The Nose — Vocabulary
Nikolai Gogol
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howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas)
Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more
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"However, if you lay so much stress on it, you should apply to someone who has a skilful pen, so that he may describe it as a curious, natural freak, and publish the article in the Northern Bee" (here he took another pinch) "for the benefit of youthful readers" (he wiped his nose), "or simply as a matter worthy of arousing public curiosity."3 more
a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2.  Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
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however#2no matter how (how much/how hard/how long…)
However hard she tried, she couldn't do it.more
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But however often he tried, all his efforts were in vain.3 more
regardless of how
Show general definition for however (as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
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moreoverin addition to what has just been said
The company has too much debt. Moreover, it is responsible for a long-term lease on expensive office space.more
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A nose, an actual nose; and, moreover, it seemed to be the nose of an acquaintance!†3 more
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accustomaccustomaccustomed to:used to (have adapted to and have an expectation of)
In the United States we're accustomed to forming our own opinion about the promises of advertisements and politicians.more
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On the way he said to himself, "If the Major does not burst into laughter at the sight of me, that is a most certain sign that everything is in its accustomed place."†3 more
accustomaccustomed:used to (adapted to something, so it seems normal)
Show general definition to make someone used to something

(used to is an expression that means someone has adapted to something, so it does not seem unusual)
Show editor's word notes In professional environments, you may make a better impression by saying one is accustomed to something rather than one is used to something.
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indignantindignantindignantly:with anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong
"I am not a fool," she said indignantly.more
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One gentleman asserted with great indignation that he could not understand how in our enlightened age such absurdities could spread abroad, and he was astonished that the Government did not direct their attention to the matter.†1 more
indignantindignation:anger or annoyance at something unjust or wrong
Show general definition angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
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implyimplyimplied:hinted or suggested
She wouldn't make a direct statement, but she implied that she supported our position.more
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If you intend to imply by that that I wished to snub you, i.e. to meet you with a refusal, I am very astonished because, as you well know, I was quite of the opposite mind.†
suggest (say indirectly)
Show general definition to suggest or say indirectly -- possibly as a logical consequence
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adornadornadorned:decorated
The women adorned themselves with shell necklaces.more
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The hat, adorned with a plume, showed that it held the rank of a state-councillor.†1 more
Show general definition to decorate -- especially a person
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beckonbeckonbeckoned:called
With a nod of her head, she beckoned me to join them.more
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He nearly fainted; but the police inspector beckoned to him with his hand and said, "Come here, my dear sir."1 more
beckonbeckoned:called (to come nearer by using a hand gesture)
Show general definition to call -- typically to ask or tell someone to come nearer by using a hand gesture or a nod of the head
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phenomenonsomething that is of special interest
It is a growing social phenomenon on high school campuses.more
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A high-born lady wrote to the keeper of the gardens asking him to show her children this rare phenomenon, and to give them some suitable instruction on the occasion.†
something that exists or happened -- often of special interest
Show general definition something that exists or happened -- especially something of special interest -- sometimes someone or something that is extraordinary
Show editor's word notes "Phenomenons" and "phenomena" are both appropriate plural forms of this noun. "Phenomena" is generally used in scientific or philosophical contexts.
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acquaintcause to know better
You should acquaint yourself with the new computer program.more
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An old apple-woman on the Ascension Bridge may carry on her business without one, but since I am on the look out for a post; besides in many houses I am acquainted with ladies of high position—Madame Tchektyriev, wife of a state-councillor, and many others.†1 more
acquaintacquainted:familiar with  OR  a friend or associate
Show general definition to cause to know; or to cause to be familiar with
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agitateagitateagitating:stirring up emotions to increase unrest
We are agitating public unrest, so there will be a cry for change.more
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Kovaloff was so agitated that he could decide on nothing, and looked for the nose everywhere.†
agitateagitated:not calm; or stirred up (often emotionally)
Show general definition to stir up or shake -- emotionally (as when people are angered or upset) or physically (as when a washing machine cleans clothes)
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inquiryinvestigation
The school launched an official inquiry into the allegations of cheating.more
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He intended to lose it somewhere—either at somebody's door, or in a public square, or in a narrow alley; but just then, in order to complete his bad luck, he was met by an acquaintance, who showered inquiries upon him.†
inquiryinquiries:questions or investigations
Show general definition a question or investigation -- especially one meant to gather information or find out the truth
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enhanceimprove
This sauce will enhance the flavor of the meat.more
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Kovaloff had been a Caucasian committee-man two years previously, and could not forget that he had occupied that position; but in order to enhance his own importance, he never called himself "committee-man" but "Major."†
increase or improve
Show general definition increase quantity or improve quality
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exasperatedgreatly annoyed
She was exasperated by his teasing.more
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This act, quite innocent in itself, exasperated Kovaloff.†
Show general definition greatly annoyed
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scoundrelsomeone without moral principles
He's a scoundrel. Don't trust him.more
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You scoundrel!†5 more
Show general definition someone without moral principles
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alludealludealluded:indirectly referenced
He alluded to Susan without mentioning her name.more
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The last allusion was too direct.†
alludeallusion:an indirect reference
Show general definition to make an indirect reference
Show editor's word notes The expression, no allusion can mean "not even an indirect reference"; i.e., neither a direct nor an indirect reference to something.
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swindlefraud (or deception) to steal money
She stole over a million dollars in her biggest swindle.†more
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If he was, it would not be such a great swindle!†1 more
tricking or cheating someone -- usually to get money
Show general definition tricking or cheating someone -- usually to get money
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bailiffcourt officer responsible for keeping order in the court
The bailiff escorted them from the courtroom.more
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He had come to St Petersburg with the view of obtaining some position corresponding to his rank, if possible that of vice-governor of a province; but he was prepared to be content with that of a bailiff in some department or other.†1 more
court officer responsible for keeping order in the court including custody of th…
Show general definition court officer responsible for keeping order in the court including custody of the jury, and custody of prisoners while in court
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anecdoteanecdoteanecdotes:short true stories
Her autobiography is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes.more
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All these incidents were eagerly collected by the town wits, who just then were very short of anecdotes adapted to amuse ladies.†
anecdoteanecdotes:short, true stories
Show general definition a short story that is true -- often told for amusement or to make a point
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copiousa lot of
She took copious notes.†more
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Jakovlevitch tied a napkin under his chin, and in the twinkling of an eye covered his beard and part of his cheeks with a copious creamy lather.†
abundant (large in quantity or number)
Show general definition abundant (large in quantity or number)