Cyrano de Bergerac — Vocabulary
Edmond Rostand
translated by: Thomas & Guillemard
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by act of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	12
rampartrampart → ramparts:defensive wall The invaders were unable to penetrate the outer ramparts.more Show sample from book The rampart is covered instantly by a formidable row of enemies†11 more a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense Show general definition a defensive wall or barrier -- built for military defense
	6	top 500
haughtyarrogant or condescending (acting superior or self-important) It is a story about a haughty princess who has a great fall.more Show sample from book DE GUICHE (controlling himself, haughtily): Do you think I will eat your leavings?5 more haughty → haughtily:condescendingly (in a superior or self-important manner)
	6	top 2000
besiegebesiege → besieged:surrounded with armed forces, cut-off from supplies, and attacked The Turks besieged Viennamore Show sample from book We are to besiege Arras.†5 more surround and cut-off supplies; or overwhelm Show general definition to surround a place with armed forces and cut off supplies or attack; or more generally, to overwhelm someone with many requests, complaints, or attention, as if surrounding them and not letting up
	4	top 200
prudentsensible and careful She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more Show sample from book ROXANE: But swear he shall be prudent?†3 more
	5	top 1000
eloquenteloquent → eloquence:powerful use of language Her eloquence is unquestioned even amongst those who disagree with her.more Show sample from book CYRANO: He hath an eloquent tongue in telling his love?†4 more
	5	top 1000
perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book CHRISTIAN (taking her hands): Now tell me why— Why, by these fearful paths so perilous— Across these ranks of ribald soldiery, You have come?†4 more peril → perilous:dangerous Show general definition danger
	6	top 2000
sentinelperson who stands guard or looks out for something A sentinel watched our approach.more Show sample from book Sentinels at different points.†5 more sentinel → sentinels:a person who stands guard or looks out for something Show general definition a person who stands guard or looks out for something
	6	top 2000
siegethe surrounding and prolonged attack The Siege of Leningrad lasted 872 days.more Show sample from book (Lise, who is talking tenderly to the musketeer, starts, and comes down toward Cyrano): So this fine captain is laying siege to you†5 more a military tactic in which a fortified place is surrounded and isolated while it… Show general definition a military tactic in which a fortified place is surrounded and isolated while it is attacked over time or: any prolonged attack, effort, or period of trouble
	6	top 2000
apprenticelearner on the job After high school, Bella began work as an apprentice at a local bakery, waking up before dawn to help make bread and learn the craft.more Show sample from book THE APPRENTICE: 'Tis of brioche pastry.†5 more person who learns a trade or skill through hands-on experience under a skilled w… Show general definition person who learns a trade or skill through hands-on experience under a skilled worker; or (as a verb) performance of that kind of work
	3	top 200
novelnew and original We're looking for novel marketing ideas.more Show sample from book CYRANO (coming nearer, passionately): Ay, a new tone! In the tender, sheltering dusk I dare to be myself for once,--at last! (He stops, falters): What say I? I know not!--Oh, pardon me-- It thrills me,--'tis so sweet, so novel. . .2 more pleasantly new and original Show general definition for novel (as in: a novel situation) new and original -- typically something considered good
	3	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book ROXANE (disdainfully): Oh!†2 more disdain → disdainfully:with a lack of respect; or with a sense of superiority Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	3	top 500
acclaimacclaim → acclaimed:popularly and enthusiastically praised It's a critically acclaimed movie.more Show sample from book (Acclamations): Oh, oh†2 more acclaim → acclamations:choices made without opposition or without formal votes Show general definition to praise enthusiastically and publicly -- sometimes choosing without opposition or a formal vote
	5	top 2000
swaggerswagger → swaggered:walked and behaved in a highly confident manner The team swaggered onto the court--full of confidence.more Show sample from book THE VISCOUNT DE VALVERT (shrugging his shoulders): Swaggerer!†4 more swagger → swaggerer:someone who walks and behaves in a highly confident manner Show general definition walk or behave in a highly confident or proud manner -- often arrogant and sometimes to impress or intimidate others Show editor's word notes Swagger is often used to imply that someone moves or behaves as though they are so strong and capable as to be above physical fear. Such people are often portrayed on television as gang members or cowboys.
	5
valorcourage (exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle) She received a medal for valor.more Show sample from book The color speaks truth, for, thanks to your valor, things will soon go ill for Spain in Flanders.†4 more exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle Show general definition exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle
	4
adieugoodbye She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more Show sample from book Adieu.†3 more Show general definition a farewell remark (an alternative to goodbye) Show editor's word notes Adieu is typically more formal than bye. It comes from the French, à Dieu which literally means "to God" — as in I entrust you to God's care.
	4
sonnetpoem of a particular form I like the sonnet that begins, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?"more Show sample from book See you these two sonnets of Monsieur Beuserade... THE DUENNA: Hey?†3 more sonnet → sonnets:a poem consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme Show general definition a poem consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme Show editor's word notes As an example, here is Shakespeare's 17th Sonnet: Who will believe my verse in time to come, If it were fill'd with your most high deserts? Though yet, heaven knows, it is but as a tomb Which hides your life and shows not half your parts. If I could write the beauty of your eyes And in fresh numbers number all your graces, The age to come would say 'This poet lies: Such heavenly touches ne'er touch'd earthly faces.' So should my papers yellow'd with their age Be scorn'd like old men of less truth than tongue, And your true rights be term'd a poet's rage And stretched meter of an antique song: But were some child of yours alive that time, You should live twice; in it and in my rhyme.
	3	top 2000
constrainedrestricted The standard of living is ultimately constrained by worker productivity.more Show sample from book If you go on, I Shall feel myself constrained to cuff your face!†2 more restricted; or lacking spontaneity Show general definition restricted or inhibited
	2
cullselect for elimination They cull the deer twice a year to assure their numbers can be sustained.more Show sample from book ROXANE: Must I then bid thee mount to cull this flower?†1 more select from among many Show general definition to select from among many -- sometimes what is desired; sometimes to eliminate that which is not wanted
	2
drollunusual I appreciate her droll sense of humor.†more Show sample from book How droll the stains one sees on fine-laced doublets, From gall of envy, or the poltroon's drivel!†1 more comical in an unusual way Show general definition comical in an unusual way -- often clever and understated
	2
paltryinsignificant She was frustrated by the paltry raise she got after a year of growing on the job.more Show sample from book (Correcting himself—contemptuously): —They are paltry enough†1 more insignificant in amount or quality Show general definition insignificant in amount or quality