The Hitch-Hikers — Vocabulary
Eudora Welty
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Show sample from bookIt was for relief, almost, that his thoughts turned to pity, to wonder about the two tramps, their conflict, the sudden brutality when his back was turned.† Show general definitiona struggle or disagreement
in various senses, including:
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confide
She confided in me. I won't repeat what was said.more
Show sample from bookAlso, he recognized at once any sort of attempt to confide, and then its certain and hasty retreat.† Show general definitionto place trust (in someone) by talking about private things or telling secrets |
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Show sample from bookLooks like you would 'a' heard the commotion.† Show general definitiona disturbance -- typically noisy |
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Show sample from bookIt was his only remark, and it was delivered in a slow and pondering voice.† Show general definitionto think deeply or carefully about something |
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Show sample from bookIt was the look of bewilderment in her face that he would remember.† Show general definitionto confuse someone |
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Show sample from bookHe placed the strongest drink from the tray in her hand, with a little flourish.
Show general definition for flourish (as in: dismissed them with a flourish)a showy gestureor: the act of waving -- a hand or an item |
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Show sample from bookAnd the recurring sight of hitch-hikers waiting against the sky gave him the flash of a sensation he had known as a child: standing still, with nothing to touch him, feeling tall and having the world come all at once into its round shape underfoot and rush and turn through space and make his stand very precarious and lonely.† Show general definitionunsafe or in danger of getting worse -- especially in danger of falling |
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Show sample from bookThe proprietor let his laugh out like a flood. Then he sobered abruptly. Show general definition for abrupt (as in: an abrupt change)sudden and unexpectedor (less commonly): characterized by sudden changes or at a steep angle |
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recur
The infection is less likely to recur if you finish all the recommended antibiotics.more
Show sample from bookAnd the recurring sight of hitch-hikers waiting against the sky gave him the flash of a sensation he had known as a child: standing still, with nothing to touch him, feeling tall and having the world come all at once into its round shape underfoot and rush and turn through space and make his stand very precarious and lonely.† Show general definitionto happen repeatedly or a second time |
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postpone
Due to her illness, we postponed our vacation for a week.†more
Show sample from bookThis had postponed the call to the hospital.†
Show general definitiondelay until a later time |
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Show sample from bookWhen she accused him of nothing, of no carelessness or disregard of her feelings, he was fairly sure she had not heard about the assault in his car.† Show general definitionto attack someone or something physically or verbally; or to threaten violence |
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proprietor
The proprietor of the bookstore greeted each customer warmly and offered personalized recommendations based on their interests.more
Show sample from bookMr. Gene, the proprietor, a white-haired man with little dark freckles all over his face and hands, looked up and shoved out his arm at the same time.† Show general definitionthe owner of a business |
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dogged
She worked with dogged determination.more
Show sample from book...he remarked doggedly. Show general definition for dogged (as in: dogged determination)continuing effort to achieve something despite difficulties (persistent effort) |
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Show sample from bookAs they pulled out into the road again, the other man began to lift a beer bottle, and stared beseechingly, with his mouth full, at the man with the guitar.† Show general definitionto ask strongly or beg for somethingShow editor's word notesBeseech is common in classic literature. Though its usage has doubled in recent decades, it remains a rare word in modern writing.Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Beseech is similar to beg or entreat. Beg implies the request for a personal favor, while entreat implies an attempt to overcome resistance. |
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proverb
She is a hard worker, an early riser, and fond of quoting the proverb, "The early bird gets the worm."more
Show sample from bookIt's been rainin' since dark, but you don't ever know a thing like that— it's proverbial.† Show general definition for proverb (as in: the well-known proverb)a short saying -- typically well-known and accepted by many as offering good adviceShow editor's word notesThe adjective, proverbial, may refer to a proverb or to anything that is well-known -- as in "It is a proverbial fish story exaggeration." |
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Show sample from book"Ruth?" he said, lifting the receiver, his voice almost contrite.† Show general definitionfeeling sorrow or regret for a fault or offense |
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Show sample from bookThe other man was so bogged in inarticulate anger that Harris could imagine him running down a cotton row after the rabbit.† Show general definitionunable to communicate clearly (or to use words)or (more rarely): a feeling or idea that is not expressed
The exact meaning of inarticulate depends upon its context. For example:
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Show sample from bookWalking over to the party, so as not to use his car, making the only sounds in the dark wet street, and only partly aware of the indeterminate shapes of houses with their softshining fanlights marking them off, there with the rain falling mistlike through the trees, he almost forgot what town he was in and which house he was bound for.† Show general definitionunknown or uncertain |
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