once said a thing, that fixes it, and you must take the consequences.2 more consequence → consequences:results (things that follow from it) Show general definition for consequence (as in: a direct consequence of) a result of something (often an undesired side effect)
	4	top 200
indignantindignant → indignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong "I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more Show sample from book 'I never ask advice about growing,' Alice said indignantly.3 more Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
	5	top 1000
solemnvery serious He took a solemn oath.more Show sample from book 'It can talk,' said Haigha, solemnly.4 more solemn → solemnly:with seriousness and dignity Show general definition in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
	6	top 2000
sulkto overly indulge in being unhappy and unsociable She was disappointed and retreated to her room to sulk.more Show sample from book 'I suppose so,' the other sulkily replied, as he crawled out of the umbrella: 'only SHE must help us to dress up, you know.'†5 more sulk → sulkily:in an excessively unhappy and unsociable manner Show general definition to be overly unhappy and unsociable -- often due to disappointment or a sense of not getting what was deserved
	4	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book 'Only it is so VERY lonely here!' Alice said in a melancholy voice; and at the thought of her loneliness two large tears came rolling down her cheeks.3 more sad Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	4	top 1000
principalmost important The principal idea is that decisions should be made by the people who are most knowledgeable about specific circumstances that impact the decision.more Show sample from book 'Principal rivers—there ARE none.†3 more most important; or person that is most important Show general definition most important; or person who is most important The exact meaning of principal can depend upon its context. For example: "the principal idea" or "the principal performer" -- the most important "the principal of the school" -- the person in charge "a principal of a company" -- an owner or person with controlling authority "the principal in a transaction" (as contrasted to the agent) -- the person on whose behalf an agent acts
	2	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book 'When "I" use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean--neither more nor less.'1 more scorn → scornful:disrespectful Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	2	top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book Alice repeated in despair, 'Oh, that'll never be done!'1 more hopelessness Show general definition for despair (as in: she felt despair) hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
	4	top 2000
inquireask about or look into Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.more Show sample from book Alice inquired a little anxiously.3 more inquire → inquired:asked Show general definition to ask about or look into something
	1	top 1000
obligeoblige → obliges:requires The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.more Show sample from book There was a Beetle sitting next to the Goat (it was a very queer carriage-full of passengers altogether), and, as the rule seemed to be that they should all speak in turn, HE went on with 'She'll have to go back from here as luggage!' Alice couldn't see who was sitting beyond the Beetle, but a hoarse voice spoke next. 'Change engines--' it said, and was obliged to leave off.1 more oblige → obliged:required (to do something) Show general definition for oblige (as in: I am obliged by law.) require (obligate) to do something
	1
obligedgrateful or indebted I am much obliged to you for your help.more Show sample from book So much obliged!1 more Show general definition for obliged (as in: I'm much obliged for your kindness) grateful or indebted
	4	top 2000
vexfrustrate The complicated math problem continued to vex the entire class until the teacher provided a clearer explanation of the formula.more Show sample from book He looked so vexed at the idea, that Alice changed the subject hastily.3 more vex → vexed:annoyed Show general definition to annoy, worry, or frustrate -- especially by being difficult or persistent
	2
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book ...hoping to make them a LITTLE ashamed of fighting for such a trifle.1 more something of small importance Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	1	top 500
diligentcareful and hardworking She's the kind of diligent worker we want to hire.more Show sample from book Alice had seated herself on the bank of a little brook, with the great dish on her knees, and was sawing away diligently with the knife. diligent → diligently:with hard work and care Show general definition for diligent (as in: she is diligent) working carefully and steadily with effort and attention to detail
	1	top 500
bolstersupport and strengthen She visited the troops to bolster morale.more Show sample from book So the two brothers went off hand-in-hand into the wood, and returned in a minute with their arms full of things—such as bolsters, blankets, hearth-rugs, table-cloths, dish-covers and coal-scuttles.† bolster → bolsters:supports or strengthens Show general definition for bolster (as in: to bolster) support or strengthen
	1	top 1000
brandishbrandish → brandished:waved or exhibited aggressively She brandished her cane at him.more Show sample from book and a Knight dressed in crimson armor came galloping down upon her, brandishing a great club. brandish → brandishing:aggressively waving Show general definition the act of waving something or exhibiting it aggressively