Chapter 40 — Vocabulary
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 40
- partiality (noun)
- An unfair bias or favoritism toward a particular person, group, or thing; a tendency to judge someone favorably.
- vindication (noun)
- The act of clearing someone from blame or suspicion; proof that a person or claim is justified or correct.
- extorted (verb)
- Obtained by force, pressure, or persistent effort; drawn out unwillingly from someone.
- profusion (noun)
- An excessive or lavish abundance of something; an extravagant outpouring or display.
- countenance (noun)
- A person's face or facial expression, especially as an indicator of mood, character, or disposition.
- abusive (adjective)
- (archaic usage) Using insulting, disparaging, or harshly critical language; verbally attacking or demeaning.
- allayed (verb)
- Calmed, soothed, or diminished in intensity; relieved or reduced to a less distressing state.
- prudence (noun)
- The quality of exercising careful good judgment and discretion; wisdom in handling practical matters.
- encumbrance (noun)
- A burden, hindrance, or impediment that restricts freedom of action or weighs one down.
- sensible (adjective)
- (archaic usage) Aware of or sensitive to something; conscious or mindful of a fact or condition.
- disposition (noun)
- A person's inherent qualities of mind and character; one's natural temperament or inclination.
- requisite (adjective)
- Necessary, required, or essential for a particular purpose or situation.
- tranquillity (noun)
- A state of peace, calm, and quiet; freedom from disturbance, agitation, or anxiety.
- entailed (verb)
- Legally restricted so that property passes to a specified line of heirs and cannot be sold or given away by the current owner.
- extravagant (adjective)
- Exceeding what is reasonable or necessary, especially in spending money; lacking restraint or moderation.