The Prince — Vocabulary
Nicolo Machiavelli
translated by: Marriott
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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establishestablishestablished:created
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more
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Principalities are either hereditary, in which the family has been long established; or they are new.13 more
establishestablished:set in place
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone) create, start, or set in [a] place
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establish#2establishestablishing:showing or demonstrating
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
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But granted a prince who has established himself as above, who can command, and is a man of courage, undismayed in adversity, who does not fail in other qualifications, and who, by his resolution and energy, keeps the whole people encouraged—such a one will never find himself deceived in them, and it will be shown that he has laid his foundations well.13 more
establishestablished:proven
Show general definition for establish (as in: establish that there is a need) show or determine (cause to be recognized or figure out)
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valorcourage (exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle)
She received a medal for valor.more
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For the old Roman valour is not dead,19 more
valorvalour:courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use valor.
Show general definition exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle
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attributeattributeattributes:characteristics
The spreadsheet has a column to describe the breed of dog and then ten additional columns to indicate attributes of the breeds. For example, the second column has the average full-grown weight.more
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Therefore, any one wishing to maintain among men the name of liberal is obliged to avoid no attribute of magnificence; so that a prince thus inclined will consume in such acts all his property, and will be compelled in the end, if he wish to maintain the name of liberal, to unduly weigh down his people, and tax them, and do everything he can to get money.†5 more
characteristic (of something or someone)
Show general definition for attribute (as in: It is an attribute of...) a characteristic or feature (of something or someone)
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attribute#2attributeattributed:credited (pointed to as the source of)
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more
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And in fact is has been seen that the greatness of the Church and of Spain in Italy has been caused by France, and her ruin may be attributed to them.†5 more
attributeattributed:credited (pointed to as the cause of something)
Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...) to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
  • "I attribute it to her work." -- to say who or what made something happen
  • "Remember to attribute any quotations in your paper." -- indicate the source of a quotation or idea
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factionfactionfactions:sub-groups
It was a fight between the moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party.more
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During the rioting between the Cancellieri and Panciatichi factions in 150212 more
Show general definition a sub-group with some interests not shared by the entire group
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prudentsensible and careful
She was promoted to manager because she is so prudent.more
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Neither could you have a better or a more prudent arrangement, or a greater source of security to the king and kingdom.†10 more
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compelforce
Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?more
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The Carthaginians, reduced to extreme necessity, were compelled to come to terms with Agathocles,14 more
compelcompelled:forced
Show general definition to force someone to do something

or more rarely:

to convince someone to do something
Show editor's word notes Most typically, compel describes an external influence forcing someone to do something, but it can also describe being driven by an internal desire.
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oppressoppressoppresses:treats harshly and unfairly
The regime oppresses its people.more
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...the people do not wish to be ruled nor oppressed by the nobles,14 more
oppressoppressed:dominated harshly and unfairly
Show general definition for oppress (as in: oppressive government) to dominate harshly and unfairly; or to make suffer
The meaning of oppress depends upon its context. For example:
  • "The authorities oppress political activists," or "The new nation oppressed Native Americans." -- to dominate harshly and unfairly
  • "She is oppressed by excessive debt." - made to suffer
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republicrepublicrepublics:governmental systems in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws
The United States and each of its states are republics.more
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All states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been and are either republics or principalities.†13 more
Show general definition for republic (as in: the country is a republic) of a system of government in which a majority of citizens elect representatives to make laws; or someone in favor of such a form of government
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attaingain or reach something with effort
She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more
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Take then, your Magnificence, this little gift in the spirit in which I send it; wherein, if it be diligently read and considered by you, you will learn my extreme desire that you should attain that greatness which fortune and your other attributes promise.†8 more
Show general definition to gain or reach something with effort
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reproachreproachreproached:criticized and expressed disappointment
She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more
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princes ought to leave affairs of reproach to the management of others, and keep those of grace in their own hands.10 more
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.
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conspireconspireconspired:secretly planned together
The hackers conspired to breach the bank's security system, aiming to steal millions of dollars.more
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Some may wonder how it can happen that Agathocles, and his like, after infinite treacheries and cruelties, should live for long secure in his country, and defend himself from external enemies, and never be conspired against by his own citizens; seeing that many others, by means of cruelty, have never been able even in peaceful times to hold the state, still less in the doubtful times of war.†10 more
conspireconspired:secretly plan together to do something
Show general definition secretly plan together to do something -- especially something illegal or harmful

or:

of events and circumstances:  seemingly cooperate to achieve something
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accordaccordaccordance:keeping
She will get a fair trial in accordance with the law.more
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I believe also that he will be successful who directs his actions according to the spirit of the times,14 more
accordaccording to:in keeping with
Show general definition for accord (as in: according to, or in accord with) in keeping with; or in agreement/harmony/unity with
This meaning of accord is often seen in the form according to or accordingly where it can take on more specific meanings. For example:
  • "According to Kim, ..." -- as stated by
  • "To each according to her ability." -- based upon
  • "Points are scored according to how well they perform." -- depending upon
  • "The dose is calculated according to body weight." -- in proportion to
  • "We got a flat tire. Accordingly, I pulled to the side of the road." -- because of what was just said; or as a result
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accord#2accordaccorded:given special treatment
They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more
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But let us come to Alexander, who was a man of such great goodness, that among the other praises which are accorded him is this, that in the fourteen years he held the empire no one was ever put to death by him unjudged;14 more
accordaccorded:given (special treatment)
Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved) to give someone special treatment -- especially respect
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illustriousfamous and respected
The university invited an illustrious scientist to speak at the graduation ceremony.more
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Nor is there to be seen at present one in whom she can place more hope than in your illustrious house,(*) with its valour and fortune, favoured by God and by the Church of which it is now the chief, and which could be made the head of this redemption.†5 more
famous and admired; OR  worthy of admiration
Show general definition famous and admired; or worthy of admiration
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ordinancelaw
The city passed an ordinance to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour.more
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And nothing honours a man more than to establish new laws and new ordinances when he himself was newly risen.†5 more
ordinanceordinances:a rule or law -- typically enacted by city government
Show general definition for ordinance (as in: passed the ordinance) a rule or law -- typically enacted by city government
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impetuousimpulsive (made suddenly without much thought)
She regretted her impetuous promise.†more
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Pope Julius the Second went to work impetuously in all his affairs, and found the times and circumstances conform so well ... that he always met with success.2 more
impetuousimpetuously: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
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superfluousmore than is needed, desired, or required
Eliminate superfluous words.more
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If, therefore, all the steps taken by the duke be considered, it will be seen that he laid solid foundations for his future power, and I do not consider it superfluous to discuss them, because I do not know what better precepts to give a new prince than the example of his actions;1 more
more than is desired
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annexannexannexed:took territory to make it part of a larger territory
The county annexed the rural community where we live.more
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The new are either entirely new, as was Milan to Francesco Sforza, or they are, as it were, members annexed to the hereditary state of the prince who has acquired them, as was the kingdom of Naples to that of the King of Spain.†3 more
annexannexed:took territory
Show general definition for annex (as in: annexed the community) to take territory and make it part of a larger territory -- such as a city making land outside of it a part of the city