alternative
2 uses
1 —2 uses as in:
an alternative plan
RICH (Shakily) They seem odd alternatives, Secretary.†
alternatives = possibilities
Definition
Generally this sense of alternative means:something available as another possibility
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
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coincide
1 use
It exactly coincides with my own.†
coincides = to be similar — especially to happen at the same time or place
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
conscience
19 uses
(Earnestly addressing him) In matters of conscience CROMWELL (Smiling bitterly) The conscience, the conscience ....†
conscience = feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner
Word Statistics
| Book | 19 uses |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
contempt
5 uses
1 —5 uses as in:
feels contempt towards her
(With a sudden, contemptuous sweep of his arm)They are terrors for children,
contemptuous = showing a lack of respect
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:lack of respect for someone or something thought inferior — often accompanied by a feeling of dislike or disgust
Word Statistics
| Book | 5 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
contradict
1 use
Oh, I must contradict you there, sir; that's your imagination.†
contradict = disagree
Definition
Generally contradict means:disagree
in various senses, including:
- to say something is not true — as in "She contradicted his testimony."
- to say something else is true when both can't be true — as in "I don't believe her. She contradicted herself as she told us what happened."
- to be in conflict with — as in "Her assertions contradict accepted scientific principles."
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 13 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
dispose
1 use
1 —1 use as in:
disposed the troops along...
My house is at Your Grace's disposal.†
disposal = command
(editor's note: When something is "at someone's disposal" it is "at their command," or "available for their use." They can use it as they please.)
(editor's note: When something is "at someone's disposal" it is "at their command," or "available for their use." They can use it as they please.)
Definition
Generally this sense of dispose means:the arrangement, positioning, or use of things
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
doctrine
3 uses
MORE Master Rich is newly converted to the doctrines of Machiavelli.†
doctrines = a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
heresy
6 uses
(MARGARET is alarmed, and from behind mom tries to silence ROPER) ROPER The Church is heretical!†
heretical = counter to popular belief of what is proper
Definition
Generally heresy means:opinions or actions most people consider immoral
Word Statistics
| Book | 6 uses |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
indulgent
4 uses
Now I must ask the Court's indulgence! I have a message for the prisoner from the King.
indulgence = treatment with extra kindness or tolerance (in this case, to permit him to interrupt their proceedings)
Definition
Generally indulgent means:to treat with extra kindness or tolerance
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
malevolent
1 use
(His face stiff with malevolence) My lords, I wish to call (He raises his voice) Sir Richard Rich!
malevolence = the desire to do evil or to hurt others
Definition
Generally malevolent means:evil
- of a person — wishing or appearing to wish evil to others
- of a thing — exerting an evil or harmful influence
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
malicious
3 uses
MORE (Grins maliciously at ROPER) That's it of coursesaints!†
maliciously = with a desire to see others suffer; or in a threatening manner
Definition
Generally malicious means:wanting to see others suffer; or threatening evil
Word Statistics
| Book | 3 uses |
| Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
pragmatic
2 uses
Pooh, he's a pragmatist-and that's the only resemblance he has to the Devil, son Roper; a pragmatist, the merest plumber.†
pragmatist = someone concerned with practical matters
Definition
Generally pragmatic means:concerned with practical matters — especially where quick results and/or practical experience triumph over theory
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
precede
1 use
(Preceded by JAILER he limps across the stage; he has aged and is pale, but his manner, though wary, is relaxed; while that o f the Commission is bored, tense, and jumpy) NORFOLK (Looks at him) A seat for the prisoner.†
preceded = went or was before
Definition
Generally precede means:to go or do before
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 100 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
recollect
4 uses
MORE (Recollecting) Ah yes, you are to be felicitated.†
recollecting = remembering
Definition
Generally recollect means:to remember — especially experiences from long ago
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 1000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
reproach
4 uses
CROMWELL (Reproachful) Well, I always understood he set you up in life.†
reproachful = critical (full of criticism)
Definition
Generally reproach means:a criticism; or to express criticism — especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shame
Word Statistics
| Book | 4 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
resignation (2 meanings)
2 meanings, 3 uses
1 —1 use as in:
submitted her resignation
The King accepts your resignation very sadly;
resignation = quitting from your position
Definition
Generally this sense of resignation means:to quit — especially a job or position; or a document expressing such an act
Word Statistics
| Book | 1 use |
| Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
2 —2 uses as in:
accepted it with resignation
During the next speech CROMWELL straightens up and folds arms resignedly
resignedly = like one who accepted something unpleasant as unavoidable
Definition
Generally this sense of resignation means:acceptance of something undesired as unavoidable or the lesser of evils
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 2000 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
scorn
2 uses
(Exit WOMAN) NORFOLK (Scornfully) Is that your witness?†
scornfully = in a disrespectful or rejecting manner
Definition
Generally scorn means:disrespect or reject as not good enough
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 2 |
tact
2 uses
CROMWELL Don't be too tactful, innkeeper.†
tactful = to say or handle things in a way that makes others feel good about them
Definition
Generally tact means:the ability or act of saying or handling things in such a way that others feel good about them
Word Statistics
| Book | 2 uses |
| Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
| SAT®* | top 500 |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |
treason
15 uses
MORE Margaret, I'll not have you talk treason....†
treason = an act of betrayal
Definition
Generally treason means:betraying someone or something — typically betraying one's own country
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal—often by helping enemies)
(in this context, to betray is to not be loyal—often by helping enemies)
Word Statistics
| Book | 15 uses |
| Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
| 1st use | Chapter 1 |