Little Women — Vocabulary
Louisa May Alcott
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
31 top 500
resolveresolveresolved:decided
This year I resolved to lose a pound a week for 5 weeks.more
Show sample from book
I ... resolved not to let the sun set on my anger, and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry.p.182.533 more
Show general definition for resolve (as in: I resolved to stop drinking.) to decide -- typically a firm or formal decision
Show editor's word notes In 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.
3 top 500
resolve#2determination (firmness of purpose)
She never waivered in her resolve to attend a good college.more
Show sample from book
And Amy tried on the blue ring with a delighted face and a firm resolve to earn it.p.207.133 more
Show general definition for resolve (as in: Her resolve weakened.) firmness of purpose (strong determination to do something)
31 top 500
despaira feeling of hopelessness
Don't give in to despair.more
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A 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.p.121.131 more
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)
1 top 500
despair#2lose hope
Don't despair. Next year will be better.more
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Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him.p.22.531 more
despairdespairing:without hope
Show general definition for despair (as in: do not despair) lose hope or feel distress
22 top 1000
reproachreproachreproached:criticized and expressed disappointment
She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more
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He 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,p.304.721 more
a criticism; or to express criticism
Show general definition a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Show editor's word notes The 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.
19 top 1000
wistfulwistfulwistfully:showing longing or unfulfilled desire
Sitting in her wheelchair, the old woman looked wistfully at the young dancers.more
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He looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own.†p.24.718 more
16 top 1000
dismalterrible
The coach will probably be replaced after such a dismal year.more
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Lucky 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.†p.38.715 more
depressing or gloomy
Show general definition of terrible quality or depressing; or dark and dreary (as when bad weather blocks the sun or when it is drizzly)
18 top 1000
afflictafflictafflicted:made to suffer
The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more
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Poor 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.†p.169.717 more
afflictafflictions:things that cause suffering
Show general definition to cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure
14 top 1000
cordialfriendly
The countries share a long border and have cordial relations.more
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When 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.†p.68.513 more
cordialcordially:in a friendly way
Show general definition for cordial (as in: a cordial reception) friendly -- usually warm and heartfelt, but possibly only polite
14 top 1000
serenesereneserenely:calmly and peacefully
While I lie awake worrying, she sleeps serenely.more
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Beth's face, serene and smiling, as in the early days, looked down upon them, seeming to say, "Be happy."p.488.313 more
calm and untroubled
Show general definition calm and untroubled
12 top 500
lamentlamentlamented:expressed grief about
She lamented the loss.more
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  Here lies Pip March,
  Who died the 7th of June;
  Loved and lamented sore,
  And not forgotten soon.†p.123.111 more
lamentlamented:expressed grief or regret
Show general definition to express grief or regret
40
trifletrifletrifling:unimportant
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more
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...for as Father says, trifles show character.p.359.740 more
trifletrifles:small unimportant things
Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
1
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect
She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more
Show sample from book
...she was not to be trifled with.p.414.440 more
trifle withtrifled with:treated thoughtlessly or without respect
Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
10 top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong
When her anger passed, she was penitent.more
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.p.476.49 more
expressing sorrow for having done wrong
Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
11
drollunusual
I appreciate her droll sense of humor.†more
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For 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.†p.312.810 more
comical in an unusual way
Show general definition comical in an unusual way -- often clever and understated
7 top 500
impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought)
She regretted her impetuous promise.†more
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"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.†p.441.56 more
impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought)
Show general definition for impetuous (as in: an impetuous decision) impulsive (acting suddenly without much thought) -- often with an unfortunate consequence
7 top 2000
reprovereprovereproves:criticizes
She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more
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"Jo does use such slang words!" observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug.†p.5.16 more
reprovereproving:criticizing or critical
Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
6
affectationbehaving in an artificial way to make an impression
She is comfortable in her own skin and meets strangers without affectation.more
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Your indifference is half affectation, and a good stirring up would prove it.†p.438.55 more
Show general definition behaving in an artificial way to make an impression
15 top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face
She has a pleasant countenance.more
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And Meg tried to keep her countenance,p.69.915 more
composure (or face or facial expression)
Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
1 top 2000
countenance#2to tolerate or approve
We will not countenance torture.more
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So we are to countenance things and people which we detest, merely because we are not belles and millionaires, are we?p.318.115 more
tolerate or approve
Show general definition for countenance (as in: giving countenance) to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support