chronological
Events are listed in chronological order.
chronological = arranged according to time
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 2000 |
domestic
as in:
domestic happiness
We share the domestic chores.
domestic = household (relating to home or family)
Definition
Generally this sense of domestic means:relating to a home or family
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
anxiety
She suffers from more than the usual pre-test anxiety.
anxiety = nervousness
Definition
Generally anxiety means:nervousness or worry
Word Statistics
Library | 23 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
elegant
as in:
an elegant gown
She was an elegant bride.
elegant = refined and tasteful
Definition
Generally this sense of elegant means:refined and tasteful in appearance, behavior or style
Word Statistics
Library | 12 uses in 10 avg bks |
medieval
The story takes place during medieval times.
medieval = relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
trifle
as in:
a trifling matter
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.
trifling = small (of little importance)
Definition
Generally this sense of trifle means:something of small importance; or a small quantity
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
theme
as in:
theme of the novel
The party had a 1950's theme.
theme = an idea that is unifying or recurrent
Definition
Generally this sense of theme means:a basic idea that underlies what is being said or done — especially in a literary or artistic work
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 2000 |
irony
as in:
verbal irony
She was being ironic when she said she couldn't wait to see you again.
ironic = saying one thing, while meaning the opposite
Definition
Generally this sense of irony means:saying one thing, while meaning the opposite or something else — usually as humor or sarcasm
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
acquire
Children acquire language at an amazing rate.
acquire = obtain (get)
Definition
Generally acquire means:obtain (come into the possession of something)
Word Statistics
Library | 17 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 2000 |
epic
I think Game of Thrones is the most epic fantasy written since The Rings Trilogy.
epic = an outstanding literary work that is long and heroic
Definition
Generally epic means:something that is outstanding — especially a literary work that is long and heroic
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
disposition
as in:
a kind disposition
She has a cheerful disposition.
disposition = normal mood or typical way of behaving
Definition
Generally this sense of disposition means:someone's normal mood, personality, or typical way of behaving
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
allegory
In Plato's allegory, the prisoners in the cave represent people living in ignorance.
allegory = a fictional story whose characters, items, or events are symbolic to express a deeper meaning
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Monsieur
Monsieur and Madame Curie studied radium.
Monsieur = Mr. (in French)
Definition
Generally this sense of Monsieur means:French equivalent to the English Mr.
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
or:
French equivalent to saying sir in English (a polite way to address a male)
Word Statistics
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
solemn
He took a solemn oath.
solemn = very serious
Definition
Generally solemn means:in a very serious (and often dignified) manner
Word Statistics
Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
countenance
2 meanings
as in:
a pleasant countenance
She has a pleasant countenance.
countenance = facial expression; or face
Definition
Generally this sense of countenance means:facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
giving countenance
We will not countenance torture.
countenance = to tolerate or approve
Definition
Generally this sense of countenance means:to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
endeavor
I endeavored to get both sides to agree to a compromise.
endeavored = tried or attempted
Definition
Generally endeavor means:to attempt; or a project or activity attempted
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
reconcile
as in:
reconciled herself to
After the accident, she had to reconcile herself to life without loving parents.
reconcile = to come to terms with
Word Statistics
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
essential
The essential feature of the pen is that it writes so consistently.
essential = absolutely necessary; or of greatest importance
Definition
Generally essential means:necessary or important or relating to the basic nature of something
Word Statistics
Library | 24 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
render
as in:
rendered her unconscious
Her verbal attack rendered me speechless.
rendered = made
Definition
Generally this sense of render means:to make or cause to become
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
prevail
as in:
she prevailed upon him
The lobbyist prevailed upon the president to sign the legislation.
prevailed = used persuasion
Definition
Generally this sense of prevail means:use persuasion — especially successfully
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
earnest
I began training in earnest the summer before high school.
in earnest = in a serious manner
Definition
Generally earnest means:characterized by sincere belief
or:
intensely or excessively serious
or:
intensely or excessively serious
Word Statistics
Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
sultry
as in:
a sultry afternoon
It was a sultry afternoon. I could barely breath.
sultry = hot and humid
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
inquire
Students should contact our office to inquire about scholarship opportunities.
inquire = ask about or look into
Definition
Generally inquire means:to ask about or look into something
Word Statistics
Library | 19 uses in 10 avg bks |
despair
3 meanings
as in:
she felt despair
Don't give in to despair.
despair = a feeling of hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:hopelessness; or distress (such as extreme worry or sadness from feeling powerless to change a bad situation)
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
do not despair
Don't despair. Next year will be better.
despair = lose hope
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:to lose hope
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
she was the despair of the team
Conditions that would have been the despair of most people, only served to motivate her.
despair = thing that causes hopelessness
Definition
Generally this sense of despair means:something that causes hopelessness or great distress
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
dwell
2 meanings
as in:
Don't dwell on it.
Don't dwell on the past.
dwell = think or talk about something longer than seems appropriate
Definition
Generally this sense of dwell means:to think, communicate, or let attention stay on (or return to) something for a prolonged period
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
It dwells in the forest.
The creature dwells in the forest.
dwells = lives in
Definition
Generally this sense of dwell means:make one's home in; or to live in; or to stay (in a place)
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
perish
...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.
Abraham Lincoln -- Gettysburg Address
perish = be destroyed or cease to exist
Definition
Generally perish means:to die — especially in an unnatural way
or:
to be destroyed or cease to exist
or:
to be destroyed or cease to exist
Word Statistics
Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
cease
They signed a cease-fire agreement.
cease = to stop or discontinue (in this case, to stop firing weapons at each other)
Definition
Generally cease means:to stop or discontinue
Word Statistics
Library | 26 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
wretch
Pity the poor wretch.
wretch = someone you feel sorry for
Definition
Generally wretch means:someone you feel sorry for
or:
a person of bad character
or:
a person of bad character
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
accompany
4 meanings
as in:
accompany on the journey
The nurse accompanies the old woman everywhere.
accompanies = travels with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to travel along with
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
law and accompanying regulations
The trend is easily seen in the accompanying graph.
accompanying = provided together to be complete
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:complement (to provide with something else to make it whole or better)
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
illness and accompanying symptoms
We'll need to increase public transportation to address the congestion that accompanies higher population density.
accompanies = occurs at the same time (as a result of)
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to be present with at the same time and/or location
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 10 |
as in:
accompanied her in the performance
Who can accompany me on the piano?
accompany = perform with
Definition
Generally this sense of accompany means:to perform with
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 10 |
inclined
as in:
I'm inclined to
I'm inclined to believe him.
inclined = have a tendency; or an attitude or mood that favors something
Definition
Generally this sense of inclined means:a tendency, mood, desire, or attitude that favors something; or making someone favor something
Word Statistics
Library | 10 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
frontier
as in:
the frontier of Tibet
Indian soldiers and technicians assisted in staffing some of the checkposts on the frontier with Tibet.
frontier = an international boundary or a wilderness at the edge of a settled area
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
precipitate
(adj) as in: a precipitate decision
Think about this. Don't make a precipitate decision.
precipitate = sudden (without adequate thought)
Definition
Generally this sense of precipitate means:acting with great haste — often without adequate thought
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 2000 |
precipitant
The precipitant drug is interfering with the object drug.†
precipitant = something that causes something else — such as causing precipitation or a drug interaction
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
oblige
3 meanings
as in:
I am obliged by law.
The law obliges doctors to report suspected child abuse.
obliges = requires
Definition
Generally this sense of oblige means:require (obligate) to do something
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
I obliged her every request.
She asked for help and we obliged her.
obliged = granted a favor to
Definition
Generally this sense of oblige means:grant a favor to someone
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
I'm much obliged for your kindness
I am much obliged to you for your help.
obliged = grateful or indebted
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
indulgent
Indulgent parents risk spoiling their children.
indulgent = treating with extra kindness or leniency (in this case, not demanding enough of the children)
Definition
Generally indulgent means:to treat with extra kindness or tolerance
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
contrary
5 meanings
as in:
a contrary idea
The facts point to a contrary conclusion.
contrary = different (perhaps opposite or mutually exclusive)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
a contrary personality
She has a contrary personality.
contrary = disagreeable
Definition
Generally this sense of contrary means:disagreeable — typically in reference to someone's personality
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
as in:
contrary to
Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico—not Egypt.
contrary to = in opposition to
Word Statistics
Library | 4 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
on the contrary
She was not smiling. On the contrary, she frowned.
on the contrary = an expression used to intensify denial of an idea
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
to the contrary
What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.
to the contrary = with an opposite or different effect
Definition
Generally this sense of to the contrary means:with an opposite or different effect; or something with an opposite or different effect
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
placid
The sky is clear and the lake placid.
placid = calm
Definition
Generally placid means:calm and not easily excited
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
Shakespeare
As Shakespeare said, "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose."
Shakespeare = author widely regarded as the greatest in the English language and whose works include Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet
Definition
Generally this sense of Shakespeare means:English dramatist and poet frequently cited as the greatest writer in the English language and who wrote such works as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet (1564-1616)
Word Statistics
Library | 11 uses in 10 avg bks |
sedate
as in:
she is sedate
a quiet sedate nature
sedate = calm and dignified
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
compose
as in:
keep your composure
After I regained my composure, I thanked her for telling me about the problem.
composure = calm state of mind
Definition
Generally this sense of compose means:to calm someone or settle something
Word Statistics
Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 100 |
inseparable
They are inseparable companions.†
inseparable = not separable; i.e., not capable of being separated
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
endure
as in:
endured the pain
I endured insult and injury without complaint.
endured = suffered through
Definition
Generally this sense of endure means:to suffer through (or put up with something difficult or unpleasant)
Word Statistics
Library | 18 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
repentance
Prisoners who show repentance are more likely to be released on parole.
repentance = regret for having done wrong with a desire to be a better person in the future
Definition
Generally repentance means:the feeling or expression of regret for having done something wrong with a firm decision to be a better person in the future
Word Statistics
Library | 5 uses in 10 avg bks |
contempt
2 meanings
as in:
feels contempt towards her
Familiarity breeds contempt.
contempt = 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
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
as in:
held in contempt of court
The judge held her in contempt.
contempt = the crime of disrespect for the authority of a court
Definition
Generally this sense of contempt means:the crime of willful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
Word Statistics
Library | 6 uses in 10 avg bks |
indifferent
About a third are in favor of the change, a third are opposed, and a third are indifferent.
indifferent = without interest
Definition
Generally indifferent means:without interest
in various senses, including:
- unconcerned — as in "She is indifferent to what is served to eat."
- unsympathetic — as in "She is indifferent to his needs."
- not of good quality (which may imply average or poor quality depending upon context) — as in "an indifferent performance"
- impartial — as in "We need a judge who is indifferent."
Word Statistics
Library | 15 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 1000 |
divine
as in:
to forgive is divine
Her pies are divine.
divine = wonderful
Definition
Generally this sense of divine means:wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
profound
as in:
profound sadness
Her apology was heartfelt—expressing profound sorrow and regret.
profound = intense (of great emotional depth)
Definition
Generally this sense of profound means:of greatest intensity or emotional depth
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
indignant
She was indignant, but agreed to be searched when they accused her of shoplifting.
indignant = angered or annoyed at something unjust or wrong
Word Statistics
Library | 16 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
comprehend
I don't think she comprehends how dangerous this has become.
comprehends = fully understands
Definition
Generally comprehend means:to understand something — especially to understand it completely
Word Statistics
Library | 20 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
compel
Does our DNA compel us to act as we do?
compel = force
Definition
Generally compel means:to force someone to do something
or more rarely:
to convince someone to do something
or more rarely:
to convince someone to do something
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 2000 |
summon
I was summoned to the principal's office.
summoned = called to come
Definition
Generally summon means:to call forth
The exact meaning of summon can depend upon its context. For example:
- "summon to court" — officially demand that someone appear in court (call them to court)
- "summon the team to a meeting" — call upon the team members to attend a meeting
- "summon help" — call others to come and help
- "summon her courage" — call forth her courage from within
Word Statistics
Library | 35 uses in 10 avg bks |
mock
I will not permit the defendant to make a mockery of this trial.
mockery = something that is ridiculous
Definition
Generally mock means:making fun of
or:
not real
or:
not real
Word Statistics
Library | 31 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 100 |
prejudice
The group works to eliminate racial prejudice.
prejudice = unreasonable and unfair belief or feeling
Definition
Generally prejudice means:to have unreasonable belief that is unfair to members of a race, religion, or other group
or more generally:
to have (or create in others) an unreasonable belief that prevents objective (unbiased) consideration of an issue or situation
or more generally:
to have (or create in others) an unreasonable belief that prevents objective (unbiased) consideration of an issue or situation
Word Statistics
Library | 9 uses in 10 avg bks |
Henry James
Henry James was the brother of the philosopher and psychologist William James.†
Henry James = member of the famous James family who was born in the US, but lived in England and wrote novels depicting the intersection of America and Europe (1843-1916)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Walter Scott
Many consider Walter Scott to be the inventor of the historical novel.
Walter Scott = Scottish poet and author of historical novels such as Ivanhoe, and Rob Roy (1771-1832)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
unrequited
It's a sad song about the heartbreak of unrequited love.
unrequited = unreturned
Definition
Generally unrequited means:not returned in kind
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
antagonist
In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.
antagonist = enemy
Definition
Generally this sense of antagonist means:someone who offers opposition or is hostile
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
protagonist
the famous protagonist, Harry Potter†
protagonist = the principal character in a work of fiction
or more rarely:
an important supporter of someone or something
or more rarely:
an important supporter of someone or something
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
mortal
as in:
mortal body
Don't expect perfection of a mere mortal.
mortal = human
Definition
Generally this sense of mortal means:human (especially merely human); or subject to death
Word Statistics
Library | 7 uses in 10 avg bks |
utopia
We thought we could create a utopia, but we failed because we overestimated human nature.
utopia = an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
critique
Please critique the performance.
critique = analyze and judge
Definition
Generally critique means:an examination and judgment of something
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
SAT® | top 500 |
metaphor
He was speaking metaphorically when he referred to being mugged by reality.
metaphorically = with a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally denote
Definition
Generally metaphor means:a figure of speech in which a similarity between two things is highlighted by using a word to refer to something that it does not literally denote — as when Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage."
When Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." he was not saying the world is really a stage and all people are actors. But he was pointing to the similarities he wants us to recognize.
When Shakespeare wrote, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." he was not saying the world is really a stage and all people are actors. But he was pointing to the similarities he wants us to recognize.
Word Statistics
Library | 8 uses in 10 avg bks |
simile
When she said he was "as subtle as a sledgehammer," she was using ironic simile.
simile = a phrase that highlights similarity between things of different kinds
Definition
Generally simile means:a phrase that highlights similarity between things of different kinds — usually formed with "like" or "as"
as in "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," or "She is as quiet as a mouse."
as in "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack," or "She is as quiet as a mouse."
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Paradise Lost
In Paradise Lost, Milton condemns reverence for physical objects—however well intentioned.
Paradise Lost = admired Milton epic poem of original sin (1667)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Achilles
In the Iliad, Achilles is proud, arrogant, and too easily offended.
Achilles = mythical Greek hero of the Iliad
Definition
Generally this sense of Achilles means:mythical Greek hero of the Iliad; central character and foremost Greek warrior at the siege of Troy
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Apollo
NASA's program to land a man on the moon was named for Apollo.†
Apollo = Greek and Roman mythology: god of light, music, poetry, prophecy, and healing
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Cupid
She must have been struck by one of Cupid's arrows.
Cupid = Roman mythology: god of love; a small, winged boy whose arrows make those struck fall in love
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Horace
When in Italy, some pilgrimage to visit Horace's farm.†
Horace = Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)
Word Statistics
Library | 3 uses in 10 avg bks |
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy tried to work through the grief of losing his first wife by writing poetry.†
Thomas Hardy = English poet and author of such novels as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1840-1928)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
George Eliot
George Eliot said she used the male pen name so her works would be taken seriously.†
George Eliot = British writer of novels characterized by realistic analysis of provincial Victorian society and psychology (1819-1880)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Middlemarch
Many authors consider Eliot's Middlemarch to be among the best books ever written.†
Middlemarch = George Eliot novel that portrays a web of social interaction and is described by many as one of the greatest novels of all time (1871)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
descry
She tries to descry purpose in the disasters of a purposeless world.†
descry = catch sight of
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Mark Twain
Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered by many to be among the greatest U.S. novels.
Mark Twain = U.S. writer and humorist best known for his novels about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
Definition
Generally Mark Twain means:U.S. writer and humorist best known for his novels about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn (1835-1910)
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Jack London
Jack London was one of the first writers to become world famous and earn a large fortune from writing.
Jack London = U.S. writer of novels best remembered for his novella, The Call of the Wild.
Definition
Generally Jack London means:U.S. writer of novels based on experiences in the Klondike gold rush and is best remembered for his novella, The Call of the Wild (1876-1916)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Aeneid
The hero of Aeneid, Aeneas, was a character in the Iliad.†
Aeneid = an epic in Latin by Virgil; tells the adventures of Aeneas after the Trojan War and describes him as the ancestor to the Romans; provides an illustrious historical background for the Roman Empire
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Narcissus
like Narcissus gazing in a pool†
Narcissus = Greek mythology: a handsome young man who fell in love with his own reflection
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Hercules
Heracles is the Greek mythological equivalent of the Roman Hercules.
Hercules = mythological Roman hero famous for his strength and for performing 12 immense labors to gain immortality
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot was twenty-five when he moved from the United States to England.†
T.S. Eliot = U.S. born British poet and playwright remembered for such poems as The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock (1888-1965)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Ph.D
She is a research scientist who earned her Ph.D in physics.
Ph.D = a research doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded in universities in many fields of study
Word Statistics
Library | 2 uses in 10 avg bks |
Romeo and Juliet
The movie is another remake of Romeo and Juliet.
Romeo and Juliet = Shakespeare's best known work; a tragedy of forbidden love (c. 1596)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Charles Dickens
At the age of 12 when his father was in prison for unpaid debts, Charles Dickens worked in a factory where he affixed labels to bottles of boot polish.
Charles Dickens = English writer who depicted and criticized social injustice in such stories as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol
Definition
Generally Charles Dickens means:arguably one of the English language's best writers and the foremost writer of the Victorian Era whose novels depicted and criticized social injustice (1812-1870)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
Great Expectations
As in other Dickens novels, a central theme of Great Expectations is people living as social outcasts.
Great Expectations = Charles Dickens novel that traces the life of an impoverished young boy with great expectations for self-improvement, who experiences conflict between his desires to be a good person and to advance in social class
Definition
Generally this sense of Great Expectations means:Charles Dickens novel that traces the life of Pip, an impoverished young boy with great expectations for self-improvement, who experiences conflict between his desires to be a good person and to advance in social class (1861)
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
Aphrodite
In Roman mythology, Venus is the counterpart to the Greek Aphrodite.
Aphrodite = Greek mythology: goddess of love and beauty
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
odyssey
as in:
Homer's Odyssey
Both Iliad and Odyssey are attributed to Homer.
Odyssey = epic poem of the Odysseus' ten year circuitous and eventful journey home
Definition
Generally this sense of The Odyssey means:epic poem (attributed to Homer) of the Odysseus' ten-year circuitous and eventful journey home (circa 850 BC)
Word Statistics
Library | 1 uses in 10 avg bks |
blandish
She is blunt, uninterested in small talk, and irritated by blandishment.†
blandishment = to praise to achieve an end
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |
exeunt
Exeunt all except Hamlet.
exeunt = stage direction: characters exit from stage
Word Statistics
Library | 0 uses in 10 avg bks |