The Prince — Vocabulary
Nicolo Machiavelli
translated by: Marriott
(Auto-generated)
| Exemplary sample | Uses | ACT/SAT |
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establish
Which word choice best maintains the tone established in the first paragraph?more
Show sample from bookPrincipalities are either hereditary, in which the family has been long established; or they are new. Show general definition for establish (as in: establish a positive tone)create, start, or set in [a] place |
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establish#2
The passage is primarily about establishing the relationship between the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global temperature.more
Show sample from bookBut 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. 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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valor
She received a medal for valor.more
Show sample from bookFor the old Roman valour is not dead, Show context notesThis is a British spelling. Americans use valor.Show general definitionexceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle |
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attribute
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
Show sample from bookTherefore, 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.† 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#2
She attributed this quotation to Shakespeare.more
Show sample from bookAnd 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.† Show general definition for attribute (as in: I attribute it to...)to credit (a source for something)
in two typical senses:
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| 13 | top 1000 | |
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faction
It was a fight between the moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party.more
Show sample from bookDuring the rioting between the Cancellieri and Panciatichi factions in 1502
Show general definitiona sub-group with some interests not shared by the entire group |
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Show sample from bookNeither could you have a better or a more prudent arrangement, or a greater source of security to the king and kingdom.†
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| 15 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from bookThe Carthaginians, reduced to extreme necessity, were compelled to come to terms with Agathocles, Show general definitionto force someone to do somethingor more rarely: to convince someone to do something Show editor's word notesMost 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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| 15 | top 1000 | |
Show sample from book...the people do not wish to be ruled nor oppressed by the nobles, 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:
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| 14 | top 2000 | |
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republic
The United States and each of its states are republics.more
Show sample from bookAll states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been and are either republics or principalities.†
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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attain
She was the first woman to attain the rank of general.more
Show sample from bookTake 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.†
Show general definitionto gain or reach something with effort |
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| 11 | top 1000 | |
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reproach
She reproached him for treating his sister so thoughtlessly.more
Show sample from bookprinces ought to leave affairs of reproach to the management of others, and keep those of grace in their own hands. 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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| 11 | top 2000 | |
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conspire
The hackers conspired to breach the bank's security system, aiming to steal millions of dollars.more
Show sample from bookSome 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.† Show general definitionsecretly plan together to do something -- especially something illegal or harmfulor: of events and circumstances: seemingly cooperate to achieve something |
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Show sample from bookI believe also that he will be successful who directs his actions according to the spirit of the times, 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:
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accord#2
They expect to be accorded the same respect as any other nuclear armed nation.more
Show sample from bookBut 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; Show general definition for accord (as in: accord her the respect deserved)to give someone special treatment -- especially respect |
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illustrious
The university invited an illustrious scientist to speak at the graduation ceremony.more
Show sample from bookNor 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.† Show general definitionfamous and admired; or worthy of admiration |
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Show sample from bookAnd nothing honours a man more than to establish new laws and new ordinances when he himself was newly risen.† Show general definition for ordinance (as in: passed the ordinance)a rule or law -- typically enacted by city government |
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| 3 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookPope 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. 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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| 2 | top 500 | |
Show sample from bookIf, 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; |
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annex
The county annexed the rural community where we live.more
Show sample from bookThe 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.† 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 |
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