The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock — Vocabulary
T. S. Eliot
(Auto-generated)

Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
2 top 100
reviseimprove (change)
How can you revise that paragraph to improve the expression of ideas?more
Show sample from book
In a minute there is time For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.†1 more
revise → revisions:changes; or changed versions
Show general definition to change (and hopefully improve) -- most frequently to improve a written document, but it can be any intentional change such as a change in an estimated amount, a plan, or a series of procedures
1 top 200
deferencerespect
They changed their strategy in deference to the President's wishes.more
Show sample from book
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
deference → deferential:politely respect
Show general definition polite respect -- often when submitting to another's wishes
1 top 500
meticuloustreating details with great care
She is a meticulous researcher who takes pride in a thorough job.more
Show sample from book
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
with details treated with great care
1 top 1000
tediousboring
I'll have to endure one of her tedious lectures.more
Show sample from book
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
boring and long
Show general definition boring -- especially because something goes on too long or without variation
1 top 2000
insidiousinsidious → insidiously:in a manner not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time
The debt grew insidiously--just a little at a time and always for a good purpose.Alan Greenspan  —  The Age of Turbulencemore
Show sample from book
Streets that follow like a tedious argument
Of insidious intent
appearing harmless, but actually very harmful over time
Show general definition not appearing dangerous, but actually very harmful over time

or:

treacherous  (dangerous due to trickery or from hidden or unpredictable risks)
1
indecisiona general tendency to leave decisions unmade
Don't mistake her thoughtfulness as weak indecision.more
Show sample from book
And indeed there will be time For the yellow smoke that slides along the street, Rubbing its back upon the window-panes; There will be time, there will be time To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet; There will be time to murder and create, And time for all the works and days of hands That lift and drop a question on your plate; Time for you and time for me, And time yet for a hundred indecisions, And for a hundred visions and revisions, Before the taking of a toast and tea.†
indecision → indecisions:leaving a decision unmade due to uncertainty…
Show general definition leaving a decision unmade due to uncertainty; or a general tendency to leave decisions unmade
1 top 500
digressdigress → digresses:wanders from a direct course
She always digresses when telling a story.more
Show sample from book
Is it perfume from a dress
That makes me so digress?
wander off topic
Show general definition wander from a direct or straight course -- typically verbally
1
malingermalinger → malingering:avoiding responsibilities and duties by pretending to be sick
They accused me of malingering and insisted I visit their doctor.more
Show sample from book
Smoothed by long fingers, Asleep ...tired ...or it malingers, Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.†
malinger → malingers:avoids responsibilities and duties -- typically by pretending to be ill
Show general definition avoid responsibilities and duties -- often by pretending to be ill

or (more rarely):  to be slow