Little Women — Vocabulary
Louisa May Alcott
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| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookI ... resolved not to let the sun set on my anger, and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry.
Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.)to decide -- typically a firm or formal decisionShow editor's word notesIn modern writing resolve is typically used to emphasize a firm or formal decision. In classic literature, it is used more frequently and often simply replaces decide or determine. |
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| 3 | top 500 | |
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resolve#2
She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more
Show sample from bookAnd Amy tried on the blue ring with a delighted face and a firm resolve to earn it.
Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.)firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something) |
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| 31 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookA strange sense of helplessness fell upon the girls as the gray bonnet vanished round the corner, and despair seized them when a few minutes later Miss Crocker appeared, and said she'd come to dinner.
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) |
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| 1 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookAct fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him. Show general definition for despair (as in: do not despair)lose hope or feel distress |
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| 22 | top 1000 | |
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reproach
She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more
Show sample from bookHe was very kind, forgave her readily, and did not utter one reproach, but Meg knew that she had done and said a thing which would not be forgotten soon, Show general definitiona criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shameShow editor's word notesThe expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach."Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize. |
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| 19 | top 1000 | |
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wistful
Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more
Show sample from bookHe looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own.†
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| 16 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookLucky for you I am, for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal, as you do, we should be in a nice state.† Show general definitionof terrible quality or depressing; or dark and dreary (as when bad weather blocks the sun or when it is drizzly) |
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| 18 | top 1000 | |
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afflict
The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more
Show sample from bookPoor Hannah was the first to recover, and with unconscious wisdom she set all the rest a good example, for with her, work was panacea for most afflictions.† Show general definitionto cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure |
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| 14 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookWhen she went home, he walked with her to her own gate, shook hands cordially, and touched his hat as he marched back again, looking very stately and erect, like a handsome, soldierly old gentleman, as he was.† Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception)friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite |
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| 14 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookBeth's face, serene and smiling, as in the early days, looked down upon them, seeming to say, "Be happy." Show general definitioncalm and untroubled |
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| 12 | top 500 | |
Show sample from book Here lies Pip March,
Who died the 7th of June; Loved and lamented sore, And not forgotten soon.† Show general definitionto express grief or regret |
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| 40 | ||
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trifle
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more
Show sample from book...for as Father says, trifles show character. Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter)something of small importance; or a small quantity |
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| 1 | ||
Show sample from book...she was not to be trifled with. 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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| 10 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from book"Yes, please, but I never will again," and he went down upon his knees, with a penitent clasping of hands, and a face full of mischief, mirth, and triumph. Show general definitionfeeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such |
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| 11 | ||
Show sample from bookFor the old lady was in the middle of her story, and long before it was done, Jo was off again, making more droll revelations and committing still more fearful blunders.† Show general definitioncomical in an unusual way -- often clever and understated |
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| 7 | top 500 | |
Show sample from book"No, you didn't, you knew perfectly well I never cared for anyone but Jo," Laurie said that in his old, impetuous tone, and turned his face away as he spoke.† Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision)impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence |
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| 7 | top 2000 | |
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reprove
She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more
Show sample from book"Jo does use such slang words!" observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug.† Show general definitionexpress disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner |
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| 6 | ||
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affectation
She is comfortable in her own skin and meets strangers without affectation.more
Show sample from bookYour indifference is half affectation, and a good stirring up would prove it.†
Show general definitionbehaving in an artificial way to make an impression |
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| 15 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookAnd Meg tried to keep her countenance, Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance)facial expression; or face; or composure or manner |
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| 1 | top 2000 | |
Show sample from bookSo we are to countenance things and people which we detest, merely because we are not belles and millionaires, are we? Show general definition for countenance (as in: giving countenance)to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support |
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