A Streetcar Named Desire
Vocabulary

behaving in an artificial way to make an impression

friendly and kindly

capable of being heard

to accept (a specific bad behavior) without criticism

or:

to approve of (a specific behavior that is typically considered bad)

polite respect — often when submitting to another's wishes

hesitant and unassertive — often due to a lack of self-confidence

a lack of respect — often suggesting distaste and an undeserved sense of superiority

or:

to reject as not good enough

doubtful — such as:

• uncertain that something can be relied upon
• uncertain about the quality or wisdom of something
• a relatively gentle way of saying that the quality of something described as good is in such doubt that it is considered bad

serious and/or solemn

The exact meaning of this sense of grave is often subject to 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 (with a heavy heart)
• "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." — sincere and dignified without humor

lazy; disinclined to work

to express grief or regret

of a medical doctor:  to give medical instructions — such as writing that a patient should have antibiotics

or:

to recommend — especially with expertise

or:

to require by rule

a criticism; or to express criticism