Hedda Gabler — Vocabulary
Henrik Ibsen
translated by: Gosse & Archer
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 100
neverthelessdespite that (used to connect contrasting ideas) The class was hard. Nevertheless, it was my favorite.more Show sample from book But nevertheless— MISS TESMAN.†5 more Show general definition despite that 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 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.
	5	top 500
indifferentwithout interest About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.more Show sample from book Why, my dearest Hedda, how can you be so indifferent about it?4 more unconcerned (without interest) 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."
	4	top 500
confideconfide → confided:placed trust (in someone) by talking about private things She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more Show sample from book First promise me--give me your word--that what I now confide in you Thea shall never know.3 more place trust (in someone) and talk about private things Show general definition to place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets
	4	top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness Don't give in to despair.more Show sample from book you can imagine what a state of despair he will be in when he wakens and misses the manuscript.3 more distress (at inability to fix a bad situation) 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 500
principlebelief I accept as a basic principle that all people are precious and should be treated with equal dignity.more Show sample from book You declared they were adapted only for men of the strictest principles.†3 more principle → principles:basic rules or beliefs Show general definition a basic rule or belief The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example: "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
	5	top 1000
curtbrief (using few words) Her response was so curt it was almost rude.more Show sample from book [Curtly and decidedly.]4 more curt → curtly:in a manner that uses few words or is abrupt and perhaps discourteous or rude Show general definition brief to the point of rudeness
	3	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book [To BRACK, laughing with a touch of scorn.]2 more disrespect Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	4	top 1000
suppresssuppress → suppressed:kept from spreading She claimed that Facebook suppressed and promoted news that met a political agenda.more Show sample from book Suppressing an involuntary smile,3 more suppress → suppressing:trying to keep under control Show general definition trying to keep under control The exact meaning of suppress can depend upon its context. For example: "suppressed the revolution" -- to stop others from doing something by force "suppressed a smile" -- kept something from happening "suppressed the story" -- kept news from spreading "suppressed her fear" -- controlled an emotion "suppressed the memory" -- avoided thinking about (perhaps even removed from conscious memory) Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Suppress and repress can be interchanged; though in psychology something that is repressed is done unconsciously while something that is suppressed is done voluntarily.
	2	top 200
inclinedhave a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something I'm inclined to believe him.more Show sample from book I am sure Mr. Lovborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me.1 more desirous (in the mood) 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
	2	top 500
earnestearnest → in earnest:in a serious manner I began training in earnest the summer before high school.more Show sample from book That is why I beg so earnestly that you—you too—will keep a sharp eye upon him.†1 more earnest → earnestly:sincerely or seriously Show general definition characterized by sincere belief or: intensely or excessively serious or determined
	2	top 500
motivereason (for doing something) She believes the profit motive encourages people to satisfy other people's needs.more Show sample from book What was you motive, then?†1 more Show general definition for motive (as in: What is her motive?) a reason for doing something
	2	top 500
spontaneoussudden and unplanned Her spontaneous decision to take a road trip led to one of the best weekends of her life.more Show sample from book a deed of spontaneous beauty1 more happening or arising without plan Show general definition happening naturally, suddenly, or without outside planning or action
	2	top 500
anxietynervousness She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.more Show sample from book [Trying to conceal her anxiety.]1 more nervousness or worry Show general definition nervousness or worry
	2	top 500
abundantpresent in great quantity Farmers in the region enjoy good soil, moderate temperatures, and an abundant supply of water.more Show sample from book Her hair is of an agreeable brown, but not particularly abundant.1 more Show general definition present in great quantity
	3	top 2000
repulsivedisgusting (very unpleasant) The tribe elders find American culture as shown in Hollywood films to be immoral and repulsive.†more Show sample from book But of course he saw how repulsive they were to me; and so he dropped them.†2 more very unpleasant or causing disgust Show general definition for repulsive (as in: she found him repulsive) very unpleasant or causing disgust
	1	top 100
alludeallude → alluded:indirectly referenced He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more Show sample from book He has only once—quite vaguely—alluded to it. Show general definition to make an indirect reference Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
	1	top 200
complacentunworried and satisfied She had become complacent after years of success.more Show sample from book TESMAN. [Hums a little and smiles complacently.] Yes, I fancy I have several good friends about town who would like to stand in my shoes--eh? complacent → complacently:in a satisfied manner Show general definition contented (unworried and satisfied) -- often to a fault
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dispeldrive away She tried to dispel the tension in the room with a lighthearted joke.more Show sample from book I am sorry, Mrs. Hedda,—but I fear I must dispel an amiable illusion.† to drive away or put an end to something -- especially a feeling, idea, or doubt Show general definition to drive away or put an end to something -- especially a feeling, idea, or doubt
	1	top 2000
equivocalunclear in meaning Her equivocal answer left everyone wondering what she really meant.more Show sample from book [Laughing equivocally.] equivocal → equivocally:with meaning that is not clear Show general definition unclear in meaning -- especially where opposing interpretations are reasonable (sometimes intentionally)
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imperativeessential and urgent The candidate said it is imperative that we take action to address climate change.more Show sample from book It was imperative I should see you this evening.†