chapter 2
Gentility= social superiority as demonstrated by polite and respectable manners,
behavior, or appearances.
Cheerful mind = having a happy disposition; in good spirits. pleasantly bright;
gladdening: a cheerful room.
Militia = a military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a
regular army in an emergency.
General favorite = most liked; preferred above all others.
Dissuade = persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action.
Mortification = great embarrassment and shame.
Enscombe = to restrict or block something with a hindrance or impediment.
Reconciliation = the restoration of friendly relations.
Scruple = a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety
of a course of action.
Reluctance = unwillingness or disinclination to do something.
Leisure = time when one is not working or occupied; free time.
Tyrannic = characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute
sovereignty.
Tacitly = in a way that is understood or implied without being directly stated.
Capricious = given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
Caprice = a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior.
Dissentient = in opposition to a majority or official opinion.
Irresistible = too attractive and tempting to be resisted.
Ennui = a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of
occupation or excitement.
Feeble = lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
Privation = a state in which food and other essentials for well-being are lacking.
Solitary = done or existing alone.
Hindrance = a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something
or someone.
Alleviation = the action or process of making suffering, deficiency, or a problem
less severe.
Unwholesome = not characterized by or conducive to health or moral well-being.
Vain = having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance,
abilities, or worth. / producing no result; useless.
Apothecary = a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.
Benevolent = well-meaning and kindly.
Chapter 3
Parish = (in the Christian Church) a small administrative district typically having its
own church and a priest or pastor. / British (the smallest unit of local government,
constituted only in rural areas.)
Vacant = (of a place) not occupied; empty. / having or showing no intelligence or
interest.
Grievance = a real or imagined cause for complaint, especially unfair treatment.]
Quadrille = a square dance performed typically by four couples and containing
five figures, each of which is a complete dance in itself. / historical (each of four
groups of riders taking part in a tournament or carousel, distinguished by a special
costume or colors.)
Untoward = unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
Distinction = a difference or contrast between similar things or people. /
excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.
quick sighted = marked by keen quickly responsive sight. quick-sighted as a cat.
quick to see or discern: sharp-sighted.
Merit = the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to
deserve praise or reward.
Felicity = intense happiness. / the ability to find appropriate expression for one's
thoughts.
Seminary = a college that trains students to be priests, rabbis, or ministers.
screwed out = Cheat, deceive, or defraud someone.
High repute = A person or thing of repute or of high repute is respected and
known to be good.
Chilblain = a painful, itching swelling on a hand or foot, caused by poor circulation
in the skin when exposed to cold.
Remedy = a medicine or treatment for a disease or injury
Contrive = create or bring about (an object or a situation) by deliberate use of skill
and artifice.
Prosing = Tedious talk or writing.
Scholar = a specialist in a particular branch of study, especially the humanities. /
archaic (a person who is highly educated or has an aptitude for study.)
Artlessly = in a way that is simple and not intended to deceive.
Inferior = lower in rank, status, or quality.
Creditably = well enough to deserve praise or approval.
Coarse = (of a person or their speech) rude or vulgar.
Unpolished = unrefined in style or behavior.
Undertaking = a formal pledge or promise to do something. / a task that is taken
on; an enterprise.
Alacrity = brisk and cheerful readiness.
Impulse = a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act. / something that
causes something to happen or happen more quickly; an impetus.
Warfare = engagement in or the activities involved in war or conflict.
Gruel = a thin food made by boiling cereal (as oatmeal or cornmeal) in water or
milk.
Self-approbation = satisfaction with oneself or one's actions and achievements.
Affability = the quality of having a friendly and good-natured manner.
Chapter 4
Intimacy = close familiarity or friendship.
Division = the action of separating something into parts or the process of being
separated.
Privilege = a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a
particular person or group.
Docile = ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.
Conceit = excessive pride in oneself.
Attachment = affection, fondness, or sympathy for someone or something.
Inclination = a person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way;
a disposition.
Exultation = a feeling of triumphant elation or jubilation; rejoicing.
Alderney = one of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel: separated from the
French coast by a dangerous tidal channel.
Inspiriting = encouraging and enlivening.
Notion = a conception of or belief about something.
Yeomanry = historical (a group of men who held and cultivated small landed
estates.)
Repent = feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
Afloat = out of debt or difficulty.
Diligence = careful and persistent work or effort.
indoors man = Someone who spends much of his time indoors; a couch potato.
Ignorant = lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated or
unsophisticated.
Vulgar = making explicit and offensive reference to sex or bodily functions; coarse
and rude.
Fluctuation = an irregular rising and falling in number or amount; a variation.
Unfeigned = genuine; sincere.
Sensible = done or chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence; likely to be of
benefit.
lose all the ground = Fail to hold one's position; fall behind, deteriorate.
Insensible = unaware of or indifferent to.
Clownish = characteristic of or resembling a clown, especially in being foolish,
playful, or humorously exaggerated.
Remarkably = in a way that is worthy of attention. / used to express surprise at an
event or situation.
Mortify = cause (someone) to feel very embarrassed or ashamed. / subdue (the
body or its needs and desires) by self-denial or discipline.
Genteel = characterized by exaggerated or affected politeness, refinement, or
respectability.
Abrupt = sudden and unexpected. / brief to the point of rudeness; curt.
Uncouthness = awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior.
Coarseness = the quality of being rough or harsh.
Detestable = deserving intense dislike.
Solemnly = in a formal and dignified manner. / with deep sincerity.
Engross = absorb all the attention or interest of.
Thriving = prosperous and growing; flourishing.
Illiterate = unable to read or write.
Bluntness = a way of speaking in which you say what you think without trying to
be polite or considering other people's feelings.
Downright = so direct in manner as to be blunt.
Sufferable = able to be tolerated or suffered; endurable.
Ingratiating = intended to gain approval or favor; sycophantic.
Palpably = noticeably or clearly. / in a way that is able to be touched or felt.
Expediency = the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being
improper or immoral; convenience.
Vicarage = the residence of a vicar. / Vicar = a cleric or choir member appointed to
sing certain parts of a cathedral service.
Fastidious = very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. / very
concerned about matters of cleanliness.
Dispense = distribute or provide (a service or information) to a number of people.
/ manage without or get rid of.
Gratify = give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction. / indulge or satisfy (a desire).
Chapter 5
Inducement = a thing that persuades or leads someone to do something.
Stimulate = raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in (the body or any
biological system). / encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm in.
Feelingly = (of the expression of a feeling or opinion) in a heartfelt way.
Wantonness = the trait of lacking restraint or control; reckless freedom from
inhibition or worry.
Vexation = the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.
Flatterer = a person who lavishes praise, often insincerely; a sycophant.
hourly flattery = It means "continual flattery". (If your habitual companion knows
a lot less than you do, their evident ignorance may be a constant boost to your
own self-esteem.)
inferiority = the condition of being lower in status or quality than another or
others.
Venture = undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action. / dare to do or
say something that may be considered audacious (often used as a polite
expression of hesitation or apology).
Doctrine = a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or
other group.
Rationally = by reasonable or logical means. / in a sensible or logical manner.
Lament = express passionate grief about. / express regret or disappointment
about something.
Countenance = a person's face or facial expression.
Upright = strictly honorable or honest.
Stout = (of a person) rather fat or of heavy build.
Blunder = a stupid or careless mistake. / make a stupid or careless mistake; act or
speak clumsily.
Plague = cause continual trouble or distress to.
Spleen = bad temper; spite. / ill temper.
Unjust = not based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.
Outcry = an exclamation or shout. / a strong expression of public disapproval or
anger.
Hereabouts = in this area, or near this place.
Conceal = not allow to be seen; hide. / prevent (something) from being known;
keep secret.
Surmise = suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it.
Chapter 6
Perception = the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the
senses. / the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
Draw out = make something last longer. / gently or subtly induce someone to talk
more.
Artlessness = the quality of being simple and not intending to deceive.
Contradict = deny the truth of (a statement) by asserting the opposite. / assert
the opposite of a statement made by (someone).
Naivete = lack of experience, wisdom, or judgement; naivety. / innocence or
unsophistication.
Exquisite = extremely beautiful and delicate.
Entreat = ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something. / Archaic (treat
(someone) in a specified manner.)
Inimitable = so good or unusual as to be impossible to copy; unique.
Raptures = a feeling of intense pleasure or joy. / North American: (according to
some millenarian teaching) transport (a believer) from earth to heaven at the
Second Coming of Christ.
Peculiarity = a strange or unusual feature or habit. / a characteristic that is
distinctive of a particular person or place.
Steadiness = the quality not shaking or moving. / the quality of being regular,
even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.
Unwilling = not ready, eager, or prepared to do something.
Reputation = the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or
something. / a widespread belief that someone or something has a particular
characteristic.
Spirited = full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. / having a specified
character, attitude, or mood.
Unfavorable = expressing or showing a lack of approval or support. / likely to lead
to an adverse outcome.
Resolution = a firm decision to do or not to do something. / the quality of being
determined or resolute.
Declaration = a formal or explicit statement or announcement.
Mantelpiece = a structure of wood, marble, or stone above and around a
fireplace.
Fidget = make small movements, especially of the hands and feet, through
nervousness or impatience. / be impatient or uneasy.
Irksomeness = annoying; irritating; exasperating; tiresome.
Discern = recognize or find out. / distinguish (someone or something) with
difficulty by sight or with the other senses.
Complaisance = willingness to please; disposition to be obliging and agreeable;
affability.
Unexceptionable = not open to objection or criticism: beyond reproach.
Courtesy = the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior towards
others.
Errand = a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something,
especially on someone else's behalf.
Incommoding = to give inconvenience or distress to: disturb.
Gallant = (of a person or their behavior) brave; heroic. / (of a man) charmingly
attentive and chivalrous to women.
Languish = (of a person, animal, or plant) lose or lack vitality; grow weak. / be
forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation.
Chapter 7
Agitated = feeling or appearing troubled or nervous.
hurried look = a quick or furtive look: peek.
Liberality = the quality of giving or spending freely. / the quality of being open to
new ideas and free from prejudice.
Concise = giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but
comprehensive.
Vigorous = (of language) forceful.
Intelligible = able to be understood; comprehensible. / Philosophy (able to be
understood only by the intellect, not by the senses.)
Unequivocal = leaving no doubt; unambiguous.
Demurs = raise objections or show reluctance.
Unbidden = without having been commanded or invited. / (especially of a thought
or feeling) arising without conscious effort.
Purport = appear to be or do something, especially falsely. / the meaning or sense
of something, typically a document or speech.
Bewitching = enchanting or delightful.
Graciously = in a courteous, kind, and pleasant manner.
severe pang = a sudden sharp feeling, especially of painful emotion.
Consolation = the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.
brace up = be strong or courageous.
Decisive = settling an issue; producing a definite result. / having or showing the
ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
Sorrowful = feeling or showing grief.
Hitherto = until now or until the point in time under discussion.
tender-hearted = having a kind, gentle, or sentimental nature.
chapter 8
defer = put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
Induce = succeed in persuading or leading (someone) to do something.
Civility = formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech. / polite remarks
used in formal conversation.
Invalids = remove (someone) from active service in the armed forces because of
injury or illness. / a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury.
Tedious = too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
Wretch = an unfortunate or unhappy person. / Informal (a despicable or
contemptible person.)
Imprudent = not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash.
Indignation = anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair
treatment.
Simpleton = a foolish or gullible person.
Asperity = harshness of tone or manner. / harsh qualities or conditions.
Infatuation = an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or
something.
Provision = the action of providing or supplying something for use. / an amount or
thing supplied or provided.
Wit = the capacity for inventive thought and quick understanding; keen
intelligence. / a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and
inventive way to create humor.
Avail = help or benefit.
Degradation = the condition or process of degrading or being degraded.
legitimacy = conformity to the law or to rules. / ability to be defended with logic
or justification; validity.
Indubitable = impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
Distaste = mild dislike or aversion.
Haphazard = lacking any obvious principle of organization.
Assertion = a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Contemptible = deserving contempt; despicable.
Slightingly = characterized by disregard or disrespect.
Trivial = of little value or importance.
Misapply = use (something) for the wrong purpose or in the wrong way.
Puff up = amplify, blow up, expand, inflate.
Vanity = excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or
achievements. / the quality of being worthless or futile.
Mischief = playful misbehavior, especially on the part of children. / harm or
trouble caused by someone or something.
Obscurity = the state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant. / the
quality of being difficult to understand.
Prudent = acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
errant nonsense = nonsense that is wandering or straying from the truth.
Refinement = cultured elegance in behavior or manner.
Sentimentally = in a way that is connected with your emotions, rather than
reason.
Abruptly = suddenly and unexpectedly. / in a rude or curt manner.
Materially = in a significant way; considerably.
Restorative = a thing that restores health, strength, or well-being, especially a
medicine or drink.
Remonstrate = make a forcefully reproachful protest.
Shabby = in poor condition through long use or lack of care. / (of behavior) mean
and unfair.
Chapter 9
Requisition = an official order laying claim to the use of property or materials.
Inspiration = the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something,
especially to do something creative.
Pomp = ceremony and splendid display.
Monarch = a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor.
Dullness = lack of interest or excitement. / lack of brightness, vividness, or sheen.
Persuasion = the action or process of persuading someone or of being persuaded
to do or believe something.
Ample = enough or more than enough; plentiful.
Improperly = in a manner not in accordance with accepted standards, especially
of morality or honesty. / in a way that lacks modesty or decency.
Recurrence = the fact of occurring again.
Distinctly = in a way that is readily distinguishable by the senses; clearly. / (used
for emphasis) in a way that is very noticeable or apparent; decidedly.
Kindled = arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling). / (of an emotion) be aroused.
Fatal = leading to failure or disaster.
Christen = give (a baby) a Christian name at baptism as a sign of admission to a
Christian Church.
Ostensible = stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
Effusion = an instance of giving off something such as a liquid or gas. / an act of
talking or writing in an unrestrained or heartfelt way.
Sublime = of very great excellence or beauty. / (of a person's attitude or behavior)
extreme or unparalleled.
Chapter 10
Charitable = relating to the assistance of those in need. / apt to judge others
leniently or favorably.
Exterior = a person's behaviour and demeanor, especially when at variance with
their true character.
Pretence = an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. / a
claim to have a particular skill or quality.
Formidable = inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful,
intense, or capable.
Poverty = the state of being extremely poor. / the state of being inferior in quality
or insufficient in amount.
Celibacy = the state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
Candour = the quality of being open and honest; frankness.
sour-tempered = Someone who is sour is bad-tempered and unfriendly.
Perforce = used to express necessity or inevitability.
Shilling = a former British coin and monetary unit equal to one twentieth of a
pound or twelve pence.
Stomacher = Historical (a V-shaped piece of decorative cloth, worn over the chest
and stomach by men and women in the 16th century, later only by women.)
Supersede = take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use);
supplant.
Counsel = advice, especially that given formally. / a barrister or other legal adviser
conducting a case.
Virtue = behaviour showing high moral standards.
Cottage = informal British: (in the context of casual homosexual encounters) a
public toilet.
Tottering = (of a person's steps) feeble or unsteady. / (of a structure) shaking or
swaying as if about to collapse.
Wretchedness = a feeling of being very ill or unhappy.
Dexterously = in a way that shows the ability to perform a difficult action quickly
and skillfully with the hands, or the ability to think quickly and effectively.
ill-equipped = not having the necessary resources or qualities for a particular role
or task.
Incessant = (of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or
interruption.
Protracted = lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Ingenious = (of a machine or idea) cleverly and originally devised and well suited
to its purpose.
Chapter 11
Superintend = be responsible for the management or arrangement of (an activity
or organization); oversee.
Henceforth = from this or that time on.
Fortuitous = happening by chance rather than intention. / happening by a lucky
chance; fortunate.
Apprehensively = with a feeling of worry about something you are going to do or
that is going to happen.
Forestall = prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking advance
action.
Solicitude = care or concern for someone or something.
Devoted = very loving or loyal.
Forbearance = patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.
Remonstrance = a forcefully reproachful protest.
Unsullied = not spoiled or made impure. / untarnished.
Cordiality = the quality of being pleasant and friendly.
Plaintive = sounding sad and mournful.
Disengaged = emotionally detached.
Advocate = a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or
policy. / a person who puts a case on someone else's behalf.
best-tempered = usually calm and cheerful: not easily angered or upset.
scarlet fever = an infectious bacterial disease affecting especially children, and
causing fever and a scarlet rash. It is caused by streptococci.
chapter 12
amity = friendly relations.
Conviction = a formal declaration by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge
in a court of law that someone is guilty of a criminal offence.
Sauciness = inappropriate playfulness.
Estimate = an approximate calculation or judgement of the value, number,
quantity, or extent of something.
Whim = a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or
unexplained.
Discordancies = lack of agreement or harmony.
Requisite = made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations. / a thing
that is necessary for the achievement of a specified end.
Magistrate = a civil officer who administers the law, especially one who conducts
a court that deals with minor offences and holds preliminary hearings for more
serious ones.
Anecdote = a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.
Acre = a unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yards (0.405 hectare).
Turnip = a round root with white or cream flesh which is eaten as a vegetable and
also has edible leaves.
Basin = a bowl for washing, typically attached to a wall and having taps connected
to a water supply; a washbasin.
Strenuously = in a way that requires great physical exertion. / with great effort
and determination.
Embrocation = a liquid for rubbing on the body to relieve pain from sprains and
strains.
Prevalent = widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
Influenza = a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing
fever, severe aching, and catarrh, and often occurring in epidemics.
Airy = (of a room or building) spacious, well lit, and well ventilated. / not treating
something as serious; casual.
Vicinity = the area near or surrounding a particular place.
Palpitation = a noticeably rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat due to agitation,
exertion, or illness.
Middling = moderate or average in size, amount, or rank.
Bailiff = a sheriff's officer who executes writs and processes and carries out
distrains and arrests.
Inconvenience = the state or fact of being troublesome or difficult with regard to
one's personal requirements or comfort.
ill-judged = lacking careful consideration; unwise.
Interposition = interference or intervention.
Renewal = an instance of resuming something after an interruption.
Chapter 13
Swiftly = at high speed; quickly. / without delay; after a very short time.
Indisposed = slightly unwell.
Feverish = characterized by or displaying a frenetic excitement or energy. / having
or showing the symptoms of a fever.
Comfortless = offering no means of relaxation and pleasure. / having or offering
nothing that serves to ease feelings or grief or distress.
Hasten = be quick to do something. / move or travel hurriedly.
Putrid = (of organic matter) decaying or rotting and emitting a fetid smell. / very
unpleasant; repulsive.
Civilly = politely; courteously.
Negligent = failing to take proper care over something.
Slyness = quality of being sneaky and smart.
Absurdity = the quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable.
Folly = lack of good sense; foolishness.
Defiance = open resistance; bold disobedience.
Dismal = causing a mood of gloom or depression. / pitifully or disgracefully bad.
Idle = (of a person) avoiding work; lazy. / without purpose or effect; pointless.
Assent = the expression of approval or agreement. / express approval or
agreement.
Emulate = match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
Spruce = tidy and clean in appearance.
Cordial = warm and friendly.
Estimable = worthy of great respect.
Contrivance = the use of skill to create or bring about something, especially with a
consequent effect of artificiality. / a device, especially in literary or artistic
composition, which gives a sense of artificiality.
Seasonable = coming at the right time or meeting the needs of the occasion;
opportune.
Chapter 14
Joyous = full of happiness and joy.
Disperse = distribute or spread over a wide area.
Perplexity = inability to deal with or understand something. / a complicated or
baffling situation or thing.
Oddity = a strange or peculiar person or thing. / the quality of being strange or
peculiar.
Obtrude = become noticeable in an unwelcome or intrusive way.
Solicitously = showing attentive care or protectiveness.
Insufferable = too extreme to bear; intolerable. / having or showing unbearable
arrogance or conceit.
Zeal = great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
Replete = filled or well-supplied with something.
ill-timed = done or occurring at an inappropriate time.
Feeling cross = being in a bad mood or ill temper.
Undergo = experience or be subjected to (something, typically something
unpleasant or arduous).
Sanguine = optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult
situation.
Teased = to laugh at someone or say unkind things about them, either because
you are joking or because you want to upset that person.
Chapter 15
Chatty = readily engaging in informal talk.
Convivial = (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable. / (of a
person) cheerful and friendly; jovial.
Earnestness = sincere and intense conviction.
Inconstancy = changeability, not sticking to a predetermined course.
Abominable = causing moral revulsion. / very bad; terrible.
Scrupulous = (of a person or process) careful, thorough, and extremely attentive
to details. / very concerned to avoid doing wrong.
Ulcerate = develop into or become affected by an ulcer. / ulcer = a moral blemish
or corrupting influence. (an open sore on an external or internal surface of the
body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane which fails to heal.)
Reproof = an expression of blame or disapproval.
Consternation = a feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected.
Unfeelingly = hard-hearted, cruel.
Impassable = impossible to travel along or over.
Impede = delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.
Utmost = the greatest or most extreme extent or amount.
Lodged = flattened by wind or rain.
Shod = fit (a horse) with a shoe or shoes. / protect (the end of an object such as a
pole) with a metal shoe.
Tidings = news; information.
Appease = assuage or satisfy (a demand or a feeling).
tete-a-tete =a private conversation between two people.
Diffidence = modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
Boastful = showing excessive pride and self-satisfaction in one's achievements,
possessions, or abilities.
Injurious = causing or likely to cause damage or harm. / (of language) maliciously
insulting; libelous.
Inebriety = drunkenness, especially habitual; intoxication.
Insinuating = hinting at something bad in an indirect and unpleasant way. /
using subtle manipulation to manoeuvre oneself into a favorable position.
Uppermost = at or to the highest or most important position.
Misconception = a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty
thinking or understanding.
Supplication = the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly.
Indispensable = absolutely necessary.
Solicitous = characterized by or showing interest or concern.
Perturbation = anxiety; mental uneasiness.
Chapter 16
Jumble = an untidy collection or pile of things. / mix up in a confused or untidy
way.
Indiscreetly = without discretion or wisdom or self-restraint.
Aggrandise = increase the power, status, or wealth of. / enhance the reputation of
(someone) beyond what is justified by the facts.
Enrich = improve or enhance the quality or value of.
Incongruity = the state of being incongruous; incompatibility. / lack of harmony.
Pert = energetic, enthusiastic, and confident.
Relapse = a deterioration in someone's state of health after a temporary
improvement. / turn for the worse.
Cogitation = the action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation.
Unmirthful = serious, humorless.
Eclat = brilliant display or effect.
Poignant = evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
Acute = (of an unpleasant or unwelcome situation or phenomenon) present or
experienced to a severe or intense degree. / having or showing a perceptive
understanding or insight; shrewd.
Retentive = (of a person's memory) effective in retaining facts and impressions.
Thaw = a period of warmer weather that thaws ice and snow. / defrost.
Amiableness = a disposition to be friendly and approachable (easy to talk to).
Chapter 17
doated on = to be excessive in one's attention or fondness.
Solemnity = the state or quality of being serious and dignified.
Promptitude = the quality of acting quickly and without delay.
Industriously = with a lot of hard work or effort.
Ingenuousness = showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness.
Repress = subdue (someone or something) by force. / restrain, prevent, or inhibit
(the expression or development of something).
Unvarying = not changing; constant or uniform.
Inadequate = lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient for a purpose. /
(of a person) unable to deal with a situation or with life.
Resolutely = in an admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering manner.
Unrequited = (of a feeling, especially love) not returned.
Indubitable = impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
Repellent = able to repel a particular thing; impervious to a particular substance. /
causing disgust or distaste: disgusting, repulsive.
Chapter 18
Conduct = the manner in which a person behaves, especially in a particular place
or situation.
Haunts = a place frequented by a specified person: territory.
Finesse = bring about or deal with (something) by using great delicacy and skill.
Vigour = physical strength and good health. / effort, energy, and enthusiasm.
Practicable = able to be done or put into practice successfully. / able to be used;
useful.
Expedient = a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but
possibly improper or immoral.
Knack = an acquired or natural skill at doing something. / a tendency to do
something.
Observance = the practice of observing the requirements of law, morality, or
ritual. / the action of watching or noticing something.
Nought = the digit 0; zero. / nothing.
Extraordinary = very unusual or remarkable.
Falsehood = the state of being untrue.
Omission = the action of excluding or leaving out someone or something.
Signified = to make something known; to show.
Behindhand = late or slow in doing something. / archaic (unaware of recent
events.)
Plausible = (of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable. / (of a
person) skilled at producing persuasive arguments, especially ones intended to
deceive.
Coxcomb = a conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop.
Prejudiced = having or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from prejudice;
bigoted.