NORTHANGER ABBEY

Webster’s Thesaurus Edition for PSAT®, SAT®, GRE®, LSAT®,

GMAT®, and AP® English Test Preparation

Jane Austen

PSAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation neither of which sponsors or endorses this book; SAT is a registered trademark of the College
Board which neither sponsors nor endorses this book; GRE, AP and Advanced Placement are registered
trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which neither sponsors nor endorses this book, GMAT is a
registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council which is neither affiliated with this book
nor endorses this book, LSAT is a registered trademark of the Law School Admissions Council which neither
sponsors nor endorses this product. All rights reserved.
 Northanger Abbey
Webster’s Thesaurus Edition for PSAT®, SAT®, GRE®, LSAT®,
GMAT®, and AP® English Test Preparation

Jane Austen

PSAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation neither of which sponsors or endorses this book; SAT® is a registered trademark of the
College Board which neither sponsors nor endorses this book; GRE®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are
registered trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which neither sponsors nor endorses this book,
GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council which is neither affiliated
with this book nor endorses this book, LSAT® is a registered trademark of the Law School Admissions Council
which neither sponsors nor endorses this product. All rights reserved.
 ICON CLASSICS

Published by ICON Group International, Inc.

7404 Trade Street
San Diego, CA 92121 USA

www.icongrouponline.com

Northranger Abbey: Webster’s Thesaurus Edition for PSAT®, SAT®, GRE®, LSAT®, GMAT®, and AP®
English Test Preparation

This edition published by ICON Classics in 2005

Printed in the United States of America.

Copyright ©2005 by ICON Group International, Inc.

Edited by Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. (INSEAD); Copyright ©2005, all rights reserved.

All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a
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research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International, Inc.

PSAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation neither of which sponsors or endorses this book; SAT® is a registered
trademark of the College Board which neither sponsors nor endorses this book; GRE®, AP® and
Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which neither
sponsors nor endorses this book, GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management
Admissions Council which is neither affiliated with this book nor endorses this book, LSAT® is a
registered trademark of the Law School Admissions Council which neither sponsors nor endorses
this product. All rights reserved.

ISBN 0-497-25282-1
 iii

Contents
PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR .......................................................................................... 1
PREFACE.......................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 4 .................................................................................................................... 25
CHAPTER 5 .................................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 6 .................................................................................................................... 33
CHAPTER 7 .................................................................................................................... 39
CHAPTER 8 .................................................................................................................... 49
CHAPTER 9 .................................................................................................................... 57
CHAPTER 10................................................................................................................... 67
CHAPTER 11................................................................................................................... 79
CHAPTER 12................................................................................................................... 89
CHAPTER 13................................................................................................................... 95
CHAPTER 14................................................................................................................. 105
CHAPTER 15................................................................................................................. 115
CHAPTER 16................................................................................................................. 125
CHAPTER 17................................................................................................................. 133
CHAPTER 18................................................................................................................. 137
CHAPTER 19................................................................................................................. 143
CHAPTER 20................................................................................................................. 149
CHAPTER 21................................................................................................................. 159
CHAPTER 22................................................................................................................. 167
CHAPTER 23................................................................................................................. 177
CHAPTER 24................................................................................................................. 185
CHAPTER 25................................................................................................................. 193
CHAPTER 26................................................................................................................. 203
CHAPTER 27................................................................................................................. 211
CHAPTER 28................................................................................................................. 215
CHAPTER 29................................................................................................................. 225
CHAPTER 30................................................................................................................. 235
iv
CHAPTER 31................................................................................................................. 243
A NOTE ON THE TEXT .................................................................................................. 247
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................... 249
 Jane Austen 1

PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR

Designed for school districts, educators, and students seeking to maximize performance on
standardized tests, Webster’s paperbacks take advantage of the fact that classics are frequently
assigned readings in English courses. By using a running thesaurus at the bottom of each page, this
edition of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen was edited for students who are actively building their
vocabularies in anticipation of taking PSAT®, SAT®, AP® (Advanced Placement®), GRE®,
LSAT®, GMAT® or similar examinations.1

Webster’s edition of this classic is organized to expose the reader to a maximum number of
synonyms and antonyms for difficult and often ambiguous English words that are encountered in
other works of literature, conversation, or academic examinations. Extremely rare or idiosyncratic
words and expressions are given lower priority in the notes compared to words which are “difficult,
and often encountered” in examinations. Rather than supply a single synonym, many are provided
for a variety of meanings, allowing readers to better grasp the ambiguity of the English language,
and avoid using the notes as a pure crutch. Having the reader decipher a word’s meaning within
context serves to improve vocabulary retention and understanding. Each page covers words not
already highlighted on previous pages. If a difficult word is not noted on a page, chances are that it
has been highlighted on a previous page. A more complete thesaurus is supplied at the end of the
book; Synonyms and antonyms are extracted from Webster’s Online Dictionary.

Definitions of remaining terms as well as translations can be found at www.websters-online-

dictionary.org. Please send suggestions to websters@icongroupbooks.com

The Editor
Webster’s Online Dictionary
www.websters-online-dictionary.org

1
PSAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation neither of which sponsors or endorses this book; SAT® is a registered trademark of the
College Board which neither sponsors nor endorses this book; GRE®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are
registered trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which neither sponsors nor endorses this book,
GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council which is neither affiliated
with this book nor endorses this book, LSAT® is a registered trademark of the Law School Admissions Council
which neither sponsors nor endorses this product. All rights reserved.
 Jane Austen 3

PREFACE

This little work was finished in the year 1803, and intended for immediate
publication. It was disposed of to a bookseller, it was even advertised, and why
the business proceeded no farther, the author has never been able to learn. That
any bookseller should think it worth-while to purchase what he did not think it
worth-while to publish seems extraordinary. But with this, neither the author
nor the public have any other concern than as some observation is necessary
upon those parts of the work which thirteen years have made comparatively
obsolete. The public are entreated to bear in mind that thirteen years have
passed since it was finished, many more since it was begun, and that during that
period, places, manners, books, and opinions have undergone considerable
changes.

bookseller: (n) bookshop, bookstore,
owner, proprietor, publisher.
comparatively: (adv) rather,
somewhat, reasonably, quite,
approximately, some, pretty, fairly,
to some extent, to a certain extent,
moderately. ANTONYM: (adv)
absolutely.
disposed: (adj) prone, apt, ready,
subject, prepared, liable, game,
inclined, fain, likely, minded.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ailing,
Thesaurus
indisposed, unlikely, disinclined,
reluctant, impervious.
farther: (adj, adv, prep) beyond; (adj)
additional, more, distant; (adv)
furthermore, besides, abroad, in
addition, too; (adj, prep) outside;
(pron) another. ANTONYMS: (prep)
within; (adv) nearer, closer.
manners: (n) conduct, etiquette,
propriety, behavior, deportment,
manner, courtesy, custom, decorum,
good manners, usage. ANTONYM:
(n) vulgarity.
obsolete: (adj) dead, archaic, ancient,
antique, outdated, extinct, old-
fashioned, disused, outmoded, dated,
old. ANTONYMS: (adj) current,
contemporary, modern, trendy, new.
proceeded: (v) proceed, yode.
publish: (adj, v) disclose, announce,
communicate; (v) proclaim, divulge,
issue, circulate, notify, broadcast,
print, advertise.
thirteen: (n) long dozen, large integer.
 Jane Austen 5

CHAPTER 1

No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have
supposed her born to be an heroine. Her situation in life, the character of her
father and mother, her own person and disposition, were all equally against her.
Her father was a clergyman, without being neglected, or poor, and a very
respectable man, though his name was Richard -- and he had never been
handsome. He had a considerable independence besides two good livings -- and
he was not in the least addicted to locking up his daughters. Her mother was a
woman of useful plain sense, with a good temper, and, what is more remarkable,
with a good constitution. She had three sons before Catherine was born; and
instead of dying in bringing the latter into the world, as anybody might expect,
she still lived on -- lived to have six children more -- to see them growing up
around her, and to enjoy excellent health herself. A family of ten children will be
always called a fine family, where there are heads and arms and legs enough for
the number; but the Morlands had little other right to the word, for they were in
general very plain, and Catherine, for many years of her life, as plain as any. She
had a thin awkward figure, a sallow skin without colour, dark lank hair, and
strong features -- so much for her person; and not less unpropitious for heroism
seemed her mind. She was fond of all boy’s plays, and greatly preferred cricket
not merely to dolls, but to the more heroic enjoyments of infancy, nursing a
dormouse, feeding a canary-bird, or watering a rose-bush. Indeed she had no

addicted: (adj) habituated, dedicated,
habitual, hooked, devoted,
accustomed, captivated, devote,
obsessive, obsessed; (v) dedicate.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unaccustomed,
averse, disinclined, independent,
opposed, unenthusiastic, occasional.
clergyman: (n) minister, chaplain,
priest, pastor, churchman, preacher,
parson, rector, dominie, vicar; (adj)
divine. ANTONYMS: (n) layman,
layperson.
Thesaurus
dormouse: (v) gnawer, marmot, lerot,
slumberer.
heroism: (n) bravery, courage, valor, unpropitious: (adj) inauspicious,
daring, boldness, chivalry, valiancy,
valour, valiance, courageousness;
(adj, n) prowess. ANTONYMS: (n)
cowardliness, fearfulness.
lank: (adj) gaunt, angular, emaciated,
meager, thin, skinny, spindly, spare,
scrawny; (adj, v) lean, barren.
sallow: (adj) pasty, pallid, bloodless,
sickly, wan, ashen, fair, white, tawny,
sandy; (n) osier. ANTONYMS: (adj)
dark, glowing.
adverse, unlucky, unfavorable,
inopportune, evil, sinister, disastrous,
infelicitous; (adj, v) cross, hostile.
watering: (n) tearing, sprinkle,
lachrymation, lacrimation, wetting,
irrigation, bodily process, body
process, replenishment of water
supplies, shedding tears, activity.
6 Northanger Abbey

taste for a garden; and if she gathered flowers at all, it was chiefly for the
pleasure of mischief -- at least so it was conjectured from her always preferring
those which she was forbidden to take. Such were her propensities -- her
abilities were quite as extraordinary. She never could learn or understand
anything before she was taught; and sometimes not even then, for she was often
inattentive, and occasionally stupid. Her mother was three months in teaching
her only to repeat the “Beggar’s Petition”; and after all, her next sister, Sally,
could say it better than she did. Not that Catherine was always stupid -- by no
means; she learnt the fable of “The Hare and Many Friends” as quickly as any
girl in England. Her mother wished her to learn music; and Catherine was sure
she should like it, for she was very fond of tinkling the keys of the old forlorn
spinner; so, at eight years old she began. She learnt a year, and could not bear it;
and Mrs. Morland, who did not insist on her daughters being accomplished in
spite of incapacity or distaste, allowed her to leave off. The day which dismissed
the music-master was one of the happiest of Catherine’s life. Her taste for
drawing was not superior; though whenever she could obtain the outside of a
letter from her mother or seize upon any other odd piece of paper, she did what
she could in that way, by drawing houses and trees, hens and chickens, all very
much like one another. Writing and accounts she was taught by her father;
French by her mother: her proficiency in either was not remarkable, and she
shirked her lessons in both whenever she could. What a strange, unaccountable
character! -- for with all these symptoms of profligacy at ten years old, she had
neither a bad heart nor a bad temper, was seldom stubborn, scarcely ever
quarrelsome, and very kind to the little ones, with few interruptions of tyranny;
she was moreover noisy and wild, hated confinement and cleanliness, and loved
nothing so well in the world as rolling down the green slope at the back of the
house.%
Such was Catherine Morland at ten. At fifteen, appearances were mending;
she began to curl her hair and long for balls; her complexion improved, her
features were softened by plumpness and colour, her eyes gained more
animation, and her figure more consequence. Her love of dirt gave way to an
inclination for finery, and she grew clean as she grew smart; she had now the
Thesaurus
chickens: (n) Galliformes, order ANTONYMS: (adj) attentive, alert, debauch, corruption, improvidence,
Galliformes. observant, carefree, cautious, dissoluteness, vice. ANTONYMS: (n)
conjectured: (adj) supposed, conscientious, considerate, diligent, economy, decency, parsimony.
opinionative. prudent. quarrelsome: (adj) argumentative,
finery: (n) regalia, clothing, attire, plumpness: (n) embonpoint, obesity, belligerent, combative, cantankerous,
decoration, dress, pinchbeck, roundness, fatness, fleshiness, aggressive, disputatious, ugly,
spangle, trimmings, gimcrack; (adj, n) chubbiness, portliness, fullness, currish, termagant; (adj, n)
tinsel, gewgaw. ANTONYM: (n) rags. rotundity, stoutness, globularness. contentious; (adj, v) fretful.
inattentive: (adj) negligent, neglectful, ANTONYM: (n) thinness. ANTONYMS: (adj) agreeable,
forgetful, reckless, careless, unaware, profligacy: (n) debauchery, peaceful, amiable.
regardless, inconsiderate, mindless, dissipation, licentiousness, tinkling: (adj) clinking, tinkly,
inadvertent; (adj, v) remiss. prodigality, dissolution, depravity, tintinnabulary, reverberant; (n) ting.
 Jane Austen 7

pleasure of sometimes hearing her father and mother remark on her personal
improvement. “Catherine grows quite a good-looking girl -- she is almost pretty
today,” were words which caught her ears now and then; and how welcome
were the sounds! To look almost pretty is an acquisition of higher delight to a
girl who has been looking plain the first fifteen years of her life than a beauty
from her cradle can ever receive.%
Mrs. Morland was a very good woman, and wished to see her children
everything they ought to be; but her time was so much occupied in lying-in and
teaching the little ones, that her elder daughters were inevitably left to shift for
themselves; and it was not very wonderful that Catherine, who had by nature
nothing heroic about her, should prefer cricket, baseball, riding on horseback,
and running about the country at the age of fourteen, to books -- or at least books
of information -- for, provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be
gained from them, provided they were all story and no reflection, she had never
any objection to books at all. But from fifteen to seventeen she was in training for
a heroine; she read all such works as heroines must read to supply their
memories with those quotations which are so serviceable and so soothing in the
vicissitudes of their eventful lives.
From Pope, she learnt to censure those who

“bear about the mockery of woe.”

From Gray, that –

“Many a flower is born to blush unseen,

“And waste its fragrance on the desert air.”

From Thompson, that –

“It is a delightful task

Thesaurus
blush: (n, v) glow, color; (v) redden, blessing, commendation; (n, v) horseback: (n) hogback, body part.
crimson; (n) red, bloom, rosiness, compliment. lying-in: (n) childbirth, accouchement,
ruddiness, redness; (adj) bashful; eventful: (adj) fateful, weighty, lively, parturition; (v) delivery.
(adv) blushingly. ANTONYMS: (v) important, momentous, memorable, serviceable: (adj) practical, helpful,
blanch, pale, blench; (n) paleness. notable, hectic, significant; (n) handy, profitable, beneficial,
censure: (n, v) accuse, reprimand, stirring; (v) full of incident. effective, useful, convenient, efficient,
reproach, attack, animadversion, ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, insignificant, operative, practicable. ANTONYMS:
abuse; (n) accusation, condemnation; ordinary, slow, empty. (adj) impractical, unusable,
(v) carp, condemn, berate. heroine: (n) woman, persona, brave unserviceable, useless, flimsy,
ANTONYMS: (v) approve, woman, role, protagonist, part, worthless.
commend, allow, endorse, laud, leading lady, heroess, role model, vicissitudes: (n) changeability, life,
permit, sanction; (n) approval, female lead, character. variableness, variability.
8 Northanger Abbey

“To teach the young idea how to shoot.”%

And from Shakespeare she gained a great store of information – amongst the
rest, that –

“Trifles light as air,

“Are, to the jealous, confirmation strong,
“As proofs of Holy Writ.”

That –

“The poor beetle, which we tread upon,

“In corporal sufferance feels a pang as great
“As when a giant dies.”

And that a young woman in love always looks –

“like Patience on a monument

“Smiling at Grief.”

So far her improvement was sufficient -- and in many other points she came
on exceedingly well; for though she could not write sonnets, she brought herself
to read them; and though there seemed no chance of her throwing a whole party
into raptures by a prelude on the pianoforte, of her own composition, she could
listen to other people’s performance with very little fatigue. Her greatest
deficiency was in the pencil -- she had no notion of drawing -- not enough even
to attempt a sketch of her lover’s profile, that she might be detected in the
design. There she fell miserably short of the true heroic height. At present she
did not know her own poverty, for she had no lover to portray. She had reached
the age of seventeen, without having seen one amiable youth who could call

amiable: (adj) friendly, genial,
agreeable, benign, complaisant,
sweet, cordial, pleasant, likable, nice,
lovely. ANTONYMS: (adj)
disagreeable, argumentative,
aggressive, antisocial, unkind,
hateful, mean, quarrelsome, rude,
surly, cold.
beetle: (v) project, jut, bulge; (adj)
beetling, impend, bestride, mount,
ride, protrusive; (n) mallet; (adj, v)
hang over.
Thesaurus
detected: (adj) apparent, convicted,
detect.
pang: (n) pain, torture, ache, agony,
twinge, affliction, sting, stab, distress, preamble, foreword, inception,
ailment, cramp.
pianoforte: (n) grand piano,
pianissimo, percussive instrument,
mechanical piano, percussion
instrument.
portray: (v) picture, depict, describe,
delineate, draw, illustrate,
impersonate, characterize, interpret,
play, limn.
prelude: (n) preliminary, preface,
introduction, beginning, overture,
opening, proem, prolusion.
ANTONYMS: (n) postscript,
conclusion, ending.
sufferance: (n) allowance, patience,
permission, forbearance, leave,
toleration, suffering, resignation,
acceptance; (n, v) tolerance; (adj, v)
supportance.
 Jane Austen 9

forth her sensibility, without having inspired one real passion, and without
having excited even any admiration but what was very moderate and very
transient. This was strange indeed! But strange things may be generally
accounted for if their cause be fairly searched out. There was not one lord in the
neighbourhood; no -- not even a baronet. There was not one family among their
acquaintance who had reared and supported a boy accidentally found at their
door -- not one young man whose origin was unknown. Her father had no ward,
and the squire of the parish no children.%
But when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of forty
surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to
throw a hero in her way.
Mr. Allen, who owned the chief of the property about Fullerton, the village in
Wiltshire where the Morlands lived, was ordered to Bath for the benefit of a
gouty constitution -- and his lady, a good-humoured woman, fond of Miss
Morland, and probably aware that if adventures will not befall a young lady in
her own village, she must seek them abroad, invited her to go with them. Mr.
and Mrs. Morland were all compliance, and Catherine all happiness.

Thesaurus
adventures: (n) experiences, fortunes, gouty: (v) torminous; (adj) podagrous, ANTONYM: (n) insensitivity.
confessions, journal, life, biography, podagrical, arthritical; (n) gout. squire: (n, v) escort; (n) landlord,
autobiography, personal narrative. perverseness: (n) perversity, gallant, attendant, beau, gentleman,
baronet: (n) baronetcy, aristocrat, Bart. cussedness, unruliness, wilfulness, esquire, landowner, landholder,
befall: (v) bechance, become, happen, willfulness, contumacy, obliquity, armiger; (v) attend.
fall, arise, come about, occur, betide, degeneracy, depravity, deliberate transient: (adj) fleeting, temporary,
chance, transpire, pass. unruliness, crotchetiness. passing, transitory, fugacious,
fond: (adj) affectionate, caring, sensibility: (adj, n, v) feeling, notion; ephemeral, momentary, temporal,
devoted, tender, loving, amorous, (n, v) sensation, appreciation, sense; provisional; (adj, n) fugitive,
delicate, adoring, doting, ardent, (n) emotion, sensitivity, vagabond. ANTONYMS: (adj)
attached. ANTONYMS: (adj) consciousness, perceptivity, enduring, lasting, immanent, long;
aversion, cold, rough. awareness; (adj, n) sentiment. (n) resident.
 Jane Austen 11

CHAPTER 2

In addition to what has been already said of Catherine Morland’s personal

and mental endowments, when about to be launched into all the difficulties and
dangers of a six weeks’ residence in Bath, it may be stated, for the reader’s more
certain information, lest the following pages should otherwise fail of giving any
idea of what her character is meant to be, that her heart was affectionate; her
disposition cheerful and open, without conceit or affectation of any kind -- her
manners just removed from the awkwardness and shyness of a girl; her person
pleasing, and, when in good looks, pretty -- and her mind about as ignorant and
uninformed as the female mind at seventeen usually is.%
When the hour of departure drew near, the maternal anxiety of Mrs. Morland
will be naturally supposed to be most severe. A thousand alarming
presentiments of evil to her beloved Catherine from this terrific separation must
oppress her heart with sadness, and drown her in tears for the last day or two of
their being together; and advice of the most important and applicable nature
must of course flow from her wise lips in their parting conference in her closet.
Cautions against the violence of such noblemen and baronets as delight in
forcing young ladies away to some remote farm-house, must, at such a moment,
relieve the fulness of her heart. Who would not think so? But Mrs. Morland
knew so little of lords and baronets, that she entertained no notion of their
general mischievousness, and was wholly unsuspicious of danger to her
Thesaurus
affectation: (n) pretension, feint, pose, endowments: (n) beneficence, seriousness.
display, airs, affectedness, accomplishments, advantage. oppress: (v) press, harass, afflict,
ostentation, show, pretense, entertained: (adj) diverted, pleased. burden, pinch, depress, encumber,
mannerism, sham. ANTONYMS: (n) forcing: (adj) pressing, constraining, repress, crush; (adj, v) wrong; (adj)
artlessness, honesty, modesty. penetrating, compulsatory; (n) push. aggrieve. ANTONYMS: (v) alleviate,
cautions: (adj) guardful. fulness: (n) fullness, entirety, liberate.
conceit: (n) pretension, vanity, self- completeness, totality. seventeen: (n) large integer.
esteem, pride, assumption, egotism, mischievousness: (n) roguery, unsuspicious: (adj) innocent,
fancy, haughtiness, conception, impishness, badness, blaze, deviltry, credulous, trustful, unwary,
caprice, quip. ANTONYMS: (n) rascality, devilry, devilment, confiding, honest, gullible, easy,
humility, timidity, selflessness, prankishness, balefulness, naive, not suspicious, that confides.
humbleness, reserve. wickedness. ANTONYM: (n) ANTONYM: (adj) wary.
12 Northanger Abbey

daughter from their machinations. Her cautions were confined to the following
points. “I beg, Catherine, you will always wrap yourself up very warm about the
throat, when you come from the rooms at night; and I wish you would try to
keep some account of the money you spend; I will give you this little book on
purpose. “
Sally, or rather Sarah (for what young lady of common gentility will reach
the age of sixteen without altering her name as far as she can?), must from
situation be at this time the intimate friend and confidante of her sister. It is
remarkable, however, that she neither insisted on Catherine’s writing by every
post, nor exacted her promise of transmitting the character of every new
acquaintance, nor a detail of every interesting conversation that Bath might
produce. Everything indeed relative to this important journey was done, on the
part of the Morlands, with a degree of moderation and composure, which
seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life, than with
the refined susceptibilities, the tender emotions which the first separation of a
heroine from her family ought always to excite. Her father, instead of giving her
an unlimited order on his banker, or even putting an hundred pounds bank-bill
into her hands, gave her only ten guineas, and promised her more when she
wanted it.%
Under these unpromising auspices, the parting took place, and the journey
began. It was performed with suitable quietness and uneventful safety. Neither
robbers nor tempests befriended them, nor one lucky overturn to introduce them
to the hero. Nothing more alarming occurred than a fear, on Mrs. Allen’s side, of
having once left her clogs behind her at an inn, and that fortunately proved to be
groundless.
They arrived at Bath. Catherine was all eager delight -- her eyes were here,
there, everywhere, as they approached its fine and striking environs, and
afterwards drove through those streets which conducted them to the hotel. She
was come to be happy, and she felt happy already.
They were soon settled in comfortable lodgings in Pulteney Street.

Thesaurus
conducted: (adj) directed, guided. politeness, decorum, genteelness, uneventful: (adj) eventless, prosaic,
confidante: (n) comrade, intimate, breeding, courtesy, nobility, humdrum, slow, dreary, indecisive,
camarade, companion, compeer, aristocracy, propriety; (adj) urbanity. without any passion, lifeless,
familiar, lady's maid, guest, confrere, ANTONYMS: (n) vulgarity, uninteresting, general, mere.
soul mate, associate. ANTONYMS: rudeness. ANTONYMS: (adj) eventful,
(n) enemy, foe, rival. groundless: (adj) unfounded, extraordinary, memorable, inspiring.
environs: (adj, n) purlieus; (n) vicinity, gratuitous, unwarranted, false, unpromising: (adj) unpropitious,
confines, outskirts, environment, wanton, idle, vain, ungrounded, hopeless, worrying, bleak, warning,
entourage, precincts, scene, unjustifiable, unjustified, unreal. bad, ominous, threatening,
surround, surroundings; (adj) ANTONYMS: (adj) proven, true, unattractive, unfavorable, gloomy.
vicinage. justified, rational, sound. ANTONYMS: (adj) optimistic,
gentility: (n) elegance, cultivation, machinations: (n) intrigues. hopeful, encouraging.
 Jane Austen 13

It is now expedient to give some description of Mrs. Allen, that the reader
may be able to judge in what manner her actions will hereafter tend to promote
the general distress of the work, and how she will, probably, contribute to reduce
poor Catherine to all the desperate wretchedness of which a last volume is
capable -- whether by her imprudence, vulgarity, or jealousy -- whether by
intercepting her letters, ruining her character, or turning her out of doors.%
Mrs. Allen was one of that numerous class of females, whose society can raise
no other emotion than surprise at there being any men in the world who could
like them well enough to marry them. She had neither beauty, genius,
accomplishment, nor manner. The air of a gentlewoman, a great deal of quiet,
inactive good temper, and a trifling turn of mind were all that could account for
her being the choice of a sensible, intelligent man like Mr. Allen. In one respect
she was admirably fitted to introduce a young lady into public, being as fond of
going everywhere and seeing everything herself as any young lady could be.
Dress was her passion. She had a most harmless delight in being fine; and our
heroine’s entree into life could not take place till after three or four days had
been spent in learning what was mostly worn, and her chaperone was provided
with a dress of the newest fashion. Catherine too made some purchases herself,
and when all these matters were arranged, the important evening came which
was to usher her into the Upper Rooms. Her hair was cut and dressed by the
best hand, her clothes put on with care, and both Mrs. Allen and her maid
declared she looked quite as she should do. With such encouragement,
Catherine hoped at least to pass uncensured through the crowd. As for
admiration, it was always very welcome when it came, but she did not depend
on it.
Mrs. Allen was so long in dressing that they did not enter the ballroom till
late. The season was full, the room crowded, and the two ladies squeezed in as
well as they could. As for Mr. Allen, he repaired directly to the card-room, and
left them to enjoy a mob by themselves. With more care for the safety of her new
gown than for the comfort of her protegee, Mrs. Allen made her way through the
throng of men by the door, as swiftly as the necessary caution would allow;

chaperone: (v) matronize, entertain,
lead, guard; (n) duenna.
entree: (n) admittance, access,
entrance, entry, importation, portal,
gateway, entranceway, doorway; (v)
bill of fare, cuisine. ANTONYM: (n)
rejection.
gentlewoman: (n) lady, madam,
dame, woman, noblewoman, doll,
bird, adult female, noble, chick,
ma'am.
hereafter: (adv) thereafter, from now
Thesaurus
on, hence, henceforth, hereinafter, negligible, immaterial, worthless,
afterwards; (n) afterlife, futurity, time trivial, minor, small; (adj, v)
to come, great beyond, future life. inconsequential; (adj, n) frivolity.
imprudence: (n) carelessness, ANTONYMS: (adj) significant,
indiscretion, folly, improvidence, worthwhile, major, considerable,
hastiness, flippancy, recklessness, crucial, enormous, great, mature,
injudiciousness, rashness, haste; (adj, profound, substantial; (n)
n) temerity. ANTONYMS: (n) importance.
discretion, forethought, wariness, wretchedness: (n) unhappiness, grief,
wisdom. distress, desolation, woe, sorrow,
squeezed: (adj) cramped. anguish, infelicity, tribulation,
trifling: (adj) paltry, slight, petty, affliction, misfortune.
14 Northanger Abbey

Catherine, however, kept close at her side, and linked her arm too firmly within
her friend’s to be torn asunder by any common effort of a struggling assembly.
But to her utter amazement she found that to proceed along the room was by no
means the way to disengage themselves from the crowd; it seemed rather to
increase as they went on, whereas she had imagined that when once fairly within
the door, they should easily find seats and be able to watch the dances with
perfect convenience. But this was far from being the case, and though by
unwearied diligence they gained even the top of the room, their situation was
just the same; they saw nothing of the dancers but the high feathers of some of
the ladies. Still they moved on -- something better was yet in view; and by a
continued exertion of strength and ingenuity they found themselves at last in the
passage behind the highest bench. Here there was something less of crowd than
below; and hence Miss Morland had a comprehensive view of all the company
beneath her, and of all the dangers of her late passage through them. It was a
splendid sight, and she began, for the first time that evening, to feel herself at a
ball: she longed to dance, but she had not an acquaintance in the room. Mrs.
Allen did all that she could do in such a case by saying very placidly, every now
and then, “I wish you could dance, my dear -- I wish you could get a partner.”
For some time her young friend felt obliged to her for these wishes; but they
were repeated so often, and proved so totally ineffectual, that Catherine grew
tired at last, and would thank her no more.%
They were not long able, however, to enjoy the repose of the eminence they
had so laboriously gained. Everybody was shortly in motion for tea, and they
must squeeze out like the rest. Catherine began to feel something of
disappointment -- she was tired of being continually pressed against by people,
the generality of whose faces possessed nothing to interest, and with all of whom
she was so wholly unacquainted that she could not relieve the irksomeness of
imprisonment by the exchange of a syllable with any of her fellow captives; and
when at last arrived in the tea-room, she felt yet more the awkwardness of
having no party to join, no acquaintance to claim, no gentleman to assist them.
They saw nothing of Mr. Allen; and after looking about them in vain for a more
eligible situation, were obliged to sit down at the end of a table, at which a large
Thesaurus
asunder: (adj, v) separate; (adv) aside, feathers: (n) plumage, fur, indument, unaccustomed, strange, oblivious,
in two; (adj, adv) in Twain; (adj) loose, garment, garb, fine hair, clothing, ignorant, unapprized, unapprised,
distant, adrift, aloof; (v) discrete, far dress, apparel, attire, array. unweeting, inexperienced, innocent,
between, free. ANTONYM: (adv) irksomeness: (n) boredom, not learned. ANTONYMS: (adj)
together. tediousness. accustomed, knowledgeable,
disengage: (v) discharge, detach, placidly: (adv) coolly, calmly, conscious, informed.
extricate, release, disconnect, tranquilly, peacefully, stilly, quietly, unwearied: (adj) indefatigable,
enfranchise; (adj, v) disentangle, clear, composedly, silently, meekly, untiring, tireless, untired,
disembarrass, free; (adj) disencumber. impassively, collectedly. indomitable, unflagging, industrious,
ANTONYMS: (v) fasten, engage, ANTONYMS: (adv) agitatedly, tolerant, persistent, persevering,
attach, connect, tighten, obstruct, boisterously. laborious. ANTONYM: (adj)
unite, couple, join, activate, lock. unacquainted: (adj) unaware, impatient.
 Jane Austen 15

party were already placed, without having anything to do there, or anybody to

speak to, except each other.
Mrs. Allen congratulated herself, as soon as they were seated, on having
preserved her gown from injury. “It would have been very shocking to have it
torn,” said she, “would not it? It is such a delicate muslin. For my part I have
not seen anything I like so well in the whole room, I assure you.”%
“How uncomfortable it is,” whispered Catherine, “not to have a single
acquaintance here!”
“Yes, my dear,” replied Mrs. Allen, with perfect serenity, “it is very
uncomfortable indeed.”
“What shall we do? The gentlemen and ladies at this table look as if they
wondered why we came here -- we seem forcing ourselves into their party.”
“Aye, so we do. That is very disagreeable. I wish we had a large
acquaintance here.”
“I wish we had any -- it would be somebody to go to.”
“Very true, my dear; and if we knew anybody we would join them directly.
The Skinners were here last year -- I wish they were here now.”
“Had not we better go away as it is? Here are no tea-things for us, you see.”
“No more there are, indeed. How very provoking! But I think we had better
sit still, for one gets so tumbled in such a crowd! How is my head, my dear?
Somebody gave me a push that has hurt it, I am afraid.”
“No, indeed, it looks very nice. But, dear Mrs. Allen, are you sure there is
nobody you know in all this multitude of people? I think you must know
somebody.”
“I don’t, upon my word -- I wish I did. I wish I had a large acquaintance here
with all my heart, and then I should get you a partner. I should be so glad to
have you dance. There goes a strange-looking woman! What an odd gown she
has got on! How old-fashioned it is! Look at the back.”

Thesaurus
acquaintance: (n) connection, friend, amiable, inoffensive, acceptable, maddening, vexatious, agitative,
acquaintanceship, mate, awareness, desirable, easygoing, happy, tempting, agitating; (adj, v) irritating,
associate, buddy, friendship, pleasing, sweet, nice. insulting. ANTONYMS: (adj)
intercourse, companion; (n, v) multitude: (n) flock, horde, crowd, conciliatory, courteous, satisfying.
knowledge. ANTONYMS: (n) host, throng, concourse, mob, masses, serenity: (n) quiet, peace, calm,
ignorance, inexperience, mass, herd, swarm. ANTONYM: (n) quietness, equanimity, calmness,
unfamiliarity, animosity, enemy. trickle. quietude, repose; (adj, n) composure,
disagreeable: (adj) nasty, offensive, muslin: (v) linen, cloth; (n) tranquility, placidity. ANTONYMS:
uncomfortable, distasteful, mousseline, organdy, cambric, crash, (n) anxiety, uproar, chaos, anger,
cantankerous, cross, ungrateful, fabric, nainsook, organdie. panic, bustle, disturbance,
abhorrent, horrible, bad, painful. provoking: (adj) provocative, impatience, turbulence, turmoil.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pleasant, friendly, annoying, aggravating, galling, tumbled: (adj) disordered.
16 Northanger Abbey

After some time they received an offer of tea from one of their neighbours; it
was thankfully accepted, and this introduced a light conversation with the
gentleman who offered it, which was the only time that anybody spoke to them
during the evening, till they were discovered and joined by Mr. Allen when the
dance was over.%
“Well, Miss Morland,” said he, directly, “I hope you have had an agreeable
ball.”
“Very agreeable indeed,” she replied, vainly endeavouring to hide a great
yawn.
“I wish she had been able to dance,” said his wife; “I wish we could have got
a partner for her. I have been saying how glad I should be if the Skinners were
here this winter instead of last; or if the Parrys had come, as they talked of once,
she might have danced with George Parry. I am so sorry she has not had a
partner!”
“We shall do better another evening I hope,” was Mr. Allen’s consolation.
The company began to disperse when the dancing was over -- enough to
leave space for the remainder to walk about in some comfort; and now was the
time for a heroine, who had not yet played a very distinguished part in the
events of the evening, to be noticed and admired. Every five minutes, by
removing some of the crowd, gave greater openings for her charms. She was
now seen by many young men who had not been near her before. Not one,
however, started with rapturous wonder on beholding her, no whisper of eager
inquiry ran round the room, nor was she once called a divinity by anybody. Yet
Catherine was in very good looks, and had the company only seen her three
years before, they would now have thought her exceedingly handsome.
She was looked at, however, and with some admiration; for, in her own
hearing, two gentlemen pronounced her to be a pretty girl. Such words had their
due effect; she immediately thought the evening pleasanter than she had found it
before -- her humble vanity was contented -- she felt more obliged to the two
young men for this simple praise than a true-quality heroine would have been

Thesaurus
beholding: (n) fusion, seeing, visual ANTONYMS: (v) gather, collect, passionate, fond, erotic. ANTONYM:
perception, look. converge, centralize, capture, (adj) down.
charms: (n) trinkets, jewelry, jewels. congregate, garner, concentrate, removing: (adj) departing.
contented: (adj) content, happy, swarm, crowd, aggravate. vainly: (adv) uselessly, futilely,
comfortable, quiet, cheerful, smug, divinity: (n) God, theology, fruitlessly, conceitedly, in vain,
complacent, satisfied, easy, proud, divineness, immortal, godship, worthlessly, abortively, bootlessly,
delighted. ANTONYMS: (adj) godhead, spirit, demiurge, arrogantly, unproductively; (adj, adv)
discontented, unhappy, depressed, apologetics, demigod; (adj, n) the foolishly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unsatisfied, sad, anxious. Deity. ANTONYM: (n) devil. fruitfully, successfully, effectively.
disperse: (v) dispel, spread, circulate, rapturous: (adj) overjoyed, enraptured, yawn: (v) open, ope, yaw, look
break up, disband, scatter, dissipate, rapt, delighted, rhapsodic, blissful; stupidly, breathe; (n) yawning, nod,
diffuse, dispense, disseminate, break. (adj, v) ravishing; (v) ardent, get sleep, tedium, bore, boredom.
 Jane Austen 17

for fifteen sonnets in celebration of her charms, and went to her chair in good
humour with everybody, and perfectly satisfied with her share of public
attention. %

celebration: (n) anniversary, holiday,
fair, solemnization, festival,
commemoration, merrymaking, feast,
party, festivity; (adj, n) dedication.
ANTONYM: (n) omission.
chair: (n, v) chairman; (n) bench,
president, chairperson, throne, couch,
armchair, electric chair, chairwoman;
(v) moderate, lead.
charms: (n) trinkets, jewelry, jewels.
everybody: (adv) each, any; (n, pron)
Thesaurus
anyone, anybody; (n) every person,
world, everything, horde, throng;
(pron) any person, someone.
ANTONYMS: (n, pron) nobody.
humour: (n) fun, wit, witticism, body
fluid, temper, mood, amiability,
drollery, disposition; (adj) humorous;
(v) gratify.
perfectly: (adj, adv) entirely; (adv) fully,
thoroughly, consummately, utterly,
flawlessly, absolutely, purely, totally,
faultlessly, wholly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) badly, imperfectly, incorrectly,
wrong, inaccurately, partially, partly,
poorly, unpleasantly, wrongly.
satisfied: (adj) happy, content, full,
pleased, confident, complacent,
persuaded, fulfilled; (adj, v) certain,
sure; (v) convinced. ANTONYMS:
(adj) frustrated, anxious, disgruntled,
hungry, insistent, pensive, unsure,
dissatisfied, ashamed.
 Jane Austen 19

CHAPTER 3

Every morning now brought its regular duties -- shops were to be visited;
some new part of the town to be looked at; and the pump-room to be attended,
where they paraded up and down for an hour, looking at everybody and
speaking to no one. The wish of a numerous acquaintance in Bath was still
uppermost with Mrs. Allen, and she repeated it after every fresh proof, which
every morning brought, of her knowing nobody at all.%
They made their appearance in the Lower Rooms; and here fortune was more
favourable to our heroine. The master of the ceremonies introduced to her a very
gentlemanlike young man as a partner; his name was Tilney. He seemed to be
about four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a
very intelligent and lively eye, and, if not quite handsome, was very near it. His
address was good, and Catherine felt herself in high luck. There was little leisure
for speaking while they danced; but when they were seated at tea, she found him
as agreeable as she had already given him credit for being. He talked with
fluency and spirit -- and there was an archness and pleasantry in his manner
which interested, though it was hardly understood by her. After chatting some
time on such matters as naturally arose from the objects around them, he
suddenly addressed her with -- “I have hitherto been very remiss, madam, in the
proper attentions of a partner here; I have not yet asked you how long you have
been in Bath; whether you were ever here before; whether you have been at the
Thesaurus
archness: (n) playfulness, craftiness, articulateness, ease, volubility, inattentive, delinquent, lazy, lax,
cunning, wiliness, slyness, perkiness, skillfulness, liquidity, smoothness, derelict, heedless, backward, slow,
flippancy, hatred, astuteness, malice, talkativeness; (adj) fluent, tongue. laggard. ANTONYMS: (adj, v)
pertness. ANTONYM: (n) humility. ANTONYMS: (n) hesitation, diligent; (v) careful, painstaking; (adj)
arose: (v) happen, occur. hesitancy. prompt.
countenance: (n) aspect, expression, gentlemanlike: (n) genteel, comme il seated: (adj) sat, sedentary.
brow, complexion; (n, v) face, faut; (adj) urbane, gentle, refined, uppermost: (adj) top, upmost, upper,
sanction, support, favor; (v) allow, courtly, chivalrous. highest, chief, maximum, supreme,
tolerate, uphold. ANTONYMS: (v) pleasantry: (n) joke, wit, jocularity, greatest, major, outermost; (n) main.
reject, oppose, discourage, jest, fancy, waggery, drollery, esprit, ANTONYMS: (adj) bottom, lowest,
disapprove, prohibit. banter, sport, jocosity. trivial, lower.
fluency: (n) eloquence, facility, remiss: (adj) neglectful, careless, whether: (pron) where.
20 Northanger Abbey

Upper Rooms, the theatre, and the concert; and how you like the place
altogether. I have been very negligent -- but are you now at leisure to satisfy me
in these particulars? If you are I will begin directly.”
“You need not give yourself that trouble, sir.”
“No trouble, I assure you, madam.” Then forming his features into a set
smile, and affectedly softening his voice, he added, with a simpering air, “Have
you been long in Bath, madam?”
“About a week, sir,” replied Catherine, trying not to laugh.%
“Really!” with affected astonishment.
“Why should you be surprised, sir?”
“Why, indeed!” said he, in his natural tone. “But some emotion must appear
to be raised by your reply, and surprise is more easily assumed, and not less
reasonable than any other. Now let us go on. Were you never here before,
madam?”
“Never, sir.”
“Indeed! Have you yet honoured the Upper Rooms?”
“Yes, sir, I was there last Monday.”
“Have you been to the theatre?”
“Yes, sir, I was at the play on Tuesday.”
“To the concert?”
“Yes, sir, on Wednesday.”
“And are you altogether pleased with Bath?”
“Yes -- I like it very well.”
“Now I must give one smirk, and then we may be rational again.” Catherine
turned away her head, not knowing whether she might venture to laugh. “I see
what you think of me,” said he gravely -- “I shall make but a poor figure in your
journal tomorrow.”
“My journal!”

Thesaurus
affectedly: (adv) pretentiously, honoured: (adj) esteemed, respected, ins and outs.
pompously, insincerely, stiltedly, worthy. simpering: (adj) mincing, affected,
unnaturally, theatrically, feignedly, negligent: (adj) neglectful, heedless, smirk, prudish, nice.
snobbishly, contrivedly, pedantically, forgetful, reckless, inattentive, smirk: (n, v) simper, grin, grimace,
pedanticly. ANTONYMS: (adv) inadvertent, indifferent, slow, lax, beam; (v) leer, snicker, laugh; (adj)
modestly, naturally. untidy; (adj, v) remiss. ANTONYMS: affected, smirky; (n) expression,
gravely: (adv) seriously, soberly, (adj) strict, diligent, conscientious, grinning.
severely, solemnly, badly, staidly, careful, dutiful, prompt, prudent, softening: (adj) emollient, salving,
momentously, heavily, earnestly, responsible, sensible, cautious. relaxing; (v) soften; (adj, n) soothing;
weightily, grievously. ANTONYMS: particulars: (n) specification, data, (n) maceration, mitigation, easement,
(adv) lightheartedly, mildly, slightly; nicety, minutiae, terms, mollification, inteneration,
(adj) soft. consideration, workings, fine points, encouragement.
 Jane Austen 21

“Yes, I know exactly what you will say: Friday, went to the Lower Rooms;
wore my sprigged muslin robe with blue trimmings -- plain black shoes --
appeared to much advantage; but was strangely harassed by a queer, half-
witted man, who would make me dance with him, and distressed me by his
nonsense.”%
“Indeed I shall say no such thing.”
“Shall I tell you what you ought to say?”
“If you please.”
“I danced with a very agreeable young man, introduced by Mr. King; had a
great deal of conversation with him -- seems a most extraordinary genius -- hope
I may know more of him. That, madam, is what I wish you to say.”
“But, perhaps, I keep no journal.”
“Perhaps you are not sitting in this room, and I am not sitting by you. These
are points in which a doubt is equally possible. Not keep a journal! How are
your absent cousins to understand the tenour of your life in Bath without one?
How are the civilities and compliments of every day to be related as they ought
to be, unless noted down every evening in a journal? How are your various
dresses to be remembered, and the particular state of your complexion, and curl
of your hair to be described in all their diversities, without having constant
recourse to a journal? My dear madam, I am not so ignorant of young ladies’
ways as you wish to believe me; it is this delightful habit of journaling which
largely contributes to form the easy style of writing for which ladies are so
generally celebrated. Everybody allows that the talent of writing agreeable
letters is peculiarly female. Nature may have done something, but I am sure it
must be essentially assisted by the practice of keeping a journal.”
“I have sometimes thought,” said Catherine, doubtingly, “whether ladies do
write so much better letters than gentlemen! That is -- I should not think the
superiority was always on our side.”
“As far as I have had opportunity of judging, it appears to me that the usual
style of letter-writing among women is faultless, except in three particulars.”

Thesaurus
civilities: (n) propriety. immaculate, clean, spotless, innocent, obsessed, harried. ANTONYMS: (adj)
compliments: (n) respects, flawless, unblemished, absolute, calm, carefree.
commendation, wish, greetings, infallible, consummate. queer: (adj) fantastic, odd, eccentric,
salutation, respect, applause, flattery, ANTONYMS: (adj) blemished, funny, curious, gay, peculiar, strange,
acclamation, regards, approbation. imperfect, faulty, shameful, soiled, quaint, fishy, outlandish.
doubtingly: (adv) distrustfully, blameworthy. ANTONYMS: (adj) conventional,
skeptically, suspiciously, sceptically, half-witted: (adj) imbecile, idiotic, normal, well.
uncertainly, questioningly, foolish, weak-minded, simple, half- trimmings: (n) embellishments,
hesitantly, cynically, apprehensively, baked, dull, retarded, dense. trappings, finery, fixing,
incredulously; (adj) doubting. harassed: (adj) annoyed, pestered, superfluities, plumage, edge,
ANTONYM: (adv) optimistically. irritated, bothered, annoy, jittery, paraphernalia, gear, additions,
faultless: (adj) blameless, correct, worried, troubled, beleaguered, fixings.
22 Northanger Abbey

“And what are they?”

“A general deficiency of subject, a total inattention to stops, and a very
frequent ignorance of grammar.”
“Upon my word! I need not have been afraid of disclaiming the compliment.
You do not think too highly of us in that way.”
“I should no more lay it down as a general rule that women write better
letters than men, than that they sing better duets, or draw better landscapes. In
every power, of which taste is the foundation, excellence is pretty fairly divided
between the sexes.”
They were interrupted by Mrs. Allen: “My dear Catherine,” said she, “do
take this pin out of my sleeve; I am afraid it has torn a hole already; I shall be
quite sorry if it has, for this is a favourite gown, though it cost but nine shillings a
yard.”
“That is exactly what I should have guessed it, madam,” said Mr. Tilney,
looking at the muslin.%
“Do you understand muslins, sir?”
“Particularly well; I always buy my own cravats, and am allowed to be an
excellent judge; and my sister has often trusted me in the choice of a gown. I
bought one for her the other day, and it was pronounced to be a prodigious
bargain by every lady who saw it. I gave but five shillings a yard for it, and a
true Indian muslin.”
Mrs. Allen was quite struck by his genius. “Men commonly take so little
notice of those things,” said she; “I can never get Mr. Allen to know one of my
gowns from another. You must be a great comfort to your sister, sir.”
“I hope I am, madam.”
“And pray, sir, what do you think of Miss Morland’s gown?”
“It is very pretty, madam,” said he, gravely examining it; “but I do not think
it will wash well; I am afraid it will fray.”

compliment: (n, v) praise, honor; (v)
laud, flattery, applaud, greet,
adulation, congratulate, belaud; (n)
eulogy, tribute. ANTONYMS: (n)
criticism, reproach, disparagement;
(n, v) slander, libel; (v) criticize,
denounce, disparage, denigrate,
complain, belittle.
deficiency: (adj, n) defect, blemish,
imperfection; (n) dearth, lack, failing, negligence, inobservance,
deficit, shortcoming, inadequacy,
absence; (n, v) want. ANTONYMS:
Thesaurus
(n) excess, perfection, provision,
enough, adequacy, supply, strength,
virtue, surplus, gain, glut.
gown: (n) robe, clothing, cassock,
vestment, wrapper, overclothes,
outerwear, uniform, tunic, clothes; (v)
clothe.
inattention: (n) neglect, heedlessness,
carelessness, forgetfulness,
inadvertence, indifference, oversight,
slight, distraction. ANTONYMS: (n)
attention, notice, caution,
concentration.
prodigious: (adj) gigantic, enormous,
huge, phenomenal, portentous,
stupendous, exceptional, colossal,
immense, gargantuan; (adj, v)
monstrous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unexceptional, normal, average, tiny,
weak.
sleeve: (n) arm, liner, cover, cuff,
wristband, collar, socket, skin,
sheath; (v) plexus, skein.
 Jane Austen 23

“How can you,” said Catherine, laughing, “be so -- “ She had almost said
“strange.”%
“I am quite of your opinion, sir,” replied Mrs. Allen; “and so I told Miss
Morland when she bought it.”
“But then you know, madam, muslin always turns to some account or other;
Miss Morland will get enough out of it for a handkerchief, or a cap, or a cloak.
Muslin can never be said to be wasted. I have heard my sister say so forty times,
when she has been extravagant in buying more than she wanted, or careless in
cutting it to pieces.”
“Bath is a charming place, sir; there are so many good shops here. We are
sadly off in the country; not but what we have very good shops in Salisbury, but
it is so far to go -- eight miles is a long way; Mr. Allen says it is nine, measured
nine; but I am sure it cannot be more than eight; and it is such a fag -- I come
back tired to death. Now, here one can step out of doors and get a thing in five
minutes.”
Mr. Tilney was polite enough to seem interested in what she said; and she
kept him on the subject of muslins till the dancing recommenced. Catherine
feared, as she listened to their discourse, that he indulged himself a little too
much with the foibles of others. “What are you thinking of so earnestly?” said
he, as they walked back to the ballroom; “not of your partner, I hope, for, by that
shake of the head, your meditations are not satisfactory.”
Catherine coloured, and said, “I was not thinking of anything.”
“That is artful and deep, to be sure; but I had rather be told at once that you
will not tell me.”
“Well then, I will not.”
“Thank you; for now we shall soon be acquainted, as I am authorized to
tease you on this subject whenever we meet, and nothing in the world advances
intimacy so much.”
They danced again; and, when the assembly closed, parted, on the lady’s side
at least, with a strong inclination for continuing the acquaintance. Whether she
Thesaurus
acquainted: (adj) knowledgeable, authorised, official, accredited, ANTONYMS: (adj) restrained, frugal,
informed, aware, cognizant, competent, lawful, legal, legitimate, parsimonious, plain, stingy,
conversant, hand and glove, intimate, permissible, qualified; (adj, v) understated, thrifty, reasonable,
thick; (adv) abreast; (v) inform, privileged. ANTONYMS: (adj) moderate, cautious, tasteful.
acquaint. unauthorized, illegal, unqualified. indulged: (adj) pet, privileged,
artful: (adj) crafty, cunning, scheming, ballroom: (n) hall, commercial dance cherished, admired.
wily, shrewd, insidious, designing, hall, room, concert room, dance meditations: (n) contemplation,
sly, adroit, subtle, disingenuous. palace, music hall. consideration, cogitation.
ANTONYMS: (adj) artless, unskillful, extravagant: (adj) wasteful, luxurious, tease: (n, v) annoy; (adj, v) molest,
inept, ingenuous, unskilled, open, prodigal, exaggerated, profligate, harry, worry, bait; (v) taunt, kid,
straight. costly, expensive, lavish, pester, plague, provoke, mock.
authorized: (v) allowed; (adj) immoderate, profuse, undue. ANTONYM: (v) placate.
24 Northanger Abbey

thought of him so much, while she drank her warm wine and water, and
prepared herself for bed, as to dream of him when there, cannot be ascertained;
but I hope it was no more than in a slight slumber, or a morning doze at most;
for if it be true, as a celebrated writer has maintained, that no young lady can be
justified in falling in love before the gentleman’s love is declared, it must be very
improper that a young lady should dream of a gentleman before the gentleman
is first known to have dreamt of her. How proper Mr. Tilney might be as a
dreamer or a lover had not yet perhaps entered Mr. Allen’s head, but that he was
not objectionable as a common acquaintance for his young charge he was on
inquiry satisfied; for he had early in the evening taken pains to know who her
partner was, and had been assured of Mr. Tilney’s being a clergyman, and of a
very respectable family in Gloucestershire.%

Thesaurus
ascertained: (adj) discovered, logician, philosopher, escapist. offensive, nasty, exceptionable,
determined; (v) absolute, recognized, improper: (adj) false, illicit, undesirable, disagreeable,
received, noted, notorious, decisive, illegitimate, unsuitable, wrong, unwelcome, disgusting,
unmistakable, unequivocal, positive. indecent, bad, coarse, amiss, faulty; unacceptable, repugnant, obnoxious.
doze: (n, v) snooze, sleep, slumber, (adj, v) indecorous. ANTONYMS: ANTONYMS: (adj) agreeable,
drowse, siesta, forty winks, rest; (v) (adj) suitable, fitting, polite, desirable, acceptable, inoffensive.
catnap, nod, coma, nod off. acceptable, sensitive, moral, correct, pains: (n) nisus, labor, trouble, effort,
ANTONYM: (v) wake. dignified, lawful, clean, honest. exertion, labour, pain, care, struggle,
drank: (v) absorb. lover: (n) dear, darling, fan, devotee, attempt, strain.
dreamer: (n) romancer, visionary, beau, buff, love, admirer, beloved, slumber: (n, v) rest, doze, snooze, nap,
daydreamer, woolgatherer, seer, amorist, man. drowse, repose, catnap; (v) be asleep,
sleeper, slumberer, illusionist, objectionable: (adj) distasteful, kip, take a nap; (n) siesta.
 Jane Austen 25

CHAPTER 4

With more than usual eagerness did Catherine hasten to the pump-room the
next day, secure within herself of seeing Mr. Tilney there before the morning
were over, and ready to meet him with a smile; but no smile was demanded --
Mr. Tilney did not appear. Every creature in Bath, except himself, was to be seen
in the room at different periods of the fashionable hours; crowds of people were
every moment passing in and out, up the steps and down; people whom nobody
cared about, and nobody wanted to see; and he only was absent. “What a
delightful place Bath is,” said Mrs. Allen as they sat down near the great clock,
after parading the room till they were tired; “and how pleasant it would be if we
had any acquaintance here.”%
This sentiment had been uttered so often in vain that Mrs. Allen had no
particular reason to hope it would be followed with more advantage now; but
we are told to “despair of nothing we would attain,” as “unwearied diligence
our point would gain”; and the unwearied diligence with which she had every
day wished for the same thing was at length to have its just reward, for hardly
had she been seated ten minutes before a lady of about her own age, who was
sitting by her, and had been looking at her attentively for several minutes,
addressed her with great complaisance in these words: “I think, madam, I
cannot be mistaken; it is a long time since I had the pleasure of seeing you, but is
not your name Allen?” This question answered, as it readily was, the stranger
Thesaurus
attentively: (adv) carefully, mindfully, diligence: (n) assiduity, industry, unwillingness, aloofness, disinterest,
watchfully, observantly, heedfully, attention, application, assiduousness, lethargy, listlessness, patience,
vigilantly, cautiously, considerately, concentration, activity, perseverance, gloom, reluctance.
diligently, alertly, obligingly. carefulness, sedulity, hasten: (adj, n, v) speed, quicken; (v)
ANTONYMS: (adv) unhelpfully, industriousness. ANTONYMS: (n) expedite, advance, hurry, hie, dash,
neglectfully, abruptly, carelessly, carelessness, indolence, feebleness, rush; (n, v) further, forward,
hastily, casually. slackness, negligence, sloth. dispatch. ANTONYMS: (v) linger,
complaisance: (adj, n) affability, eagerness: (n, v) desire, aspiration; (n) retard, amble.
civility; (n) courtesy, deference, enthusiasm, avidity, cupidity, periods: (n) period.
respect, compliancy, agreeableness, readiness, passion, keenness, uttered: (adj) expressed, express,
submission, amenity, politeness; (adj) ambition, fervor, avidness. verbalised, verbalized, vocal, explicit,
gallantry. ANTONYMS: (n) indifference, oral; (v) spoke, quoth, said.
26 Northanger Abbey

pronounced hers to be Thorpe; and Mrs. Allen immediately recognized the

features of a former schoolfellow and intimate, whom she had seen only once
since their respective marriages, and that many years ago. Their joy on this
meeting was very great, as well it might, since they had been contented to know
nothing of each other for the last fifteen years. Compliments on good looks now
passed; and, after observing how time had slipped away since they were last
together, how little they had thought of meeting in Bath, and what a pleasure it
was to see an old friend, they proceeded to make inquiries and give intelligence
as to their families, sisters, and cousins, talking both together, far more ready to
give than to receive information, and each hearing very little of what the other
said. Mrs. Thorpe, however, had one great advantage as a talker, over Mrs.
Allen, in a family of children; and when she expatiated on the talents of her sons,
and the beauty of her daughters, when she related their different situations and
views -- that John was at Oxford, Edward at Merchant Taylors’, and William at
sea -- and all of them more beloved and respected in their different station than
any other three beings ever were, Mrs. Allen had no similar information to give,
no similar triumphs to press on the unwilling and unbelieving ear of her friend,
and was forced to sit and appear to listen to all these maternal effusions,
consoling herself, however, with the discovery, which her keen eye soon made,
that the lace on Mrs. Thorpe’s pelisse was not half so handsome as that on her
own.%
“Here come my dear girls,” cried Mrs. Thorpe, pointing at three smart-
looking females who, arm in arm, were then moving towards her. “My dear
Mrs. Allen, I long to introduce them; they will be so delighted to see you: the
tallest is Isabella, my eldest; is not she a fine young woman? The others are very
much admired too, but I believe Isabella is the handsomest.”
The Miss Thorpes were introduced; and Miss Morland, who had been for a
short time forgotten, was introduced likewise. The name seemed to strike them
all; and, after speaking to her with great civility, the eldest young lady observed
aloud to the rest, “How excessively like her brother Miss Morland is!”

civility: (n) politeness, courtesy,
comity, attention, propriety,
affability, amenity, cultivation,
complaisance, courteousness,
civilization. ANTONYMS: (n)
rudeness, incivility, coarseness.
consoling: (adj) consolatory, cheering, marriages: (n) marriage, matrimony.
encouraging, grateful, reassuring,
soothing, calming; (n)
encouragement. ANTONYM: (adj)
upsetting.
excessively: (adj, adv) immoderately,
Thesaurus
exorbitantly, inordinately; (adv)
extremely, enormously, exceedingly, talker: (n) speaker, conversationalist,
very, profusely, overly,
exaggeratedly, intemperately.
ANTONYMS: (adv) justifiably,
moderately, insufficiently.
pelisse: (n) pall, mantlet Mantua,
mantle, cloak, wrapper, shawl.
schoolfellow: (n) classmate, class
fellow, bookmate, acquaintance,
condisciple, friend, school chum,
school friend, school pal.
orator, chatterbox, babbler, raver,
stammerer, chatterer, speechmaker,
caller, mutterer.
thorpe: (n) hamlet, Jim Thorpe, James
Francis Thorpe.
unbelieving: (adj) incredulous,
disbelieving, sceptical, suspicious,
atheistical, nescient, irreligious,
atheistic, faithless, unconverted,
distrustful.
 Jane Austen 27

“The very picture of him indeed!” cried the mother -- and “I should have
known her anywhere for his sister!” was repeated by them all, two or three
times over. For a moment Catherine was surprised; but Mrs. Thorpe and her
daughters had scarcely begun the history of their acquaintance with Mr. James
Morland, before she remembered that her eldest brother had lately formed an
intimacy with a young man of his own college, of the name of Thorpe; and that
he had spent the last week of the Christmas vacation with his family, near
London.%
The whole being explained, many obliging things were said by the Miss
Thorpes of their wish of being better acquainted with her; of being considered as
already friends, through the friendship of their brothers, etc., which Catherine
heard with pleasure, and answered with all the pretty expressions she could
command; and, as the first proof of amity, she was soon invited to accept an arm
of the eldest Miss Thorpe, and take a turn with her about the room. Catherine
was delighted with this extension of her Bath acquaintance, and almost forgot
Mr. Tilney while she talked to Miss Thorpe. Friendship is certainly the finest
balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
Their conversation turned upon those subjects, of which the free discussion
has generally much to do in perfecting a sudden intimacy between two young
ladies: such as dress, balls, flirtations, and quizzes. Miss Thorpe, however,
being four years older than Miss Morland, and at least four years better
informed, had a very decided advantage in discussing such points; she could
compare the balls of Bath with those of Tunbridge, its fashions with the fashions
of London; could rectify the opinions of her new friend in many articles of
tasteful attire; could discover a flirtation between any gentleman and lady who
only smiled on each other; and point out a quiz through the thickness of a crowd.
These powers received due admiration from Catherine, to whom they were
entirely new; and the respect which they naturally inspired might have been too
great for familiarity, had not the easy gaiety of Miss Thorpe’s manners, and her
frequent expressions of delight on this acquaintance with her, softened down
every feeling of awe, and left nothing but tender affection. Their increasing

Thesaurus
amity: (n) friendship, concord, perfume, aroma, unction, liniment, courteous; (adj) amiable, affable,
companionship, benevolence, peace, balsam, arnica, lotion, fragrance. gentle, kind, good, benign, pleasant,
harmony, friendliness, brotherhood, ANTONYMS: (n) irritant, nuisance. gracious, compliant. ANTONYMS:
fellowship, sympathy, camaraderie. flirtation: (n) flirt, coquetry, flirting, (adj) uncooperative, unkind, contrary,
ANTONYMS: (n) hostility, discord, romp, trifling, tease, play, frolic, reticent.
antagonism, war, animosity. gambol, amour, gallantry. pangs: (n) anguish, compunction,
attire: (n, v) array, garb, apparel, wear; gaiety: (n) fun, cheerfulness, contrition, distress.
(n) costume, garment, outfit, clothes; exhilaration, mirth, glee, merriment, perfecting: (n) development,
(v) enrobe, clothe, dress up. hilarity, happiness, joy, joviality, reiteration.
ANTONYMS: (v) disrobe, bare, strip, jollity. ANTONYMS: (n) seriousness, rectify: (v) amend, improve, better,
unclothe; (n) nakedness. misery, sadness. adjust, refine, reform, mend, emend,
balm: (n) salve, unguent, incense, obliging: (adj, v) complaisant, remedy, redress; (adj, v) straighten.
28 Northanger Abbey

attachment was not to be satisfied with half a dozen turns in the pump-room, but
required, when they all quitted it together, that Miss Thorpe should accompany
Miss Morland to the very door of Mr. Allen’s house; and that they should there
part with a most affectionate and lengthened shake of hands, after learning, to
their mutual relief, that they should see each other across the theatre at night,
and say their prayers in the same chapel the next morning. Catherine then ran
directly upstairs, and watched Miss Thorpe’s progress down the street from the
drawing-room window; admired the graceful spirit of her walk, the fashionable
air of her figure and dress; and felt grateful, as well she might, for the chance
which had procured her such a friend.%
Mrs. Thorpe was a widow, and not a very rich one; she was a good-
humoured, well-meaning woman, and a very indulgent mother. Her eldest
daughter had great personal beauty, and the younger ones, by pretending to be
as handsome as their sister, imitating her air, and dressing in the same style, did
very well.
This brief account of the family is intended to supersede the necessity of a
long and minute detail from Mrs. Thorpe herself, of her past adventures and
sufferings, which might otherwise be expected to occupy the three or four
following chapters; in which the worthlessness of lords and attornies might be
set forth, and conversations, which had passed twenty years before, be minutely
repeated.

Thesaurus
graceful: (adj) beautiful, delicate, (adj) intolerant, unsympathetic, exactly, microscopically.
amiable, easy, fine, charming, fair, severe, restrained, harsh, supersede: (n, v) supplant, displace;
airy, becoming, lovely, lithe. hardhearted, abstemious, (v) substitute, replace, succeed,
ANTONYMS: (adj) inelegant, stocky, disapproving. commute, annul, deputize, cut out,
awkward, vigorous, jerky, ugly, lengthened: (adj) elongated, overrule; (n) remove.
stilted, heavy, coarse, strenuous. prolonged, long, protracted, worthlessness: (n) emptiness,
imitating: (adj) imitative; (n) expanded, elongate, longer, uselessness, paltriness, trashiness,
emulation, mimicry, forgery, acting. lingering, extensive, stretched out, insignificance, nothingness,
indulgent: (adj) forgiving, gentle, lengthy. negativity, purposelessness, pride,
clement, lenient, soft, kind, gracious, minutely: (adv) precisely, in detail, pointlessness; (adj) inanity.
tolerant, merciful, compassionate; closely, tinily, smally, insignificantly, ANTONYMS: (n) importance, worth,
(adj, v) permissive. ANTONYMS: infinitesimally, diminutively, nicely, helpfulness, appropriateness.
 Jane Austen 29

CHAPTER 5

Catherine was not so much engaged at the theatre that evening, in returning
the nods and smiles of Miss Thorpe, though they certainly claimed much of her
leisure, as to forget to look with an inquiring eye for Mr. Tilney in every box
which her eye could reach; but she looked in vain. Mr. Tilney was no fonder of
the play than the pump-room. She hoped to be more fortunate the next day; and
when her wishes for fine weather were answered by seeing a beautiful morning,
she hardly felt a doubt of it; for a fine Sunday in Bath empties every house of its
inhabitants, and all the world appears on such an occasion to walk about and tell
their acquaintance what a charming day it is.%
As soon as divine service was over, the Thorpes and Allens eagerly joined
each other; and after staying long enough in the pump-room to discover that the
crowd was insupportable, and that there was not a genteel face to be seen,
which everybody discovers every Sunday throughout the season, they hastened
away to the Crescent, to breathe the fresh air of better company. Here Catherine
and Isabella, arm in arm, again tasted the sweets of friendship in an unreserved
conversation; they talked much, and with much enjoyment; but again was
Catherine disappointed in her hope of reseeing her partner. He was nowhere to
be met with; every search for him was equally unsuccessful, in morning lounges
or evening assemblies; neither at the Upper nor Lower Rooms, at dressed or
undressed balls, was he perceivable; nor among the walkers, the horsemen, or
Thesaurus
genteel: (adj) elegant, polite, cultured, insupportable: (adj, v) insufferable, undressed: (adj) naked, unclad,
refined, graceful, courtly, courteous, intolerable; (adj) indefensible, unclothed, bare, raw, stripped,
fashionable, nice, civil, ladylike. unbearable, excruciating, unattired, unappareled, crude, rough,
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncouth, unjustifiable, unendurable, disrobed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
improper, vulgar. impossible, unsupportable, heavy, covered, decent.
hastened: (adj) careless. obnoxious. ANTONYM: (adj) unreserved: (adj) open, unqualified,
inquiring: (adj) inquisitive, quizzical, bearable. candid, unconditional, sincere,
interested, analytical, probing, perceivable: (adj) discernible, visible, complete, expansive, absolute, total,
intrusive; (adj, n) questioning; (v) appreciable, observable, outgoing, familiar. ANTONYMS:
inquire; (n) enquiry, question, comprehensible, apparent, graspable, (adj) qualified, reserved, uncertain,
examination. ANTONYM: (adj) intelligible, apprehensible, unenthusiastic, shy, rather, partial,
uninquiring. cognizable, obvious. inhibited, restrained.
30 Northanger Abbey

the curricle-drivers of the morning. His name was not in the pump-room book,
and curiosity could do no more. He must be gone from Bath. Yet he had not
mentioned that his stay would be so short! This sort of mysteriousness, which is
always so becoming in a hero, threw a fresh grace in Catherine’s imagination
around his person and manners, and increased her anxiety to know more of him.
From the Thorpes she could learn nothing, for they had been only two days in
Bath before they met with Mrs. Allen. It was a subject, however, in which she
often indulged with her fair friend, from whom she received every possible
encouragement to continue to think of him; and his impression on her fancy was
not suffered therefore to weaken. Isabella was very sure that he must be a
charming young man, and was equally sure that he must have been delighted
with her dear Catherine, and would therefore shortly return. She liked him the
better for being a clergyman, “for she must confess herself very partial to the
profession”; and something like a sigh escaped her as she said it. Perhaps
Catherine was wrong in not demanding the cause of that gentle emotion -- but
she was not experienced enough in the finesse of love, or the duties of
friendship, to know when delicate raillery was properly called for, or when a
confidence should be forced.%
Mrs. Allen was now quite happy -- quite satisfied with Bath. She had found
some acquaintance, had been so lucky too as to find in them the family of a most
worthy old friend; and, as the completion of good fortune, had found these
friends by no means so expensively dressed as herself. Her daily expressions
were no longer, “I wish we had some acquaintance in Bath!” They were changed
into, “How glad I am we have met with Mrs. Thorpe!” and she was as eager in
promoting the intercourse of the two families, as her young charge and Isabella
themselves could be; never satisfied with the day unless she spent the chief of it
by the side of Mrs. Thorpe, in what they called conversation, but in which there
was scarcely ever any exchange of opinion, and not often any resemblance of
subject, for Mrs. Thorpe talked chiefly of her children, and Mrs. Allen of her
gowns.

confess: (adj, v) own, allow, admit,
avow; (v) concede, profess, recognize,
divulge, disclose, reveal, receive.
ANTONYMS: (v) suppress, hide,
dispute, conceal, repress, harbor.
expensively: (adv) preciously, lavishly,
extravagantly, highly, sumptuously,
excessively, dear, luxuriously, richly,
extremely, splendidly. ANTONYM:
(adv) inexpensively.
expressions: (n) vocabulary, terms,
language.
Thesaurus
finesse: (n) artifice, diplomacy,
delicacy, refinement, dexterity,
daintiness, ability, skill; (n, v)
maneuver; (adj) intrigue; (v)
circumvent. ANTONYMS: (n)
ignorance, tactlessness, coarseness.
mysteriousness: (n) mystique,
profundity, strangeness, peculiarity,
enigma, obscurity, darkness,
difficulty, inscrutability, complexity.
ANTONYMS: (n) normality,
simplicity.
promoting: (n) promotion,
advertising; (adj) cultural, featuring.
raillery: (n) mockery, joke, irony, quiz,
persiflage, derision, ridicule,
pleasantry, tease, jest, badinage.
weaken: (n, v) dilute; (v) lessen,
diminish, debilitate, break, attenuate,
relax, undermine, enervate, thin; (adj,
v) enfeeble. ANTONYMS: (v) bolster,
grow, escalate, increase, refresh,
improve, enhance, continue,
condense, concentrate, boost.
 Jane Austen 31

The %progress of the friendship between Catherine and Isabella was quick as
its beginning had been warm, and they passed so rapidly through every
gradation of increasing tenderness that there was shortly no fresh proof of it to
be given to their friends or themselves. They called each other by their Christian
name, were always arm in arm when they walked, pinned up each other’s train
for the dance, and were not to be divided in the set; and if a rainy morning
deprived them of other enjoyments, they were still resolute in meeting in
defiance of wet and dirt, and shut themselves up, to read novels together. Yes,
novels; for I will not adopt that ungenerous and impolitic custom so common
with novel-writers, of degrading by their contemptuous censure the very
performances, to the number of which they are themselves adding -- joining with
their greatest enemies in bestowing the harshest epithets on such works, and
scarcely ever permitting them to be read by their own heroine, who, if she
accidentally take up a novel, is sure to turn over its insipid pages with disgust.
Alas! If the heroine of one novel be not patronized by the heroine of another,
from whom can she expect protection and regard? I cannot approve of it. Let us
leave it to the reviewers to abuse such effusions of fancy at their leisure, and over
every new novel to talk in threadbare strains of the trash with which the press
now groans. Let us not desert one another; we are an injured body. Although
our productions have afforded more extensive and unaffected pleasure than
those of any other literary corporation in the world, no species of composition
has been so much decried. From pride, ignorance, or fashion, our foes are almost
as many as our readers. And while the abilities of the nine-hundredth abridger
of the History of England, or of the man who collects and publishes in a volume
some dozen lines of Milton, Pope, and Prior, with a paper from the Spectator,
and a chapter from Sterne, are eulogized by a thousand pens -- there seems
almost a general wish of decrying the capacity and undervaluing the labour of
the novelist, and of slighting the performances which have only genius, wit, and
taste to recommend them. “I am no novel-reader -- I seldom look into novels --
Do not imagine that I often read novels -- It is really very well for a novel.” Such
is the common cant. “And what are you reading, Miss -- ?” “Oh! It is only a
novel!” replies the young lady, while she lays down her book with affected

Thesaurus
abridger: (n) rewriter, reviser, ANTONYMS: (adj) politic, wise, offensive, invidious, abusive; (n)
abbreviator. prudent. disregard. ANTONYM: (adj) polite.
cant: (n) jargon, lingo, slang, insipid: (adj) tasteless, bland, dull, undervaluing: (n) contempt, neglect,
vernacular, argot; (n, v) bank, tilt, watery, flavorless, uninteresting, mistake, misapprehension,
bias, incline; (adj, n) bevel; (v) list. vapid, savorless, boring, tame, misconception; (adj) expressing
gradation: (n) degree, scale, ablaut, humdrum. ANTONYMS: (adj) depreciation, depreciative,
progression, graduation, tier, step, exciting, tasty, interesting, flavorful, depreciatory.
level, shade, form, extent. spicy, lively, colorful, dark, bright, ungenerous: (adj, v) illiberal; (adj)
impolitic: (adj) maladroit, inexpedient, inspired, imaginative. stingy, parsimonious, miserly, cheap,
imprudent, unwise, inadvisable, not slighting: (adj) belittling, deprecating, uncharitable, close, narrow,
politic, ill-advised, disadvantageous, deprecative, deprecatory, tightfisted, closefisted, penurious.
reckless, injudicious, indiscreet. depreciatory, pejorative, derogatory, ANTONYMS: (adj) generous, kind.
32 Northanger Abbey

indifference, or momentary shame. “It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda”;

or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are
displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest
delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are
conveyed to the world in the best-chosen language. Now, had the same young
lady been engaged with a volume of the Spectator, instead of such a work, how
proudly would she have produced the book, and told its name; though the
chances must be against her being occupied by any part of that voluminous
publication, of which either the matter or manner would not disgust a young
person of taste: the substance of its papers so often consisting in the statement of
improbable circumstances, unnatural characters, and topics of conversation
which no longer concern anyone living; and their language, too, frequently so
coarse as to give no very favourable idea of the age that could endure it.%

Thesaurus
conveyed: (v) borne, sent. impossible, incredible, unbelievable, unnatural: (adj) affected, artificial,
delineation: (n) portrayal, description, fishy, questionable, inconceivable, grotesque, supernatural, forced,
picture, definition, drawing, design, impractical, unthinkable, absurd; (adj, abnormal, eccentric, uncanny, stilted,
outline, diagram, plan, sketch, n) marvelous. ANTONYMS: (adj) mannered, anomalous. ANTONYMS:
illustration. ANTONYM: (n) unity. probable, certain, plausible, truthful, (adj) natural, normal, real, unaffected,
endure: (adj, n, v) continue, support; ordinary, on, practical. commonplace, genuine, sincere.
(n, v) bear, suffer, stand, be; (v) momentary: (adj) brief, fugitive, voluminous: (adj) large, bulky, big,
accept, undergo, allow, stay, tolerate. transient, short, instantaneous, extensive, roomy, vast, spacious,
ANTONYMS: (v) perish, die, break, ephemeral, passing, momentaneous, capacious, considerable, full, massy.
fall, discontinue, crumble, end, enjoy, temporary, impermanent, temporal. ANTONYMS: (adj) cramped, small,
resign, quit, collapse. ANTONYMS: (adj) lasting, lengthy, little, tiny.
improbable: (adj) implausible, long.
 Jane Austen 33

CHAPTER 6

The following conversation, which took place between the two friends in the
pump-room one morning, after an acquaintance of eight or nine days, is given as
a specimen of their very warm attachment, and of the delicacy, discretion,
originality of thought, and literary taste which marked the reasonableness of
that attachment.%
They met by appointment; and as Isabella had arrived nearly five minutes
before her friend, her first address naturally was, “My dearest creature, what can
have made you so late? I have been waiting for you at least this age!”
“Have you, indeed! I am very sorry for it; but really I thought I was in very
good time. It is but just one. I hope you have not been here long?”
“Oh! These ten ages at least. I am sure I have been here this half hour. But
now, let us go and sit down at the other end of the room, and enjoy ourselves. I
have an hundred things to say to you. In the first place, I was so afraid it would
rain this morning, just as I wanted to set off; it looked very showery, and that
would have thrown me into agonies! Do you know, I saw the prettiest hat you
can imagine, in a shop window in Milsom Street just now -- very like yours, only
with coquelicot ribbons instead of green; I quite longed for it. But, my dearest
Catherine, what have you been doing with yourself all this morning? Have you
gone on with Udolpho?”

Thesaurus
attachment: (n) appendix, addition, airiness. ANTONYMS: (n) sturdiness, equity, justice, fairness, moderation,
accessory, adherence, regard, link, toughness, durability, frankness, sanity, likelihood, common sense,
bond, fitting, devotion, liking, inelegance, ruggedness, vulgarity, modestness, moderateness.
connection. ANTONYMS: (n) tactlessness, insensitivity, inaccuracy, ANTONYMS: (n) unreasonableness,
aversion, estrangement, repulsion, clumsiness. excessiveness.
separation, dislike. originality: (n) novelty, imagination, ribbons: (n) cavesson, hackamore,
dearest: (n) dear, darling, love, honey, ingenuity, initiative, freshness, jaquima, lines, streamer, streamers,
lover, sweetheart, loved one, baby; newness, invention, creativity, ticker tape, paper chain, decoration,
(adj) precious, intimate, sweet. heterodoxy, innovation; (adj, n) decorations, bunting.
delicacy: (adj, n) weakness, fragility, individuality. ANTONYMS: (n) showery: (adj) wet, pluvial, pluvious,
tidbit; (n) finesse, daintiness, delicate, normality, unoriginality. drizzly, drizzling, raining; (v)
elegance, sensitivity, luxury, treat, reasonableness: (n) rationality, reason, streamy.
34 Northanger Abbey

“Yes, I have been reading it ever since I woke; and I am got to the black
veil.”%
“Are you, indeed? How delightful! Oh! I would not tell you what is behind
the black veil for the world! Are not you wild to know?”
“Oh! Yes, quite; what can it be? But do not tell me -- I would not be told
upon any account. I know it must be a skeleton, I am sure it is Laurentina’s
skeleton. Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life
in reading it. I assure you, if it had not been to meet you, I would not have come
away from it for all the world.”
“Dear creature! How much I am obliged to you; and when you have finished
Udolpho, we will read the Italian together; and I have made out a list of ten or
twelve more of the same kind for you.”
“Have you, indeed! How glad I am! What are they all?”
“I will read you their names directly; here they are, in my pocketbook.
Castle of Wolfenbach, Clermont, Mysterious Warnings, Necromancer of the
Black Forest, Midnight Bell, Orphan of the Rhine, and Horrid Mysteries. Those
will last us some time.”
“Yes, pretty well; but are they all horrid, are you sure they are all horrid?”
“Yes, quite sure; for a particular friend of mine, a Miss Andrews, a sweet girl,
one of the sweetest creatures in the world, has read every one of them. I wish
you knew Miss Andrews, you would be delighted with her. She is netting
herself the sweetest cloak you can conceive. I think her as beautiful as an angel,
and I am so vexed with the men for not admiring her! I scold them all
amazingly about it.”
“Scold them! Do you scold them for not admiring her?”
“Yes, that I do. There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my
friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature. My
attachments are always excessively strong. I told Captain Hunt at one of our
assemblies this winter that if he was to tease me all night, I would not dance with
him, unless he would allow Miss Andrews to be as beautiful as an angel. The
Thesaurus
admiring: (adj) admire, admiringly, ANTONYMS: (adj) lovely, nice, ANTONYMS: (v) praise, compliment,
loving, respectful, glowing, appealing, attractive, kind. approve.
affectionate, amatory, appreciative, netting: (n) mesh, gauze, network, veil: (n, v) cover, hide, disguise, mask,
enthusiastic, flattering, approving. web, lattice, cheesecloth, meshwork, cloud, shroud, camouflage; (v) cloak,
ANTONYMS: (adj) defamatory, plexus, grid, lace; (v) tissue. conceal; (n) curtain, blind.
critical, disdainful, disapproving, pocketbook: (n) bag, handbag, ANTONYMS: (v) disclose, unveil,
disrespectful, uncomplimentary. notebook, wallet, notecase, reticule, expose.
attachments: (n) equipment. billfold, jotter, finances, pocket book, vexed: (adj) troubled, irritated, angry,
halves: (n) semi, share. paperback. pestered, peeved, harassed, sore,
horrid: (adj) grisly, ghastly, ugly, scold: (v) reprimand, chide, berate, harried, uneasy, cross, offended.
gruesome, grim, fearful, dreadful, rebuke, abuse, lecture, reproach, rail, ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
direful, dire, horrible, fearsome. grouch; (n, v) nag; (adj, n) shrew. uncomplicated.
 Jane Austen 35

men think us incapable of real friendship, you know, and I am determined to

show them the difference. Now, if I were to hear anybody speak slightingly of
you, I should fire up in a moment: but that is not at all likely, for you are just the
kind of girl to be a great favourite with the men.”%
“Oh, dear!” cried Catherine, colouring. “How can you say so?”
“I know you very well; you have so much animation, which is exactly what
Miss Andrews wants, for I must confess there is something amazingly insipid
about her. Oh! I must tell you, that just after we parted yesterday, I saw a young
man looking at you so earnestly -- I am sure he is in love with you.” Catherine
coloured, and disclaimed again. Isabella laughed. “It is very true, upon my
honour, but I see how it is; you are indifferent to everybody’s admiration, except
that of one gentleman, who shall be nameless. Nay, I cannot blame you” --
speaking more seriously -- “your feelings are easily understood. Where the heart
is really attached, I know very well how little one can be pleased with the
attention of anybody else. Everything is so insipid, so uninteresting, that does
not relate to the beloved object! I can perfectly comprehend your feelings.”
“But you should not persuade me that I think so very much about Mr. Tilney,
for perhaps I may never see him again.”
“Not see him again! My dearest creature, do not talk of it. I am sure you
would be miserable if you thought so!”
“No, indeed, I should not. I do not pretend to say that I was not very much
pleased with him; but while I have Udolpho to read, I feel as if nobody could
make me miserable. Oh! The dreadful black veil! My dear Isabella, I am sure
there must be Laurentina’s skeleton behind it.”
“It is so odd to me, that you should never have read Udolpho before; but I
suppose Mrs. Morland objects to novels.”
“No, she does not. She very often reads Sir Charles Grandison herself; but
new books do not fall in our way.”
“Sir Charles Grandison! That is an amazing horrid book, is it not? I
remember Miss Andrews could not get through the first volume.”

Thesaurus
animation: (adj, n) life, vivacity; (n) earnestly: (adj, adv) seriously; (adv) objects: (n) things, stuff, matter,
liveliness, vitality, activity, spirit, eagerly, intently, zealously, solemnly, material, substance.
exhilaration, dash, energy, buoyancy; ardently, fervently, heartily, gravely, slightingly: (adv) negligently, slightly,
(adj) alacrity. ANTONYMS: (n) warmly, passionately. ANTONYMS: lightly.
lethargy, lifelessness, inertness, (adv) indifferently, insincerely, uninteresting: (adj) insipid, dreary,
inertia, sluggishness, boredom. unconcernedly, jokingly. tedious, bland, commonplace, flat,
comprehend: (v) grasp, catch, see, nameless: (adj) unknown, unnamed, stupid, tame, tasteless, humdrum;
comprise, appreciate, feel, sense, unidentified, unsung, (adj, n) dull. ANTONYMS: (adj)
apperceive, read; (adj, v) understand; undistinguished, unspecified, exciting, fascinating, scandalous,
(n, v) embrace. ANTONYMS: (v) inexpressible, strange, indescribable, eventful, impressive, charming,
mistake, misapprehend, exclude, obscure, unspeakable. ANTONYM: brilliant, animated, colorful, lively,
misunderstand, misconceive. (adj) famous. special.
36 Northanger Abbey

“It is not like Udolpho at all; but yet I think it is very entertaining.”
“Do you indeed! You surprise me; I thought it had not been readable. But,
my dearest Catherine, have you settled what to wear on your head tonight? I am
determined at all events to be dressed exactly like you. The men take notice of
that sometimes, you know.”
“But it does not signify if they do,” said Catherine, very innocently.%
“Signify! Oh, heavens! I make it a rule never to mind what they say. They
are very often amazingly impertinent if you do not treat them with spirit, and
make them keep their distance.”
“Are they? Well, I never observed that. They always behave very well to
me.”
“Oh! They give themselves such airs. They are the most conceited creatures
in the world, and think themselves of so much importance! By the by, though I
have thought of it a hundred times, I have always forgot to ask you what is your
favourite complexion in a man. Do you like them best dark or fair?”
“I hardly know. I never much thought about it. Something between both, I
think. Brown -- not fair, and -- and not very dark.”
“Very well, Catherine. That is exactly he. I have not forgot your description
of Mr. Tilney -- ‘a brown skin, with dark eyes, and rather dark hair.’ Well, my
taste is different. I prefer light eyes, and as to complexion -- do you know -- I like
a sallow better than any other. You must not betray me, if you should ever meet
with one of your acquaintance answering that description.”
“Betray you! What do you mean?”
“Nay, do not distress me. I believe I have said too much. Let us drop the
subject.”
Catherine, in some amazement, complied, and after remaining a few
moments silent, was on the point of reverting to what interested her at that time
rather more than anything else in the world, Laurentina’s skeleton, when her
friend prevented her, by saying, “For heaven’s sake! Let us move away from this

Thesaurus
airs: (n, v) pretension; (n) affectation, conceited: (adj) arrogant, cocky, vain, decipherable, easy, graceful, clean,
pride, pose, pretensions, attitude; boastful, proud, smug, affected, entertaining, tripping, plain, flowing,
(adj, n) arrogance; (v) precisianism, assuming, egotistical, haughty, percipient. ANTONYMS: (adj)
euphuism, purism, pedantry. pompous. ANTONYMS: (adj) illegible, indecipherable, unreadable.
ANTONYMS: (n) humility, modest, insecure, meek, selfless, reverting: (n) reversion, relapse,
personality, realness, truthfulness, unassuming. relapsing, recidivism, lapse,
honesty. impertinent: (adj) fresh, pert, saucy, backsliding, lapsing, regress,
betray: (v) deceive, bewray, sell, grass, forward, audacious, brash, brazen, reversal; (adj) returning, reversive.
dupe, reveal, mislead, disclose, extraneous, discourteous, signify: (n, v) intend, mark; (adj, n, v)
accuse, befool, bamboozle. disrespectful, flippant. ANTONYMS: import; (v) imply, indicate, denote,
ANTONYMS: (v) protect, undeceive, (adj) respectful, polite, courteous. point, stand for, express, intimate,
hide, defend, withhold. readable: (adj) legible, interesting, matter.
 Jane Austen 37

end of the room. Do you know, there are two odious young men who have been
staring at me this half hour. They really put me quite out of countenance. Let us
go and look at the arrivals. They will hardly follow us there.”
Away they walked to the book; and while Isabella examined the names, it
was Catherine’s employment to watch the proceedings of these alarming young
men.%
“They are not coming this way, are they? I hope they are not so impertinent
as to follow us. Pray let me know if they are coming. I am determined I will not
look up.”
In a few moments Catherine, with unaffected pleasure, assured her that she
need not be longer uneasy, as the gentlemen had just left the pump-room.
“And which way are they gone?” said Isabella, turning hastily round. “One
was a very good-looking young man.”
“They went towards the church-yard.”
“Well, I am amazingly glad I have got rid of them! And now, what say you
to going to Edgar’s Buildings with me, and looking at my new hat? You said you
should like to see it.”
Catherine readily agreed. “Only,” she added, “perhaps we may overtake the
two young men.”
“Oh! Never mind that. If we make haste, we shall pass by them presently,
and I am dying to show you my hat.”
“But if we only wait a few minutes, there will be no danger of our seeing
them at all.”
“I shall not pay them any such compliment, I assure you. I have no notion of
treating men with such respect. That is the way to spoil them.”
Catherine had nothing to oppose against such reasoning; and therefore, to
show the independence of Miss Thorpe, and her resolution of humbling the sex,
they set off immediately as fast as they could walk, in pursuit of the two young
men.

alarming: (adj) scary, alarm, awful,
formidable, shocking, appalling,
awesome, dire, horrid, horrible,
dreadful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
soothing, lovely, normal.
amazingly: (adj, adv) wonderfully,
stupendously, awfully; (adv)
surprisingly, astoundingly,
extraordinarily, spectacularly,
marvelously, fabulously, terrificly,
terrifically. ANTONYMS: (adv)
predictably, mildly.
Thesaurus
gentlemen: (n) sirs, messieurs. critical, embarrassing; (n) comedown,
good-looking: (adj) beautiful, comely, debasement.
handsome, pretty, fine, fair, lovely, odious: (adj, v) hateful, obnoxious;
gorgeous, charming, bonny, graceful. (adj) detestable, hideous, nasty,
haste: (n, v) hurry, dash, dispatch, execrable, disgusting, abhorrent,
rush; (n) celerity, expedition, abominable, heinous, forbidding.
rapidity, speed, bustle, hastiness, ANTONYMS: (adj) pleasant,
quickness. ANTONYMS: (n) delay, delightful, agreeable, lovable, nice.
patience, forethought, caution. overtake: (v) catch, attain, catch up
humbling: (adj) humiliating, with, exceed, overpower, overcome,
demeaning, abject, amazing, go by, gain, devastate, outstrip, beat.
astounding, awesome, breathtaking, treating: (adj) remedial.
 Jane Austen 39

CHAPTER 7

Half a minute conducted them through the pump-yard to the archway,

opposite Union Passage; but here they were stopped. Everybody acquainted
with Bath may remember the difficulties of crossing Cheap Street at this point; it
is indeed a street of so impertinent a nature, so unfortunately connected with the
great London and Oxford roads, and the principal inn of the city, that a day
never passes in which parties of ladies, however important their business,
whether in quest of pastry, millinery, or even (as in the present case) of young
men, are not detained on one side or other by carriages, horsemen, or carts. This
evil had been felt and lamented, at least three times a day, by Isabella since her
residence in Bath; and she was now fated to feel and lament it once more, for at
the very moment of coming opposite to Union Passage, and within view of the
two gentlemen who were proceeding through the crowds, and threading the
gutters of that interesting alley, they were prevented crossing by the approach of
a gig, driven along on bad pavement by a most knowing-looking coachman with
all the vehemence that could most fitly endanger the lives of himself, his
companion, and his horse.%
“Oh, these odious gigs!” said Isabella, looking up. “How I detest them.” But
this detestation, though so just, was of short duration, for she looked again and
exclaimed, “Delightful! Mr. Morland and my brother!”

archway: (n) arcade, entry,
entranceway, entryway, entree,
doorway, entrance.
carriages: (n) carriage.
coachman: (n) teamster, cabman,
charioteer, carter, carman, Jehu,
postboy, drayman, wagoner,
postilion; (v) whip.
detest: (n, v) hate; (v) abominate,
loathe, despise, execrate, dislike,
nauseate, contemn, dislike intensely; intended, forthcoming, sure.
(n) loathing, abhorrence.
Thesaurus
ANTONYMS: (v) adore, like, cherish, fittingly, decorously, aptly,
admire. befittingly, readily, accommodately,
detestation: (n) abomination, hatred, expediently, suitly, justly.
odium, antipathy, aversion, lamented: (adj) mourned, bewailed.
repulsion, dislike, execration, millinery: (n) hat shop, store, shop,
loathing, revulsion; (n, v) hate. turban, toque, tailoring, man
ANTONYM: (n) adoration. millinery, lid, hat, frippery, foppery.
fated: (adj) inevitable, destined, vehemence: (n) force, violence, fury,
certain, predestined, damned, passion, eagerness, strength,
unavoidable, predestinate, cursed, impetuosity, enthusiasm, fierceness,
heat, fervor. ANTONYMS: (n)
fitly: (adv) appropriately, properly, indifference, meekness, serenity.
40 Northanger Abbey

“Good heaven! ‘Tis James!” was uttered at the same moment by Catherine;
and, on catching the young men’s eyes, the horse was immediately checked with
a violence which almost threw him on his haunches, and the servant having now
scampered up, the gentlemen jumped out, and the equipage was delivered to his
care.%
Catherine, by whom this meeting was wholly unexpected, received her
brother with the liveliest pleasure; and he, being of a very amiable disposition,
and sincerely attached to her, gave every proof on his side of equal satisfaction,
which he could have leisure to do, while the bright eyes of Miss Thorpe were
incessantly challenging his notice; and to her his devoirs were speedily paid,
with a mixture of joy and embarrassment which might have informed Catherine,
had she been more expert in the development of other people’s feelings, and less
simply engrossed by her own, that her brother thought her friend quite as pretty
as she could do herself.
John Thorpe, who in the meantime had been giving orders about the horses,
soon joined them, and from him she directly received the amends which were
her due; for while he slightly and carelessly touched the hand of Isabella, on her
he bestowed a whole scrape and half a short bow. He was a stout young man of
middling height, who, with a plain face and ungraceful form, seemed fearful of
being too handsome unless he wore the dress of a groom, and too much like a
gentleman unless he were easy where he ought to be civil, and impudent where
he might be allowed to be easy. He took out his watch: “How long do you think
we have been running it from Tetbury, Miss Morland?”
“I do not know the distance.” Her brother told her that it was twenty-three
miles.
“Three and twenty!” cried Thorpe. “Five and twenty if it is an inch.”
Morland remonstrated, pleaded the authority of road-books, innkeepers, and
milestones; but his friend disregarded them all; he had a surer test of distance. “I
know it must be five and twenty,” said he, “by the time we have been doing it. It
is now half after one; we drove out of the inn-yard at Tetbury as the town clock

Thesaurus
devoirs: (n) respects, duty. chaise. (adv) sporadically, briefly.
engrossed: (adj) rapt, engaged, intent, haunches: (n) buttocks. middling: (adj) indifferent, average,
occupied, preoccupied, busy, impudent: (adj, n) bold, daring; (adj) mediocre, medium, intermediate,
fascinated, obsessed, thoughtful, disrespectful, audacious, impertinent, common, passable, standard; (adv)
hooked; (adj, v) immersed. brassy, barefaced, brazen, insolent, fairly, passably; (adj, adv) clean.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disinterested, brash, cheeky. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYMS: (adj) excellent; (adv)
bored, distracted, indifferent, polite, cowardly. unreasonably.
unconcerned, uninterested, incessantly: (adv) constantly, ungraceful: (adj) clumsy, ungainly,
inattentive, carefree. endlessly, continually, perpetually, graceless, inelegant, stiff, uncouth,
equipage: (n) carriage, chariot, continuously, unceasingly, eternally, maladroit, mean, gauche,
brougham, coach, barouche, rig, persistently, unremittingly, unbecoming, unhandsome.
field-equipage, buggy, cab, cabriolet, unendingly, steadily. ANTONYMS: ANTONYM: (adj) elegant.
 Jane Austen 41

struck eleven; and I defy any man in England to make my horse go less than ten
miles an hour in harness; that makes it exactly twenty-five.”%
“You have lost an hour,” said Morland; “it was only ten o’clock when we
came from Tetbury.”
“Ten o’clock! It was eleven, upon my soul! I counted every stroke. This
brother of yours would persuade me out of my senses, Miss Morland; do but
look at my horse; did you ever see an animal so made for speed in your life?”
(The servant had just mounted the carriage and was driving off.) “Such true
blood! Three hours and and a half indeed coming only three and twenty miles!
Look at that creature, and suppose it possible if you can.”
“He does look very hot, to be sure.”
“Hot! He had not turned a hair till we came to Walcot Church; but look at his
forehand; look at his loins; only see how he moves; that horse cannot go less
than ten miles an hour: tie his legs and he will get on. What do you think of my
gig, Miss Morland? A neat one, is not it? Well hung; town-built; I have not had
it a month. It was built for a Christchurch man, a friend of mine, a very good sort
of fellow; he ran it a few weeks, till, I believe, it was convenient to have done
with it. I happened just then to be looking out for some light thing of the kind,
though I had pretty well determined on a curricle too; but I chanced to meet him
on Magdalen Bridge, as he was driving into Oxford, last term: ‘Ah! Thorpe,’ said
he, ‘do you happen to want such a little thing as this? It is a capital one of the
kind, but I am cursed tired of it.’ ‘Oh! D -- ,’ said I; ‘I am your man; what do you
ask?’ And how much do you think he did, Miss Morland?”
“I am sure I cannot guess at all.”
“Curricle-hung, you see; seat, trunk, sword-case, splashing-board, lamps,
silver moulding, all you see complete; the iron-work as good as new, or better.
He asked fifty guineas; I closed with him directly, threw down the money, and
the carriage was mine.”
“And I am sure,” said Catherine, “I know so little of such things that I cannot
judge whether it was cheap or dear.”

curricle: (n) phaeton, chariot, mail
phaeton, coach, wagonette, cart,
break.
cursed: (adj) damned, doomed,
execrable, cussed, wretched, unlucky,
accursed, blamed, blasted,
confounded; (v) accurst.
ANTONYMS: (adj) commendable,
honorable, nice, sweet, kine.
defy: (n, v) dare; (v) brave, resist,
ignore, confront, revolt, oppose,
withstand, disobey, contradict; (n)
Thesaurus
defiance. ANTONYMS: (v) obey,
acquiesce, surrender, yield, comply,
accept.
forehand: (adj) forehanded; (n) foreleg,
forehand stroke, forehand shot.
harness: (adj, n) strap, tether; (n, v)
yoke, rein, couple, check; (adj, v)
hitch; (v) wear, equip, limit, use.
ANTONYM: (v) undo.
loins: (n) waist, body part, haunch,
lends, pubic region, area, pubes.
moulding: (n, v) molding; (n) mold,
modeling, mould, cast, modelling,
bandelette, clay sculpture,
cheoplasty, beadwork, beading.
mounted: (adj) equestrian, mounting,
mounts, set, firm, affixed, decorated.
ANTONYM: (adj) unmounted.
stroke: (adj, n) blow; (n, v) touch,
caress, mark, buffet, lick, pat; (n) beat,
hit, knock, bang.
trunk: (n) stem, boot, torso, bole, body,
stalk, snout, proboscis, stock, tree
trunk, box.
42 Northanger Abbey

“Neither one nor t’other; I might have got it for less, I dare say; but I hate
haggling, and poor Freeman wanted cash.”
“That was very good-natured of you,” said Catherine, quite pleased.%
“Oh! D -- it, when one has the means of doing a kind thing by a friend, I hate
to be pitiful.”
An inquiry now took place into the intended movements of the young ladies;
and, on finding whither they were going, it was decided that the gentlemen
should accompany them to Edgar’s Buildings, and pay their respects to Mrs.
Thorpe. James and Isabella led the way; and so well satisfied was the latter with
her lot, so contentedly was she endeavouring to ensure a pleasant walk to him
who brought the double recommendation of being her brother’s friend, and her
friend’s brother, so pure and uncoquettish were her feelings, that, though they
overtook and passed the two offending young men in Milsom Street, she was so
far from seeking to attract their notice, that she looked back at them only three
times.
John Thorpe kept of course with Catherine, and, after a few minutes’ silence,
renewed the conversation about his gig. “You will find, however, Miss Morland,
it would be reckoned a cheap thing by some people, for I might have sold it for
ten guineas more the next day; Jackson, of Oriel, bid me sixty at once; Morland
was with me at the time.”
“Yes,” said Morland, who overheard this; “but you forget that your horse
was included.”
“My horse! Oh, d -- it! I would not sell my horse for a hundred. Are you
fond of an open carriage, Miss Morland?”
“Yes, very; I have hardly ever an opportunity of being in one; but I am
particularly fond of it.”
“I am glad of it; I will drive you out in mine every day.”
“Thank you,” said Catherine, in some distress, from a doubt of the propriety
of accepting such an offer.

accompany: (v) attend, follow,
companion, guide, company, lead,
walk, associate, consort, conduct,
concur. ANTONYMS: (v) desert,
abandon, leave.
contentedly: (adv) gladly, satisfiedly,
contently, gratifiedly, pleasedly,
cheerfully, joyfully, smugly, easily,
complacently, placidly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) crossly,
awkwardly, unhappily,
discontentedly, sadly.
Thesaurus
good-natured: (adj) kindly, friendly,
kind, obliging, gracious, kind-
hearted, genial, good, bland, sweet,
good-tempered.
haggling: (n) bargaining, wrangle,
wrangling, dustup.
offending: (adj) opprobrious, criminal, renewed: (adj) changed, born again,
aberrant, guilty, delinquent,
antisocial, scurrilous, errant.
overtook: (v) overtake.
propriety: (adj, n) decency, modesty,
correctness, aptitude; (n) decorum,
fitness, etiquette, civility, grace,
politeness, manners. ANTONYMS:
(n) impropriety, rudeness,
unsuitableness, indecorum,
decadence, tactlessness, corruption,
vulgarity, indecency.
new, fresh, redintegrate,
rehabilitated, transformed,
regenerate, reformed, Renate.
whither: (adv) hither, thither,
whereunto, whereto, for.
 Jane Austen 43

“I will drive you up Lansdown Hill tomorrow.”%

“Thank you; but will not your horse want rest?”
“Rest! He has only come three and twenty miles today; all nonsense; nothing
ruins horses so much as rest; nothing knocks them up so soon. No, no; I shall
exercise mine at the average of four hours every day while I am here.”
“Shall you indeed!” said Catherine very seriously. “That will be forty miles
a day.”
“Forty! Aye, fifty, for what I care. Well, I will drive you up Lansdown
tomorrow; mind, I am engaged.”
“How delightful that will be!” cried Isabella, turning round. “My dearest
Catherine, I quite envy you; but I am afraid, brother, you will not have room for
a third.”
“A third indeed! No, no; I did not come to Bath to drive my sisters about;
that would be a good joke, faith! Morland must take care of you.”
This brought on a dialogue of civilities between the other two; but Catherine
heard neither the particulars nor the result. Her companion’s discourse now
sunk from its hitherto animated pitch to nothing more than a short decisive
sentence of praise or condemnation on the face of every woman they met; and
Catherine, after listening and agreeing as long as she could, with all the civility
and deference of the youthful female mind, fearful of hazarding an opinion of
its own in opposition to that of a self-assured man, especially where the beauty
of her own sex is concerned, ventured at length to vary the subject by a question
which had been long uppermost in her thoughts; it was, “Have you ever read
Udolpho, Mr. Thorpe?”
“Udolpho! Oh, Lord! Not I; I never read novels; I have something else to
do.”
Catherine, humbled and ashamed, was going to apologize for her question,
but he prevented her by saying, “Novels are all so full of nonsense and stuff;
there has not been a tolerably decent one come out since Tom Jones, except The

apologize: (n) palliate, extenuate,
apology, gloze; (n, v) excuse; (v)
apologise, beg pardon, give
satisfaction, justify, plead; (adj) sorry.
ANTONYM: (v) defy.
deference: (n) homage, respect,
compliance, admiration, allegiance,
reverence, obedience, submission,
compliancy, duty, complaisance.
ANTONYMS: (n) contempt,
opposition, rebellion, resistance,
disobedience.
Thesaurus
hazarding: (n) exacta, gaming, daily moderately, to a tolerable degree,
double; (adj) wagering. pretty, to an adequate degree; (adj,
humbled: (adj) humble, humiliated, adv) somewhat; (adj) pretty well.
crushed, depressed, dispirited, ANTONYMS: (adv) unbearably,
abased, broken in, abject, ashamed; intolerably, unacceptably,
(n) humbler; (v) apart. unreasonably, insufficiently,
self-assured: (adj) confident, inadequately.
presumptuous, assured, complacent, youthful: (adj) immature, fresh, green,
sure, assertive, composed, sanguine, juvenile, vernal, adolescent, childish,
secure, authoritative. new, tender, sappy, beardless.
tolerably: (adv) well enough, passably, ANTONYMS: (adj) adult, mature,
acceptably, reasonably, enough, experienced, sophisticated, late.
44 Northanger Abbey

Monk; I read that t’other day; but as for all the others, they are the stupidest
things in creation.”
“I think you must like Udolpho, if you were to read it; it is so very
interesting.”
“Not I, faith! No, if I read any, it shall be Mrs. Radcliffe’s; her novels are
amusing enough; they are worth reading; some fun and nature in them.”
“Udolpho was written by Mrs. Radcliffe,” said Catherine, with some
hesitation, from the fear of mortifying him.%
“No sure; was it? Aye, I remember, so it was; I was thinking of that other
stupid book, written by that woman they make such a fuss about, she who
married the French emigrant.”
“I suppose you mean Camilla?”
“Yes, that’s the book; such unnatural stuff! An old man playing at see-saw, I
took up the first volume once and looked it over, but I soon found it would not
do; indeed I guessed what sort of stuff it must be before I saw it: as soon as I
heard she had married an emigrant, I was sure I should never be able to get
through it.”
“I have never read it.”
“You had no loss, I assure you; it is the horridest nonsense you can imagine;
there is nothing in the world in it but an old man’s playing at see-saw and
learning Latin; upon my soul there is not.”
This critique, the justness of which was unfortunately lost on poor Catherine,
brought them to the door of Mrs. Thorpe’s lodgings, and the feelings of the
discerning and unprejudiced reader of Camilla gave way to the feelings of the
dutiful and affectionate son, as they met Mrs. Thorpe, who had descried them
from above, in the passage. “Ah, Mother! How do you do?” said he, giving her
a hearty shake of the hand. “Where did you get that quiz of a hat? It makes you
look like an old witch. Here is Morland and I come to stay a few days with you,
so you must look out for a couple of good beds somewhere near.” And this
address seemed to satisfy all the fondest wishes of the mother’s heart, for she
Thesaurus
dutiful: (adj) duteous, good, faithful, ANTONYMS: (n) settler, aborigine. mortifying: (adj) embarrassing,
docile, devoted, deferential, guessed: (adj) rude, inscrutable. demeaning, humbling, undignified,
compliant, loyal, pious, meek, hearty: (adj) heartfelt, healthy, genial, off, awkward, unpleasant; (v)
constant. ANTONYMS: (adj) sturdy, cheering, fervent, annoying, aggravating, irritating,
unfaithful, undutiful, disrespectful, wholehearted, lusty, enthusiastic, stinging. ANTONYM: (adj) dignified.
irresponsible, negligent, assertive, convivial; (adj, n) well. ANTONYMS: unprejudiced: (adj) fair, impartial,
impious, irreverent, neglectful, (adj) unhealthy, frail, old, weak, unbiased, dispassionate, objective,
thoughtful, uncaring. sluggish, unwholesome, meager. neutral, equitable, detached,
emigrant: (adj, n) immigrant; (n) justness: (adj, n) equity, impartiality, disinterested, liberal, just.
immigration, expatriate, emigree, honesty, uprightness; (n) fairness, ANTONYMS: (adj) prejudiced,
migrant, emigre, refugee, migrator; nicety, rightness, rightfulness, biased, subjective, partial, partisan,
(adj) foreigner, alien, novus homo. correctness, validity, rectitude. reactionary.
 Jane Austen 45

received him with the most delighted and exulting affection. On his two
younger sisters he then bestowed an equal portion of his fraternal tenderness,
for he asked each of them how they did, and observed that they both looked very
ugly.%
These manners did not please Catherine; but he was James’s friend and
Isabella’s brother; and her judgment was further bought off by Isabella’s
assuring her, when they withdrew to see the new hat, that John thought her the
most charming girl in the world, and by John’s engaging her before they parted
to dance with him that evening. Had she been older or vainer, such attacks
might have done little; but, where youth and diffidence are united, it requires
uncommon steadiness of reason to resist the attraction of being called the most
charming girl in the world, and of being so very early engaged as a partner; and
the consequence was that, when the two Morlands, after sitting an hour with the
Thorpes, set off to walk together to Mr. Allen’s, and James, as the door was
closed on them, said, “Well, Catherine, how do you like my friend Thorpe?”
instead of answering, as she probably would have done, had there been no
friendship and no flattery in the case, “I do not like him at all,” she directly
replied, “I like him very much; he seems very agreeable.”
“He is as good-natured a fellow as ever lived; a little of a rattle; but that will
recommend him to your sex, I believe: and how do you like the rest of the
family?”
“Very, very much indeed: Isabella particularly.”
“I am very glad to hear you say so; she is just the kind of young woman I
could wish to see you attached to; she has so much good sense, and is so
thoroughly unaffected and amiable; I always wanted you to know her; and she
seems very fond of you. She said the highest things in your praise that could
possibly be; and the praise of such a girl as Miss Thorpe even you, Catherine,”
taking her hand with affection, “may be proud of.”
“Indeed I am,” she replied; “I love her exceedingly, and am delighted to find
that you like her too. You hardly mentioned anything of her when you wrote to
me after your visit there.”
Thesaurus
assuring: (adj) ensuring, insure, exulting: (adj) jubilant, flushed, thick, related. ANTONYM: (adj)
insuring, assure, ensure, giving triumphant, experiencing triumph, identical.
confidence, securing, likely, rejoicing, prideful, elated, disdainful, rattle: (n, v) jingle, jangle, clatter; (n)
promising. triumphal; (v) exult; (n) joy. click, clang, clack; (v) bang, confuse,
bestowed: (adj) presented, conferred, flattery: (n, v) cajolery; (n) blarney, shake, patter, disconcert.
awarded, accurate. compliment, adulation, taffy, palaver, steadiness: (adj, n) stability, firmness,
diffidence: (n) reserve, modesty, praise, gloze, sweet talk, sycophancy, steadfastness; (n) regularity,
shyness, pudency, coyness, soft soap. ANTONYMS: (n) insult, equilibrium, consistency, resolution,
timorousness, doubt, humility, offense. permanence, persistence, sureness;
timidity, uncertainty, constraint. fraternal: (adj) brotherly, brotherlike, (adj) stableness. ANTONYMS: (n)
ANTONYMS: (n) approachability, biovular, sympathetic, kind, hearty, unsteadiness, instability,
arrogance, security, brashness. amicable, unhostile, affectionate, unreliability.
46 Northanger Abbey

“Because I thought I should soon see you myself. I hope you will be a great
deal together while you are in Bath. She is a most amiable girl; such a superior
understanding! How fond all the family are of her; she is evidently the general
favourite; and how much she must be admired in such a place as this -- is not
she?”%
“Yes, very much indeed, I fancy; Mr. Allen thinks her the prettiest girl in
Bath.”
“I dare say he does; and I do not know any man who is a better judge of
beauty than Mr. Allen. I need not ask you whether you are happy here, my dear
Catherine; with such a companion and friend as Isabella Thorpe, it would be
impossible for you to be otherwise; and the Allens, I am sure, are very kind to
you?”
“Yes, very kind; I never was so happy before; and now you are come it will
be more delightful than ever; how good it is of you to come so far on purpose to
see me.”
James accepted this tribute of gratitude, and qualified his conscience for
accepting it too, by saying with perfect sincerity, “Indeed, Catherine, I love you
dearly.”
Inquiries and communications concerning brothers and sisters, the situation
of some, the growth of the rest, and other family matters now passed between
them, and continued, with only one small digression on James’s part, in praise of
Miss Thorpe, till they reached Pulteney Street, where he was welcomed with
great kindness by Mr. and Mrs. Allen, invited by the former to dine with them,
and summoned by the latter to guess the price and weigh the merits of a new
muff and tippet. A pre-engagement in Edgar’s Buildings prevented his
accepting the invitation of one friend, and obliged him to hurry away as soon as
he had satisfied the demands of the other. The time of the two parties uniting in
the Octagon Room being correctly adjusted, Catherine was then left to the luxury
of a raised, restless, and frightened imagination over the pages of Udolpho, lost
from all worldly concerns of dressing and dinner, incapable of soothing Mrs.
Allen’s fears on the delay of an expected dressmaker, and having only one
Thesaurus
digression: (n, v) deviation, diversion; garmentworker, shoemaker, coincident; (n) unification, reunion,
(n) departure, aside, excursion, garmentmaker, couturier, tailor, fusion, merger, coalescence,
divagation, aberrance, deflection, Ross, mantuamaker, designer. amalgamation, conglutination, join.
deflexion, divergence, difference. merits: (n) qualities. worldly: (adj, adv) earthly; (adj)
ANTONYMS: (n) consistency, muff: (n, v) blunder, mollycoddle, slip; mundane, secular, terrestrial,
uniformity, regularity. (v) bungle, botch, miss, flub, muck temporal, carnal, sophisticated, lay,
dine: (v) feed, lunch, breakfast, dining, up, bobble, fail, spoil. profane; (adv) mundanely,
meal, give, have supper, take tea, prevented: (adj) disallowed, barred, temporally. ANTONYMS: (adj)
grub, consume, entertain. banned. ANTONYM: (adj) legitimate. spiritual, naive, cloistered, religious,
ANTONYM: (v) abstain. sisters: (n) sistren. unsophisticated, unworldly,
dressmaker: (n) needlewoman, tippet: (n) mantle, muffler, flap. unrefined, otherworldly, low,
sempstress, seamstress, uniting: (adj) concurrent, united, heavenly, immaterial.
 Jane Austen 47

minute in sixty to bestow even on the reflection of her own felicity, in being
already engaged for the evening.%

Thesaurus
already: (adv) beforehand, previously, pledged, involved, committed. memorandum. ANTONYMS: (adj)
before, formerly, even now, just now, ANTONYMS: (adj) free, unengaged, huge, big, gigantic, significant,
at present, once, heretofore, yet, in unemployed, uncommitted, cursory, immeasurable, tremendous,
advance. unattached, single, detached, idle. important, colossal, giant, large.
bestow: (v) give, confer, grant, impart, felicity: (n) happiness, bliss, reflection: (n) contemplation, thought,
contribute, donate, apply, award; blessedness, beatitude, luck, deliberation, meditation, musing,
(adj, v) accord, allow, present. felicitousness, joy, fortune, ecstasy, cogitation, idea, notion,
ANTONYMS: (v) deprive, refuse, enjoyment, appropriateness. introspection; (n, v) observation,
withhold, retrieve, withdraw. ANTONYM: (n) infelicity. reflexion. ANTONYMS: (n)
engaged: (adj) occupied, betrothed, minute: (n, v) note; (adj) little, delicate, impulsiveness, confirmation.
employed, affianced, engrossed, microscopic, small, atomic; (n) jiffy, sixty: (adj) threescore; (n) three score,
reserved, absorbed, working, flash, moment, second, large integer, lux.
 Jane Austen 49

CHAPTER 8

In spite of Udolpho and the dressmaker, however, the party from Pulteney
Street reached the Upper Rooms in very good time. The Thorpes and James
Morland were there only two minutes before them; and Isabella having gone
through the usual ceremonial of meeting her friend with the most smiling and
affectionate haste, of admiring the set of her gown, and envying the curl of her
hair, they followed their chaperones, arm in arm, into the ballroom, whispering
to each other whenever a thought occurred, and supplying the place of many
ideas by a squeeze of the hand or a smile of affection.%
The dancing began within a few minutes after they were seated; and James,
who had been engaged quite as long as his sister, was very importunate with
Isabella to stand up; but John was gone into the card-room to speak to a friend,
and nothing, she declared, should induce her to join the set before her dear
Catherine could join it too. “I assure you,” said she, “I would not stand up
without your dear sister for all the world; for if I did we should certainly be
separated the whole evening.” Catherine accepted this kindness with gratitude,
and they continued as they were for three minutes longer, when Isabella, who
had been talking to James on the other side of her, turned again to his sister and
whispered, “My dear creature, I am afraid I must leave you, your brother is so
amazingly impatient to begin; I know you will not mind my going away, and I
dare say John will be back in a moment, and then you may easily find me out.”
Thesaurus
affectionate: (adj) fond, tender, kind, curl: (n, v) crimp, loop, kink, roll, (adv) farther; (n) yearner, thirster.
mild, devoted, ardent, warm, cordial, wave; (adj, v) bow; (adj, n) lock, tress; spite: (n) malice, grudge, hatred,
caring, brotherly; (adj, adv) fatherly. (v) crinkle, fold; (adj) crisp. malevolence, rancour, venom, rancor,
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncaring, callous, ANTONYMS: (v) align, straighten, maliciousness, ill will, animosity; (n,
undemonstrative, aloof, cool, uncurl, unwind. v) pique. ANTONYMS: (v) please; (n)
disapproving, reserved, antagonistic, envying: (adj) invidious. benevolence, goodwill, love,
paternal, rough. importunate: (adj) annoying, exigent, affection, harmony.
ceremonial: (n) ceremony, observance, pressing, insistent, bothersome, whispering: (n) whisper, murmur,
rite, service, liturgy, formality, pestiferous, pestilent, instant, susurration, rustle, report, stage
etiquette, observation; (adj) formal, obdurate, demanding, pleading. whisper; (adj, n) rustling; (adj)
solemn, official. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYM: (adj) feeble. susurrant, tranquil, hoarse,
unstructured, relaxed, casual. longer: (adj) longest, better, lengest; susurrous.
50 Northanger Abbey

Catherine, though a little disappointed, had too much good nature to make any
opposition, and the others rising up, Isabella had only time to press her friend’s
hand and say, “Good-bye, my dear love,” before they hurried off. The younger
Miss Thorpes being also dancing, Catherine was left to the mercy of Mrs. Thorpe
and Mrs. Allen, between whom she now remained. She could not help being
vexed at the non-appearance of Mr. Thorpe, for she not only longed to be
dancing, but was likewise aware that, as the real dignity of her situation could
not be known, she was sharing with the scores of other young ladies still sitting
down all the discredit of wanting a partner. To be disgraced in the eye of the
world, to wear the appearance of infamy while her heart is all purity, her actions
all innocence, and the misconduct of another the true source of her debasement,
is one of those circumstances which peculiarly belong to the heroine’s life, and
her fortitude under it what particularly dignifies her character. Catherine had
fortitude too; she suffered, but no murmur passed her lips.%
From this state of humiliation, she was roused, at the end of ten minutes, to a
pleasanter feeling, by seeing, not Mr. Thorpe, but Mr. Tilney, within three yards
of the place where they sat; he seemed to be moving that way, but he did not see
her, and therefore the smile and the blush, which his sudden reappearance raised
in Catherine, passed away without sullying her heroic importance. He looked as
handsome and as lively as ever, and was talking with interest to a fashionable
and pleasing-looking young woman, who leant on his arm, and whom Catherine
immediately guessed to be his sister; thus unthinkingly throwing away a fair
opportunity of considering him lost to her forever, by being married already.
But guided only by what was simple and probable, it had never entered her head
that Mr. Tilney could be married; he had not behaved, he had not talked, like the
married men to whom she had been used; he had never mentioned a wife, and
he had acknowledged a sister. From these circumstances sprang the instant
conclusion of his sister’s now being by his side; and therefore, instead of turning
of a deathlike paleness and falling in a fit on Mrs. Allen’s bosom, Catherine sat
erect, in the perfect use of her senses, and with cheeks only a little redder than
usual.

Thesaurus
deathlike: (adj) deadly, deathly, dishonest, humiliated, mortified, (n) strength.
ghastly, dead, cadaverous, thanatoid, disfigured. sullying: (n) adulteration, corruption,
ghostly, pale; (v) awful, soft, solemn. infamy: (n) dishonor, disrepute, defilement, ruining, tarnishing,
debasement: (n) corruption, ignominy, notoriety, shame, debasement.
degradation, adulteration, opprobrium, reproach, stain, unthinkingly: (adv) inconsiderately,
deterioration, degeneracy, depravity, discredit, baseness; (adj, n) pollution. carelessly, rashly, incautiously,
humiliation, degeneration, ANTONYMS: (n) fame, virtue, honor, mindlessly, imprudently, foolishly,
animalization, bastardisation; (adj, n) obscurity, pride. involuntarily, heedlessly, negligently,
abjection. ANTONYM: (n) paleness: (adj, n) pallor; (n) pallidness, recklessly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
glorification. wanness, whiteness, achromasia, consciously, deliberately, carefully,
disgraced: (adj) shamed, dishonored, blondness, lividity, luridness, anxiously, discreetly, sensibly,
abashed, ashamed, damaged, lividness, fairness, pale. ANTONYM: tactfully, considerately.
 Jane Austen 51

Mr. Tilney and his companion, who continued, though slowly, to approach,
were immediately preceded by a lady, an acquaintance of Mrs. Thorpe; and this
lady stopping to speak to her, they, as belonging to her, stopped likewise, and
Catherine, catching Mr. Tilney’s eye, instantly received from him the smiling
tribute of recognition. She returned it with pleasure, and then advancing still
nearer, he spoke both to her and Mrs. Allen, by whom he was very civilly
acknowledged. “I am very happy to see you again, sir, indeed; I was afraid you
had left Bath.” He thanked her for her fears, and said that he had quitted it for a
week, on the very morning after his having had the pleasure of seeing her.%
“Well, sir, and I dare say you are not sorry to be back again, for it is just the
place for young people -- and indeed for everybody else too. I tell Mr. Allen,
when he talks of being sick of it, that I am sure he should not complain, for it is
so very agreeable a place, that it is much better to be here than at home at this
dull time of year. I tell him he is quite in luck to be sent here for his health.”
“And I hope, madam, that Mr. Allen will be obliged to like the place, from
finding it of service to him.”
“Thank you, sir. I have no doubt that he will. A neighbour of ours, Dr.
Skinner, was here for his health last winter, and came away quite stout.”
“That circumstance must give great encouragement.”
“Yes, sir -- and Dr. Skinner and his family were here three months; so I tell
Mr. Allen he must not be in a hurry to get away.”
Here they were interrupted by a request from Mrs. Thorpe to Mrs. Allen, that
she would move a little to accommodate Mrs. Hughes and Miss Tilney with
seats, as they had agreed to join their party. This was accordingly done, Mr.
Tilney still continuing standing before them; and after a few minutes’
consideration, he asked Catherine to dance with him. This compliment,
delightful as it was, produced severe mortification to the lady; and in giving her
denial, she expressed her sorrow on the occasion so very much as if she really
felt it that had Thorpe, who joined her just afterwards, been half a minute earlier,
he might have thought her sufferings rather too acute. The very easy manner in

advancing: (adj) progressive, moving
forward, increasing, moving,
processive, thriving, ongoing,
aggressive; (n) advancement,
progression, proceeding.
agreeable: (adj) accordant, nice, sweet, domestically, genteelly, obligingly,
consistent, suitable, amusing,
enjoyable, affable; (adj, v) pleasant,
desirable; (adj, n) acceptable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disagreeable,
discordant, unpleasant, nasty,
unwilling, resistant, aggressive,
Thesaurus
repugnant, averse, stubborn,
unacceptable.
civilly: (adv) politely, respectfully,
graciously, complaisantly, urbanely,
polishedly, considerately,
refinedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
abruptly, uncivilly.
mortification: (n) chagrin,
embarrassment, shame, gangrene,
disappointment, disgrace, corruption,
necrosis, degradation; (adj, n)
vexation; (adj) grievance.
skinner: (n) trickster, swindler,
currier, furrier, cheat, cheater, crook,
fake, humbug, sharper, faker.
sorrow: (n, v) regret, lament, grieve;
(v) mourn; (n) mourning, heartache,
repentance, remorse; (adj, n) sadness,
misery; (adj, n, v) distress.
ANTONYMS: (n) joy, delight,
happiness, peace, hopefulness,
cheerfulness, shamelessness, calm,
content; (v) rejoice.
52 Northanger Abbey

which he then told her that he had kept her waiting did not by any means
reconcile her more to her lot; nor did the particulars which he entered into while
they were standing up, of the horses and dogs of the friend whom he had just
left, and of a proposed exchange of terriers between them, interest her so much
as to prevent her looking very often towards that part of the room where she had
left Mr. Tilney. Of her dear Isabella, to whom she particularly longed to point out
that gentleman, she could see nothing. They were in different sets. She was
separated from all her party, and away from all her acquaintance; one
mortification succeeded another, and from the whole she deduced this useful
lesson, that to go previously engaged to a ball does not necessarily increase either
the dignity or enjoyment of a young lady. From such a moralizing strain as this,
she was suddenly roused by a touch on the shoulder, and turning round,
perceived Mrs. Hughes directly behind her, attended by Miss Tilney and a
gentleman. “I beg your pardon, Miss Morland,” said she, “for this liberty -- but I
cannot anyhow get to Miss Thorpe, and Mrs. Thorpe said she was sure you
would not have the least objection to letting in this young lady by you.” Mrs.
Hughes could not have applied to any creature in the room more happy to oblige
her than Catherine. The young ladies were introduced to each other, Miss Tilney
expressing a proper sense of such goodness, Miss Morland with the real delicacy
of a generous mind making light of the obligation; and Mrs. Hughes, satisfied
with having so respectably settled her young charge, returned to her party.%
Miss Tilney had a good figure, a pretty face, and a very agreeable
countenance; and her air, though it had not all the decided pretension, the
resolute stylishness of Miss Thorpe’s, had more real elegance. Her manners
showed good sense and good breeding; they were neither shy nor affectedly
open; and she seemed capable of being young, attractive, and at a ball without
wanting to fix the attention of every man near her, and without exaggerated
feelings of ecstatic delight or inconceivable vexation on every little trifling
occurrence. Catherine, interested at once by her appearance and her relationship
to Mr. Tilney, was desirous of being acquainted with her, and readily talked
therefore whenever she could think of anything to say, and had courage and
leisure for saying it. But the hindrance thrown in the way of a very speedy
Thesaurus
desirous: (adj) wistful, avid, boost, incentive, strength. roused: (adj) excited, awake,
ambitious, greedy, longing, eager, pretension: (n) ostentation, pretence, susceptible, emotional, elated,
hungry, covetous, envious, agog; (adj, affectation, pretense, claim, assertion, interested.
v) willing. ANTONYMS: (adj) title, pretentiousness, feint, pride, stylishness: (n) elegance, smartness,
undesirous, reluctant, undesiring, requirement. ANTONYMS: (n) style, jauntiness, modishness,
unconcerned. modesty, humility, honesty. rakishness, chicness, refinement,
hindrance: (n, v) difficulty, obstacle, respectably: (adv) creditably, decently, swank, vogue, brightness.
block, check, delay; (n) deterrent, honorably, properly, appropriately, ANTONYM: (n) untidiness.
barrier, obstruction, impediment, admirably, commendably, vexation: (adj, n) annoyance, nuisance;
inconvenience, disturbance. decorously, fitly, justly, becomingly. (n) irritation, worry, aggravation,
ANTONYMS: (n) advantage, ANTONYMS: (adv) indecently, displeasure, chagrin, chafe, anger,
contribution, assistance, success, disreputably, dishonorably. frustration, botheration.
 Jane Austen 53

intimacy, by the frequent want of one or more of these requisites, prevented

their doing more than going through the first rudiments of an acquaintance, by
informing themselves how well the other liked Bath, how much she admired its
buildings and surrounding country, whether she drew, or played, or sang, and
whether she was fond of riding on horseback.%
The two dances were scarcely concluded before Catherine found her arm
gently seized by her faithful Isabella, who in great spirits exclaimed, “At last I
have got you. My dearest creature, I have been looking for you this hour. What
could induce you to come into this set, when you knew I was in the other? I
have been quite wretched without you.”
“My dear Isabella, how was it possible for me to get at you? I could not even
see where you were.”
“So I told your brother all the time -- but he would not believe me. Do go
and see for her, Mr. Morland, said I -- but all in vain -- he would not stir an inch.
Was not it so, Mr. Morland? But you men are all so immoderately lazy! I have
been scolding him to such a degree, my dear Catherine, you would be quite
amazed. You know I never stand upon ceremony with such people.”
“Look at that young lady with the white beads round her head,” whispered
Catherine, detaching her friend from James. “It is Mr. Tilney’s sister.”
“Oh! Heavens! You don’t say so! Let me look at her this moment. What a
delightful girl! I never saw anything half so beautiful! But where is her all-
conquering brother? Is he in the room? Point him out to me this instant, if he is.
I die to see him. Mr. Morland, you are not to listen. We are not talking about
you.”
“But what is all this whispering about? What is going on?”
“There now, I knew how it would be. You men have such restless curiosity!
Talk of the curiosity of women, indeed! ‘Tis nothing. But be satisfied, for you are
not to know anything at all of the matter.”
“And is that likely to satisfy me, do you think?”

Thesaurus
detaching: (adj) peeling, disengaging, inform; (adj) intelligencing, giving castigation, admonition, reproof,
shedding; (n) division. information. objurgation, chiding, dressing,
immoderately: (adv) exorbitantly, requisites: (n) provisos, rudiments, jobation, scold, rating. ANTONYMS:
inordinately, extravagantly, conditions, fundamentals, necessities, (n) compliment, approval.
intemperately, extremely, nuts and bolts, terms, stipulations, vain: (adj) proud, arrogant, conceited,
unrestrainedly, unduely, unduly, prerequisites, basics. fruitless, idle, empty, abortive,
exaggeratedly, immensely; (adj, adv) rudiments: (n) grammar, ineffectual, unproductive,
monstrously. ANTONYMS: (adv) fundamentals, elements, alphabet, narcissistic; (adj, v) useless.
frugally, reasonably. abecedary, primer, vade mecum, ANTONYMS: (adj) shy, successful,
informing: (n) briefing, disclosure, bedrock, element, fundamental possible, persuasive, selfless, fruitful,
apprisal, warning, revelation, ratting, principle, rudiment. humble, useful, responsible,
presentation, introduction; (v) scolding: (n) rebuke, lecture, worthwhile, effective.
54 Northanger Abbey

“Well, I declare I never knew anything like you. What can it signify to you,
what we are talking of. Perhaps we are talking about you; therefore I would
advise you not to listen, or you may happen to hear something not very
agreeable.”%
In this commonplace chatter, which lasted some time, the original subject
seemed entirely forgotten; and though Catherine was very well pleased to have it
dropped for a while, she could not avoid a little suspicion at the total suspension
of all Isabella’s impatient desire to see Mr. Tilney. When the orchestra struck up
a fresh dance, James would have led his fair partner away, but she resisted. “I tell
you, Mr. Morland,” she cried, “I would not do such a thing for all the world.
How can you be so teasing; only conceive, my dear Catherine, what your
brother wants me to do. He wants me to dance with him again, though I tell him
that it is a most improper thing, and entirely against the rules. It would make us
the talk of the place, if we were not to change partners.”
“Upon my honour,” said James, “in these public assemblies, it is as often
done as not.”
“Nonsense, how can you say so? But when you men have a point to carry,
you never stick at anything. My sweet Catherine, do support me; persuade your
brother how impossible it is. Tell him that it would quite shock you to see me do
such a thing; now would not it?”
“No, not at all; but if you think it wrong, you had much better change.”
“There,” cried Isabella, “you hear what your sister says, and yet you will not
mind her. Well, remember that it is not my fault, if we set all the old ladies in
Bath in a bustle. Come along, my dearest Catherine, for heaven’s sake, and
stand by me.” And off they went, to regain their former place. John Thorpe, in
the meanwhile, had walked away; and Catherine, ever willing to give Mr. Tilney
an opportunity of repeating the agreeable request which had already flattered
her once, made her way to Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Thorpe as fast as she could, in
the hope of finding him still with them -- a hope which, when it proved to be
fruitless, she felt to have been highly unreasonable. “Well, my dear,” said Mrs.

Thesaurus
allen: (n) Allen Stewart Konigsberg, conceive: (v) think, imagine, fruitful, worthwhile, profitable,
Ethan Allen, woody Allen. comprehend, design, apprehend, successful, productive, hopeful,
bustle: (adj, n, v) hurry; (n, v) flurry, realize, discover, cogitate, appreciate, meaningful.
ado, fuss, hustle; (adj, n) stir, invent, catch. ANTONYMS: (v) regain: (v) retrieve, recoup, recuperate,
movement; (n) bother, commotion, destroy, doubt, misunderstand, reclaim, recapture, redeem, get,
disorder; (adj, v) hasten. question, ruin. discover, feel, recall, get back.
ANTONYMS: (n) inactivity, stillness, flattered: (adj) pleased. teasing: (n) tease, play, joke, fun,
idleness; (v) laziness, relaxation. fruitless: (adj, v) abortive; (adj) barren, banter; (adj) quizzical, vexatious,
chatter: (n, v) babble, gossip, prattle, useless, empty, futile, ineffective, pestering, annoying, playful; (v)
gab, cackle, natter; (adj, n, v) jabber; idle, pointless, sterile, bootless, worrying. ANTONYM: (n)
(adj, v) prate, palaver; (v) blabber, unproductive. ANTONYMS: (adj) seriousness.
patter. ANTONYM: (v) drawl. fertile, useful, effective, satisfying, walked: (adj) exempt; (v) yode.
 Jane Austen 55

Thorpe, impatient for praise of her son, “I hope you have had an agreeable
partner.”
“Very agreeable, madam.”
“I am glad of it. John has charming spirits, has not he?”
“Did you meet Mr. Tilney, my dear?” said Mrs. Allen.%
“No, where is he?”
“He was with us just now, and said he was so tired of lounging about, that he
was resolved to go and dance; so I thought perhaps he would ask you, if he met
with you.”
“Where can he be?” said Catherine, looking round; but she had not looked
round long before she saw him leading a young lady to the dance.
“Ah! He has got a partner; I wish he had asked you,” said Mrs. Allen; and
after a short silence, she added, “he is a very agreeable young man.”
“Indeed he is, Mrs. Allen,” said Mrs. Thorpe, smiling complacently; “I must
say it, though I am his mother, that there is not a more agreeable young man in
the world.”
This inapplicable answer might have been too much for the comprehension
of many; but it did not puzzle Mrs. Allen, for after only a moment’s
consideration, she said, in a whisper to Catherine, “I dare say she thought I was
speaking of her son.”
Catherine was disappointed and vexed. She seemed to have missed by so
little the very object she had had in view; and this persuasion did not incline her
to a very gracious reply, when John Thorpe came up to her soon afterwards and
said, “Well, Miss Morland, I suppose you and I are to stand up and jig it together
again.”
“Oh, no; I am much obliged to you, our two dances are over; and, besides, I
am tired, and do not mean to dance any more.”

came: (v) arrive, come.
complacently: (adv) contently,
conceitedly, self-satisfiedly,
graciously, arrogantly, satisfiedly,
contentedly, virtuously,
sanctimoniously.
gracious: (adj) genial, benign, good,
courteous, compassionate, kind,
accommodating, civil; (adj, n)
benevolent, congenial, gentle.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ungracious,
boorish, discourteous, reserved, rude,
Thesaurus
abrupt, critical, unkind, hardhearted, persuasion: (n) belief, opinion, faith,
harsh, poor. inducement, creed, idea, exhortation,
inapplicable: (adj) irrelevant, unfit, enticement, view, sentiment; (adj, n)
unsuitable, inappropriate, unseemly, conviction. ANTONYMS: (n) force,
unfitting, inapt, inept, inapposite, punishment, dissuasion.
inopportune, unsuited. ANTONYM: puzzle: (adj, v) perplex, confuse,
(adj) relevant. embarrass; (n) enigma, riddle,
incline: (v) cant, dispose, bend; (n, v) mystery, maze; (n, v) nonplus; (v)
slope, bias, dip, tilt; (n) ascent, confound, mystify, baffle.
gradient, grade, inclination. ANTONYMS: (v) clarify, placate,
ANTONYMS: (v) indispose, level; (n) explain; (n) explanation.
hollow, descent.
56 Northanger Abbey

“Do not you? Then let us walk about and quiz people. Come along with me,
and I will show you the four greatest quizzers in the room; my two younger
sisters and their partners. I have been laughing at them this half hour.”%
Again Catherine excused herself; and at last he walked off to quiz his sisters
by himself. The rest of the evening she found very dull; Mr. Tilney was drawn
away from their party at tea, to attend that of his partner; Miss Tilney, though
belonging to it, did not sit near her, and James and Isabella were so much
engaged in conversing together that the latter had no leisure to bestow more on
her friend than one smile, one squeeze, and one “dearest Catherine.”

belonging: (adj) appertaining,
appertinent, apropos, apposite; (n)
household, family, appendage,
appurtenance, intimacy, commodity,
closeness. ANTONYM: (n) antipathy.
dull: (adj) dreary, dense, sluggish,
dismal, slack, torpid; (adj, v) blunt,
stupid; (v) deaden, dampen; (adj, n)
cold. ANTONYMS: (adj) lively,
sharp, stimulating, exciting, lustrous,
interesting, exhilarating, varied,
glossy, glittery, luminous.
Thesaurus
excused: (adj) privileged, immune.
laughing: (adj) merry, smiling,
laughable, jolly, gay, lighthearted,
frolicsome, playful, pleased, dizzy;
(adv) laughingly. ANTONYM: (adj)
serious.
leisure: (n) idleness, convenience,
vacation, inactivity, rest, repose,
relaxation, recreation, pastime,
opportunity; (adj) idle. ANTONYM:
(n) work.
partners: (n) associates, team.
quiz: (v) interrogate, examine,
question, chaff, inquire, joke, enquire,
grill; (n, v) test; (n) examination,
exam. ANTONYM: (v) answer.
squeeze: (n, v) hug, pinch, embrace,
nip; (adj, v) compress, force; (adj, n, v)
press; (v) extort, cram, crush, jam.
ANTONYMS: (v) expand, extend.
younger: (adj) Jr, little, petty, young,
juvenile, Mickey Mouse, minor,
minuscule, niggling, picayune,
unskilled.
 Jane Austen 57

CHAPTER %9

The progress of Catherine’s unhappiness from the events of the evening was
as follows. It appeared first in a general dissatisfaction with everybody about
her, while she remained in the rooms, which speedily brought on considerable
weariness and a violent desire to go home. This, on arriving in Pulteney Street,
took the direction of extraordinary hunger, and when that was appeased,
changed into an earnest longing to be in bed; such was the extreme point of her
distress; for when there she immediately fell into a sound sleep which lasted nine
hours, and from which she awoke perfectly revived, in excellent spirits, with
fresh hopes and fresh schemes. The first wish of her heart was to improve her
acquaintance with Miss Tilney, and almost her first resolution, to seek her for
that purpose, in the pump-room at noon. In the pump-room, one so newly
arrived in Bath must be met with, and that building she had already found so
favourable for the discovery of female excellence, and the completion of female
intimacy, so admirably adapted for secret discourses and unlimited confidence,
that she was most reasonably encouraged to expect another friend from within
its walls. Her plan for the morning thus settled, she sat quietly down to her book
after breakfast, resolving to remain in the same place and the same employment
till the clock struck one; and from habitude very little incommoded by the
remarks and ejaculations of Mrs. Allen, whose vacancy of mind and incapacity
for thinking were such, that as she never talked a great deal, so she could never

Thesaurus
admirably: (adv) superbly, perfectly, incapacity: (n) inability, impotence, revived: (adj) fresh, refreshed,
excellently, admirable, marvellously, incapability, disqualification, animated, revitalized, alive,
heroically, bravely, brilliantly, nicely, inadequacy, disablement, invigorated, new.
creditably, ably. ANTONYMS: (adv) inefficiency, powerlessness, speedily: (adj, adv) quickly, quick,
badly, inadequately, dishonorably, insufficiency, incompetency; (adj) immediately; (adv) rapidly, promptly,
execrably, incompetently, poorly. imbecility. ANTONYMS: (n) hastily, swiftly, fast, apace, hurriedly,
appeased: (adj) content, pacate. capacity, ability, strength. fleetly. ANTONYMS: (adv) later,
awoke: (adj) awakened. resolving: (n) factoring, resolve, eventually.
discourses: (n) talks. settlement, solving, solution, weariness: (n) exhaustion, tiredness,
habitude: (n) custom, tendency, trick, factorization, diagonalization, lassitude, languor, asthenopia,
practice, constitution, propensity, declaration, firmness, resoluteness; defatigation, grogginess, listlessness,
pattern, habitus, form, wont, use. (v) solve. boredom, ennui, prostration.
58 Northanger Abbey

be entirely silent; and, therefore, while she sat at her work, if she lost her needle
or broke her thread, if she heard a carriage in the street, or saw a speck upon her
gown, she must observe it aloud, whether there were anyone at leisure to answer
her or not. At about half past twelve, a remarkably loud rap drew her in haste to
the window, and scarcely had she time to inform Catherine of there being two
open carriages at the door, in the first only a servant, her brother driving Miss
Thorpe in the second, before John Thorpe came running upstairs, calling out,
“Well, Miss Morland, here I am. Have you been waiting long? We could not
come before; the old devil of a coachmaker was such an eternity finding out a
thing fit to be got into, and now it is ten thousand to one but they break down
before we are out of the street. How do you do, Mrs. Allen? A famous bag last
night, was not it? Come, Miss Morland, be quick, for the others are in a
confounded hurry to be off. They want to get their tumble over.”%
“What do you mean?” said Catherine. “Where are you all going to?”
“Going to? Why, you have not forgot our engagement! Did not we agree
together to take a drive this morning? What a head you have! We are going up
Claverton Down.”
“Something was said about it, I remember,” said Catherine, looking at Mrs.
Allen for her opinion; “but really I did not expect you.”
“Not expect me! That’s a good one! And what a dust you would have made,
if I had not come.”
Catherine’s silent appeal to her friend, meanwhile, was entirely thrown away,
for Mrs. Allen, not being at all in the habit of conveying any expression herself
by a look, was not aware of its being ever intended by anybody else; and
Catherine, whose desire of seeing Miss Tilney again could at that moment bear a
short delay in favour of a drive, and who thought there could be no impropriety
in her going with Mr. Thorpe, as Isabella was going at the same time with James,
was therefore obliged to speak plainer. “Well, ma’am, what do you say to it?
Can you spare me for an hour or two? Shall I go?”

aloud: (adv) loud, out loud, strong,
out, audibly, hard, forte.
ANTONYMS: (adv) softly, inaudibly,
quietly.
confounded: (adj) bemused, accursed,
execrable, baffled, cursed, befuddled,
confused, puzzled, aghast, perplexed;
(adj, v) abashed.
conveying: (n) conveyance, delivery,
conveyancing, conveyance of title,
transference, transmission, convey,
transmit, assigning, transfer,
Thesaurus
delegation. inaptitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
drew: (n) move, John Drew. decency, correctness.
eternity: (n) aeon, afterlife, forever, speck: (adj, n) point, atom, particle; (n)
perpetuity, timelessness, endlessness, blot, flaw, smudge, blotch, blemish,
everlasting, endless time, grain, mote, dot. ANTONYM: (n) lot.
everlastingness, everness, existence. thread: (n) screw thread, yarn, rope,
ANTONYMS: (n) finiteness, wire, twine, ligature; (adj, n, v) line,
impermanence. file; (n, v) string together; (adj, v)
impropriety: (n) barbarism, obscenity, range; (v) penetrate.
indecorum, error, rudeness, tumble: (n, v) drop, jumble, stumble,
indelicacy, incorrectness, solecism, plunge, slip, spill, downfall; (v)
wrongness; (adj) immorality, crumble, collapse, topple, confuse.
 Jane Austen 59

“Do just as you please, my dear,” replied Mrs. Allen, with the most placid
indifference. Catherine took the advice, and ran off to get ready. In a very few
minutes she reappeared, having scarcely allowed the two others time enough to
get through a few short sentences in her praise, after Thorpe had procured Mrs.
Allen’s admiration of his gig; and then receiving her friend’s parting good
wishes, they both hurried downstairs. “My dearest creature,” cried Isabella, to
whom the duty of friendship immediately called her before she could get into the
carriage, “you have been at least three hours getting ready. I was afraid you
were ill. What a delightful ball we had last night. I have a thousand things to
say to you; but make haste and get in, for I long to be off.”%
Catherine followed her orders and turned away, but not too soon to hear her
friend exclaim aloud to James, “What a sweet girl she is! I quite dote on her.”
“You will not be frightened, Miss Morland,” said Thorpe, as he handed her
in, “if my horse should dance about a little at first setting off. He will, most
likely, give a plunge or two, and perhaps take the rest for a minute; but he will
soon know his master. He is full of spirits, playful as can be, but there is no vice
in him.”
Catherine did not think the portrait a very inviting one, but it was too late to
retreat, and she was too young to own herself frightened; so, resigning herself to
her fate, and trusting to the animal’s boasted knowledge of its owner, she sat
peaceably down, and saw Thorpe sit down by her. Everything being then
arranged, the servant who stood at the horse’s head was bid in an important
voice “to let him go,” and off they went in the quietest manner imaginable,
without a plunge or a caper, or anything like one. Catherine, delighted at so
happy an escape, spoke her pleasure aloud with grateful surprise; and her
companion immediately made the matter perfectly simple by assuring her that it
was entirely owing to the peculiarly judicious manner in which he had then held
the reins, and the singular discernment and dexterity with which he had
directed his whip. Catherine, though she could not help wondering that with
such perfect command of his horse, he should think it necessary to alarm her
with a relation of its tricks, congratulated herself sincerely on being under the

caper: (n, v) skip, bound, frolic, hop,
romp, leap, play, gambol; (n) prank,
joke, antic. ANTONYM: (v) restrain.
dexterity: (n) agility, cleverness,
ability, aptitude, skill, deftness,
expertise; (adj, n) art, cunning; (n, v)
adroitness, address. ANTONYMS: (n)
clumsiness, awkwardness,
ineptitude, inability, uselessness,
inexperience, ineptness, inaccuracy.
discernment: (n, v) appreciation,
sense, apprehension; (n)
Thesaurus
comprehension, discretion, taste, imaginable: (adj) conceivable,
understanding, insight, possible, thinkable, plausible, earthly,
discrimination, perception, believable, credible, feasible,
recognition. ANTONYMS: (n) immediate, likely, near.
ignorance, tastelessness, ANTONYMS: (adj) unimaginable,
uncouthness, clumsiness. implausible.
dote: (adj, v) drivel; (v) maturate, fond, peaceably: (adv) quietly, peacefully,
doat; (adj) ramble, wander, rave, patiently, noiselessly.
trifle. reins: (n) bridle, Reins of a vault, reins
exclaim: (v) call out, call, shout, cry of government, wheel, gearshift,
out, ejaculate, clamor, outcry, scream, joystick, pedals, potency, power,
shout out, speak, vociferate. powerfulness.
60 Northanger Abbey

care of so excellent a coachman; and perceiving that the animal continued to go

on in the same quiet manner, without showing the smallest propensity towards
any unpleasant vivacity, and (considering its inevitable pace was ten miles an
hour) by no means alarmingly fast, gave herself up to all the enjoyment of air
and exercise of the most invigorating kind, in a fine mild day of February, with
the consciousness of safety. A silence of several minutes succeeded their first
short dialogue; it was broken by Thorpe’s saying very abruptly, “Old Allen is as
rich as a Jew -- is not he?” Catherine did not understand him -- and he repeated
his question, adding in explanation, “Old Allen, the man you are with.”%
“Oh! Mr. Allen, you mean. Yes, I believe, he is very rich.”
“And no children at all?”
“No -- not any.”
“A famous thing for his next heirs. He is your godfather, is not he?”
“My godfather! No.”
“But you are always very much with them.”
“Yes, very much.”
“Aye, that is what I meant. He seems a good kind of old fellow enough, and
has lived very well in his time, I dare say; he is not gouty for nothing. Does he
drink his bottle a day now?”
“His bottle a day! No. Why should you think of such a thing? He is a very
temperate man, and you could not fancy him in liquor last night?”
“Lord help you! You women are always thinking of men’s being in liquor.
Why, you do not suppose a man is overset by a bottle? I am sure of this -- that if
everybody was to drink their bottle a day, there would not be half the disorders
in the world there are now. It would be a famous good thing for us all.”
“I cannot believe it.”
“Oh! Lord, it would be the saving of thousands. There is not the hundredth
part of the wine consumed in this kingdom that there ought to be. Our foggy
climate wants help.”

adding: (n) addition, calculation,
reckoning.
alarmingly: (adv) dreadfully,
disturbingly, terrifyingly,
distressingly, appallingly, fearfully,
frightfully, awfully, dangerously,
scarily, shockingly.
foggy: (adj) hazy, misty, brumous,
murky, blurred, bleary, fuzzy,
opaque, thick, indefinite, nebulous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) precise, sunny.
godfather: (n) godchild, supporter,
Thesaurus
patron, godparent, godmother,
gangster, executive; (v) christen.
heirs: (n) family, posterity, issue.
hundredth: (n) centesm, common
fraction, one percent, secular.
invigorating: (adj) exhilarating, fresh,
tonic, brisk, healthy, wholesome,
cordial, benign, curative, crisp,
fascinating. ANTONYMS: (adj)
soporific, soothing, relaxing, tiring,
dull, debilitating, deadly.
overset: (v) overturn, reverse, upset,
invert, destroy, tip; (adj, v)
overthrow, overpower; (adj)
overmaster, overcome, overmatch.
perceiving: (n) feeling, sensing,
hearing, looking at, recognition,
thought, vision, lipreading; (adj)
conscious, percipient, reasonable.
vivacity: (adj, n) life, liveliness; (n)
energy, vitality, enthusiasm, dash,
spirit, vigor, happiness, sparkle,
effervescence. ANTONYMS: (n)
apathy, dullness, sluggishness.
 Jane Austen 61

“And yet I have heard that there is a great deal of wine drunk in Oxford.”
“Oxford! There is no drinking at Oxford now, I assure you. Nobody drinks
there. You would hardly meet with a man who goes beyond his four pints at the
utmost. Now, for instance, it was reckoned a remarkable thing, at the last party
in my rooms, that upon an average we cleared about five pints a head. It was
looked upon as something out of the common way. Mine is famous good stuff,
to be sure. You would not often meet with anything like it in Oxford -- and that
may account for it. But this will just give you a notion of the general rate of
drinking there.”
“Yes, it does give a notion,” said Catherine warmly, “and that is, that you all
drink a great deal more wine than I thought you did. However, I am sure James
does not drink so much.”
This declaration brought on a loud and overpowering reply, of which no part
was very distinct, except the frequent exclamations, amounting almost to oaths,
which adorned it, and Catherine was left, when it ended, with rather a
strengthened belief of there being a great deal of wine drunk in Oxford, and the
same happy conviction of her brother’s comparative sobriety.%
Thorpe’s ideas then all reverted to the merits of his own equipage, and she
was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved
along, and the ease which his paces, as well as the excellence of the springs, gave
the motion of the carriage. She followed him in all his admiration as well as she
could. To go before or beyond him was impossible. His knowledge and her
ignorance of the subject, his rapidity of expression, and her diffidence of herself
put that out of her power; she could strike out nothing new in commendation,
but she readily echoed whatever he chose to assert, and it was finally settled
between them without any difficulty that his equipage was altogether the most
complete of its kind in England, his carriage the neatest, his horse the best goer,
and himself the best coachman. “You do not really think, Mr. Thorpe,” said
Catherine, venturing after some time to consider the matter as entirely decided,
and to offer some little variation on the subject, “that James’s gig will break
down?”

adorned: (adj) decorated, ornate,
bedecked, decked out, fancy,
garnished, ornamented, decked,
beautiful, inscribed, festooned.
assert: (v) allege, affirm, say, claim,
declare, swear, show, avow, aver,
maintain, argue. ANTONYMS: (v)
reject, controvert, repress, refute.
commendation: (n, v) acclaim,
applause, praise; (n) approval,
citation, approbation, tribute, credit,
plaudit, acclamation, admiration.
Thesaurus
ANTONYMS: (n) disapproval, shallow, weak, faint, bland.
criticism, censure, demotion. rapidity: (n) expedition, quickness,
goer: (n) migrant, punch, racer, pony, promptness, dispatch, celerity, haste,
palfrey, pad, leaver, nag, beast, filly, velocity, pace, fleetness,
Galloway. promptitude, speed. ANTONYM: (n)
heard: (n) hearing. tardiness.
overpowering: (adj) overwhelming, reverted: (adj) inverse.
oppressive, resistless, compelling, utmost: (adj, n) maximum, extreme,
intense, heavy, strong, onerous, uttermost, furthermost, best, highest;
devastating, uncontrollable, (adj, adv) farthest; (adj, v) supreme;
depressing. ANTONYMS: (adj) light, (adj) last, furthest; (adj, n, v) greatest.
subtle, imperceptible, insignificant, ANTONYMS: (adj) moderate, worst.
62 Northanger Abbey

“Break down! Oh! Lord! Did you ever see such a little tittuppy thing in your
life? There is not a sound piece of iron about it. The wheels have been fairly
worn out these ten years at least -- and as for the body! Upon my soul, you
might shake it to pieces yourself with a touch. It is the most devilish little
rickety business I ever beheld! Thank God! we have got a better. I would not
be bound to go two miles in it for fifty thousand pounds.”%
“Good heavens!” cried Catherine, quite frightened. “Then pray let us turn
back; they will certainly meet with an accident if we go on. Do let us turn back,
Mr. Thorpe; stop and speak to my brother, and tell him how very unsafe it is.”
“Unsafe! Oh, lord! What is there in that? They will only get a roll if it does
break down; and there is plenty of dirt; it will be excellent falling. Oh, curse it!
The carriage is safe enough, if a man knows how to drive it; a thing of that sort in
good hands will last above twenty years after it is fairly worn out. Lord bless
you! I would undertake for five pounds to drive it to York and back again,
without losing a nail.”
Catherine listened with astonishment; she knew not how to reconcile two
such very different accounts of the same thing; for she had not been brought up
to understand the propensities of a rattle, nor to know to how many idle
assertions and impudent falsehoods the excess of vanity will lead. Her own
family were plain, matter-of-fact people who seldom aimed at wit of any kind;
her father, at the utmost, being contented with a pun, and her mother with a
proverb; they were not in the habit therefore of telling lies to increase their
importance, or of asserting at one moment what they would contradict the next.
She reflected on the affair for some time in much perplexity, and was more than
once on the point of requesting from Mr. Thorpe a clearer insight into his real
opinion on the subject; but she checked herself, because it appeared to her that he
did not excel in giving those clearer insights, in making those things plain which
he had before made ambiguous; and, joining to this, the consideration that he
would not really suffer his sister and his friend to be exposed to a danger from
which he might easily preserve them, she concluded at last that he must know
the carriage to be in fact perfectly safe, and therefore would alarm herself no

asserting: (v) affirm; (adj) declaratory,
declarative, evidentiary; (n) assertion.
beheld: (adj) visual.
contradict: (v) deny, oppose, belie,
conflict, confute, controvert,
contravene, disprove, refute,
invalidate, impugn. ANTONYMS: (v)
agree, match, correspond, approve,
corroborate, prove, support,
reinforce.
devilish: (adj, v) diabolic, satanic,
infernal, mephistophelian,
Thesaurus
demoniacal; (adj) demonic, wicked,
diabolical, terrific; (v) Stygian; (adv)
devilishly. ANTONYMS: (adj)
cherubic, godlike, good, saintly,
virtuous.
excel: (v) top, surpass, cap, outdo,
pass, eclipse, beat, transcend, lead,
outshine; (adj, v) better.
ANTONYMS: (v) flunk, trail.
perplexity: (n) confusion, dilemma,
bewilderment, maze, labyrinth,
embarrassment, quandary,
complication, enigma; (adj, n)
difficulty, distress. ANTONYM: (n)
understanding.
proverb: (n) adage, byword, aphorism,
dictum, saying, axiom, parable,
motto, expression; (n, v) maxim, saw.
rickety: (adj) unstable, wobbly,
decrepit, dilapidated, insecure,
ramshackle, rachitic, flimsy,
precarious, cranky, wonky.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stable, sturdy,
firm, secure.
 Jane Austen 63

longer. By him the whole matter seemed entirely forgotten; and all the rest of his
conversation, or rather talk, began and ended with himself and his own
concerns. He told her of horses which he had bought for a trifle and sold for
incredible sums; of racing matches, in which his judgment had infallibly
foretold the winner; of shooting parties, in which he had killed more birds
(though without having one good shot) than all his companions together; and
described to her some famous day’s sport, with the fox-hounds, in which his
foresight and skill in directing the dogs had repaired the mistakes of the most
experienced huntsman, and in which the boldness of his riding, though it had
never endangered his own life for a moment, had been constantly leading others
into difficulties, which he calmly concluded had broken the necks of many.%
Little as Catherine was in the habit of judging for herself, and unfixed as
were her general notions of what men ought to be, she could not entirely repress
a doubt, while she bore with the effusions of his endless conceit, of his being
altogether completely agreeable. It was a bold surmise, for he was Isabella’s
brother; and she had been assured by James that his manners would recommend
him to all her sex; but in spite of this, the extreme weariness of his company,
which crept over her before they had been out an hour, and which continued
unceasingly to increase till they stopped in Pulteney Street again, induced her, in
some small degree, to resist such high authority, and to distrust his powers of
giving universal pleasure.
When they arrived at Mrs. Allen’s door, the astonishment of Isabella was
hardly to be expressed, on finding that it was too late in the day for them to
attend her friend into the house: “Past three o’clock!” It was inconceivable,
incredible, impossible! And she would neither believe her own watch, nor her
brother’s, nor the servant’s; she would believe no assurance of it founded on
reason or reality, till Morland produced his watch, and ascertained the fact; to
have doubted a moment longer then would have been equally inconceivable,
incredible, and impossible; and she could only protest, over and over again, that
no two hours and a half had ever gone off so swiftly before, as Catherine was
called on to confirm; Catherine could not tell a falsehood even to please Isabella;

boldness: (n) prowess, face, daring,
valor, nerve, assurance, heroism,
audaciousness, spirit, cheek, valour.
ANTONYMS: (n) cowardice, shyness,
timidity, meekness, reticence.
foretold: (adj) foreseen; (v) annunciate.
huntsman: (n) fowler, trapper,
hawker, huntress, falconer,
pothunter, jaeger, seeker, tracker,
stalker; (v) sportsman.
infallibly: (adv) unerringly,
unfailingly, inerrably, assuredly,
Thesaurus
certainly, firmly. unceasingly: (adv) incessantly,
repress: (v) inhibit, crush, quash, endlessly, ceaselessly, continually,
control, suppress, put down, bridle, unremittingly, unendingly,
keep down, subdue, restrain, reduce. constantly, always, perpetually,
ANTONYMS: (v) declare, liberate, uninterruptedly, eternally.
incite. ANTONYM: (adv) acutely.
surmise: (n, v) guess; (v) suppose, unfixed: (adj, v) uncertain, vague,
suspect, presume, imagine, divine, ambiguous, undetermined; (adj)
doubt; (n) hypothesis, supposition, unsettled, nebulous, unstable,
speculation, assumption. undefined, loose; (adj, adv) moving;
ANTONYMS: (n) knowledge, (v) stray. ANTONYMS: (adj) fixed,
measurement. constant, definite.
64 Northanger Abbey

but the latter was spared the misery of her friend’s dissenting voice, by not
waiting for her answer. Her own feelings entirely engrossed her; her
wretchedness was most acute on finding herself obliged to go directly home. It
was ages since she had had a moment’s conversation with her dearest Catherine;
and, though she had such thousands of things to say to her, it appeared as if they
were never to be together again; so, with sniffles of most exquisite misery, and
the laughing eye of utter despondency, she bade her friend adieu and went on.%
Catherine found Mrs. Allen just returned from all the busy idleness of the
morning, and was immediately greeted with, “Well, my dear, here you are,” a
truth which she had no greater inclination than power to dispute; “and I hope
you have had a pleasant airing?”
“Yes, ma’am, I thank you; we could not have had a nicer day.”
“So Mrs. Thorpe said; she was vastly pleased at your all going.”
“You have seen Mrs. Thorpe, then?”
“Yes, I went to the pump-room as soon as you were gone, and there I met
her, and we had a great deal of talk together. She says there was hardly any veal
to be got at market this morning, it is so uncommonly scarce.”
“Did you see anybody else of our acquaintance?”
“Yes; we agreed to take a turn in the Crescent, and there we met Mrs.
Hughes, and Mr. and Miss Tilney walking with her.”
“Did you indeed? And did they speak to you?”
“Yes, we walked along the Crescent together for half an hour. They seem
very agreeable people. Miss Tilney was in a very pretty spotted muslin, and I
fancy, by what I can learn, that she always dresses very handsomely. Mrs.
Hughes talked to me a great deal about the family.”
“And what did she tell you of them?”
“Oh! A vast deal indeed; she hardly talked of anything else.”
“Did she tell you what part of Gloucestershire they come from?”

Thesaurus
adieu: (int, n) farewell; (n) vale, grief. ANTONYMS: (n) happiness, idlesse. ANTONYMS: (n) energy,
valediction, goodbye, leave, cheerio, hopefulness, cheerfulness, joy, activity, bustle, liveliness,
adios, bye, so long, parting; (int) bon resilience, delight, cheer. responsibility.
voyage. ANTONYM: (n) greeting. dissenting: (adj) dissident, heretical, uncommonly: (adv) rarely, strangely,
ages: (n) time out of mind, time discordant, profane, unorthodox, infrequently, scarcely, occasionally,
immemorial, coon's age, blue moon, uncooperative, skeptical, exceptionally, oddly; (adj, adv)
month of Sundays. sacrilegious, recalcitrant; (v) particularly, remarkably, singularly,
bade: (v) bid, command, bad. disagreeing, disagree. ANTONYMS: curiously. ANTONYMS: (adv)
despondency: (n) despair, (adj) conformist, cooperative. frequently, typically.
desperation, dejection, despondence, idleness: (n) lethargy, laziness, torpor, veal: (n) calf, venison, veau, animal
melancholy, gloom, sadness, inactivity, idling, unemployment, protein, beef, calves' feet, chicken,
hopelessness, desolation, anguish, sloth, inaction, inertia, faineance, ham, lamb, meat, mutton.
 Jane Austen 65

“Yes, she did; but I cannot recollect now. But they are very good kind of
people, and very rich. Mrs. Tilney was a Miss Drummond, and she and Mrs.
Hughes were schoolfellows; and Miss Drummond had a very large fortune; and,
when she married, her father gave her twenty thousand pounds, and five
hundred to buy wedding-clothes. Mrs. Hughes saw all the clothes after they
came from the warehouse.”
“And are Mr. and Mrs. Tilney in Bath?”
“Yes, I fancy they are, but I am not quite certain. Upon recollection,
however, I have a notion they are both dead; at least the mother is; yes, I am sure
Mrs. Tilney is dead, because Mrs. Hughes told me there was a very beautiful set
of pearls that Mr. Drummond gave his daughter on her wedding-day and that
Miss Tilney has got now, for they were put by for her when her mother died.”
“And is Mr. Tilney, my partner, the only son?”
“I cannot be quite positive about that, my dear; I have some idea he is; but,
however, he is a very fine young man, Mrs. Hughes says, and likely to do very
well.”
Catherine inquired no further; she had heard enough to feel that Mrs. Allen
had no real intelligence to give, and that she was most particularly unfortunate
herself in having missed such a meeting with both brother and sister. Could she
have foreseen such a circumstance, nothing should have persuaded her to go
out with the others; and, as it was, she could only lament her ill luck, and think
over what she had lost, till it was clear to her that the drive had by no means
been very pleasant and that John Thorpe himself was quite disagreeable.%

Thesaurus
circumstance: (n) affair, incident, joy; (v) revel, rejoice, celebrate, retrospect.
matter, event, occasion, chance, applaud, praise, compliment. till: (conj, prep) until, unto; (v) plow,
accident, opportunity, adventure, pearls: (n) beads, jewelry, jewellery. hoe, farm, dig; (adj) up to; (n) tiller,
casualty, fact. recollect: (v) recall, remember, drawer; (adv) so far; (prep) to.
foreseen: (v) foresee, long expected; recognize, call to mind, remind, unfortunate: (adj) inauspicious, sad,
(adj) envisioned, foretold, contingent, mind, think, call up, reminisce, hapless, bad, inopportune,
concourse, coming, casual, refresh, retrieve. ANTONYM: (v) disastrous, adverse, deplorable,
adventitious, accidental, predictable. forget. infelicitous, untoward, lamentable.
lament: (v) bemoan, complain, recollection: (n, v) mind; (n) ANTONYMS: (adj) lucky, auspicious,
deplore, grieve, keen, bewail, mourn; reminiscence, recall, anamnesis, good, opportune, joyous, timely,
(n) dirge, complaint; (n, v) wail, remembrance, recognition, memento, appropriate, successful, easy,
moan. ANTONYMS: (n) celebration, memorial, commemoration, memoir, privileged.
 Jane Austen 67

CHAPTER %10

The Allens, Thorpes, and Morlands all met in the evening at the theatre; and,
as Catherine and Isabella sat together, there was then an opportunity for the
latter to utter some few of the many thousand things which had been collecting
within her for communication in the immeasurable length of time which had
divided them. “Oh, heavens! My beloved Catherine, have I got you at last?”
was her address on Catherine’s entering the box and sitting by her. “Now, Mr.
Morland,” for he was close to her on the other side, “I shall not speak another
word to you all the rest of the evening; so I charge you not to expect it. My
sweetest Catherine, how have you been this long age? But I need not ask you,
for you look delightfully. You really have done your hair in a more heavenly
style than ever; you mischievous creature, do you want to attract everybody? I
assure you, my brother is quite in love with you already; and as for Mr. Tilney --
but that is a settled thing -- even your modesty cannot doubt his attachment
now; his coming back to Bath makes it too plain. Oh! What would not I give to
see him! I really am quite wild with impatience. My mother says he is the most
delightful young man in the world; she saw him this morning, you know; you
must introduce him to me. Is he in the house now? Look about, for heaven’s
sake! I assure you, I can hardly exist till I see him.”
“No,” said Catherine, “he is not here; I cannot see him anywhere.”

creature: (n) being, brute, animal, tool,
individual, person, body, entity,
human, puppet, somebody.
delightfully: (adv) pleasantly,
enchantingly, exquisitely, gladly,
charmingly, finely, sweetly,
deliciously, beautifully, merrily; (adv,
v) happily. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unattractively, horribly, disagreeably.
heavenly: (adj) celestial, blissful,
ethereal, delightful, angelic, blessed,
elysian, holy, unearthly, godlike,
Thesaurus
sacred. ANTONYMS: (adj) worldly,
miserable, infernal, hellish,
unappealing, dreadful, turbulent.
immeasurable: (adj) endless, immense,
infinite, huge, enormous, illimitable,
unmeasurable, incalculable,
inestimable, innumerable,
interminable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
limited, minute, finite, shallow,
slight, negligible, tiny, few, minor,
small.
mischievous: (adj) bad, injurious,
detrimental, naughty, deleterious,
impish, harmful, playful, maleficent,
arch; (adj, v) hurtful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) harmless, serious.
modesty: (n) reserve, bashfulness,
humility, diffidence, humbleness,
demureness, coyness, gentleness,
continence; (adj, n) decency, honesty.
ANTONYMS: (n) arrogance,
immodesty, spectacle, flamboyance,
abandon, bigheadedness, pretension,
decadence, boldness.
68 Northanger Abbey

“Oh, horrid! Am I never to be acquainted with him? How do you like my

gown? I think it does not look amiss; the sleeves were entirely my own thought.
Do you know, I get so immoderately sick of Bath; your brother and I were
agreeing this morning that, though it is vastly well to be here for a few weeks, we
would not live here for millions. We soon found out that our tastes were exactly
alike in preferring the country to every other place; really, our opinions were so
exactly the same, it was quite ridiculous! There was not a single point in which
we differed; I would not have had you by for the world; you are such a sly thing,
I am sure you would have made some droll remark or other about it.”
“No, indeed I should not.”
“Oh, yes you would indeed; I know you better than you know yourself. You
would have told us that we seemed born for each other, or some nonsense of that
kind, which would have distressed me beyond conception; my cheeks would
have been as red as your roses; I would not have had you by for the world.”
“Indeed you do me injustice; I would not have made so improper a remark
upon any account; and besides, I am sure it would never have entered my head.”
Isabella smiled incredulously and talked the rest of the evening to James.%
Catherine’s resolution of endeavouring to meet Miss Tilney again continued
in full force the next morning; and till the usual moment of going to the pump-
room, she felt some alarm from the dread of a second prevention. But nothing of
that kind occurred, no visitors appeared to delay them, and they all three set off
in good time for the pump-room, where the ordinary course of events and
conversation took place; Mr. Allen, after drinking his glass of water, joined some
gentlemen to talk over the politics of the day and compare the accounts of their
newspapers; and the ladies walked about together, noticing every new face, and
almost every new bonnet in the room. The female part of the Thorpe family,
attended by James Morland, appeared among the crowd in less than a quarter of
an hour, and Catherine immediately took her usual place by the side of her
friend. James, who was now in constant attendance, maintained a similar
position, and separating themselves from the rest of their party, they walked in
that manner for some time, till Catherine began to doubt the happiness of a
Thesaurus
bonnet: (n) cap, protection, chapeau, alarm, trepidation, dismay, disbelievingly, distrustfully,
tile, wimple, beret, lid, cowling, foreboding, terror. ANTONYMS: suspiciously, dubiously, doubtfully,
castor, poke bonnet, sunbonnet. (adj) pleasing, welcomed, pleasant; questioningly, uncertainly,
distressed: (adj) worried, distraught, (v) welcome, want; (n) reassurance, mistrustfully, doubtingly, cynically.
anxious, sad, disturbed, downcast, fearlessness, confidence, security, noticing: (n) observation, look; (adj)
hurt, distracted, wretched, shocked, ease, calm. conscious.
troubled. ANTONYMS: (adj) droll: (adj) comical, humorous, funny, separating: (v) parting, partible; (n)
composed, content, euphoric, happy, laughable, burlesque, ludicrous, division, separation, severance,
comforted, glad, joyful, collected, ridiculous; (adj, n) comic, witty; (n) unscrambling, unraveling, removal;
unconcerned, unaffected. buffoon, clown. ANTONYMS: (adj) (adj) separated, disjoining,
dread: (n, v) apprehension, fear, panic; dramatic, dull, grave, tragic, solemn. graduating.
(n) anxiety, awe, consternation, incredulously: (adv) skeptically, visitors: (n) visitation.
 Jane Austen 69

situation which, confining her entirely to her friend and brother, gave her very
little share in the notice of either. They were always engaged in some
sentimental discussion or lively dispute, but their sentiment was conveyed in
such whispering voices, and their vivacity attended with so much laughter, that
though Catherine’s supporting opinion was not unfrequently called for by one
or the other, she was never able to give any, from not having heard a word of the
subject. At length however she was empowered to disengage herself from her
friend, by the avowed necessity of speaking to Miss Tilney, whom she most
joyfully saw just entering the room with Mrs. Hughes, and whom she instantly
joined, with a firmer determination to be acquainted, than she might have had
courage to command, had she not been urged by the disappointment of the day
before. Miss Tilney met her with great civility, returned her advances with equal
goodwill, and they continued talking together as long as both parties remained
in the room; and though in all probability not an observation was made, nor an
expression used by either which had not been made and used some thousands of
times before, under that roof, in every Bath season, yet the merit of their being
spoken with simplicity and truth, and without personal conceit, might be
something uncommon.%
“How well your brother dances!” was an artless exclamation of Catherine’s
towards the close of their conversation, which at once surprised and amused her
companion.
“Henry!” she replied with a smile. “Yes, he does dance very well.”
“He must have thought it very odd to hear me say I was engaged the other
evening, when he saw me sitting down. But I really had been engaged the whole
day to Mr. Thorpe.” Miss Tilney could only bow. “You cannot think,” added
Catherine after a moment’s silence, “how surprised I was to see him again. I felt
so sure of his being quite gone away.”
“When Henry had the pleasure of seeing you before, he was in Bath but for a
couple of days. He came only to engage lodgings for us.”

advances: (v) access, approach.
amused: (adj) amusing, smiling,
tickled pink, pleased, diverted.
artless: (adj) ingenuous, simple,
innocent, naive, open, candid,
unsophisticated, unpretentious,
unaffected, sincere, rugged.
ANTONYMS: (adj) artful,
sophisticated, complicated,
unnatural, pretentious, insincere,
disingenuous, affected, forced,
experienced, cunning.
Thesaurus
avowed: (adj) acknowledged, attested, exclamation: (n) clamor, ejaculation,
ostensible, sworn, stated, confirmed, exclaiming, utterance, whoop,
declared, pretended, known, interjection, shout, expletive, deuce,
authenticated, apparent. Dickens, ecphonesis.
confining: (adj) restricting, limiting, joyfully: (adv) joyously, merrily, gaily,
narrow, confined, oppressive, gleefully, buoyantly, cheerily,
stringent, constrictive, restrictive, jubilantly, pleasantly, mirthfully;
closemouthed; (v) confine; (n) (adv, v) happily; (adj, adv) cheerfully.
contraction. ANTONYMS: (adv) joylessly,
empowered: (adj) authorised, miserably, despondently.
accredited, entitled, privileged, unfrequently: (adv) not much, not
sceptered, sceptred. often, unoften, rarely.
70 Northanger Abbey

“That never occurred to me; and of course, not seeing him anywhere, I
thought he must be gone. Was not the young lady he danced with on Monday a
Miss Smith?”
“Yes, an acquaintance of Mrs. Hughes.”
“I dare say she was very glad to dance. Do you think her pretty?”
“Not very.”
“He never comes to the pump-room, I suppose?”
“Yes, sometimes; but he has rid out this morning with my father.”
Mrs. Hughes now joined them, and asked Miss Tilney if she was ready to go.
“I hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again soon,” said Catherine.
“Shall you be at the cotillion ball tomorrow?”
“Perhaps we -- Yes, I think we certainly shall.”
“I am glad of it, for we shall all be there.” This civility was duly returned;
and they parted -- on Miss Tilney’s side with some knowledge of her new
acquaintance’s feelings, and on Catherine’s, without the smallest consciousness
of having explained them.%
She went home very happy. The morning had answered all her hopes, and
the evening of the following day was now the object of expectation, the future
good. What gown and what head-dress she should wear on the occasion became
her chief concern. She cannot be justified in it. Dress is at all times a frivolous
distinction, and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim.
Catherine knew all this very well; her great aunt had read her a lecture on the
subject only the Christmas before; and yet she lay awake ten minutes on
Wednesday night debating between her spotted and her tamboured muslin, and
nothing but the shortness of the time prevented her buying a new one for the
evening. This would have been an error in judgment, great though not
uncommon, from which one of the other sex rather than her own, a brother
rather than a great aunt, might have warned her, for man only can be aware of
the insensibility of man towards a new gown. It would be mortifying to the
feelings of many ladies, could they be made to understand how little the heart of
Thesaurus
cotillion: (n) cotillon, ball. impassivity, trance. anxiety, thought, apprehension,
frivolous: (adj) empty, foolish, dizzy, parted: (adj) divided, separate, regard, attention, fear, disquietude,
petty, idle, light, flighty, distributed, separated, divisible, heed, fret. ANTONYMS: (n)
unimportant, flippant, trivial, disunited, compounder, compound, negligence, serenity, thoughtlessness.
superficial. ANTONYMS: (adj) dividable. uncommon: (adj) extraordinary,
important, solemn, worthwhile, vital, shortness: (n) lack, abruptness, peculiar, scarce, singular, strange,
weighty, staid, significant, sensible, brusqueness, curtness, briefness, special, exceptional, infrequent, odd,
responsible, crucial, heavy. shortage, conciseness, gruffness, unusual, unaccustomed.
insensibility: (n) callousness, curtailment, short, shortcoming. ANTONYMS: (adj) typical, usual,
hardness, indifference, dullness, ANTONYMS: (n) tallness, height, normal, familiar, poor, ordinary, bad,
stupidity, stupor, impassiveness, longness, wordiness, courtesy. imperfect, customary, accustomed,
coma, physical insensibility, solicitude: (n) care, consideration, frequent.
 Jane Austen 71

man is affected by what is costly or new in their attire; how little it is biased by
the texture of their muslin, and how unsusceptible of peculiar tenderness
towards the spotted, the sprigged, the mull, or the jackonet. Woman is fine for
her own satisfaction alone. No man will admire her the more, no woman will
like her the better for it. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former, and a
something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter.
But not one of these grave reflections troubled the tranquillity of Catherine.%
She entered the rooms on Thursday evening with feelings very different from
what had attended her thither the Monday before. She had then been exulting in
her engagement to Thorpe, and was now chiefly anxious to avoid his sight, lest
he should engage her again; for though she could not, dared not expect that Mr.
Tilney should ask her a third time to dance, her wishes, hopes, and plans all
centred in nothing less. Every young lady may feel for my heroine in this critical
moment, for every young lady has at some time or other known the same
agitation. All have been, or at least all have believed themselves to be, in danger
from the pursuit of someone whom they wished to avoid; and all have been
anxious for the attentions of someone whom they wished to please. As soon as
they were joined by the Thorpes, Catherine’s agony began; she fidgeted about if
John Thorpe came towards her, hid herself as much as possible from his view,
and when he spoke to her pretended not to hear him. The cotillions were over,
the country-dancing beginning, and she saw nothing of the Tilneys.
“Do not be frightened, my dear Catherine,” whispered Isabella, “but I am
really going to dance with your brother again. I declare positively it is quite
shocking. I tell him he ought to be ashamed of himself, but you and John must
keep us in countenance. Make haste, my dear creature, and come to us. John is
just walked off, but he will be back in a moment.”
Catherine had neither time nor inclination to answer. The others walked
away, John Thorpe was still in view, and she gave herself up for lost. That she
might not appear, however, to observe or expect him, she kept her eyes intently
fixed on her fan; and a self-condemnation for her folly, in supposing that among
such a crowd they should even meet with the Tilneys in any reasonable time, had

began: (v) Gan.
biased: (adj) slanted, partial, unfair,
skewed, coloured, predisposed,
prejudiced, jaundiced, subjective,
colored, bigoted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
neutral, fair, just, impartial, balanced,
innocent, objective, broadminded.
endearing: (adj) adorable, lovable,
lovely, charming, sweet, attractive,
engaging, pretty, winning, pleasant,
cute. ANTONYMS: (adj) despicable,
repellent, detestable, unpleasant.
Thesaurus
mull: (v) muse, meditate, ponder,
think, ruminate, reflect, cogitate,
speculate; (n) cape, headland,
foreland.
self-condemnation: (n) regret,
penitence, guilt.
shabbiness: (n) seediness, raggedness,
decrepitude, fragility, weakness,
inelegance, ruin, decay, collapse,
disrepair. ANTONYMS: (n) opulence,
strength, decency, elegance.
supposing: (adv) admitting,
conditionally, in case; (n)
supposition, conjecture, thought,
theory, assumption; (conj) although,
what if; (v) suppose.
thither: (adv) hither, whither, on that
point, in that respect, at that place, in
that location; (adj) further, ulterior,
remoter, succeeding, more distant.
unsusceptible: (adj) insusceptible,
callous, numb, obdurate, obstinate,
stoical, stubborn, stupid, unbending,
unfeeling, impenitent.
72 Northanger Abbey

just passed through her mind, when she suddenly found herself addressed and
again solicited to dance, by Mr. Tilney himself. With what sparkling eyes and
ready motion she granted his request, and with how pleasing a flutter of heart
she went with him to the set, may be easily imagined. To escape, and, as she
believed, so narrowly escape John Thorpe, and to be asked, so immediately on
his joining her, asked by Mr. Tilney, as if he had sought her on purpose! -- it did
not appear to her that life could supply any greater felicity.%
Scarcely had they worked themselves into the quiet possession of a place,
however, when her attention was claimed by John Thorpe, who stood behind
her. “Heyday, Miss Morland!” said he. “What is the meaning of this? I thought
you and I were to dance together.”
“I wonder you should think so, for you never asked me.”
“That is a good one, by Jove! I asked you as soon as I came into the room,
and I was just going to ask you again, but when I turned round, you were gone!
This is a cursed shabby trick! I only came for the sake of dancing with you, and I
firmly believe you were engaged to me ever since Monday. Yes; I remember, I
asked you while you were waiting in the lobby for your cloak. And here have I
been telling all my acquaintance that I was going to dance with the prettiest girl
in the room; and when they see you standing up with somebody else, they will
quiz me famously.”
“Oh, no; they will never think of me, after such a description as that.”
“By heavens, if they do not, I will kick them out of the room for blockheads.
What chap have you there?” Catherine satisfied his curiosity. “Tilney,” he
repeated. “Hum -- I do not know him. A good figure of a man; well put
together. Does he want a horse? Here is a friend of mine, Sam Fletcher, has got
one to sell that would suit anybody. A famous clever animal for the road -- only
forty guineas. I had fifty minds to buy it myself, for it is one of my maxims
always to buy a good horse when I meet with one; but it would not answer my
purpose, it would not do for the field. I would give any money for a real good
hunter. I have three now, the best that ever were backed. I would not take eight

Thesaurus
claimed: (adj) personal. heaven. sordid, ragged; (adj, v) frayed.
cloak: (n, v) veil, mask, camouflage, pleasing: (adj, n) acceptable; (adj) ANTONYMS: (adj) pristine, elegant,
wrap, masquerade, screen, pall; (n) amiable, lovable, amusing, attractive, opulent, honorable, decent, new,
cape; (v) conceal, dissemble, hide. gratifying, lovely, pleasant, neat, comfortable, tasteful, strong,
ANTONYMS: (v) reveal, uncloak, charming, delightful, inviting. respectful.
unmask; (n, v) uncover. ANTONYMS: (adj) unpleasant, solicited: (adj) requested.
flutter: (adj, n, v) bustle, flurry; (n, v) unwelcome, infuriating, sparkling: (adj, v) effervescent; (adj)
beat, palpitate, flap, wave, waver, disappointing, straight, hurtful, bright, brilliant, radiant, glittery,
quiver; (v) flit, flitter; (n) excitement. maddening, displeasing, discordant, bubbly, glittering, scintillating,
heavens: (n) firmament, heaven, sky, harsh, frustrating. shining, scintillant; (n) sparkle.
welkin, sphere, atmosphere, celestial shabby: (adj) poor, abject, mean, ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, dirty,
sphere, space, skies, area, vault of mangy, low, sorry, decrepit, worn, lifeless, lethargic.
 Jane Austen 73

hundred guineas for them. Fletcher and I mean to get a house in Leicestershire,
against the next season. It is so d -- uncomfortable, living at an inn.”%
This was the last sentence by which he could weary Catherine’s attention, for
he was just then borne off by the resistless pressure of a long string of passing
ladies. Her partner now drew near, and said, “That gentleman would have put
me out of patience, had he stayed with you half a minute longer. He has no
business to withdraw the attention of my partner from me. We have entered into
a contract of mutual agreeableness for the space of an evening, and all our
agreeableness belongs solely to each other for that time. Nobody can fasten
themselves on the notice of one, without injuring the rights of the other. I
consider a country-dance as an emblem of marriage. Fidelity and complaisance
are the principal duties of both; and those men who do not choose to dance or
marry themselves, have no business with the partners or wives of their
neighbours.”
“But they are such very different things!”
“ -- That you think they cannot be compared together.”
“To be sure not. People that marry can never part, but must go and keep
house together. People that dance only stand opposite each other in a long room
for half an hour.”
“And such is your definition of matrimony and dancing. Taken in that light
certainly, their resemblance is not striking; but I think I could place them in such
a view. You will allow, that in both, man has the advantage of choice, woman
only the power of refusal; that in both, it is an engagement between man and
woman, formed for the advantage of each; and that when once entered into, they
belong exclusively to each other till the moment of its dissolution; that it is their
duty, each to endeavour to give the other no cause for wishing that he or she had
bestowed themselves elsewhere, and their best interest to keep their own
imaginations from wandering towards the perfections of their neighbours, or
fancying that they should have been better off with anyone else. You will allow
all this?”

agreeableness: (n) agreeability,
compliance, complaisance,
compliancy, amenity, cordiality,
obligingness, disposition,
temperament, fitness, congruity.
ANTONYMS: (n) disagreeableness,
unkindness.
borne: (adj) weak, wanting, spoony,
soft, sappy, shallow, little, limited.
emblem: (n) flag, type, device,
allegory, character, crest, sign, badge,
figure, ensign, symbol.
Thesaurus
endeavour: (n) attempt, effort, pains, marriage ceremony, nuptials,
trial, try, enterprise, striving, endogamy, bigamy, intermixture,
contribution, braving; (v) exert, alloyage, exogamy, intermarriage; (n,
strive. v) wedlock.
fancying: (n) daydream, fantasy. neighbours: (n) neighborhood.
fasten: (adj, v) attach, fix, affix; (v) resistless: (adj) overpowering,
connect, bind, tie, tack, pin, stick, overwhelming, unquenchable,
clasp, anchor. ANTONYMS: (v) unconquerable, supine, invincible,
detach, undo, unlock, loosen, release, inextinguishable, indomitable,
open, disconnect, untie, separate, inactive, impregnable; (v) avoidless.
unscrew. ANTONYM: (adj) resistible.
matrimony: (n) wedding, union, wives: (n) woman.
74 Northanger Abbey

“Yes, to be sure, as you state it, all this sounds very well; but still they are so
very different. I cannot look upon them at all in the same light, nor think the
same duties belong to them.”%
“In one respect, there certainly is a difference. In marriage, the man is
supposed to provide for the support of the woman, the woman to make the
home agreeable to the man; he is to purvey, and she is to smile. But in dancing,
their duties are exactly changed; the agreeableness, the compliance are expected
from him, while she furnishes the fan and the lavender water. That, I suppose,
was the difference of duties which struck you, as rendering the conditions
incapable of comparison.”
“No, indeed, I never thought of that.”
“Then I am quite at a loss. One thing, however, I must observe. This
disposition on your side is rather alarming. You totally disallow any similarity
in the obligations; and may I not thence infer that your notions of the duties of
the dancing state are not so strict as your partner might wish? Have I not reason
to fear that if the gentleman who spoke to you just now were to return, or if any
other gentleman were to address you, there would be nothing to restrain you
from conversing with him as long as you chose?”
“Mr. Thorpe is such a very particular friend of my brother’s, that if he talks to
me, I must talk to him again; but there are hardly three young men in the room
besides him that I have any acquaintance with.”
“And is that to be my only security? Alas, alas!”
“Nay, I am sure you cannot have a better; for if I do not know anybody, it is
impossible for me to talk to them; and, besides, I do not want to talk to
anybody.”
“Now you have given me a security worth having; and I shall proceed with
courage. Do you find Bath as agreeable as when I had the honour of making the
inquiry before?”
“Yes, quite -- more so, indeed.”

disallow: (v) forbid, bar, deny,
prohibit, veto, outlaw, exclude,
proscribe, enjoin, decline,
disapprove. ANTONYMS: (v) allow,
accept, let, pass, approve.
disposition: (n) attitude, character,
disposal, tendency, predisposition,
inclination, propensity, bias,
arrangement, direction, aptitude.
infer: (v) deduce, guess, derive,
conclude, construe, imagine,
conjecture, gather, deduct; (adj, v)
Thesaurus
understand, imply. explanation.
lavender: (adj) lilac, purple, puce, light restrain: (adj, v) confine; (v) control,
purple, pale purple, indigo, rein, hold, curb, bind, contain,
chromatic; (adj, n) violet, amethyst; prevent, limit, repress; (n, v) check.
(n) shrub, genus Lavandula. ANTONYMS: (v) encourage,
purvey: (v) cater, furnish, provide, promote, unleash, impel, release,
victual, supply, find, store, render, intensify, increase, free, extend,
accommodate, deliver, get. express, support.
rendering: (n) interpretation, thence: (adv) therefore, thus,
translation, rendition, reading, therefrom, thereof, consequently,
representation, version, interpreting, then, so, thereafter, thenceforth,
depiction, execution, construction, since, on account of.
 Jane Austen 75

“More so! Take care, or you will forget to be tired of it at the proper time.
You ought to be tired at the end of six weeks.”%
“I do not think I should be tired, if I were to stay here six months.”
“Bath, compared with London, has little variety, and so everybody finds out
every year. ‘For six weeks, I allow Bath is pleasant enough; but beyond that, it is
the most tiresome place in the world.’ You would be told so by people of all
descriptions, who come regularly every winter, lengthen their six weeks into ten
or twelve, and go away at last because they can afford to stay no longer.”
“Well, other people must judge for themselves, and those who go to London
may think nothing of Bath. But I, who live in a small retired village in the
country, can never find greater sameness in such a place as this than in my own
home; for here are a variety of amusements, a variety of things to be seen and
done all day long, which I can know nothing of there.”
“You are not fond of the country.”
“Yes, I am. I have always lived there, and always been very happy. But
certainly there is much more sameness in a country life than in a Bath life. One
day in the country is exactly like another.”
“But then you spend your time so much more rationally in the country.”
“Do I?”
“Do you not?”
“I do not believe there is much difference.”
“Here you are in pursuit only of amusement all day long.”
“And so I am at home -- only I do not find so much of it. I walk about here,
and so I do there; but here I see a variety of people in every street, and there I can
only go and call on Mrs. Allen.”
Mr. Tilney was very much amused.
“Only go and call on Mrs. Allen!” he repeated. “What a picture of
intellectual poverty! However, when you sink into this abyss again, you will
have more to say. You will be able to talk of Bath, and of all that you did here.”

abyss: (n) gorge, ravine, chasm, gulf,
deep, purgatory, depth, hell, gap,
Gehenna, pit. ANTONYMS: (n)
junction, juncture.
descriptions: (n) images.
lengthen: (adj, v) elongate; (v) enlarge, reasonably, sensibly, practically.
prolong, draw, draw out, increase,
expand, stretch, protract, continue,
drag out. ANTONYMS: (v) clip,
curtail.
pursuit: (n) quest, hunt, search,
persecution, chase, career, interest,
Thesaurus
job, business, performance,
employment.
rationally: (adv) logically, sanely,
judiciously, wisely, coherently,
sagaciously, lucidly, justly,
ANTONYMS: (adv) irrationally,
illogically, emotionally, foolishly,
unconvincingly, unreasonably.
sameness: (n) equality, resemblance,
monotony, similarity, identicalness,
parity, unvariedness, oneness,
likeness, dullness, tedium.
ANTONYMS: (n) variety, variation,
uniqueness, inconsistency, contrast,
variability.
tiresome: (adj) tedious, dull, laborious,
irksome, monotonous, annoying,
slow, dreary, bothersome; (adj, v)
wearisome, troublesome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stimulating, fun,
varied, soothing, pleasant, brisk,
exciting, convenient, refreshing.
76 Northanger Abbey

“Oh! Yes. I shall never be in want of something to talk of again to Mrs.

Allen, or anybody else. I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath, when I
am at home again -- I do like it so very much. If I could but have Papa and
Mamma, and the rest of them here, I suppose I should be too happy! James’s
coming (my eldest brother) is quite delightful -- and especially as it turns out that
the very family we are just got so intimate with are his intimate friends already.
Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”
“Not those who bring such fresh feelings of every sort to it as you do. But
papas and mammas, and brothers, and intimate friends are a good deal gone by,
to most of the frequenters of Bath -- and the honest relish of balls and plays, and
everyday sights, is past with them.” Here their conversation closed, the
demands of the dance becoming now too importunate for a divided attention.%
Soon after their reaching the bottom of the set, Catherine perceived herself to
be earnestly regarded by a gentleman who stood among the lookers-on,
immediately behind her partner. He was a very handsome man, of a
commanding aspect, past the bloom, but not past the vigour of life; and with his
eye still directed towards her, she saw him presently address Mr. Tilney in a
familiar whisper. Confused by his notice, and blushing from the fear of its being
excited by something wrong in her appearance, she turned away her head. But
while she did so, the gentleman retreated, and her partner, coming nearer, said,
“I see that you guess what I have just been asked. That gentleman knows your
name, and you have a right to know his. It is General Tilney, my father.”
Catherine’s answer was only “Oh!” -- but it was an “Oh!” expressing
everything needful: attention to his words, and perfect reliance on their truth.
With real interest and strong admiration did her eye now follow the general, as
he moved through the crowd, and “How handsome a family they are!” was her
secret remark.
In chatting with Miss Tilney before the evening concluded, a new source of
felicity arose to her. She had never taken a country walk since her arrival in
Bath. Miss Tilney, to whom all the commonly frequented environs were familiar,
spoke of them in terms which made her all eagerness to know them too; and on

Thesaurus
bloom: (adj, n, v) flower; (v) prosper, imposing, ascendant, compelling, relish: (n, v) enjoy, fancy, love; (n)
flourish, thrive, burgeon; (adj, v) magnificent; (adj, n) grand, gusto, liking, palate, enthusiasm,
blow, fructify; (n) prime, blush, flush, impressive; (adv) commandingly. enjoyment; (adj, n) flavor; (v) bask,
bud. ANTONYMS: (v) shrivel, ANTONYMS: (adj) inferior, like. ANTONYM: (n) apathy.
struggle, wane, die, deteriorate, unassertive, indecisive, retreated: (adj) withdrawn, people.
decrease; (n) pallor, withering. unimpressive, insignificant, vigour: (n) force, strength, vigor,
blushing: (adj) rosy, coy, blushful, subservient. energy, power, potency, vim, vitality,
flushed, red, shy, bashful, needful: (adj) necessary, essential, athleticism, verve, intensity.
overmodest, ruddy; (adv) blushingly, indispensable, required, needed, whisper: (n, v) murmur, hum,
ablush. ANTONYM: (adj) pale. mandatory, exigent, needy; (adj, v) mumble, suggestion, hint, inkling; (v)
commanding: (adj) imperative, requisite; (n) necessity, almighty breathe, hiss; (n) rustle, trace, breath.
imperious, peremptory, bossy, dollar. ANTONYM: (n) information.
 Jane Austen 77

her openly fearing that she might find nobody to go with her, it was proposed by
the brother and sister that they should join in a walk, some morning or other. “I
shall like it,” she cried, “beyond anything in the world; and do not let us put it
off -- let us go tomorrow.” This was readily agreed to, with only a proviso of
Miss Tilney’s, that it did not rain, which Catherine was sure it would not. At
twelve o’clock, they were to call for her in Pulteney Street; and “Remember --
twelve o’clock,” was her parting speech to her new friend. Of her other, her
older, her more established friend, Isabella, of whose fidelity and worth she had
enjoyed a fortnight’s experience, she scarcely saw anything during the evening.
Yet, though longing to make her acquainted with her happiness, she cheerfully
submitted to the wish of Mr. Allen, which took them rather early away, and her
spirits danced within her, as she danced in her chair all the way home.%

cheerfully: (adj, adv) gladly; (adv, v)
happily; (adv) merrily, readily,
brightly, jovially, cheerily, genially,
chirpily, lively, blithely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) bleakly, dismally,
grimly, sullenly, unhappily,
somberly, sadly, grudgingly,
gloomily, dourly, forlornly.
fidelity: (n) constancy, devotion,
faithfulness, adherence, allegiance,
loyalty, faith, dedication, exactness;
(adj, n) honesty, truth. ANTONYMS:
Thesaurus
(n) infidelity, unfaithfulness,
disloyalty, inaccuracy, faithlessness,
dishonesty, unreliability.
longing: (n, v) desire, aspiration; (adj)
eager, wistful, nostalgic; (n) nostalgia,
wish, hankering, urge, appetite; (adj,
n) yearning. ANTONYMS: (n)
apathy, disinclination; (adj) satisfied,
unconcerned.
parting: (n) adieu, division, leave,
departure, disunion, goodbye,
leaving, segregation, dying, rupture;
(adj) valedictory. ANTONYMS: (n)
joining, meeting, connection,
Reunion.
proviso: (n) provision, reservation,
clause, requirement, limitation, rider,
restriction, stipulation, terms,
preparation, exception.
scarcely: (adv) narrowly, rarely,
hardly, just, scarce, uncommonly,
insufficiently, scantily, scantly, only
just, seldom. ANTONYMS: (adv)
easily, liberally.
 Jane Austen 79

CHAPTER 11

The morrow brought a very sober-looking morning, the sun making only a
few efforts to appear, and Catherine augured from it everything most favourable
to her wishes. A bright morning so early in the year, she allowed, would
generally turn to rain, but a cloudy one foretold improvement as the day
advanced. She applied to Mr. Allen for confirmation of her hopes, but Mr.
Allen, not having his own skies and barometer about him, declined giving any
absolute promise of sunshine. She applied to Mrs. Allen, and Mrs. Allen’s
opinion was more positive. “She had no doubt in the world of its being a very
fine day, if the clouds would only go off, and the sun keep out.”
At about eleven o’clock, however, a few specks of small rain upon the
windows caught Catherine’s watchful eye, and “Oh! dear, I do believe it will be
wet,” broke from her in a most desponding tone.%
“I thought how it would be,” said Mrs. Allen.
“No walk for me today,” sighed Catherine; “but perhaps it may come to
nothing, or it may hold up before twelve.”
“Perhaps it may, but then, my dear, it will be so dirty.”
“Oh! That will not signify; I never mind dirt.”
“No,” replied her friend very placidly, “I know you never mind dirt.”

barometer: (n) baroscope, aeroscope,
barograph, aneroid barometer,
standard, aerometer, gauge, norm,
trial balloon, weather station; (v)
glass.
clouds: (n) exhaust, fumes, gas, smoke,
vapors.
cloudy: (adj) dull, gloomy, nebulous,
murky, dark, turbid, foggy, muddy,
misty, sunless, vaporous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) clear, bright,
sunny, cloudless.
Thesaurus
confirmation: (n) ratification, skies: (n) heavens, firmament,
approval, corroboration, testimony, expanse.
sanction, demonstration, agreement, sunshine: (n) sunlight, sun, day, light,
authentication, check, endorsement, fair weather, gladness, shine, glee,
evidence. ANTONYMS: (n) opposite, sunbeam, delight, brightness.
question, repudiation, retraction, watchful: (adj) alert, observant,
withdrawal, condemnation, denial. careful, cautious, wary, attentive,
declined: (adj) less. wakeful, mindful, circumspect,
desponding: (adj) despairing, sleepless, awake. ANTONYMS: (adj)
despondent. inattentive, negligent, oblivious,
morrow: (n) morning, future, mean forgetful, careless, asleep, trusting,
solar day, day. unprepared, reckless.
80 Northanger Abbey

After a short pause, “It comes on faster and faster!” said Catherine, as she
stood watching at a window.%
“So it does indeed. If it keeps raining, the streets will be very wet.”
“There are four umbrellas up already. How I hate the sight of an umbrella!”
“They are disagreeable things to carry. I would much rather take a chair at
any time.”
“It was such a nice-looking morning! I felt so convinced it would be dry!”
“Anybody would have thought so indeed. There will be very few people in
the pump-room, if it rains all the morning. I hope Mr. Allen will put on his
greatcoat when he goes, but I dare say he will not, for he had rather do anything
in the world than walk out in a greatcoat; I wonder he should dislike it, it must
be so comfortable.”
The rain continued -- fast, though not heavy. Catherine went every five
minutes to the clock, threatening on each return that, if it still kept on raining
another five minutes, she would give up the matter as hopeless. The clock
struck twelve, and it still rained. “You will not be able to go, my dear.”
“I do not quite despair yet. I shall not give it up till a quarter after twelve.
This is just the time of day for it to clear up, and I do think it looks a little lighter.
There, it is twenty minutes after twelve, and now I shall give it up entirely. Oh!
That we had such weather here as they had at Udolpho, or at least in Tuscany
and the south of France! -- the night that poor St. Aubin died! -- such beautiful
weather!”
At half past twelve, when Catherine’s anxious attention to the weather was
over and she could no longer claim any merit from its amendment, the sky began
voluntarily to clear. A gleam of sunshine took her quite by surprise; she looked
round; the clouds were parting, and she instantly returned to the window to
watch over and encourage the happy appearance. Ten minutes more made it
certain that a bright afternoon would succeed, and justified the opinion of Mrs.
Allen, who had “always thought it would clear up.” But whether Catherine

dislike: (n) disapproval, disaffection,
antipathy, disdain, disfavor,
revulsion; (n, v) hate, disinclination,
aversion, distaste; (v) detest.
ANTONYMS: (n) liking, fondness,
taste, attraction, enjoyment,
preference, longing; (v) like, enjoy,
approve, adore.
faster: (adv) sooner, fleet, swift, quick, optimistic, encouraging, helpful,
express, earlier.
gleam: (n, v) glance, beam, blaze,
shine, glimmer, glow, flash, flicker,
Thesaurus
sparkle, glitter; (v) twinkle. handsome.
greatcoat: (n) coat, topcoat, capote, raining: (adj) rainy, showery, drizzly;
chesterfield, surcoat, Ulster. (n) woe. ANTONYM: (adj) dry.
hopeless: (adj) incurable, despondent, rains: (n) wet.
forlorn, disconsolate, desperate, voluntarily: (adv) spontaneously,
impossible, useless, abject, despair, willingly, intentionally, willfully,
dismal, irreparable. ANTONYMS: volunteerly, deliberately,
(adj) cheerful, competent, promising, gratuitously, readily, optionally,
independently, unforcedly.
useful, successful, practical, laudable, ANTONYMS: (adv) obligatory,
effective. reluctantly, forced, grudgingly,
nice-looking: (adj) neat, attractive, unwillingly.
 Jane Austen 81

might still expect her friends, whether there had not been too much rain for Miss
Tilney to venture, must yet be a question.%
It was too dirty for Mrs. Allen to accompany her husband to the pump-room;
he accordingly set off by himself, and Catherine had barely watched him down
the street when her notice was claimed by the approach of the same two open
carriages, containing the same three people that had surprised her so much a
few mornings back.
“Isabella, my brother, and Mr. Thorpe, I declare! They are coming for me
perhaps -- but I shall not go -- I cannot go indeed, for you know Miss Tilney may
still call.” Mrs. Allen agreed to it. John Thorpe was soon with them, and his
voice was with them yet sooner, for on the stairs he was calling out to Miss
Morland to be quick. “Make haste! Make haste!” as he threw open the door.
“Put on your hat this moment -- there is no time to be lost -- we are going to
Bristol. How d’ye do, Mrs. Allen?”
“To Bristol! Is not that a great way off? But, however, I cannot go with you
today, because I am engaged; I expect some friends every moment.” This was of
course vehemently talked down as no reason at all; Mrs. Allen was called on to
second him, and the two others walked in, to give their assistance. “My sweetest
Catherine, is not this delightful? We shall have a most heavenly drive. You are
to thank your brother and me for the scheme; it darted into our heads at
breakfast-time, I verily believe at the same instant; and we should have been off
two hours ago if it had not been for this detestable rain. But it does not signify,
the nights are moonlight, and we shall do delightfully. Oh! I am in such
ecstasies at the thoughts of a little country air and quiet! So much better than
going to the Lower Rooms. We shall drive directly to Clifton and dine there;
and, as soon as dinner is over, if there is time for it, go on to Kingsweston.”
“I doubt our being able to do so much,” said Morland.
“You croaking fellow!” cried Thorpe. “We shall be able to do ten times
more. Kingsweston! Aye, and Blaize Castle too, and anything else we can hear
of; but here is your sister says she will not go.”

Thesaurus
containing: (adj) including, detestable: (adj) hateful, abhorrent, moonshiny.
comprehensive. damnable, odious, offensive, nights: (adj) nightly; (n) night.
croaking: (adj) hollow, raucous, despicable, execrable, horrible, vehemently: (adj, adv) ardently; (adv)
sepulchral, dry, cacophonic, harsh, infamous; (adj, v) cursed; (adj, adv) violently, zealously, strongly,
guttural, gruff, croaky, cacophonous, atrocious. ANTONYMS: (adj) fervently, passionately, ferociously,
husky. admirable, adorable, sweet, loveable, fervidly, keenly, intensely, furiously.
declare: (v) advertise, assert, allege, lovable, likable, delightful, cherished, ANTONYMS: (adv) feebly, gently,
attest, aver, admit, acknowledge, honorable, desirable, nice. impassively.
proclaim, avow; (n, v) affirm, say. moonlight: (adj, n) moonshine; (n) verily: (adj, adv) really; (adv) indeed, in
ANTONYMS: (v) conceal, revoke, moonbeam, moonglade, occupation, reality, genuinely, quitely, actually,
suppress, retract, repress, disclaim, lunation, lunar month, labor; (n, v) selfly, truely, identically, exactly;
withhold, request, refute, block. work; (v) pilfer, do work; (adj) (adv, int) in truth.
82 Northanger Abbey

“Blaize Castle!” cried Catherine. “What is that’?”

“The finest place in England -- worth going fifty miles at any time to see.”
“What, is it really a castle, an old castle?”
“The oldest in the kingdom.”
“But is it like what one reads of?”
“Exactly -- the very same.”
“But now really -- are there towers and long galleries?”
“By dozens.”
“Then I should like to see it; but I cannot -- I cannot go.%
“Not go! My beloved creature, what do you mean’?”
“I cannot go, because” -- looking down as she spoke, fearful of Isabella’s
smile -- “I expect Miss Tilney and her brother to call on me to take a country
walk. They promised to come at twelve, only it rained; but now, as it is so fine, I
dare say they will be here soon.”
“Not they indeed,” cried Thorpe; “for, as we turned into Broad Street, I saw
them -- does he not drive a phaeton with bright chestnuts?”
“I do not know indeed.”
“Yes, I know he does; I saw him. You are talking of the man you danced with
last night, are not you?”
“Yes.
“Well, I saw him at that moment turn up the Lansdown Road, driving a
smart-looking girl.”
“Did you indeed?”
“Did upon my soul; knew him again directly, and he seemed to have got
some very pretty cattle too.”
“It is very odd! But I suppose they thought it would be too dirty for a walk.”

Thesaurus
beloved: (adj, n) dear, darling, fearful: (adj, n) afraid; (adj, v) dreadful, cream.
favorite, pet; (adj) precious, loved, cowardly; (adj) terrible, oldest: (n) elder, doyen; (adj) older.
cherished; (n) love, dearest, honey, apprehensive, awful, timid, anxious, phaeton: (n) coach, tourer, automobile,
sweetheart. ANTONYMS: (adj) craven, frightful, eerie. ANTONYMS: chariot, holidaymaker, car, machine,
detested, despised, disliked. (adj) rational, calm, confident, bold, auto, touring car, motorcar.
cattle: (n) stock, cows, neat, bull, beef, unimpressed, charming, fearless, soul: (n) creature, human, person,
bovine, livestock, ox, kine, cow, oxen. courageous, reassuring, unafraid, personification, ghost, individual,
dare: (n, v) venture; (v) defy, brave, wonderful. mind, essence, life, self; (adj, n) heart.
hazard, confront, risk, resist, make finest: (adj, n) elite; (adj) top, select, ANTONYMS: (n) surface, body.
bold; (n) adventure, daring, defiance. excellent, most favorable, most towers: (n) edifice.
ANTONYMS: (v) avoid, flee, pass, excellent, most advantageous, twelve: (adj, n) dozen, XII; (n) boxcars,
refrain, retreat, obey. exclusive, classic, best possible; (n) large integer.
 Jane Austen 83

“And well they might, for I never saw so much dirt in my life. Walk! You
could no more walk than you could fly! It has not been so dirty the whole
winter; it is ankle-deep everywhere.”
Isabella corroborated it: “My dearest Catherine, you cannot form an idea of
the dirt; come, you must go; you cannot refuse going now.”
“I should like to see the castle; but may we go all over it? May we go up
every staircase, and into every suite of rooms?”
“Yes, yes, every hole and corner.”
“But then, if they should only be gone out for an hour till it is dryer, and call
by and by?”
“Make yourself easy, there is no danger of that, for I heard Tilney hallooing
to a man who was just passing by on horseback, that they were going as far as
Wick Rocks.”
“Then I will. Shall I go, Mrs. Allen?”
“Just as you please, my dear.”
“Mrs. Allen, you must persuade her to go,” was the general cry. Mrs. Allen
was not inattentive to it: “Well, my dear,” said she, “suppose you go.” And in
two minutes they were off.%
Catherine’s feelings, as she got into the carriage, were in a very unsettled
state; divided between regret for the loss of one great pleasure, and the hope of
soon enjoying another, almost its equal in degree, however unlike in kind. She
could not think the Tilneys had acted quite well by her, in so readily giving up
their engagement, without sending her any message of excuse. It was now but
an hour later than the time fixed on for the beginning of their walk; and, in spite
of what she had heard of the prodigious accumulation of dirt in the course of
that hour, she could not from her own observation help thinking that they might
have gone with very little inconvenience. To feel herself slighted by them was
very painful. On the other hand, the delight of exploring an edifice like
Udolpho, as her fancy represented Blaize Castle to be, was such a counterpoise
of good as might console her for almost anything.
Thesaurus
console: (v) cheer, soothe, quiet, countervail; (adj) ballast. heedless, careless, not regarded,
relieve, reassure, encourage; (n, v) dryer: (n) drier, tumble dryer, drying offended, regardless, upset.
solace; (n) cabinet, allay, control machine, siccative, hairdryer, dried, unsettled: (adj) changeable,
console, control panel. ANTONYMS: drying agent, hair dryer, kiln, undecided, doubtful, uneasy,
(v) hurt, discourage, grieve, sadden, appliance, clothes dryer. outstanding, variable, unpaid,
distress, dispirit, dishearten, upset. edifice: (n) building, structure, house, unresolved; (adj, v) unfixed,
corroborated: (adj) corroborate, hall, fabric, aviary, bagnio, indefinite, undetermined.
substantiated, verified. bathhouse, abattoir, bawdyhouse, ANTONYMS: (adj) confident,
counterpoise: (n) balance, clubhouse. definite, decided, well, sure, happy,
equilibration, poise, equilibrium, exploring: (adj) indagative, emissary, constant, conclusive, certain, calmed,
equipoise; (n, v) counterweight; (v) excursive. calm.
offset, counteract, compensate, slighted: (adj) hurt, injured, insulted,
84 Northanger Abbey

They passed briskly down Pulteney Street, and through Laura Place, without
the exchange of many words. Thorpe talked to his horse, and she meditated, by
turns, on broken promises and broken arches, phaetons and false hangings,
Tilneys and trap-doors. As they entered Argyle Buildings, however, she was
roused by this address from her companion, “Who is that girl who looked at you
so hard as she went by?”%
“Who? Where?”
“On the right-hand pavement -- she must be almost out of sight now.”
Catherine looked round and saw Miss Tilney leaning on her brother’s arm,
walking slowly down the street. She saw them both looking back at her. “Stop,
stop, Mr. Thorpe,” she impatiently cried; “it is Miss Tilney; it is indeed. How
could you tell me they were gone? Stop, stop, I will get out this moment and go
to them.” But to what purpose did she speak? Thorpe only lashed his horse into
a brisker trot; the Tilneys, who had soon ceased to look after her, were in a
moment out of sight round the corner of Laura Place, and in another moment she
was herself whisked into the marketplace. Still, however, and during the length
of another street, she entreated him to stop. “Pray, pray stop, Mr. Thorpe. I
cannot go on. I will not go on. I must go back to Miss Tilney.” But Mr. Thorpe
only laughed, smacked his whip, encouraged his horse, made odd noises, and
drove on; and Catherine, angry and vexed as she was, having no power of
getting away, was obliged to give up the point and submit. Her reproaches,
however, were not spared. “How could you deceive me so, Mr. Thorpe? How
could you say that you saw them driving up the Lansdown Road? I would not
have had it happen so for the world. They must think it so strange, so rude of
me! To go by them, too, without saying a word! You do not know how vexed I
am; I shall have no pleasure at Clifton, nor in anything else. I had rather, ten
thousand times rather, get out now, and walk back to them. How could you say
you saw them driving out in a phaeton?” Thorpe defended himself very stoutly,
declared he had never seen two men so much alike in his life, and would hardly
give up the point of its having been Tilney himself.

Thesaurus
briskly: (adv) busily, energetically, watched over, secure, sacred. place, marts.
vigorously, quickly, freshly, actively, hangings: (n) long curtains. stoutly: (adv) sturdily, robustly,
sharply, rapidly, vividly, brightly, impatiently: (adv) petulantly, strongly, solidly, lustily, vigorously,
merrily. ANTONYMS: (adv) restlessly, keenly, intolerantly, toughly, resolutely, stockily, portly,
seriously, laboriously, civilly, hastily, avidly, uneasily, obstinately. ANTONYM: (adv) feebly.
pleasantly, languorously. enthusiastically, edgily, fidgetily, trot: (n, v) run; (n) crib, canter, pony,
deceive: (v) cheat, circumvent, restively. ANTONYMS: (adv) gait, ride, lope; (v) gallop, general,
bamboozle, pretend, hoax, fool, uncomplainingly, calmly, frequent, household.
cozen, trick, beguile; (n, v) dupe; (n) unenthusiastically, lightly. whip: (n, v) lash, strap, goad; (v) flog,
fraud. ANTONYMS: (v) guide, marketplace: (n) bazaar, market-place, flagellate, beat, punish, thrash,
inform, undeceive, protect. grocery, bazar, forum, agora, mart, trounce, stir, wallop. ANTONYMS:
defended: (adj) shielded, secured, grocery store, marketplaces, market (v) lose, return.
 Jane Austen 85

Their drive, even when this subject was over, was not likely to be very
agreeable. Catherine’s complaisance was no longer what it had been in their
former airing. She listened reluctantly, and her replies were short. Blaize Castle
remained her only comfort; towards that, she still looked at intervals with
pleasure; though rather than be disappointed of the promised walk, and
especially rather than be thought ill of by the Tilneys, she would willingly have
given up all the happiness which its walls could supply -- the happiness of a
progress through a long suite of lofty rooms, exhibiting the remains of
magnificent furniture, though now for many years deserted -- the happiness of
being stopped in their way along narrow, winding vaults, by a low, grated door;
or even of having their lamp, their only lamp, extinguished by a sudden gust of
wind, and of being left in total darkness. In the meanwhile, they proceeded on
their journey without any mischance, and were within view of the town of
Keynsham, when a halloo from Morland, who was behind them, made his friend
pull up, to know what was the matter. The others then came close enough for
conversation, and Morland said, “We had better go back, Thorpe; it is too late to
go on today; your sister thinks so as well as I. We have been exactly an hour
coming from Pulteney Street, very little more than seven miles; and, I suppose,
we have at least eight more to go. It will never do. We set out a great deal too
late. We had much better put it off till another day, and turn round.”
“It is all one to me,” replied Thorpe rather angrily; and instantly turning his
horse, they were on their way back to Bath.%
“If your brother had not got such a d -- beast to drive,” said he soon
afterwards, “we might have done it very well. My horse would have trotted to
Clifton within the hour, if left to himself, and I have almost broke my arm with
pulling him in to that cursed broken-winded jade’s pace. Morland is a fool for
not keeping a horse and gig of his own.”
“No, he is not,” said Catherine warmly, “for I am sure he could not afford it.”
“And why cannot he afford it?”
“Because he has not money enough.”

airing: (n, v) drive, ride, outing; (n)
aeration, stroll, saunter, walk,
expedition, improvement, turn,
journey.
exhibiting: (n) advertising; (adj)
exhibitory, ostensive.
extinguished: (adj) extinct, out, dead,
quenched, allayed, destroyed; (n)
defunctness, complete annihilation,
experimental extinction,
extermination, extinction.
grated: (v) areolar, streaked; (adj)
Thesaurus
barred.
gust: (n) eruption, flurry, blow, blast,
puff, flare, explosion, gale, storm,
breeze; (adj, n) whiff.
halloo: (n, v) whoop; (v) squall, yell,
shout, call to, incite, roar; (int) hollo,
hello; (n) loo, vociferation.
lofty: (adj, v) high, elevated; (adj)
exalted, eminent, arrogant, grand,
tall, haughty, great, distinguished,
majestic. ANTONYMS: (adj) short,
lowly, base, modest, deferential,
humble.
mischance: (n) calamity, mishap,
disaster, accident, ill luck, bad luck,
misfortune, adversity, affliction, luck,
chance.
willingly: (adv) readily, voluntarily,
cheerfully, spontaneously, helpfully,
disposedly, actively, openly,
obligingly, eagerly; (adj, adv) freely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) grudgingly,
reluctantly, uncooperatively,
unenthusiastically.
86 Northanger Abbey

“And whose fault is that?”

“Nobody’s, that I know of.” Thorpe then said something in the loud,
incoherent way to which he had often recourse, about its being a d -- thing to be
miserly; and that if people who rolled in money could not afford things, he did
not know who could, which Catherine did not even endeavour to understand.
Disappointed of what was to have been the consolation for her first
disappointment, she was less and less disposed either to be agreeable herself or
to find her companion so; and they returned to Pulteney Street without her
speaking twenty words.%
As she entered the house, the footman told her that a gentleman and lady
had called and inquired for her a few minutes after her setting off; that, when he
told them she was gone out with Mr. Thorpe, the lady had asked whether any
message had been left for her; and on his saying no, had felt for a card, but said
she had none about her, and went away. Pondering over these heart-rending
tidings, Catherine walked slowly upstairs. At the head of them she was met by
Mr. Allen, who, on hearing the reason of their speedy return, said, “I am glad
your brother had so much sense; I am glad you are come back. It was a strange,
wild scheme.”
They all spent the evening together at Thorpe’s. Catherine was disturbed
and out of spirits; but Isabella seemed to find a pool of commerce, in the fate of
which she shared, by private partnership with Morland, a very good equivalent
for the quiet and country air of an inn at Clifton. Her satisfaction, too, in not
being at the Lower Rooms was spoken more than once. “How I pity the poor
creatures that are going there! How glad I am that I am not amongst them! I
wonder whether it will be a full ball or not! They have not begun dancing yet. I
would not be there for all the world. It is so delightful to have an evening now
and then to oneself. I dare say it will not be a very good ball. I know the
Mitchells will not be there. I am sure I pity everybody that is. But I dare say, Mr.
Morland, you long to be at it, do not you? I am sure you do. Well, pray do not
let anybody here be a restraint on you. I dare say we could do very well without
you; but you men think yourselves of such consequence.”

footman: (n) attendant, butler,
follower, flunkey, flunky, varlet,
servitor, valet de chambre, boy,
knave; (n, v) lackey.
heart-rending: (adj) heartbreaking,
poignant, pathetic, harrowing,
grievous, dolorous, pitiful, plaintive, adv) niggardly; (adv) ungenerous.
tragic, sad, sorrowful.
incoherent: (adj) disjointed,
disconnected, delirious, rambling,
confused, disordered, incompatible,
wandering, muddled, inconsistent,
Thesaurus
contradictory. ANTONYMS: (adj) haven, asylum, request.
clear, articulate, eloquent, intelligible, speedy: (adj, v) rapid, prompt, fleet,
lucid, sound, concise, consistent. swift; (adj) fast, agile, ready,
miserly: (adj) mean, close, immediate, cursory, hurried, brisk.
parsimonious, closefisted, grasping, ANTONYMS: (adj) leisurely,
mingy, tight, measly, penurious; (adj, plodding.
tidings: (n) intelligence, information,
ANTONYMS: (adj) extravagant, message, report, word, advice,
graceful. communication, dispute, wind,
recourse: (n, v) appeal, haunt; (n) statement, tiding.
refuge, expedient, resource, yourselves: (pron) themselves, myself,
assistance, alternative, dependence, herself.
 Jane Austen 87

Catherine could almost have accused Isabella of being wanting in tenderness

towards herself and her sorrows, so very little did they appear to dwell on her
mind, and so very inadequate was the comfort she offered. “Do not be so dull,
my dearest creature,” she whispered. “You will quite break my heart. It was
amazingly shocking, to be sure; but the Tilneys were entirely to blame. Why
were not they more punctual? It was dirty, indeed, but what did that signify? I
am sure John and I should not have minded it. I never mind going through
anything, where a friend is concerned; that is my disposition, and John is just the
same; he has amazing strong feelings. Good heavens! What a delightful hand
you have got! Kings, I vow! I never was so happy in my life! I would fifty times
rather you should have them than myself.”
And now I may dismiss my heroine to the sleepless couch, which is the true
heroine’s portion; to a pillow strewed with thorns and wet with tears. And lucky
may she think herself, if she get another good night’s rest in the course of the
next three months.%

Thesaurus
couch: (n) bed, sofa, settee, divan; (adj, punctilious, prompt, timely, definite, decent, excellent.
v) lie; (v) express, put, frame, lower, rigorous, precise, nice, mathematical; sleepless: (adj) insomniac, lidless,
repose; (adj) recline. (adj, v) regular. ANTONYMS: (adj) vigilant, wakeful, awake, watchful,
dwell: (adj, v) inhabit; (v) reside, bide, early, unpunctual, slow. disturbed, alert, unquiet, uneasy,
live, stay, lodge, delay, occupy, shocking: (adj) frightful, shameful, restive.
continue, be, settle. ANTONYM: (v) formidable, ghastly, horrible, strewed: (v) besprent, sprinkled over.
wander. hideous, disgraceful, disgusting, tenderness: (n) fondness, soreness,
minded: (prep) inclined; (adj, prep) scandalous; (adj, v) offensive, love, affection, sympathy; (adj, n)
disposed; (adj) willing, apt, ready, abominable. ANTONYMS: (adj) clemency, mildness, compassion,
prone, orientated, favorable, admirable, delightful, pleasing, gentleness, softness, delicacy.
oriented, prepared, partial. lovely, comforting, honorable, ANTONYMS: (n) pleasure, dryness,
punctual: (adj) accurate, exact, wonderful, bland, inoffensive, hatred, strength, detachment.
 Jane Austen 89

CHAPTER 12

“Mrs. Allen,” said Catherine the next morning, “will there be any harm in my
calling on Miss Tilney today? I shall not be easy till I have explained
everything.”%
“Go, by all means, my dear; only put on a white gown; Miss Tilney always
wears white.”
Catherine cheerfully complied, and being properly equipped, was more
impatient than ever to be at the pump-room, that she might inform herself of
General Tilneys lodgings, for though she believed they were in Milsom Street,
she was not certain of the house, and Mrs. Allen’s wavering convictions only
made it more doubtful. To Milsom Street she was directed, and having made
herself perfect in the number, hastened away with eager steps and a beating
heart to pay her visit, explain her conduct, and be forgiven; tripping lightly
through the church-yard, and resolutely turning away her eyes, that she might
not be obliged to see her beloved Isabella and her dear family, who, she had
reason to believe, were in a shop hard by. She reached the house without any
impediment, looked at the number, knocked at the door, and inquired for Miss
Tilney. The man believed Miss Tilney to be at home, but was not quite certain.
Would she be pleased to send up her name? She gave her card. In a few minutes
the servant returned, and with a look which did not quite confirm his words,

Thesaurus
forgiven: (v) conciliatory, placable. lodgings: (n) digs, accommodation, lightsome, readable, swinging,
impatient: (adj) eager, anxious, domiciliation, lodging, billet, swingy, nimble, lilting, light, fluent;
petulant, fidgety, vexed, keen, edgy, housing, quarters, residence, pad, (v) failing.
quick, avid, irritable, fretful. living quarters, launchpad. wavering: (adj, v) vacillating; (n)
ANTONYMS: (adj) patient, enduring, resolutely: (adv) determinedly, fluctuation, hesitation, vacillation;
unenthusiastic, calm, happy, relaxed, decidedly, steadfastly, decisively, (adj) irresolute, indecisive,
slow. unfalteringly, boldly, steadily, undecided, hesitant, uncertain,
impediment: (n, v) hindrance, check, stubbornly, definitely, resolvedly, variable, changeable. ANTONYMS:
difficulty, delay; (n) bar, hitch, unwaveringly. ANTONYMS: (adv) (adj) decided, constant, resolute,
barrier, obstruction, drawback, irresolutely, indecisively, uncertainly, stable, decisive; (n) resolution,
encumbrance, block. ANTONYMS: feebly, hesitantly, aimlessly. stability.
(n) benefit, boost, incentive, strength. tripping: (adj) easy, flowing,
90 Northanger Abbey

said he had been mistaken, for that Miss Tilney was walked out. Catherine, with
a blush of mortification, left the house. She felt almost persuaded that Miss
Tilney was at home, and too much offended to admit her; and as she retired
down the street, could not withhold one glance at the drawing-room windows,
in expectation of seeing her there, but no one appeared at them. At the bottom of
the street, however, she looked back again, and then, not at a window, but
issuing from the door, she saw Miss Tilney herself. She was followed by a
gentleman, whom Catherine believed to be her father, and they turned up
towards Edgar’s Buildings. Catherine, in deep mortification, proceeded on her
way. She could almost be angry herself at such angry incivility; but she checked
the resentful sensation; she remembered her own ignorance. She knew not how
such an offence as hers might be classed by the laws of worldly politeness, to
what a degree of unforgivingness it might with propriety lead, nor to what
rigours of rudeness in return it might justly make her amenable.%
Dejected and humbled, she had even some thoughts of not going with the
others to the theatre that night; but it must be confessed that they were not of
long continuance, for she soon recollected, in the first place, that she was without
any excuse for staying at home; and, in the second, that it was a play she wanted
very much to see. To the theatre accordingly they all went; no Tilneys appeared
to plague or please her; she feared that, amongst the many perfections of the
family, a fondness for plays was not to be ranked; but perhaps it was because
they were habituated to the finer performances of the London stage, which she
knew, on Isabella’s authority, rendered everything else of the kind “quite
horrid.” She was not deceived in her own expectation of pleasure; the comedy so
well suspended her care that no one, observing her during the first four acts,
would have supposed she had any wretchedness about her. On the beginning of
the fifth, however, the sudden view of Mr. Henry Tilney and his father, joining a
party in the opposite box, recalled her to anxiety and distress. The stage could
no longer excite genuine merriment -- no longer keep her whole attention. Every
other look upon an average was directed towards the opposite box; and, for the
space of two entire scenes, did she thus watch Henry Tilney, without being once
able to catch his eye. No longer could he be suspected of indifference for a play;
Thesaurus
deceived: (adj) mistaken, misguided. inveterate, hardened. ANTONYM: despondency, boredom.
finer: (adj) superior, advanced, bigger, (adj) untrained. rigours: (n) rigour, inclementness,
higher, more, greater. incivility: (n) disrespect, impoliteness, inclemency.
fondness: (n) affection, attachment, discourtesy, impertinence, insolence, rudeness: (n) disrespect, audacity,
love, taste, regard, appetite, rudeness, indecorum, boorishness, insolence, impudence, discourtesy,
tenderness, partiality, endearment, unmannerliness, indecency, crudity. incivility, effrontery, bad manners,
liking, relish. ANTONYMS: (n) ANTONYMS: (n) civility, refinement. impoliteness, impropriety,
aversion, indifference, neglect, merriment: (n) fun, amusement, primitiveness. ANTONYMS: (n)
antipathy, detachment, hatred. cheerfulness, hilarity, glee, jollity, civility, refinement, propriety,
habituated: (v) given to, addicted to, frolic, gaiety, happiness, festivity; courteousness, courtesy, decency,
attuned to; (adj, v) used to; (adj) (adj, n) mirth. ANTONYMS: (n) respect, diplomacy, praise,
addicted, wont, trained, inured, used, misery, gloom, seriousness, thoughtfulness, gentleness.
 Jane Austen 91

his notice was never withdrawn from the stage during two whole scenes. At
length, however, he did look towards her, and he bowed -- but such a bow! No
smile, no continued observance attended it; his eyes were immediately returned
to their former direction. Catherine was restlessly miserable; she could almost
have run round to the box in which he sat and forced him to hear her
explanation. Feelings rather natural than heroic possessed her; instead of
considering her own dignity injured by this ready condemnation -- instead of
proudly resolving, in conscious innocence, to show her resentment towards him
who could harbour a doubt of it, to leave to him all the trouble of seeking an
explanation, and to enlighten him on the past only by avoiding his sight, or
flirting with somebody else -- she took to herself all the shame of misconduct, or
at least of its appearance, and was only eager for an opportunity of explaining its
cause.%
The play concluded -- the curtain fell -- Henry Tilney was no longer to be
seen where he had hitherto sat, but his father remained, and perhaps he might be
now coming round to their box. She was right; in a few minutes he appeared,
and, making his way through the then thinning rows, spoke with like calm
politeness to Mrs. Allen and her friend. Not with such calmness was he
answered by the latter: “Oh! Mr. Tilney, I have been quite wild to speak to you,
and make my apologies. You must have thought me so rude; but indeed it was
not my own fault, was it, Mrs. Allen? Did not they tell me that Mr. Tilney and
his sister were gone out in a phaeton together? And then what could I do? But I
had ten thousand times rather have been with you; now had not I, Mrs. Allen?”
“My dear, you tumble my gown,” was Mrs. Allen’s reply.
Her assurance, however, standing sole as it did, was not thrown away; it
brought a more cordial, more natural smile into his countenance, and he replied
in a tone which retained only a little affected reserve: “We were much obliged to
you at any rate for wishing us a pleasant walk after our passing you in Argyle
Street: you were so kind as to look back on purpose.”
“But indeed I did not wish you a pleasant walk; I never thought of such a
thing; but I begged Mr. Thorpe so earnestly to stop; I called out to him as soon as

apologies: (n) regret.
appeared: (n) appearing.
calmness: (n) calm, composure,
quietness, poise, serenity, stillness,
quiet, silence, placidity, peace; (adj, n)
coolness. ANTONYMS: (n) anxiety,
nervousness, restlessness, panic, fury,
unrest, intensity, discomposure,
bustle, annoyance, noise.
cordial: (adj) genial, warm, affable,
amiable, friendly, genuine, ardent,
unaffected, gracious, honest; (n)
Thesaurus
liqueur. ANTONYMS: (adj) coquette, toying, caper, frivolity.
unfriendly, stern, cold, cool, restlessly: (adv) fidgetily,
disagreeable, aloof, reserved, distant, apprehensively, agitatedly, fretfully,
rude, uncordial, unpleasant. unquietly, sleeplessly, nervously,
enlighten: (v) advise, edify, educate, restively, edgily, anxiously,
inform, clarify, apprise, instruct, disturbedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
illuminate, clear, notify; (adj, v) peacefully, unconcernedly.
lighten. ANTONYMS: (v) puzzle, thinning: (n) dilution, press clipping,
obfuscate, mystify, confound, cloud, press cutting, singling, tapering,
brutalize, bewilder, muddle. newspaper clipping, slip; (adj)
flirting: (n) flirtation, dalliance, flirt, receding, retreating, withdrawing,
coquetry, flirtingly, dawdling, moving back.
92 Northanger Abbey

ever I saw you; now, Mrs. Allen, did not -- Oh! You were not there; but indeed I
did; and, if Mr. Thorpe would only have stopped, I would have jumped out and
run after you.”
Is there a Henry in the world who could be insensible to such a declaration?
Henry Tilney at least was not. With a yet sweeter smile, he said everything that
need be said of his sister’s concern, regret, and dependence on Catherine’s
honour. “Oh! Do not say Miss Tilney was not angry,” cried Catherine, “because
I know she was; for she would not see me this morning when I called; I saw her
walk out of the house the next minute after my leaving it; I was hurt, but I was
not affronted. Perhaps you did not know I had been there.”
“I was not within at the time; but I heard of it from Eleanor, and she has been
wishing ever since to see you, to explain the reason of such incivility; but
perhaps I can do it as well. It was nothing more than that my father -- they were
just preparing to walk out, and he being hurried for time, and not caring to have
it put off -- made a point of her being denied. That was all, I do assure you. She
was very much vexed, and meant to make her apology as soon as possible.”
Catherine’s mind was greatly eased by this information, yet a something of
solicitude remained, from which sprang the following question, thoroughly
artless in itself, though rather distressing to the gentleman: “But, Mr. Tilney,
why were you less generous than your sister? If she felt such confidence in my
good intentions, and could suppose it to be only a mistake, why should you be so
ready to take offence?”
“Me! I take offence!”
“Nay, I am sure by your look, when you came into the box, you were angry.”
“I angry! I could have no right.”
“Well, nobody would have thought you had no right who saw your face.”
He replied by asking her to make room for him, and talking of the play.%
He remained with them some time, and was only too agreeable for Catherine
to be contented when he went away. Before they parted, however, it was agreed
that the projected walk should be taken as soon as possible; and, setting aside

affronted: (adj) insulted, hurt, slighted,
embarrassed, angry, ashamed,
horrified, humiliated, piqued,
annoyed. ANTONYM: (adj)
unconcerned.
apology: (n, v) excuse; (n) amends,
regret, defense, justification, reason,
explanation, vindication, alibi,
acknowledgment; (v) apologize.
ANTONYMS: (n) blame,
reprehension, accusation,
shamelessness, epitome.
Thesaurus
called: (adj) named, titled, chosen,
known as; (v) nempt, ycleped.
distressing: (adj) sorrowful,
deplorable, pitiful, painful, bad,
depressing, disturbing, sore,
lamentable, hurtful, worrying.
ANTONYMS: (adj) reassuring,
heartwarming, pleasing,
unemotional, soothing, comforting,
comfortable, cheerful, appealing,
happy.
eased: (adj) relieved, mitigated,
cloaked, palliate, disguised.
insensible: (adj) imperceptible, numb,
unconscious, callous, dull, unaware,
apathetic, impassive, indiscernible,
comatose, impassible. ANTONYMS:
(adj) sensible, conscious, sensitive,
awake, alive, compassionate,
concerned, aware.
projected: (adj) proposed, jutting,
planned, deliberate, protruding,
protrusive, sticking, sticking out,
likely, anticipated, expected.
 Jane Austen 93

the misery of his quitting their box, she was, upon the whole, left one of the
happiest creatures in the world.%
While talking to each other, she had observed with some surprise that John
Thorpe, who was never in the same part of the house for ten minutes together,
was engaged in conversation with General Tilney; and she felt something more
than surprise when she thought she could perceive herself the object of their
attention and discourse. What could they have to say of her? She feared General
Tilney did not like her appearance: she found it was implied in his preventing
her admittance to his daughter, rather than postpone his own walk a few
minutes. “How came Mr. Thorpe to know your father?” was her anxious
inquiry, as she pointed them out to her companion. He knew nothing about it;
but his father, like every military man, had a very large acquaintance.
When the entertainment was over, Thorpe came to assist them in getting out.
Catherine was the immediate object of his gallantry; and, while they waited in
the lobby for a chair, he prevented the inquiry which had travelled from her
heart almost to the tip of her tongue, by asking, in a consequential manner,
whether she had seen him talking with General Tilney: “He is a fine old fellow,
upon my soul! Stout, active -- looks as young as his son. I have a great regard
for him, I assure you: a gentleman-like, good sort of fellow as ever lived.”
“But how came you to know him?”
“Know him! There are few people much about town that I do not know. I
have met him forever at the Bedford; and I knew his face again today the
moment he came into the billiard-room. One of the best players we have, by the
by; and we had a little touch together, though I was almost afraid of him at first:
the odds were five to four against me; and, if I had not made one of the cleanest
strokes that perhaps ever was made in this world -- I took his ball exactly -- but I
could not make you understand it without a table; however, I did beat him. A
very fine fellow; as rich as a Jew. I should like to dine with him; I dare say he
gives famous dinners. But what do you think we have been talking of? You.
Yes, by heavens! And the general thinks you the finest girl in Bath.”
“Oh! Nonsense! How can you say so?”
Thesaurus
admittance: (n) access, accession, spirit, fearlessness; (n) heroism, discern. ANTONYMS: (v) Miss,
introduction, door, matriculation, bravery, valor, courage, chivalry, observe, ignore.
inlet, permit, entrance, entree, entry, courtesy, courageousness. postpone: (v) defer, delay, adjourn,
input. ANTONYMS: (n) cowardice, procrastinate, put off, suspend, hold
consequential: (adj) ensuing, eventful, cowardliness, rudeness. over, remit, shelve; (adj, v) retard,
bumptious, significant, weighty, lobby: (n) foyer, hallway, anteroom, waive. ANTONYMS: (v) advance,
imperious, following, high, lounge, entrance hall, vestibule, aisle, continue.
consequent, considerable, antechamber, corridor, pressure quitting: (n) departure, resignation.
supercilious. ANTONYMS: (adj) group, entry. ANTONYM: (n) exit. strokes: (n) approval, reward,
insignificant, unimportant, original, perceive: (v) comprehend, apprehend, recognition, prize, acclaim, credit,
trivial, uneventful, optional. discover, see, grasp, find, know, brownie points.
gallantry: (adj, n) prowess, daring, observe, sense, appreciate; (adj, v) travelled: (adj) cosmopolitan.
94 Northanger Abbey

“And what do you think I said?” -- lowering his voice -- “well done, general,
said I; I am quite of your mind.”
Here Catherine, who was much less gratified by his admiration than by
General Tilney’s, was not sorry to be called away by Mr. Allen. Thorpe, however,
would see her to her chair, and, till she entered it, continued the same kind of
delicate flattery, in spite of her entreating him to have done.%
That General Tilney, instead of disliking, should admire her, was very
delightful; and she joyfully thought that there was not one of the family whom
she need now fear to meet. The evening had done more, much more, for her
than could have been expected.

Thesaurus
admiration: (n) esteem, adoration, ANTONYMS: (v) despise, loathe, disinclination, displeasure, distaste.
appreciation, reverence, estimation, scorn, hate, condemn, abhor, entreating: (adj) beseeching,
amazement, liking, awe, compliment; disrespect, detest, disregard, imploring, suppliant, begging,
(adj, n) regard; (v) laud. disapprove, deprecate. supplicant, imploratory, asking
ANTONYMS: (n) disdain, criticism, delicate: (adj) accurate, tender, dainty, submissively, pleading, piteous.
disapproval, contempt, abhorrence, refined, breakable, fragile, beautiful, gratified: (adj) glad, satisfied, pleased,
loathing, disgust, despising, brittle, soft, nice, frail. ANTONYMS: delighted, happy, thankful, grateful,
dishonor, disparagement, (adj) inelegant, robust, heavy, sturdy, content, complacent, comfortable,
detestation. tough, careless, inaccurate, rough, cheerful.
admire: (v) revere, look up to, idolize, well, substantial, unscrupulous. lowering: (adj) heavy, dismal, gloomy,
appreciate, adore, wonder, praise, disliking: (adj) averse, disinclined; (n) threatening, dark, glum, murky; (n)
worship, admiring, esteem, honor. aversion, disfavor, dissatisfaction, fall, drop, cut, decline.
 Jane Austen 95

CHAPTER %13

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday have now

passed in review before the reader; the events of each day, its hopes and fears,
mortifications and pleasures, have been separately stated, and the pangs of
Sunday only now remain to be described, and close the week. The Clifton
scheme had been deferred, not relinquished, and on the afternoon’s crescent of
this day, it was brought forward again. In a private consultation between
Isabella and James, the former of whom had particularly set her heart upon
going, and the latter no less anxiously placed his upon pleasing her, it was
agreed that, provided the weather were fair, the party should take place on the
following morning; and they were to set off very early, in order to be at home in
good time. The affair thus determined, and Thorpe’s approbation secured,
Catherine only remained to be apprised of it. She had left them for a few
minutes to speak to Miss Tilney. In that interval the plan was completed, and as
soon as she came again, her agreement was demanded; but instead of the gay
acquiescence expected by Isabella, Catherine looked grave, was very sorry, but
could not go. The engagement which ought to have kept her from joining in the
former attempt would make it impossible for her to accompany them now. She
had that moment settled with Miss Tilney to take their proposed walk tomorrow;
it was quite determined, and she would not, upon any account, retract. But that
she must and should retract was instantly the eager cry of both the Thorpes; they

Thesaurus
acquiescence: (n) compliance, consent, admiration, permission, appreciation, expedited, advanced, early.
resignation, permission, sanction, favor. ANTONYMS: (n) fears: (n) worries, uncertainties,
approval, accord, agreement, condemnation, disapproval, doubts, qualms, misgivings.
submission, conformity; (n, v) assent. criticism. pleasures: (n) pleasure.
ANTONYMS: (n) disagreement, crescent: (n) circus, carve, arch, arcade, relinquished: (adj) forsaken, deserted,
insubordination, rebellion, defiance, bow, peristyle, lunule; (adj) derelict, unoccupied, given,
rejection. semilunar, falcate; (adj, n) convex, surrendered.
apprised: (adj) conscious, informed, concave. ANTONYMS: (adj) retract: (v) abjure, rescind, cancel,
familiar, knowledgeable. uncoiled, straight, unbent, unbowed. renounce, repudiate, forswear,
approbation: (n, v) praise; (n) deferred: (adj) put off, delayed, repeal, recoil, reverse, revoke, recall.
applause, agreement, approval, belated, late, later than usual. ANTONYMS: (v) maintain, validate,
acclaim, sanction, commendation, ANTONYMS: (adj) hurried, hastened, enact.
96 Northanger Abbey

must go to Clifton tomorrow, they would not go without her, it would be

nothing to put off a mere walk for one day longer, and they would not hear of a
refusal. Catherine was distressed, but not subdued. “Do not urge me, Isabella. I
am engaged to Miss Tilney. I cannot go.” This availed nothing. The same
arguments assailed her again; she must go, she should go, and they would not
hear of a refusal. “It would be so easy to tell Miss Tilney that you had just been
reminded of a prior engagement, and must only beg to put off the walk till
Tuesday.”%
“No, it would not be easy. I could not do it. There has been no prior
engagement.” But Isabella became only more and more urgent, calling on her in
the most affectionate manner, addressing her by the most endearing names. She
was sure her dearest, sweetest Catherine would not seriously refuse such a
trifling request to a friend who loved her so dearly. She knew her beloved
Catherine to have so feeling a heart, so sweet a temper, to be so easily persuaded
by those she loved. But all in vain; Catherine felt herself to be in the right, and
though pained by such tender, such flattering supplication, could not allow it to
influence her. Isabella then tried another method. She reproached her with
having more affection for Miss Tilney, though she had known her so little a
while, than for her best and oldest friends, with being grown cold and
indifferent, in short, towards herself. “I cannot help being jealous, Catherine,
when I see myself slighted for strangers, I, who love you so excessively! When
once my affections are placed, it is not in the power of anything to change them.
But I believe my feelings are stronger than anybody’s; I am sure they are too
strong for my own peace; and to see myself supplanted in your friendship by
strangers does cut me to the quick, I own. These Tilneys seem to swallow up
everything else.”
Catherine thought this reproach equally strange and unkind. Was it the part
of a friend thus to expose her feelings to the notice of others? Isabella appeared
to her ungenerous and selfish, regardless of everything but her own
gratification. These painful ideas crossed her mind, though she said nothing.
Isabella, in the meanwhile, had applied her handkerchief to her eyes; and

Thesaurus
affections: (n) bosom. partially. unaffected.
dearly: (adv) affectionately, preciously, gratification: (adj, n) delight; (n, v) reproach: (n, v) blame, rebuke, charge,
darlingly, sweetly, petly, content; (n) enjoyment, pleasure, abuse, disgrace, reprimand,
expensively, belovedly, intimately, satisfaction, fruition, complacency, invective; (v) accuse, chide, condemn;
highly, heartfeltly, lovely. joy, luxury, treat, fulfillment. (n) condemnation. ANTONYMS: (n,
flattering: (adj) ingratiating, ANTONYMS: (n) dissatisfaction, v) praise; (v) commend, approve; (n)
complimentary, courtly, obsequious, disenchantment, dismay, discontent, compliment, commendation,
adulatory, fulsome, bland, candied, anxiety. approval.
smooth, encouraging; (n) flattery. pained: (adj) offended, aggrieved, supplication: (n, v) entreaty,
ANTONYMS: (adj) assertive, critical, distressed, displeased, sore, grieved, solicitation; (n) petition, invocation,
unflattering, unattractive, wounding, miserable, injured, wounded, appeal, request, rogation, plea,
uncomplimentary, negative; (adv) worried, upset. ANTONYM: (adj) orison, blessing, imploration.
 Jane Austen 97

Morland, miserable at such a sight, could not help saying, “Nay, Catherine. I
think you cannot stand out any longer now. The sacrifice is not much; and to
oblige such a friend -- I shall think you quite unkind, if you still refuse.”
This was the first time of her brother’s openly siding against her, and anxious
to avoid his displeasure, she proposed a compromise. If they would only put off
their scheme till Tuesday, which they might easily do, as it depended only on
themselves, she could go with them, and everybody might then be satisfied. But
“No, no, no!” was the immediate answer; “that could not be, for Thorpe did not
know that he might not go to town on Tuesday.” Catherine was sorry, but could
do no more; and a short silence ensued, which was broken by Isabella, who in a
voice of cold resentment said, “Very well, then there is an end of the party. If
Catherine does not go, I cannot. I cannot be the only woman. I would not, upon
any account in the world, do so improper a thing.”
“Catherine, you must go,” said James.%
“But why cannot Mr. Thorpe drive one of his other sisters? I dare say either
of them would like to go.”
“Thank ye,” cried Thorpe, “but I did not come to Bath to drive my sisters
about, and look like a fool. No, if you do not go, d -- me if I do. I only go for the
sake of driving you.”
“That is a compliment which gives me no pleasure.” But her words were lost
on Thorpe, who had turned abruptly away.
The three others still continued together, walking in a most uncomfortable
manner to poor Catherine; sometimes not a word was said, sometimes she was
again attacked with supplications or reproaches, and her arm was still linked
within Isabella’s, though their hearts were at war. At one moment she was
softened, at another irritated; always distressed, but always steady.
“I did not think you had been so obstinate, Catherine,” said James; “you
were not used to be so hard to persuade; you once were the kindest, best-
tempered of my sisters.”

Thesaurus
attacked: (adj) assaulted, corroded. obligate, necessitate, enforce, impel. siding: (n) weatherboard,
displeasure: (n) resentment, ANTONYMS: (v) displease, request, weatherboarding, railroad siding,
discomfort, dissatisfaction, dislike, hinder. clapboard, shunt, turnout, switch,
discontent, exasperation, disfavor, obstinate: (adj) obdurate, inflexible, railway, building material, falsehood,
annoyance, offense, pique, intractable, determined, inveterate, spur.
disapproval. ANTONYMS: (n) disobedient, willful, stubborn, unkind: (adj) cruel, harsh, unfeeling,
satisfaction, pleasure, enjoyment, contrary, wayward, dogged. inconsiderate, pitiless, heartless,
happiness, delight, contentment, ANTONYMS: (adj) flexible, inhuman, hard, thoughtless, brutal,
equanimity, approval. amenable, irresolute, cooperative, mean. ANTONYMS: (adj) kind,
hearts: (n) Black Maria, spades. easygoing, docile, biddable, considerate, pleasant, friendly,
oblige: (v) coerce, force, drive, agreeable, accommodating, thoughtful, tactful, mild, gentle,
constrain, make, bind, accommodate, malleable, gentle. generous, flattering, compassionate.
98 Northanger Abbey

“I hope I am not less so now,” she replied, very feelingly; “but indeed I
cannot go. If I am wrong, I am doing what I believe to be right.”
“I suspect,” said Isabella, in a low voice, “there is no great struggle.”
Catherine’s heart swelled; she drew away her arm, and Isabella made no
opposition. Thus passed a long ten minutes, till they were again joined by
Thorpe, who, coming to them with a gayer look, said, “Well, I have settled the
matter, and now we may all go tomorrow with a safe conscience. I have been to
Miss Tilney, and made your excuses.”
“You have not!” cried Catherine.%
“I have, upon my soul. Left her this moment. Told her you had sent me to
say that, having just recollected a prior engagement of going to Clifton with us
tomorrow, you could not have the pleasure of walking with her till Tuesday. She
said very well, Tuesday was just as convenient to her; so there is an end of all our
difficulties. A pretty good thought of mine -- hey?”
Isabella’s countenance was once more all smiles and good humour, and
James too looked happy again.
“A most heavenly thought indeed! Now, my sweet Catherine, all our
distresses are over; you are honourably acquitted, and we shall have a most
delightful party.”
“This will not do,” said Catherine; “I cannot submit to this. I must run after
Miss Tilney directly and set her right.”
Isabella, however, caught hold of one hand, Thorpe of the other, and
remonstrances poured in from all three. Even James was quite angry. When
everything was settled, when Miss Tilney herself said that Tuesday would suit
her as well, it was quite ridiculous, quite absurd, to make any further objection.
“I do not care. Mr. Thorpe had no business to invent any such message. If I
had thought it right to put it off, I could have spoken to Miss Tilney myself. This
is only doing it in a ruder way; and how do I know that Mr. Thorpe has -- He
may be mistaken again perhaps; he led me into one act of rudeness by his
mistake on Friday. Let me go, Mr. Thorpe; Isabella, do not hold me.”
Thesaurus
absurd: (adj) ridiculous, foolish, amiable, adorable, lovely, nice, contrive; (n, v) forge, fabricate,
unreasonable, irrational, gorgeous. ANTONYMS: (adj) design, coin.
meaningless, inept, senseless, unpleasant, unwelcome, hateful, mistaken: (adj) wrong, erroneous,
nonsensical, illogical, ludicrous; (adj, miserable, unhappy, unappealing, false, misguided, inaccurate,
n) silly. ANTONYMS: (adj) rational, horrific, horrible, disagreeable, fallacious, untrue, misleading,
reasonable, logical, wise, weighty, depressing, annoying. confused, improper, error.
sound, consistent, serious, plausible, feelingly: (adv) sensitively, ANTONYMS: (adj) accurate, wise,
credible, acceptable. sympathetically, feeling, deeply. right.
acquitted: (adj) not guilty, guiltless; (v) honourably: (adv) uprightly, worthily, poured: (adj) concrete.
acquit, absolved. honestly, creditably, commendably. swelled: (adj) big, inflated, bloated,
delightful: (adj) delicious, delectable, invent: (v) devise, form, create, swollen, adult, boastful, bighearted,
charming, pleasing, grateful, blissful, excogitate, concoct, imagine, bad, fully grown, crowing, elder.
 Jane Austen 99

Thorpe told her it would be in vain to go after the Tilneys; they were turning
the corner into Brock Street, when he had overtaken them, and were at home by
this time.%
“Then I will go after them,” said Catherine; “wherever they are I will go after
them. It does not signify talking. If I could not be persuaded into doing what I
thought wrong, I never will be tricked into it.” And with these words she broke
away and hurried off. Thorpe would have darted after her, but Morland
withheld him. “Let her go, let her go, if she will go. She is as obstinate as -- “
Thorpe never finished the simile, for it could hardly have been a proper one.
Away walked Catherine in great agitation, as fast as the crowd would permit
her, fearful of being pursued, yet determined to persevere. As she walked, she
reflected on what had passed. It was painful to her to disappoint and displease
them, particularly to displease her brother; but she could not repent her
resistance. Setting her own inclination apart, to have failed a second time in her
engagement to Miss Tilney, to have retracted a promise voluntarily made only
five minutes before, and on a false pretence too, must have been wrong. She had
not been withstanding them on selfish principles alone, she had not consulted
merely her own gratification; that might have been ensured in some degree by
the excursion itself, by seeing Blaize Castle; no, she had attended to what was
due to others, and to her own character in their opinion. Her conviction of being
right, however, was not enough to restore her composure; till she had spoken to
Miss Tilney she could not be at ease; and quickening her pace when she got clear
of the Crescent, she almost ran over the remaining ground till she gained the top
of Milsom Street. So rapid had been her movements that in spite of the Tilneys’
advantage in the outset, they were but just turning into their lodgings as she
came within view of them; and the servant still remaining at the open door, she
used only the ceremony of saying that she must speak with Miss Tilney that
moment, and hurrying by him proceeded upstairs. Then, opening the first door
before her, which happened to be the right, she immediately found herself in the
drawing-room with General Tilney, his son, and daughter. Her explanation,
defective only in being -- from her irritation of nerves and shortness of breath --

disappoint: (v) fail, defeat, balk, baffle,
disenchant, betray, circumvent, bilk,
mock, foil; (n, v) put out.
ANTONYMS: (v) please, satisfy,
encourage, fulfill, succeed, comfort,
inspire.
displease: (v) annoy, disgust, bother,
anger, vex, affront, offend, rile,
irritate, nark, nettle. ANTONYMS: (v)
please, satisfy, pacify, delight.
hurrying: (n) hastening, speed,
quickening, rushing, early, speeding,
Thesaurus
speeding up, stepping up,
amphetamine, forward, eager.
persevere: (v) persist, continue,
endure, abide, go on, hang on, hold
on, follow, keep, remain, pursue.
ANTONYMS: (v) surrender, stop,
quit.
quickening: (n) hurrying, hastening,
speedup; (v) hasten, lively, flowing,
having life, ignited, laving; (adj)
bracing, moving.
repent: (v) deplore, bewail, rue,
mourn, lament, atone, sorry, bemoan,
feel remorse, grieve, be sorry.
retracted: (adj) broken.
simile: (n) figure of speech, analogy,
comparison, compare, resemblance,
likeness, similarity, allegory,
similitude, parable; (adj) metalepsis.
withheld: (adj) hidden, uncommitted.
ANTONYM: (adj) ongoing.
withstanding: (n) endurance,
resistance; (adj) recalcitrant,
defensive.
100 Northanger Abbey

no explanation at all, was instantly given. “I am come in a great hurry -- It was

all a mistake -- I never promised to go -- I told them from the first I could not go.
-- I ran away in a great hurry to explain it. -- I did not care what you thought of
me. -- I would not stay for the servant.”
The business, however, though not perfectly elucidated by this speech, soon
ceased to be a puzzle. Catherine found that John Thorpe had given the message;
and Miss Tilney had no scruple in owning herself greatly surprised by it. But
whether her brother had still exceeded her in resentment, Catherine, though she
instinctively addressed herself as much to one as to the other in her vindication,
had no means of knowing. Whatever might have been felt before her arrival, her
eager declarations immediately made every look and sentence as friendly as she
could desire.%
The affair thus happily settled, she was introduced by Miss Tilney to her
father, and received by him with such ready, such solicitous politeness as
recalled Thorpe’s information to her mind, and made her think with pleasure
that he might be sometimes depended on. To such anxious attention was the
general’s civility carried, that not aware of her extraordinary swiftness in
entering the house, he was quite angry with the servant whose neglect had
reduced her to open the door of the apartment herself. “What did William mean
by it? He should make a point of inquiring into the matter.” And if Catherine
had not most warmly asserted his innocence, it seemed likely that William would
lose the favour of his master forever, if not his place, by her rapidity.
After sitting with them a quarter of an hour, she rose to take leave, and was
then most agreeably surprised by General Tilney’s asking her if she would do his
daughter the honour of dining and spending the rest of the day with her. Miss
Tilney added her own wishes. Catherine was greatly obliged; but it was quite
out of her power. Mr. and Mrs. Allen would expect her back every moment. The
general declared he could say no more; the claims of Mr. and Mrs. Allen were
not to be superseded; but on some other day he trusted, when longer notice
could be given, they would not refuse to spare her to her friend. “Oh, no;
Catherine was sure they would not have the least objection, and she should have

Thesaurus
agreeably: (adv) enjoyably, pleasantly, courtliness, manners, decorum, fervent; (n) desirous. ANTONYMS:
sympathetically, pleasingly, suitably, gentility, good manners, niceness, (adj) uncaring, serene, thoughtless.
well, melodically, accordingly, refinement, gallantry, decency. swiftness: (n) speed, haste, rapidity,
affably, genially; (adv, v) happily. ANTONYMS: (n) vulgarity, celerity, acceleration, quickness,
ANTONYMS: (adv) disagreeably, rudeness, incivility, neglect. promptness, pace, velocity, agility,
incongruously, uncooperatively, scruple: (adj, v) hesitate, demur, pause; dispatch. ANTONYM: (n)
unhelpfully, badly, stubbornly, (n) hesitation, qualm, misgiving, clumsiness.
harshly. distrust, objection; (n, v) mistrust; (v) vindication: (n) defense, apology,
owning: (n) admission, avowal, falter, question. excuse, defence, plea, alibi, acquittal,
confession, courteous recognition, solicitous: (adj) eager, attentive, assertion, reason, exoneration,
acknowledgment. apprehensive, careful, anxious, protection. ANTONYM: (n)
politeness: (n) civility, courteousness, jealous, considerate, avid, thoughtful, accusation.
 Jane Austen 101

great pleasure in coming.” The general attended her himself to the street-door,
saying everything gallant as they went downstairs, admiring the elasticity of her
walk, which corresponded exactly with the spirit of her dancing, and making her
one of the most graceful bows she had ever beheld, when they parted.%
Catherine, delighted by all that had passed, proceeded gaily to Pulteney
Street, walking, as she concluded, with great elasticity, though she had never
thought of it before. She reached home without seeing anything more of the
offended party; and now that she had been triumphant throughout, had carried
her point, and was secure of her walk, she began (as the flutter of her spirits
subsided) to doubt whether she had been perfectly right. A sacrifice was always
noble; and if she had given way to their entreaties, she should have been spared
the distressing idea of a friend displeased, a brother angry, and a scheme of
great happiness to both destroyed, perhaps through her means. To ease her
mind, and ascertain by the opinion of an unprejudiced person what her own
conduct had really been, she took occasion to mention before Mr. Allen the half-
settled scheme of her brother and the Thorpes for the following day. Mr. Allen
caught at it directly. “Well,” said he, “and do you think of going too?”
“No; I had just engaged myself to walk with Miss Tilney before they told me
of it; and therefore you know I could not go with them, could I?”
“No, certainly not; and I am glad you do not think of it. These schemes are
not at all the thing. Young men and women driving about the country in open
carriages! Now and then it is very well; but going to inns and public places
together! It is not right; and I wonder Mrs. Thorpe should allow it. I am glad
you do not think of going; I am sure Mrs. Morland would not be pleased. Mrs.
Allen, are not you of my way of thinking? Do not you think these kind of
projects objectionable?”
“Yes, very much so indeed. Open carriages are nasty things. A clean gown is
not five minutes’ wear in them. You are splashed getting in and getting out; and
the wind takes your hair and your bonnet in every direction. I hate an open
carriage myself.”

Thesaurus
ascertain: (v) determine, find out, resiliency, resilience, pliability, heroic, dashing, courteous, fine.
learn, discover, check, tell, control, tonicity; (adj) elastic force. ANTONYMS: (adj) boorish, rude,
find, ensure, detect; (adj, v) establish. ANTONYMS: (n) stiffness, selfish.
ANTONYM: (v) disprove. inflexibility, rigidity. offended: (adj) angry, affronted,
displeased: (adj) disgruntled, gaily: (adv, v) happily; (adv) gladly, aggrieved, pained, wronged,
dissatisfied, angry, annoyed, jovially, joyfully, cheerfully, annoyed, insulted, shocked, vexed,
unhappy, peeved, irritated, mirthfully, joyously, gleefully, resentful, injured. ANTONYMS: (adj)
disgusted, indignant; (v) pained, sunnily, blithely, lively. indifferent, proud, unconcerned.
afflicted. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYMS: (adv) sadly, anxiously, splashed: (adj) dabbled, bespattered,
contented, satisfied, calm. dully, despondently. besplashed, spattered, marked,
elasticity: (n) spring, tone, buoyancy, gallant: (adj) fearless, brave, daring, unclean, dirty, splattered,
suppleness, springiness, flexibility, courageous, chivalrous, bold, manly, distributed, showy, dotted.
102 Northanger Abbey

“I know you do; but that is not the question. Do not you think it has an odd
appearance, if young ladies are frequently driven about in them by young men,
to whom they are not even related?”
“Yes, my dear, a very odd appearance indeed. I cannot bear to see it.”
“Dear madam,” cried Catherine, “then why did not you tell me so before? I
am sure if I had known it to be improper, I would not have gone with Mr.
Thorpe at all; but I always hoped you would tell me, if you thought I was doing
wrong.”
“And so I should, my dear, you may depend on it; for as I told Mrs. Morland
at parting, I would always do the best for you in my power. But one must not be
over particular. Young people will be young people, as your good mother says
herself. You know I wanted you, when we first came, not to buy that sprigged
muslin, but you would. Young people do not like to be always thwarted.”
“But this was something of real consequence; and I do not think you would
have found me hard to persuade.”
“As far as it has gone hitherto, there is no harm done,” said Mr. Allen; “and I
would only advise you, my dear, not to go out with Mr. Thorpe any more.”
“That is just what I was going to say,” added his wife.%
Catherine, relieved for herself, felt uneasy for Isabella, and after a moment’s
thought, asked Mr. Allen whether it would not be both proper and kind in her to
write to Miss Thorpe, and explain the indecorum of which she must be as
insensible as herself; for she considered that Isabella might otherwise perhaps be
going to Clifton the next day, in spite of what had passed. Mr. Allen, however,
discouraged her from doing any such thing. “You had better leave her alone, my
dear; she is old enough to know what she is about, and if not, has a mother to
advise her. Mrs. Thorpe is too indulgent beyond a doubt; but, however, you had
better not interfere. She and your brother choose to go, and you will be only
getting ill will.”
Catherine submitted, and though sorry to think that Isabella should be doing
wrong, felt greatly relieved by Mr. Allen’s approbation of her own conduct, and

Thesaurus
discouraged: (adj) despondent, indecorum: (n) indecency, relieved: (adj) alleviated, thankful,
downhearted, downcast, indecorousness, incivility, mitigated, prominent, pleased, joyful,
demoralized, dejected, dispirited, improperness, familiarity, fresh, delighted, comfortable,
disheartened, frustrated, crestfallen, discourtesy, misdeed; (adj) cheerful, happy. ANTONYM: (adj)
pessimistic, depressed. ANTONYMS: misbehavior, immorality, scandal, worried.
(adj) uplifted, heartened, cheered, laxity. ANTONYM: (n) decorum. uneasy: (adj) anxious, fidgety, restless,
inspired, cheerful, encouraged, interfere: (n, v) interpose; (v) concerned, nervous, apprehensive, ill
hopeful, happy, calm, positive, intercede, obstruct, disturb, conflict, at ease, unquiet, awkward, fretful,
enthusiastic. impede, hinder, meddle, intervene; restive. ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
hitherto: (adv) as yet, yet, so far, up to (n) interference; (adj, v) intermeddle. untroubled, composed, relaxed, easy,
now, until now, thus far, before, passed: (adj) accepted, approved, unconcerned, still, comfortable,
hereunto, to date, still, all the same. legal, gone. carefree, confident, serene.
 Jane Austen 103

truly %rejoiced to be preserved by his advice from the danger of falling into such
an error herself. Her escape from being one of the party to Clifton was now an
escape indeed; for what would the Tilneys have thought of her, if she had broken
her promise to them in order to do what was wrong in itself, if she had been
guilty of one breach of propriety, only to enable her to be guilty of another?

Thesaurus
breach: (n, v) break, rupture, fissure, falling: (n) descent, fall, downfall, promise: (n, v) covenant, guarantee,
split; (n) rift, opening, trespass, crack, degradation, depreciation; (adj) contract, vow, bargain; (v) augur,
infringement; (v) contravene, violate. descending, decreasing, declining, assure; (n) engagement, assurance,
ANTONYMS: (n) bridge, connection, tumbling, ebb, down. ANTONYMS: plight, word.
upholding, adherence, accord, mend; (adj) standing, increasing, truly: (adj, adv) really; (adv) sincerely,
(v) obey, observe, seal, uphold, burgeoning. in truth, exactly, in fact, indeed, in
honor. herself: (adj) oneself, self, himself, reality, genuinely, right, certainly,
error: (n) blunder, fault, mistake, myself, yourself, yourselves, honestly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
delusion, lapse, oversight, miss, guilt, themselves, ourselves, itself. insincerely, dubiously, doubtfully,
crime, defect; (adj, n) wrong. preserved: (adj) kept, conserved, apparently, inaccurately, indefinite,
ANTONYMS: (n) correctness, fact, whole, pickled, condite, safe. dishonestly, mildly, wrongly.
accuracy. ANTONYM: (adj) fresh.
 Jane Austen 105

CHAPTER 14

The next morning was fair, and Catherine almost expected another attack
from the assembled party. With Mr. Allen to support her, she felt no dread of
the event: but she would gladly be spared a contest, where victory itself was
painful, and was heartily rejoiced therefore at neither seeing nor hearing
anything of them. The Tilneys called for her at the appointed time; and no new
difficulty arising, no sudden recollection, no unexpected summons, no
impertinent intrusion to disconcert their measures, my heroine was most
unnaturally able to fulfil her engagement, though it was made with the hero
himself. They determined on walking round Beechen Cliff, that noble hill whose
beautiful verdure and hanging coppice render it so striking an object from
almost every opening in Bath.%
“I never look at it,” said Catherine, as they walked along the side of the river,
“without thinking of the south of France.”
“You have been abroad then?” said Henry, a little surprised.
“Oh! No, I only mean what I have read about. It always puts me in mind of
the country that Emily and her father travelled through, in The Mysteries of
Udolpho. But you never read novels, I dare say?”
“Why not?”
“Because they are not clever enough for you -- gentlemen read better books.”
Thesaurus
coppice: (n) copse, brush, brake, jovially, cheerily, delightedly, command; (n, v) summon; (v)
underwood, thicket, wood, spinney, gladsomely, readily. ANTONYMS: demand, cite.
underbrush, undergrowth, grove, (adv) reluctantly, unwillingly, sadly, unnaturally: (adv) falsely, unusually,
canebrake. resentfully, miserably. contrivedly, affectedly,
disconcert: (n, v) discompose, heartily: (adv) cordially, sincerely, extraordinarily, monstrously,
disappoint; (v) confuse, discomfit, enthusiastically, warmly, strongly, manneredly, by artificial means,
baffle, derange, abash, throw, upset, earnestly, vigorously, ardently, abnormally, peculiarly, cruelly.
unsettle, distract. ANTONYMS: (v) soundly, devoutly, eagerly. ANTONYM: (adv) normally.
comfort, soothe, settle, please, ANTONYMS: (adv) feebly, verdure: (adj, n) greenness; (n)
encourage. languorously. greenery, foliage, verdancy, viridity,
gladly: (adv, v) happily; (adv) gleefully, summons: (n) call, invitation, bidding, green, leafage, flora, freshness,
contentedly, cheerfully, fain, joyfully, process, writ, invocation, warrant, strength, vegetable kingdom.
106 Northanger Abbey

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel,
must be intolerably stupid. I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe’s works, and most of
them with great pleasure. The Mysteries of Udolpho, when I had once begun it, I
could not lay down again; I remember finishing it in two days -- my hair
standing on end the whole time.”%
“Yes,” added Miss Tilney, “and I remember that you undertook to read it
aloud to me, and that when I was called away for only five minutes to answer a
note, instead of waiting for me, you took the volume into the Hermitage Walk,
and I was obliged to stay till you had finished it.”
“Thank you, Eleanor -- a most honourable testimony. You see, Miss
Morland, the injustice of your suspicions. Here was I, in my eagerness to get on,
refusing to wait only five minutes for my sister, breaking the promise I had made
of reading it aloud, and keeping her in suspense at a most interesting part, by
running away with the volume, which, you are to observe, was her own,
particularly her own. I am proud when I reflect on it, and I think it must
establish me in your good opinion.”
“I am very glad to hear it indeed, and now I shall never be ashamed of liking
Udolpho myself. But I really thought before, young men despised novels
amazingly.”
“It is amazingly; it may well suggest amazement if they do -- for they read
nearly as many as women. I myself have read hundreds and hundreds. Do not
imagine that you can cope with me in a knowledge of Julias and Louisas. If we
proceed to particulars, and engage in the never-ceasing inquiry of ‘Have you
read this?’ and ‘Have you read that?’ I shall soon leave you as far behind me as -
- what shall I say? -- I want an appropriate simile. -- as far as your friend Emily
herself left poor Valancourt when she went with her aunt into Italy. Consider
how many years I have had the start of you. I had entered on my studies at
Oxford, while you were a good little girl working your sampler at home!”
“Not very good, I am afraid. But now really, do not you think Udolpho the
nicest book in the world?”

despised: (adj) scorned, despicable,
hated, abject, disparaged, mean,
attaching disgrace, unpopular,
unloved, reviled, opprobrious.
intolerably: (adv) excruciatingly,
unbearably, insufferably,
unendurably, insupportably,
unfeasibly, impossibly, horribly,
unpardonably, inexcusably,
unforgivably. ANTONYMS: (adv)
tolerably, excusably, bearably,
acceptably, pleasantly,
Thesaurus
understandably.
liking: (n, v) inclination; (n) fancy,
appetite, taste, fondness, predilection,
affection, partiality, admiration,
approval, appreciation.
ANTONYMS: (n) dislike, aversion,
hatred, indifference, detachment,
dissatisfaction, antipathy.
never-ceasing: (adj) immortal.
sampler: (n) sampling element,
pattern, specimen, soil sampler,
tastetester, taster, observation station,
fancywork, sampling device,
sampling station.
suspense: (n) doubt, expectancy,
anticipation, indecision, insecurity,
unrest, expectation, irresolution,
suspension, tension; (adj, n)
hesitation. ANTONYM: (n)
knowledge.
suspicions: (adj) entertain doubts,
have doubts; (n) doubts, misgivings,
reservations, qualms, worries, fears,
uncertainties.
 Jane Austen 107

“The nicest -- by which I suppose you mean the neatest. That must depend
upon the binding.”%
“Henry,” said Miss Tilney, “you are very impertinent. Miss Morland, he is
treating you exactly as he does his sister. He is forever finding fault with me, for
some incorrectness of language, and now he is taking the same liberty with you.
The word ‘nicest,’ as you used it, did not suit him; and you had better change it
as soon as you can, or we shall be overpowered with Johnson and Blair all the
rest of the way.”
“I am sure,” cried Catherine, “I did not mean to say anything wrong; but it is
a nice book, and why should not I call it so?”
“Very true,” said Henry, “and this is a very nice day, and we are taking a
very nice walk, and you are two very nice young ladies. Oh! It is a very nice
word indeed! It does for everything. Originally perhaps it was applied only to
express neatness, propriety, delicacy, or refinement -- people were nice in their
dress, in their sentiments, or their choice. But now every commendation on
every subject is comprised in that one word.”
“While, in fact,” cried his sister, “it ought only to be applied to you, without
any commendation at all. You are more nice than wise. Come, Miss Morland, let
us leave him to meditate over our faults in the utmost propriety of diction, while
we praise Udolpho in whatever terms we like best. It is a most interesting work.
You are fond of that kind of reading?”
“To say the truth, I do not much like any other.”
“Indeed!”
“That is, I can read poetry and plays, and things of that sort, and do not
dislike travels. But history, real solemn history, I cannot be interested in. Can
you?”
“Yes, I am fond of history.”
“I wish I were too. I read it a little as a duty, but it tells me nothing that does
not either vex or weary me. The quarrels of popes and kings, with wars or
pestilences, in every page; the men all so good for nothing, and hardly any
Thesaurus
diction: (n, v) style; (n) phraseology, consider, cogitate, reflect, speculate, vanquished, subdued, subjugated,
language, phrasing, articulation, wonder, ruminate, ponder, think, overflowing, mild.
choice of words, locution, parlance, bethink. refinement: (n) culture, cultivation,
enunciation, expression, speech. neatness: (n) trimness, dexterity, purification, gentility, polish, finish,
incorrectness: (n) inexactness, orderliness, tidiness, spruceness, civilization, nicety, courtesy, grace;
inaccuracy, wrongness, cleanliness, precision, compactness, (adj, n) elegance. ANTONYMS: (n)
erroneousness, error, quality, purity, cleanness, elegance. vulgarity, adulteration, tackiness,
imprecision, inappropriateness, ANTONYMS: (n) untidiness, uncouthness, tastelessness,
inexactitude, improperness, largeness, clumsiness, disorder, inelegance, coarseness, clumsiness,
mistakenness. ANTONYMS: (n) inelegance, clutter, chaos, messiness. awkwardness, crudeness.
rightness, suitability, accuracy. overpowered: (adj) beaten, conquered, sentiments: (n) breast.
meditate: (n, v) muse; (v) contemplate, inundated, engulfed, flooded, routed, travels: (n) actions, expedition.
108 Northanger Abbey

women at all -- it is very tiresome: and yet I often think it odd that it should be
so dull, for a great deal of it must be invention. The speeches that are put into
the heroes’ mouths, their thoughts and designs -- the chief of all this must be
invention, and invention is what delights me in other books.”%
“Historians, you think,” said Miss Tilney, “are not happy in their flights of
fancy. They display imagination without raising interest. I am fond of history --
and am very well contented to take the false with the true. In the principal facts
they have sources of intelligence in former histories and records, which may be
as much depended on, I conclude, as anything that does not actually pass under
one’s own observation; and as for the little embellishments you speak of, they
are embellishments, and I like them as such. If a speech be well drawn up, I read
it with pleasure, by whomsoever it may be made -- and probably with much
greater, if the production of Mr. Hume or Mr. Robertson, than if the genuine
words of Caractacus, Agricola, or Alfred the Great.”
“You are fond of history! And so are Mr. Allen and my father; and I have
two brothers who do not dislike it. So many instances within my small circle of
friends is remarkable! At this rate, I shall not pity the writers of history any
longer. If people like to read their books, it is all very well, but to be at so much
trouble in filling great volumes, which, as I used to think, nobody would
willingly ever look into, to be labouring only for the torment of little boys and
girls, always struck me as a hard fate; and though I know it is all very right and
necessary, I have often wondered at the person’s courage that could sit down on
purpose to do it.”
“That little boys and girls should be tormented,” said Henry, “is what no one
at all acquainted with human nature in a civilized state can deny; but in behalf
of our most distinguished historians, I must observe that they might well be
offended at being supposed to have no higher aim, and that by their method and
style, they are perfectly well qualified to torment readers of the most advanced
reason and mature time of life. I use the verb ‘to torment,’ as I observed to be
your own method, instead of ‘to instruct,’ supposing them to be now admitted as
synonymous.”

behalf: (n) sake, part, interest, behoof,
defense, lieu, good, stead, score,
service, side.
civilized: (adj) civil, refined, polite,
civilised, cultivated, educated,
courteous, urbane, kind, gentle,
genteel. ANTONYMS: (adj) uncouth,
noncivilized, discourteous, loutish,
rude, inhumane, wild.
delights: (n) delices.
embellishments: (n) trimmings,
arrangements, added extras, fixing,
Thesaurus
trappings. afflict, pain, annoy; (n) agony,
instances: (v) conceive, abate, anguish, suffering; (v) persecute,
commotion, decline, decrease, imply, oppress. ANTONYMS: (v) please,
diminution, diminish. delight, placate, comfort, soothe; (n)
invention: (n) fabrication, conception, contentment, happiness, pleasure,
fiction, imagination, creation, calm, content.
discovery, device, innovation, verb: (n) copulative, participle, copula,
excogitation, artifice; (n, v) forgery. word, transitive verb form, transitive
ANTONYM: (n) truth. verb, participial, part of speech,
labouring: (adj) drudging, work, intransitive verb form, intransitive
working, busy, toiling. verb, form class.
torment: (n, v) tease, distress, harass, women: (n) sex, gentle sex.
 Jane Austen 109

“You think me foolish to call instruction a torment, but if you had been as
much used as myself to hear poor little children first learning their letters and
then learning to spell, if you had ever seen how stupid they can be for a whole
morning together, and how tired my poor mother is at the end of it, as I am in
the habit of seeing almost every day of my life at home, you would allow that ‘to
torment’ and ‘to instruct’ might sometimes be used as synonymous words.”%
“Very probably. But historians are not accountable for the difficulty of
learning to read; and even you yourself, who do not altogether seem particularly
friendly to very severe, very intense application, may perhaps be brought to
acknowledge that it is very well worth-while to be tormented for two or three
years of one’s life, for the sake of being able to read all the rest of it. Consider -- if
reading had not been taught, Mrs. Radcliffe would have written in vain -- or
perhaps might not have written at all.”
Catherine assented -- and a very warm panegyric from her on that lady’s
merits closed the subject. The Tilneys were soon engaged in another on which
she had nothing to say. They were viewing the country with the eyes of persons
accustomed to drawing, and decided on its capability of being formed into
pictures, with all the eagerness of real taste. Here Catherine was quite lost. She
knew nothing of drawing -- nothing of taste: and she listened to them with an
attention which brought her little profit, for they talked in phrases which
conveyed scarcely any idea to her. The little which she could understand,
however, appeared to contradict the very few notions she had entertained on the
matter before. It seemed as if a good view were no longer to be taken from the
top of an high hill, and that a clear blue sky was no longer a proof of a fine day.
She was heartily ashamed of her ignorance. A misplaced shame. Where people
wish to attach, they should always be ignorant. To come with a well-informed
mind is to come with an inability of administering to the vanity of others, which
a sensible person would always wish to avoid. A woman especially, if she have
the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.
The advantages of natural folly in a beautiful girl have been already set forth
by the capital pen of a sister author; and to her treatment of the subject I will only

Thesaurus
accustomed: (adj, n) habitual; (adj) disordered, gone astray, lost distraught, distressed. ANTONYM:
familiar, normal, wonted, usual, temporarily, misguided, missing, not (adj) calm.
natural, everyday, ordinary, there. ANTONYM: (adj) found. vanity: (n) egotism, pride, emptiness,
habituated, common, traditional. panegyric: (n, v) encomium, praise, arrogance, futility, inanity, vainglory,
ANTONYMS: (adj) unusual, green, commendation, applause; (adj, n) conceitedness, pretension,
unseasoned, unconventional, encomiastic; (v) laud, laudation; (adj) pomposity; (adj, n) amour propre.
untrained, abnormal, panegyrical; (n) kudos, paean, eloge. ANTONYMS: (n) selflessness,
uncharacteristic, exceptional. persons: (n) folk, public, society, humility, importance, value,
administering: (adj) administrative; world. effectiveness.
(n) administration. tormented: (adj) worried, tortured, well-informed: (adj) educated,
misplaced: (v) misjoined, mismatched; hagridden, troubled, beleaguered, conversant, knowing, wise,
(adj) mislaid, inept, inappropriate, beset, besieged, cruciate, cruciform, intelligent, studious, versed.
110 Northanger Abbey

add, in justice to men, that though to the larger and more trifling part of the sex,
imbecility in females is a great enhancement of their personal charms, there is a
portion of them too reasonable and too well informed themselves to desire
anything more in woman than ignorance. But Catherine did not know her own
advantages -- did not know that a good-looking girl, with an affectionate heart
and a very ignorant mind, cannot fail of attracting a clever young man, unless
circumstances are particularly untoward. In the present instance, she confessed
and lamented her want of knowledge, declared that she would give anything in
the world to be able to draw; and a lecture on the picturesque immediately
followed, in which his instructions were so clear that she soon began to see
beauty in everything admired by him, and her attention was so earnest that he
became perfectly satisfied of her having a great deal of natural taste. He talked
of foregrounds, distances, and second distances -- side-screens and perspectives -
- lights and shades; and Catherine was so hopeful a scholar that when they
gained the top of Beechen Cliff, she voluntarily rejected the whole city of Bath as
unworthy to make part of a landscape. Delighted with her progress, and fearful
of wearying her with too much wisdom at once, Henry suffered the subject to
decline, and by an easy transition from a piece of rocky fragment and the
withered oak which he had placed near its summit, to oaks in general, to forests,
the enclosure of them, waste lands, crown lands and government, he shortly
found himself arrived at politics; and from politics, it was an easy step to silence.
The general pause which succeeded his short disquisition on the state of the
nation was put an end to by Catherine, who, in rather a solemn tone of voice,
uttered these words, “I have heard that something very shocking indeed will
soon come out in London.”%
Miss Tilney, to whom this was chiefly addressed, was startled, and hastily
replied, “Indeed! And of what nature?”
“That I do not know, nor who is the author. I have only heard that it is to be
more horrible than anything we have met with yet.”
“Good heaven! Where could you hear of such a thing?”

Thesaurus
confessed: (adj) known. Quercus, Genera Castanea, family unmerited, unseemly, shameful.
disquisition: (n) dissertation, memoir, Fagaceae, Fagus, Fagaceae, chestnuts. ANTONYMS: (adj) deserving,
discussion, inquisition, homily, untoward: (adj) unlucky, unfortunate, valuable, honorable, estimable,
pandect, sermon, inquiry, essay, inauspicious, unbecoming, reputable.
treatise, tract. inopportune, indecent, unfavorable, wearying: (adj) exhausting, wearing,
forests: (n) country. unseemly, improper, clumsy, monotonous, tiring, fatiguing, trying,
imbecility: (n) folly, foolishness, stubborn. ANTONYMS: (adj) boring, dull, wearisome, deadly,
idiocy, fatuity, weakness, stupidity, auspicious, suitable, lucky, effortful.
feeblemindedness, lunacy; (adj, n) acceptable, happy, fortunate. withered: (adj) wizened, sear,
debility, feebleness; (adj) infirmity. unworthy: (adj) undeserving, base, shriveled, thin, shrunken, dry, dried
oaks: (n) beech family, Castanopsis, disgraceful, ignoble, low, up, wilted, faded, wizen; (v) lame.
Nothofagus, Lithocarpus, genus contemptible, despicable, ugly, ANTONYM: (adj) plump.
 Jane Austen 111

“A particular friend of mine had an account of it in a letter from London

yesterday. It is to be uncommonly dreadful. I shall expect murder and
everything of the kind.”%
“You speak with astonishing composure! But I hope your friend’s accounts
have been exaggerated; and if such a design is known beforehand, proper
measures will undoubtedly be taken by government to prevent its coming to
effect.”
“Government,” said Henry, endeavouring not to smile, “neither desires nor
dares to interfere in such matters. There must be murder; and government cares
not how much.”
The ladies stared. He laughed, and added, “Come, shall I make you
understand each other, or leave you to puzzle out an explanation as you can? No
-- I will be noble. I will prove myself a man, no less by the generosity of my soul
than the clearness of my head. I have no patience with such of my sex as
disdain to let themselves sometimes down to the comprehension of yours.
Perhaps the abilities of women are neither sound nor acute -- neither vigorous
nor keen. Perhaps they may want observation, discernment, judgment, fire,
genius, and wit.”
“Miss Morland, do not mind what he says; but have the goodness to satisfy
me as to this dreadful riot.”
“Riot! What riot?”
“My dear Eleanor, the riot is only in your own brain. The confusion there is
scandalous. Miss Morland has been talking of nothing more dreadful than a
new publication which is shortly to come out, in three duodecimo volumes, two
hundred and seventy-six pages in each, with a frontispiece to the first, of two
tombstones and a lantern -- do you understand? And you, Miss Morland -- my
stupid sister has mistaken all your clearest expressions. You talked of expected
horrors in London -- and instead of instantly conceiving, as any rational creature
would have done, that such words could relate only to a circulating library, she
immediately pictured to herself a mob of three thousand men assembling in St.

Thesaurus
assembling: (n) assemblage, assembly, conceiving: (n) fantasy, daydream; frontispiece: (n) front, heading,
collection, collecting, compilation, (adj) imaginant, original. frontage, facia, face, groundwork,
meeting, aggregation, congregation, disdain: (n, v) despise, contemn, endpapers, pediment, proscenium.
montage; (adj) gathering, assembled. slight, ridicule; (n) contempt, scandalous: (adj) infamous,
clearness: (n) clarity, brightness, derision, arrogance, haughtiness, disgraceful, ignominious,
distinctness, perspicuity, lucidity, pride; (v) scoff, disparage. outrageous, opprobrious, shocking,
explicitness, sharpness, simplicity, ANTONYMS: (n) humility, disreputable, disgusting,
purity, limpidity, intelligibility. admiration, reverence, worship, dishonorable; (adj, v) base, foul.
ANTONYMS: (n) ambiguity, opacity, approval, regard; (v) approve, ANTONYMS: (adj) proper, seemly,
dirtiness, vagueness, unclearness, admire, praise, accept, participate. honorable, appealing,
obscureness, indistinctness, clutter, duodecimo: (adj) twelvemo; (n) complimentary, reputable,
haziness, mustiness. sextodecimo, octodecimo. admirable.
112 Northanger Abbey

George’s Fields, the Bank attacked, the Tower threatened, the streets of London
flowing with blood, a detachment of the Twelfth Light Dragoons (the hopes of
the nation) called up from Northampton to quell the insurgents, and the gallant
Captain Frederick Tilney, in the moment of charging at the head of his troop,
knocked off his horse by a brickbat from an upper window. Forgive her
stupidity. The fears of the sister have added to the weakness of the woman; but
she is by no means a simpleton in general.”%
Catherine looked grave. “And now, Henry,” said Miss Tilney, “that you
have made us understand each other, you may as well make Miss Morland
understand yourself -- unless you mean to have her think you intolerably rude to
your sister, and a great brute in your opinion of women in general. Miss
Morland is not used to your odd ways.”
“I shall be most happy to make her better acquainted with them.”
“No doubt; but that is no explanation of the present.”
“What am I to do?”
“You know what you ought to do. Clear your character handsomely before
her. Tell her that you think very highly of the understanding of women.”
“Miss Morland, I think very highly of the understanding of all the women in
the world -- especially of those -- whoever they may be -- with whom I happen to
be in company.”
“That is not enough. Be more serious.”
“Miss Morland, no one can think more highly of the understanding of
women than I do. In my opinion, nature has given them so much that they never
find it necessary to use more than half.”
“We shall get nothing more serious from him now, Miss Morland. He is not
in a sober mood. But I do assure you that he must be entirely misunderstood, if
he can ever appear to say an unjust thing of any woman at all, or an unkind one
of me.”

Thesaurus
brickbat: (n) carcass, shell, rocket, generously, good-lookingly, smartly. dullard.
shot, grenade, criticism, disapproval, ANTONYM: (adv) poorly. streets: (n) street.
indignity, affront, bullet, derision. misunderstood: (adj) mistreated, stupidity: (n) foolishness, nonsense,
brute: (adj) brutal, harsh, gruff, confused. obtuseness, dullness, fatuity,
brutish; (adj, n) animal, savage; (n) quell: (adj, v) appease, pacify, calm; (v) absurdity, stolidity, slowness,
barbarian, fiend, creature, monster; overpower, crush, allay, put down, denseness, idiocy, imbecility.
(adv) beastly. ANTONYMS: (adj) suppress, conquer, defeat, quash. ANTONYMS: (n) sense, logic,
weak, refined, mild, gentle; (n) ANTONYMS: (v) prompt, submit, cleverness, shrewdness, wisdom,
gentleman. resist, aggravate, incite. ability.
handsomely: (adv) liberally, prettily, simpleton: (n) fool, blockhead, dolt, troop: (n) group, corps, gang, crowd,
magnanimously, bonnily, largely, dunce, numskull, ninny, band, brigade, crew, herd, swarm,
lovely, charmingly, finely, nincompoop, booby, sap, dummy, horde; (n, v) flock.
 Jane Austen 113

It was no effort to Catherine to believe that Henry Tilney could never be

wrong. His manner might sometimes surprise, but his meaning must always be
just: and what she did not understand, she was almost as ready to admire, as
what she did. The whole walk was delightful, and though it ended too soon, its
conclusion was delightful too; her friends attended her into the house, and Miss
Tilney, before they parted, addressing herself with respectful form, as much to
Mrs. Allen as to Catherine, petitioned for the pleasure of her company to dinner
on the day after the next. No difficulty was made on Mrs. Allen’s side, and the
only difficulty on Catherine’s was in concealing the excess of her pleasure.%
The morning had passed away so charmingly as to banish all her friendship
and natural affection, for no thought of Isabella or James had crossed her during
their walk. When the Tilneys were gone, she became amiable again, but she was
amiable for some time to little effect; Mrs. Allen had no intelligence to give that
could relieve her anxiety; she had heard nothing of any of them. Towards the
end of the morning, however, Catherine, having occasion for some indispensable
yard of ribbon which must be bought without a moment’s delay, walked out into
the town, and in Bond Street overtook the second Miss Thorpe as she was
loitering towards Edgar’s Buildings between two of the sweetest girls in the
world, who had been her dear friends all the morning. From her, she soon
learned that the party to Clifton had taken place. “They set off at eight this
morning,” said Miss Anne, “and I am sure I do not envy them their drive. I
think you and I are very well off to be out of the scrape. it must be the dullest
thing in the world, for there is not a soul at Clifton at this time of year. Belle
went with your brother, and John drove Maria.”
Catherine spoke the pleasure she really felt on hearing this part of the
arrangement.
“Oh! yes,” rejoined the other, “Maria is gone. She was quite wild to go. She
thought it would be something very fine. I cannot say I admire her taste; and for
my part, I was determined from the first not to go, if they pressed me ever so
much.”

Thesaurus
banish: (v) dispel, expel, displace, concealing: (n) covering, concealment, loiteringly.
relegate, oust, expatriate, eject, burial, stealing, stealth, screening, respectful: (adj) deferential, mannerly,
dismiss, transport, cast out; (adj, v) burying, screenings, activity; (adj) dutiful, courteous, attentive,
exile. ANTONYMS: (v) keep, suppressive. obedient, reverential, regardful,
embrace, adopt, invite, include. envy: (v) begrudge, want; (n) reverent, polite, humble.
bought: (n) crook, hook. enviousness, desire, heartburning, ANTONYMS: (adj) cheeky,
charmingly: (adv) pleasingly, prettily, resentment, envies, heartburn, impudent, insolent, rude,
alluringly, attractively, fascinatingly, jealousy, hatred; (adj) jealous. contemptuous, disobedient, scornful,
pleasantly, enchantingly, temptingly, ANTONYM: (n) generosity. nasty, sneering, irreverent, impolite.
engagingly, sweetly, beautifully. loitering: (n) delay, dalliance; (adj) scrape: (n, v) scratch, graze, score,
ANTONYMS: (adv) unpleasantly, slow, dilatory, delaying, inactive, mark; (v) rub, pare, rake, grate, chafe,
unattractively, horribly, awkwardly. truant, trifling, tardy; (v) loiter; (adv) abrade; (n) abrasion.
114 Northanger Abbey

Catherine, a little doubtful of this, could not help answering, “I wish you
could have gone too. It is a pity you could not all go.”
“Thank you; but it is quite a matter of indifference to me. Indeed, I would
not have gone on any account. I was saying so to Emily and Sophia when you
overtook us.”
Catherine was still unconvinced; but glad that Anne should have the
friendship of an Emily and a Sophia to console her, she bade her adieu without
much uneasiness, and returned home, pleased that the party had not been
prevented by her refusing to join it, and very heartily wishing that it might be
too pleasant to allow either James or Isabella to resent her resistance any longer.%

answering: (adj) respondent,
responsive, according, agreeing,
responsory; (n) respondency.
indifference: (adj, n) coldness,
phlegm; (n) detachment,
impassiveness, disregard, aloofness,
nonchalance, neglect, unconcern,
impassivity, disinterest.
ANTONYMS: (n) fervor, interest,
eagerness, dedication, sympathy,
favorite, compassion, anxiety,
responsiveness, forcefulness, care.
Thesaurus
refusing: (adj) negative, dismissive, pleased, convinced, certain, sure,
denying, recusative, noncompliant. enthusiastic, credulous.
resent: (v) resentful, envy, grudge, uneasiness: (n) disquiet, discomfort,
begrudge, embittered, angry, abhor, inquietude, anxiety, unease, malaise,
take offense, take umbrage, take disquietude, apprehension, unrest,
exception, loathe. ANTONYMS: (v) impatience; (n, v) agitation.
welcome, wish, accept. ANTONYMS: (n) peace, calm,
unconvinced: (adj) doubtful, dubious, confidence.
skeptical, unconverted, disappointed, wishing: (n) wish, want, velleity,
unsatisfied, unfulfilled, option, need, privation, lack,
unenthusiastic, undecided, uncertain, deprivation, deficiency, choice; (adj)
unbelieving. ANTONYMS: (adj) desirous.
 Jane Austen 115

CHAPTER %15

Early the next day, a note from Isabella, speaking peace and tenderness in
every line, and entreating the immediate presence of her friend on a matter of the
utmost importance, hastened Catherine, in the happiest state of confidence and
curiosity, to Edgar’s Buildings. The two youngest Miss Thorpes were by
themselves in the parlour; and, on Anne’s quitting it to call her sister, Catherine
took the opportunity of asking the other for some particulars of their yesterday’s
party. Maria desired no greater pleasure than to speak of it; and Catherine
immediately learnt that it had been altogether the most delightful scheme in the
world, that nobody could imagine how charming it had been, and that it had
been more delightful than anybody could conceive. Such was the information of
the first five minutes; the second unfolded thus much in detail -- that they had
driven directly to the York Hotel, ate some soup, and bespoke an early dinner,
walked down to the pump-room, tasted the water, and laid out some shillings in
purses and spars; thence adjoined to eat ice at a pastry-cook’s, and hurrying back
to the hotel, swallowed their dinner in haste, to prevent being in the dark; and
then had a delightful drive back, only the moon was not up, and it rained a little,
and Mr. Morland’s horse was so tired he could hardly get it along.
Catherine listened with heartfelt satisfaction. It appeared that Blaize Castle
had never been thought of; and, as for all the rest, there was nothing to regret for
half an instant. Maria’s intelligence concluded with a tender effusion of pity for
Thesaurus
bespoke: (adj) bespoken, custom, favorite, wanted, welcome, needed, parlour: (n) living room, parlor, sitting
engaged, affianced, commissioned, beloved, required, most wanted; (adj, room, front room, livingroom, room
customized, made to measure, made v) chosen; (v) consenting. to meet guests, parlours, parlors,
to order, modified, personalized, effusion: (n) effluence, eruption, salon, reception room, room.
specially made. outpour, efflux, outburst, exudation, swallowed: (adj) engulfed, gulped,
curiosity: (n) curiousness, rarity, extrusion, exhalation, emanation, inundated, overcome, overwhelmed,
interest, curio, oddity, prying, emission, flow. flooded, overpowered, enclosed.
nosiness, peculiarity, novelty, heartfelt: (adj) cordial, sincere, devout, unfolded: (adj) extended, stretched,
marvel; (adj, n) prodigy. dear, genuine, wholehearted, frank, outspread, outstretched, widely
ANTONYMS: (n) emotionlessness, deep, honest, fervent, real. spread, stretched out, explicate,
indifference, disinterest. ANTONYMS: (adj) dishonest, evolved, displayed, expanded,
desired: (adj) coveted, desirable, unenthusiastic, impassive. detailed.
116 Northanger Abbey

her sister Anne, whom she represented as insupportably cross, from being
excluded the party.%
“She will never forgive me, I am sure; but, you know, how could I help it?
John would have me go, for he vowed he would not drive her, because she had
such thick ankles. I dare say she will not be in good humour again this month;
but I am determined I will not be cross; it is not a little matter that puts me out of
temper.”
Isabella now entered the room with so eager a step, and a look of such happy
importance, as engaged all her friend’s notice. Maria was without ceremony sent
away, and Isabella, embracing Catherine, thus began: “Yes, my dear Catherine,
it is so indeed; your penetration has not deceived you. Oh! That arch eye of
yours! It sees through everything.”
Catherine replied only by a look of wondering ignorance.
“Nay, my beloved, sweetest friend,” continued the other, “compose yourself.
I am amazingly agitated, as you perceive. Let us sit down and talk in comfort.
Well, and so you guessed it the moment you had my note? Sly creature! Oh!
My dear Catherine, you alone, who know my heart, can judge of my present
happiness. Your brother is the most charming of men. I only wish I were more
worthy of him. But what will your excellent father and mother say? Oh!
Heavens! When I think of them I am so agitated!”
Catherine’s understanding began to awake: an idea of the truth suddenly
darted into her mind; and, with the natural blush of so new an emotion, she cried
out, “Good heaven! My dear Isabella, what do you mean? Can you -- can you
really be in love with James?”
This bold surmise, however, she soon learnt comprehended but half the fact.
The anxious affection, which she was accused of having continually watched in
Isabella’s every look and action, had, in the course of their yesterday’s party,
received the delightful confession of an equal love. Her heart and faith were
alike engaged to James. Never had Catherine listened to anything so full of
interest, wonder, and joy. Her brother and her friend engaged! New to such

agitated: (adj) upset, excited, nervous,
restive, tumultuous, distressed, tense,
jumpy, overwrought, anxious,
alarmed. ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
lethargic, tranquil, relaxed, assured,
cool, still.
comprehended: (adj) understood,
apprehended.
confession: (n) admission,
acknowledgment, recognition,
acknowledgement, concession,
divulgence, disclosure, shrift,
Thesaurus
penance, profession, admission of
guilt. ANTONYMS: (n) disavowal,
refutation.
embracing: (n) embrace, hugging,
kissing, taking on, implementation,
espousal, clutches; (adj) twining,
osculant, grasping, close.
insupportably: (adv) unspeakably,
unbearably, insufferably, hatefully,
excruciatingly, dreadfully,
disagreeably, unendurably.
learnt: (adj) learned.
penetration: (n, v) intelligence,
discernment, discrimination,
judgment; (adj, n) acumen; (n)
incursion, acuteness, entrance,
interpenetration, invasion,
breakthrough. ANTONYM: (n)
foolishness.
vowed: (v) promised, named,
benempt.
wondering: (adj) inquisitive,
speculative, suspicious.
yours: (adj) own.
 Jane Austen 117

circumstances, the importance of it appeared unspeakably great, and she

contemplated it as one of those grand events, of which the ordinary course of life
can hardly afford a return. The strength of her feelings she could not express; the
nature of them, however, contented her friend. The happiness of having such a
sister was their first effusion, and the fair ladies mingled in embraces and tears
of joy.%
Delighting, however, as Catherine sincerely did in the prospect of the
connection, it must be acknowledged that Isabella far surpassed her in tender
anticipations. “You will be so infinitely dearer to me, my Catherine, than either
Anne or Maria: I feel that I shall be so much more attached to my dear
Morland’s family than to my own.”
This was a pitch of friendship beyond Catherine.
“You are so like your dear brother,” continued Isabella, “that I quite doted on
you the first moment I saw you. But so it always is with me; the first moment
settles everything. The very first day that Morland came to us last Christmas --
the very first moment I beheld him -- my heart was irrecoverably gone. I
remember I wore my yellow gown, with my hair done up in braids; and when I
came into the drawing-room, and John introduced him, I thought I never saw
anybody so handsome before.”
Here Catherine secretly acknowledged the power of love; for, though
exceedingly fond of her brother, and partial to all his endowments, she had never
in her life thought him handsome.
“I remember too, Miss Andrews drank tea with us that evening, and wore
her puce-coloured sarsenet; and she looked so heavenly that I thought your
brother must certainly fall in love with her; I could not sleep a wink all right for
thinking of it. Oh! Catherine, the many sleepless nights I have had on your
brother’s account! I would not have you suffer half what I have done! I am
grown wretchedly thin, I know; but I will not pain you by describing my anxiety;
you have seen enough of it. I feel that I have betrayed myself perpetually -- so
unguarded in speaking of my partiality for the church! But my secret I was
always sure would be safe with you.”
Thesaurus
contemplated: (adj) intended, willful. incautious, defenseless, careless, horrendously. ANTONYM: (adv)
mingled: (adj) miscellaneous, complex, unprotected, exposed, insecure, pleasantly.
indiscriminate, heterogeneous, undefended; (v) thoughtless, wink: (n, v) twinkle, blink, flash; (n)
medley, confused, eclectic, motley, thriftless, shiftless. ANTONYMS: instant, twinkling, trice; (v) sparkle,
different; (v) blended, blent. (adj) thoughtful, careful, safe, nictitate, flicker, nictate, leer.
partiality: (n) favor, fondness, leaning, guarded, armed, invulnerable, wretchedly: (adv) pathetically,
fancy, favour, predilection, liking, secure. unhappily, desperately, calamitously,
prejudice, favoritism, bias, affection. unspeakably: (adv) indescribably, sadly, meanly, forlornly, piteously,
ANTONYMS: (n) impartiality, horrifically, horrifyingly, disastrously, gloomily; (adj, adv)
fairness, indifference, horror, staggeringly, inexcusably, miserably. ANTONYM: (adv)
antipathy. unbearably, unkindly, unpleasantly, hopefully.
unguarded: (adj) vulnerable, unutterably, offensively,
118 Northanger Abbey

Catherine felt that nothing could have been safer; but ashamed of an
ignorance little expected, she dared no longer contest the point, nor refuse to
have been as full of arch penetration and affectionate sympathy as Isabella chose
to consider her. Her brother, she found, was preparing to set off with all speed
to Fullerton, to make known his situation and ask consent; and here was a source
of some real agitation to the mind of Isabella. Catherine endeavoured to
persuade her, as she was herself persuaded, that her father and mother would
never oppose their son’s wishes. “It is impossible,” said she, “for parents to be
more kind, or more desirous of their children’s happiness; I have no doubt of
their consenting immediately.”
“Morland says exactly the same,” replied Isabella; “and yet I dare not expect
it; my fortune will be so small; they never can consent to it. Your brother, who
might marry anybody!”
Here Catherine again discerned the force of love.%
“Indeed, Isabella, you are too humble. The difference of fortune can be
nothing to signify.”
“Oh! My sweet Catherine, in your generous heart I know it would signify
nothing; but we must not expect such disinterestedness in many. As for myself,
I am sure I only wish our situations were reversed. Had I the command of
millions, were I mistress of the whole world, your brother would be my only
choice.”
This charming sentiment, recommended as much by sense as novelty, gave
Catherine a most pleasing remembrance of all the heroines of her acquaintance;
and she thought her friend never looked more lovely than in uttering the grand
idea. “I am sure they will consent,” was her frequent declaration; “I am sure
they will be delighted with you.”
“For my own part,” said Isabella, “my wishes are so moderate that the
smallest income in nature would be enough for me. Where people are really
attached, poverty itself is wealth; grandeur I detest: I would not settle in London

Thesaurus
agitation: (n) disturbance, excitement, detachment, indifference, equity, change, difference.
tumult, stirring, convulsion, stir, aloofness, neutrality, disadvantage, remembrance: (n, v) recollection,
commotion, emotion, unrest, shake, unfriendliness. mind; (n) commemoration, memorial,
turmoil. ANTONYMS: (n) serenity, grandeur: (n) dignity, splendor, recall, relic, monument, keepsake,
calm, equanimity, rest, peace, magnitude, brilliance, glory, pomp, reminiscence, recognition; (adj, n)
deterrent. elegance, majesty, magnificence, memento.
consenting: (adj) agreeable, yielding, grandness; (adj, n) solemnity. sentiment: (n) emotion, mind, notion,
submissive, consentant, compliant, ANTONYMS: (n) modesty, feeling, persuasion, opinion,
affirmative, accepting; (v) complying, simplicity. judgment, sense, judgement, attitude,
chosen. novelty: (adj) news; (n) freshness, impression.
disinterestedness: (n) fairness, mutation, newness, trinket, curiosity, wishes: (n) desires, requirements,
disinterest, nonpartisanship, originality, oddity, bauble; (n, v) requests, needs, will.
 Jane Austen 119

for the universe. A cottage in some retired village would be ecstasy. There are
some charming little villas about Richmond.”
“Richmond!” cried Catherine. “You must settle near Fullerton. You must be
near us.”
“I am sure I shall be miserable if we do not. If I can but be near you, I shall be
satisfied. But this is idle talking! I will not allow myself to think of such things,
till we have your father’s answer. Morland says that by sending it tonight to
Salisbury, we may have it tomorrow. Tomorrow? I know I shall never have
courage to open the letter. I know it will be the death of me.”
A reverie succeeded this conviction -- and when Isabella spoke again, it was
to resolve on the quality of her wedding-gown.%
Their conference was put an end to by the anxious young lover himself, who
came to breathe his parting sigh before he set off for Wiltshire. Catherine wished
to congratulate him, but knew not what to say, and her eloquence was only in
her eyes. From them, however, the eight parts of speech shone out most
expressively, and James could combine them with ease. Impatient for the
realization of all that he hoped at home, his adieus were not long; and they
would have been yet shorter, had he not been frequently detained by the urgent
entreaties of his fair one that he would go. Twice was he called almost from the
door by her eagerness to have him gone. “Indeed, Morland, I must drive you
away. Consider how far you have to ride. I cannot bear to see you linger so. For
heaven’s sake, waste no more time. There, go, go -- I insist on it.”
The two friends, with hearts now more united than ever, were inseparable for
the day; and in schemes of sisterly happiness the hours flew along. Mrs. Thorpe
and her son, who were acquainted with everything, and who seemed only to
want Mr. Morland’s consent, to consider Isabella’s engagement as the most
fortunate circumstance imaginable for their family, were allowed to join their
counsels, and add their quota of significant looks and mysterious expressions to
fill up the measure of curiosity to be raised in the unprivileged younger sisters.
To Catherine’s simple feelings, this odd sort of reserve seemed neither kindly
meant, nor consistently supported; and its unkindness she would hardly have
Thesaurus
eloquence: (n) style, fluency, oratory, linger: (v) loiter, delay, dally, hover, (adj) brotherly.
rhetoric, articulateness, expression, stay, hesitate, hang around, unkindness: (n) heartlessness,
volubility, persuasiveness, articulacy, procrastinate, dawdle, tarry, saunter. callousness, thoughtlessness,
facundity, way with words. ANTONYMS: (v) hurry, end, rush, inconsideration, inconsiderateness,
ANTONYM: (n) inarticulateness. depart, lead. diskindness, insensitivity,
expressively: (adv) meaningfully, reverie: (n) dream, fantasy, air castle, unpleasantness, unfriendliness,
eloquently, indicatively, poignantly, brown study, revery, trance, unkindliness, insensitiveness.
movingly, vividly, suggestively, abstraction, castle in Spain, castle in ANTONYMS: (n) goodwill,
emphatically, evocatively, mobilely, the air; (adj) preoccupation, diplomacy, gentleness, humanity,
tellingly. ANTONYMS: (adv) distraction. ANTONYM: (n) reality. thoughtfulness.
unemotionally, inexpressively, sisterly: (adj) sororal, fatherly, unprivileged: (adj) poor, unchartered.
innocently, blandly. motherly, sisterlike. ANTONYM: ANTONYM: (adj) privileged.
120 Northanger Abbey

forborne pointing out, had its inconsistency been less their friend; but Anne and
Maria soon set her heart at ease by the sagacity of their “I know what”; and the
evening was spent in a sort of war of wit, a display of family ingenuity, on one
side in the mystery of an affected secret, on the other of undefined discovery, all
equally acute.%
Catherine was with her friend again the next day, endeavouring to support
her spirits and while away the many tedious hours before the delivery of the
letters; a needful exertion, for as the time of reasonable expectation drew near,
Isabella became more and more desponding, and before the letter arrived, had
worked herself into a state of real distress. But when it did come, where could
distress be found? “I have had no difficulty in gaining the consent of my kind
parents, and am promised that everything in their power shall be done to
forward my happiness,” were the first three lines, and in one moment all was
joyful security. The brightest glow was instantly spread over Isabella’s features,
all care and anxiety seemed removed, her spirits became almost too high for
control, and she called herself without scruple the happiest of mortals.
Mrs. Thorpe, with tears of joy, embraced her daughter, her son, her visitor,
and could have embraced half the inhabitants of Bath with satisfaction. Her
heart was overflowing with tenderness. It was “dear John” and “dear
Catherine” at every word; “dear Anne and dear Maria” must immediately be
made sharers in their felicity; and two “dears” at once before the name of Isabella
were not more than that beloved child had now well earned. John himself was
no skulker in joy. He not only bestowed on Mr. Morland the high
commendation of being one of the finest fellows in the world, but swore off
many sentences in his praise.
The letter, whence sprang all this felicity, was short, containing little more
than this assurance of success; and every particular was deferred till James could
write again. But for particulars Isabella could well afford to wait. The needful
was comprised in Mr. Morland’s promise; his honour was pledged to make
everything easy; and by what means their income was to be formed, whether
landed property were to be resigned, or funded money made over, was a matter

Thesaurus
embraced: (adj) popular. glimmer, glare, color, sparkle, beam; prudence, gumption, acumen,
exertion: (n) application, exercise, (v) burn, flare, kindle. ANTONYMS: perspicacity; (adj, n) discretion,
endeavor, attempt, struggle, trouble, (n) wanness, darkness, paleness; (v) wisdom. ANTONYM: (n) foolishness.
diligence, strain, labor, pull, essay. pale, struggle. skulker: (n) malingerer, lurcher, skulk,
ANTONYMS: (n) idleness, inactivity, mortals: (n) people. coward, shirker, role player, sham,
inertia, relaxation, laziness, ease. overflowing: (adj) full, copious, shammer, faker, pseud, pretender.
fellows: (n) fellow, membership, exuberant, flooding, bountiful, undefined: (adj) indeterminate,
faculty. generous, brimming, profuse; (n, v) indistinct, obscure, shadowy,
gaining: (n) acceptance, acquisition, flood, inundation, deluge. uncertain, vague, unspecified,
attainment, capture; (adj) ahead, ANTONYMS: (adj) sparse, scarce. ambiguous, unlimited, inexact,
fortunate. ANTONYM: (n) loss. sagacity: (n, v) discernment, judgment, neutral. ANTONYMS: (adj) defined,
glow: (n, v) flush, gleam, shine, penetration; (n) judiciousness, sense, exact, constrained.
 Jane Austen 121

in which her disinterested spirit took no concern. She knew enough to feel
secure of an honourable and speedy establishment, and her imagination took a
rapid flight over its attendant felicities. She saw herself at the end of a few
weeks, the gaze and admiration of every new acquaintance at Fullerton, the envy
of every valued old friend in Putney, with a carriage at her command, a new
name on her tickets, and a brilliant exhibition of hoop rings on her finger.%
When the contents of the letter were ascertained, John Thorpe, who had only
waited its arrival to begin his journey to London, prepared to set off. “Well, Miss
Morland,” said he, on finding her alone in the parlour, “I am come to bid you
good-bye.” Catherine wished him a good journey. Without appearing to hear
her, he walked to the window, fidgeted about, hummed a tune, and seemed
wholly self-occupied.
“Shall not you be late at Devizes?” said Catherine. He made no answer; but
after a minute’s silence burst out with, “A famous good thing this marrying
scheme, upon my soul! A clever fancy of Morland’s and Belle’s. What do you
think of it, Miss Morland? I say it is no bad notion.”
“I am sure I think it a very good one.”
“Do you? That’s honest, by heavens! I am glad you are no enemy to
matrimony, however. Did you ever hear the old song ‘Going to One Wedding
Brings on Another?’ I say, you will come to Belle’s wedding, I hope.”
“Yes; I have promised your sister to be with her, if possible.”
“And then you know” -- twisting himself about and forcing a foolish laugh --
“I say, then you know, we may try the truth of this same old song.”
“May we? But I never sing. Well, I wish you a good journey. I dine with
Miss Tilney today, and must now be going home.”
“Nay, but there is no such confounded hurry. Who knows when we may be
together again? Not but that I shall be down again by the end of a fortnight, and
a devilish long fortnight it will appear to me.”
“Then why do you stay away so long?” replied Catherine -- finding that he
waited for an answer.
Thesaurus
attendant: (n) companion, follower, interested, prejudiced, eager, knew: (adj) known; (v) recognize, wist.
assistant, escort, subordinate, passionate, riveted, concerned, marrying: (adj) married.
employee, guide, varlet; (adj) partial, personal. rings: (n) ornaments, necklaces, jewels,
accompanying, concomitant, fortnight: (n) two weeks, period, costume jewelry, charms, bracelets.
incidental. ANTONYMS: (n) amount of time. twisting: (adj) tortuous, winding,
superior, boss; (adj) absent, unrelated, honourable: (adj) estimable, reverend, sinuous, crooked, zigzag,
significant. venerable, glorious, honorable, meandering; (n) distortion, turn, spin,
disinterested: (adj) indifferent, distinguished, above-board, good, torsion, overrefinement.
detached, fair, unbiased, objective, worthy, right, noble. valued: (adj) precious, appreciated,
neutral, dispassionate, equitable, hoop: (n) circle, band, ring, loop, respected, dear, prized, priced,
evenhanded, uninterested, annulus, round, sphere, wheel, treasured, value, esteemed, loved,
impassive. ANTONYMS: (adj) biased, circlet, halo; (v) encircle. beloved.
122 Northanger Abbey

“That is kind of you, however -- kind and good-natured. I shall not forget it
in a hurry. But you have more good nature and all that, than anybody living, I
believe. A monstrous deal of good nature, and it is not only good nature, but
you have so much, so much of everything; and then you have such -- upon my
soul, I do not know anybody like you.”%
“Oh! dear, there are a great many people like me, I dare say, only a great
deal better. Good morning to you.”
“But I say, Miss Morland, I shall come and pay my respects at Fullerton
before it is long, if not disagreeable.”
“Pray do. My father and mother will be very glad to see you.”
“And I hope -- I hope, Miss Morland, you will not be sorry to see me.”
“Oh! dear, not at all. There are very few people I am sorry to see. Company
is always cheerful.”
“That is just my way of thinking. Give me but a little cheerful company, let
me only have the company of the people I love, let me only be where I like and
with whom I like, and the devil take the rest, say I. And I am heartily glad to
hear you say the same. But I have a notion, Miss Morland, you and I think pretty
much alike upon most matters.”
“Perhaps we may; but it is more than I ever thought of. And as to most
matters, to say the truth, there are not many that I know my own mind about.”
“By Jove, no more do I. It is not my way to bother my brains with what does
not concern me. My notion of things is simple enough. Let me only have the girl
I like, say I, with a comfortable house over my head, and what care I for all the
rest? Fortune is nothing. I am sure of a good income of my own; and if she had
not a penny, why, so much the better.”
“Very true. I think like you there. If there is a good fortune on one side,
there can be no occasion for any on the other. No matter which has it, so that
there is enough. I hate the idea of one great fortune looking out for another.
And to marry for money I think the wickedest thing in existence. Good day. We
shall be very glad to see you at Fullerton, whenever it is convenient.” And away
Thesaurus
alike: (adj) corresponding, equal, cheerful: (adj, v) buoyant; (adj) breezy, heinous, monster, immense, gigantic,
equivalent, cognate, analogical, merry, optimistic, pleasant, glad, grievous, ugly, flagitious, dreadful;
parallel, analogous, identical, similar, blithe, carefree, bright, lively, happy. (adj, v) grotesque. ANTONYMS: (adj)
the same, duplicate. ANTONYMS: ANTONYMS: (adj) depressed, tiny, minute, beautiful, good, small,
(adj) different, dissimilar, contrasting, gloomy, sad, depressing, grim, lovely, attractive.
unalike, disparate, unlike, opposite; hopeless, miserable, morose, somber, penny: (n) change, coin, centime,
(adv) differently, unequally, dejected, unwelcoming. copper, groat, subunit, money, mite,
unevenly. devil: (n) fiend, demon, ghost, doit, small change, denomination.
brains: (n) cleverness, intellect, monster, Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub, respects: (adj) abord, welcome; (n)
intelligence, sense, mind, wisdom, deuce, daemon; (v) torment, rag. compliments, greeting, compliment,
pate, wit, wits, reason; (adj, n) head. ANTONYM: (n) angel. baisemains, devoir, duty.
ANTONYM: (n) stupidity. monstrous: (adj) huge, atrocious,
 Jane Austen 123

she went. It was not in the power of all his gallantry to detain her longer. With
such news to communicate, and such a visit to prepare for, her departure was
not to be delayed by anything in his nature to urge; and she hurried away,
leaving him to the undivided consciousness of his own happy address, and her
explicit encouragement.%
The agitation which she had herself experienced on first learning her
brother’s engagement made her expect to raise no inconsiderable emotion in Mr.
and Mrs. Allen, by the communication of the wonderful event. How great was
her disappointment! The important affair, which many words of preparation
ushered in, had been foreseen by them both ever since her brother’s arrival; and
all that they felt on the occasion was comprehended in a wish for the young
people’s happiness, with a remark, on the gentleman’s side, in favour of
Isabella’s beauty, and on the lady’s, of her great good luck. It was to Catherine
the most surprising insensibility. The disclosure, however, of the great secret of
James’s going to Fullerton the day before, did raise some emotion in Mrs. Allen.
She could not listen to that with perfect calmness, but repeatedly regretted the
necessity of its concealment, wished she could have known his intention, wished
she could have seen him before he went, as she should certainly have troubled
him with her best regards to his father and mother, and her kind compliments to
all the Skinners.

Thesaurus
concealment: (n) suppression, declaration, confession, abord, devoir; (n) greeting, relation,
confidentiality, concealing, secrecy, announcement, betrayal, display, duty.
screen, disguise, hiding, privacy, divulgence, leak, manifestation, remark: (n, v) comment, notice, note,
camouflage, blind, covering. publication. ANTONYMS: (n) denial, mention, regard, mind; (adj, n, v)
ANTONYMS: (n) discovery, hiding. observe; (v) perceive, mark, discern;
disclosure, exposure, expression, inconsiderable: (adj) inconsequential, (n) observation.
openness, uncovering, revelation. immaterial, small, petty, slight, undivided: (adj) complete, whole,
detain: (v) arrest, confine, catch, negligible, trivial, fractional, minute, unbroken, total, single, integral,
capture, apprehend, stay, keep, jail, imperceptible, slender. ANTONYM: continuous, united, full, exclusive,
imprison, incarcerate, retard. (adj) major. solid. ANTONYMS: (adj) partial,
ANTONYMS: (v) free, liberate, rush. regards: (v) regard, esteem, respect, separate, broken, imperfect,
disclosure: (n) discovery, exposure, consideration, honor, motive; (adj) individual.
 Jane Austen 125

CHAPTER %16

Catherine’s expectations of pleasure from her visit in Milsom Street were so

very high that disappointment was inevitable; and accordingly, though she was
most politely received by General Tilney, and kindly welcomed by his daughter,
though Henry was at home, and no one else of the party, she found, on her
return, without spending many hours in the examination of her feelings, that she
had gone to her appointment preparing for happiness which it had not afforded.
Instead of finding herself improved in acquaintance with Miss Tilney, from the
intercourse of the day, she seemed hardly so intimate with her as before; instead
of seeing Henry Tilney to greater advantage than ever, in the ease of a family
party, he had never said so little, nor been so little agreeable; and, in spite of their
father’s great civilities to her -- in spite of his thanks, invitations, and
compliments -- it had been a release to get away from him. It puzzled her to
account for all this. It could not be General Tilney’s fault. That he was perfectly
agreeable and good-natured, and altogether a very charming man, did not admit
of a doubt, for he was tall and handsome, and Henry’s father. He could not be
accountable for his children’s want of spirits, or for her want of enjoyment in his
company. The former she hoped at last might have been accidental, and the
latter she could only attribute to her own stupidity. Isabella, on hearing the
particulars of the visit, gave a different explanation: “It was all pride, pride,
insufferable haughtiness and pride! She had long suspected the family to be

Thesaurus
accidental: (adj) casual, unintentional, untrustworthy, unreliable, humbleness.
adventitious, unintended, incidental, unaccountable, exempt, excused, insufferable: (adj, v) intolerable,
chance, random, unforeseen, blameless, innocent. abhorrent; (adj) excruciating,
unexpected, contingent, haphazard. attribute: (adj, n) quality, property; (n, impossible, unbearable,
ANTONYMS: (adj) deliberate, v) assign; (n) feature, emblem, insupportable, unendurable,
designed, intended, planned, characteristic, peculiarity, mark; (v) unsufferable, hateful, painful; (v)
premeditated. credit, impute, accredit. nauseous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
accountable: (adj, v) amenable, liable; haughtiness: (n) pride, disdain, manageable, nice, lovable.
(adj) responsible, obligated, obliged, condescension, conceit, snobbishness, suspected: (adj) supposed, doubted,
explicable, accomptable, lordliness, imperiousness, hauteur, suspicious, suspicion, inspiring
blameworthy, calculable; (v) bound, contempt, superiority, arrogant. distrust, distrusted.
comptible. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYMS: (n) humility,
126 Northanger Abbey

very high, and this made it certain. Such insolence of behaviour as Miss Tilney’s
she had never heard of in her life! Not to do the honours of her house with
common good breeding! To behave to her guest with such superciliousness!
Hardly even to speak to her!”%
“But it was not so bad as that, Isabella; there was no superciliousness; she
was very civil.”
“Oh! Don’t defend her! And then the brother, he, who had appeared so
attached to you! Good heavens! Well, some people’s feelings are
incomprehensible. And so he hardly looked once at you the whole day?”
“I do not say so; but he did not seem in good spirits.”
“How contemptible! Of all things in the world inconstancy is my aversion.
Let me entreat you never to think of him again, my dear Catherine; indeed he is
unworthy of you.”
“Unworthy! I do not suppose he ever thinks of me.”
“That is exactly what I say; he never thinks of you. Such fickleness! Oh!
How different to your brother and to mine! I really believe John has the most
constant heart.”
“But as for General Tilney, I assure you it would be impossible for anybody
to behave to me with greater civility and attention; it seemed to be his only care
to entertain and make me happy.”
“Oh! I know no harm of him; I do not suspect him of pride. I believe he is a
very gentleman-like man. John thinks very well of him, and John’s judgment -- “
“Well, I shall see how they behave to me this evening; we shall meet them at
the rooms.”
“And must I go?”
“Do not you intend it? I thought it was all settled.”
“Nay, since you make such a point of it, I can refuse you nothing. But do not
insist upon my being very agreeable, for my heart, you know, will be some forty
miles off. And as for dancing, do not mention it, I beg; that is quite out of the

aversion: (n) antipathy, distaste,
abhorrence, disinclination, dislike,
grudge, aversation, nausea, enmity,
revulsion; (n, v) disgust.
ANTONYMS: (n) attraction, love,
inclination, predilection, desire,
fondness, goodwill.
entreat: (v) beg, beseech, ask, implore,
pray, adjure, appeal, request, conjure,
crave, bid. ANTONYMS: (v) demand,
reject.
fickleness: (n) faithlessness, levity,
Thesaurus
volatility, instability, capriciousness,
changeableness, falseness, flightiness;
(n, v) caprice; (v) fancy, legerete.
ANTONYMS: (n) fidelity, loyalty,
predictability.
inconstancy: (n) fickleness, flightiness,
uncertainty, falseness, infidelity,
changeableness, changefulness,
variability, disloyalty, caprice; (adj, n)
mutability. ANTONYMS: (n)
constancy, fidelity.
insolence: (n) impertinence,
arrogance, audacity, impudence,
effrontery, cheek, assumption, gall,
disrespect, haughtiness, crust.
ANTONYMS: (n) respect, politeness,
meekness, shyness.
superciliousness: (n) arrogance,
haughtiness, condescension,
disdainfulness, pride,
contemptuousness,
condescendingness, airs, conceit,
insult, loftiness. ANTONYMS: (n)
humility, respect.
 Jane Austen 127

question. Charles Hodges will plague me to death, I dare say; but I shall cut him
very short. Ten to one but he guesses the reason, and that is exactly what I want
to avoid, so I shall insist on his keeping his conjecture to himself.”
Isabella’s opinion of the Tilneys did not influence her friend; she was sure
there had been no insolence in the manners either of brother or sister; and she
did not credit there being any pride in their hearts. The evening rewarded her
confidence; she was met by one with the same kindness, and by the other with
the same attention, as heretofore: Miss Tilney took pains to be near her, and
Henry asked her to dance.%
Having heard the day before in Milsom Street that their elder brother,
Captain Tilney, was expected almost every hour, she was at no loss for the name
of a very fashionable-looking, handsome young man, whom she had never seen
before, and who now evidently belonged to their party. She looked at him with
great admiration, and even supposed it possible that some people might think
him handsomer than his brother, though, in her eyes, his air was more assuming,
and his countenance less prepossessing. His taste and manners were beyond a
doubt decidedly inferior; for, within her hearing, he not only protested against
every thought of dancing himself, but even laughed openly at Henry for finding
it possible. From the latter circumstance it may be presumed that, whatever
might be our heroine’s opinion of him, his admiration of her was not of a very
dangerous kind; not likely to produce animosities between the brothers, nor
persecutions to the lady. He cannot be the instigator of the three villains in
horsemen’s greatcoats, by whom she will hereafter be forced into a traveling-
chaise and four, which will drive off with incredible speed. Catherine,
meanwhile, undisturbed by presentiments of such an evil, or of any evil at all,
except that of having but a short set to dance down, enjoyed her usual happiness
with Henry Tilney, listening with sparkling eyes to everything he said; and, in
finding him irresistible, becoming so herself.
At the end of the first dance, Captain Tilney came towards them again, and,
much to Catherine’s dissatisfaction, pulled his brother away. They retired
whispering together; and, though her delicate sensibility did not take immediate

Thesaurus
conjecture: (n) supposition, heretofore: (adv) formerly, as yet, prepossessing: (adj) engaging,
speculation, assumption, surmise, before, so far, yet, already, until now, winning, handsome, appealing,
hypothesis; (v) suppose, believe, previously, once, hereunto; (adv, n) lovely, captivating, charming, nice,
anticipate, assume, speculate; (n, v) hitherto. graceful, winsome; (v) inviting.
estimate. ANTONYMS: (n) certainty; instigator: (n) firebrand, abettor, shall: (n) must, necessity; (v) require,
(v) demonstrate, know, learn, prove. inciter, provoker, troublemaker, bequeath, leave.
decidedly: (adv) clearly, positively, incendiary, aggressor, initiator, undisturbed: (adj) peaceful, quiet,
definitely, absolutely, emphatically, instigant, ringleader, demagogue. tranquil, serene, placid, still, easy,
decisively, resolutely, firmly, plague: (v) molest, harass, afflict, smooth, uninterrupted, untroubled,
markedly, surely, determinedly. hassle, annoy, badger, pester, disturb, composed. ANTONYMS: (adj) tense,
ANTONYMS: (adv) uncertainly, beleaguer; (n, v) worry; (adj, n, v) anxious, agitated, bothered,
equivocally, slightly, vaguely. bother. ANTONYM: (v) comfort. disordered, disturbed, noisy, scared.
128 Northanger Abbey

alarm, and lay it down as fact, that Captain Tilney must have heard some
malevolent misrepresentation of her, which he now hastened to communicate to
his brother, in the hope of separating them forever, she could not have her
partner conveyed from her sight without very uneasy sensations. Her suspense
was of full five minutes’ duration; and she was beginning to think it a very long
quarter of an hour, when they both returned, and an explanation was given, by
Henry’s requesting to know if she thought her friend, Miss Thorpe, would have
any objection to dancing, as his brother would be most happy to be introduced to
her. Catherine, without hesitation, replied that she was very sure Miss Thorpe
did not mean to dance at all. The cruel reply was passed on to the other, and he
immediately walked away.%
“Your brother will not mind it, I know,” said she, “because I heard him say
before that he hated dancing; but it was very good-natured in him to think of it.
I suppose he saw Isabella sitting down, and fancied she might wish for a partner;
but he is quite mistaken, for she would not dance upon any account in the
world.”
Henry smiled, and said, “How very little trouble it can give you to
understand the motive of other people’s actions.”
“Why? What do you mean?”
“With you, it is not, How is such a one likely to be influenced, What is the
inducement most likely to act upon such a person’s feelings, age, situation, and
probable habits of life considered -- but, How should I be influenced, What
would be my inducement in acting so and so?”
“I do not understand you.”
“Then we are on very unequal terms, for I understand you perfectly well.”
“Me? Yes; I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible.”
“Bravo! An excellent satire on modern language.”
“But pray tell me what you mean.”

fancied: (adj) unreal, chimerical,
fictional, fanciful, fictitious,
fabricated, preferred, assumed,
illusory, imagined, ideal.
habits: (n) behavior, decorum,
pratique.
inducement: (n) enticement,
attraction, cause, incitement, impulse,
temptation, bait, impetus, occasion,
motive, goad. ANTONYMS: (n)
disincentive, deterrent.
malevolent: (adj) malicious, malign,
Thesaurus
hateful, bitter, malefic, nasty, spiteful,
vicious, virulent, baleful, unkind.
ANTONYMS: (adj) kind, merciful,
loving, good, benign.
misrepresentation: (n) deceit, falsity,
falsification, false statement,
misstatement, falsehood, forgery, lie,
exaggeration, fraudulence, deception.
ANTONYM: (n) correction.
satire: (n) sarcasm, lampoon, mockery,
parody, ridicule, caricature,
burlesque, quip, spoof, derision; (v)
squib.
sensations: (n) feelings, vibrations,
ambiance.
unequal: (adj) different, unlike,
uneven, rough, lopsided, unfair,
inadequate, disparate,
disproportionate, unbalanced,
unsymmetrical. ANTONYMS: (adj)
equal, even, fair, identical, similar,
same, level, constant, balanced, like,
corresponding.
 Jane Austen 129

“Shall I indeed? Do you really desire it? But you are not aware of the
consequences; it will involve you in a very cruel embarrassment, and certainly
bring on a disagreement between us.%
“No, no; it shall not do either; I am not afraid.”
“Well, then, I only meant that your attributing my brother’s wish of dancing
with Miss Thorpe to good nature alone convinced me of your being superior in
good nature yourself to all the rest of the world.”
Catherine blushed and disclaimed, and the gentleman’s predictions were
verified. There was a something, however, in his words which repaid her for the
pain of confusion; and that something occupied her mind so much that she drew
back for some time, forgetting to speak or to listen, and almost forgetting where
she was; till, roused by the voice of Isabella, she looked up and saw her with
Captain Tilney preparing to give them hands across.
Isabella shrugged her shoulders and smiled, the only explanation of this
extraordinary change which could at that time be given; but as it was not quite
enough for Catherine’s comprehension, she spoke her astonishment in very
plain terms to her partner.
“I cannot think how it could happen! Isabella was so determined not to
dance.”
“And did Isabella never change her mind before?”
“Oh! But, because -- And your brother! After what you told him from me,
how could he think of going to ask her?”
“I cannot take surprise to myself on that head. You bid me be surprised on
your friend’s account, and therefore I am; but as for my brother, his conduct in
the business, I must own, has been no more than I believed him perfectly equal
to. The fairness of your friend was an open attraction; her firmness, you know,
could only be understood by yourself.”
“You are laughing; but, I assure you, Isabella is very firm in general.”

astonishment: (n) admiration,
wonder, wonderment, surprise,
marvel, stupefaction, confusion,
consternation, awe, alarm, startle.
ANTONYMS: (n) calmness, belief,
contempt.
attributing: (n) reference.
comprehension: (n) knowledge,
inclusion, conception, understanding,
intelligence, grasp, wit, capacity,
familiarity, discernment, uptake.
ANTONYMS: (n) incomprehension,
Thesaurus
ignorance. instability, vacillation, unsteadiness,
fairness: (adj, n) candor, comeliness, yielding, irresoluteness, droopiness,
honesty; (n) beauty, justice, candour, indefiniteness, indecisiveness,
equality, reasonableness, frankness, indecision, leniency.
veracity, neutrality. ANTONYMS: (n) forgetting: (v) forget; (adj) oblivious;
unfairness, prejudice, bias, inequity, (n) disregard.
partiality, pettiness, inequality. verified: (adj) substantiated,
firmness: (adj, n) constancy; (n) confirmed, hard, proven,
determination, resolution, assurance, demonstrated, authoritative, actual,
consistency, obstinacy, steadfastness, established. ANTONYM: (adj)
resolve, confidence, courage, unproven.
backbone. ANTONYMS: (n) softness,
130 Northanger Abbey

“It is as much as should be said of anyone. To be always firm must be to be

often obstinate. When properly to relax is the trial of judgment; and, without
reference to my brother, I really think Miss Thorpe has by no means chosen ill in
fixing on the present hour.”%
The friends were not able to get together for any confidential discourse till all
the dancing was over; but then, as they walked about the room arm in arm,
Isabella thus explained herself: “I do not wonder at your surprise; and I am
really fatigued to death. He is such a rattle! Amusing enough, if my mind had
been disengaged; but I would have given the world to sit still.”
“Then why did not you?”
“Oh! My dear! It would have looked so particular; and you know how I
abhor doing that. I refused him as long as I possibly could, but he would take no
denial. You have no idea how he pressed me. I begged him to excuse me, and
get some other partner -- but no, not he; after aspiring to my hand, there was
nobody else in the room he could bear to think of; and it was not that he wanted
merely to dance, he wanted to be with me. Oh! Such nonsense! I told him he
had taken a very unlikely way to prevail upon me; for, of all things in the world,
I hated fine speeches and compliments; and so -- and so then I found there would
be no peace if I did not stand up. Besides, I thought Mrs. Hughes, who
introduced him, might take it ill if I did not: and your dear brother, I am sure he
would have been miserable if I had sat down the whole evening. I am so glad it
is over! My spirits are quite jaded with listening to his nonsense: and then,
being such a smart young fellow, I saw every eye was upon us.”
“He is very handsome indeed.”
“Handsome! Yes, I suppose he may. I dare say people would admire him in
general; but he is not at all in my style of beauty. I hate a florid complexion and
dark eyes in a man. However, he is very well. Amazingly conceited, I am sure. I
took him down several times, you know, in my way.”
When the young ladies next met, they had a far more interesting subject to
discuss. James Morland’s second letter was then received, and the kind

abhor: (v) hate, detest, abominate,
execrate, despise, dislike, nauseate,
disdain, scorn, resent, dread.
ANTONYMS: (v) adore, approve,
like, cherish, embrace, relish,
treasure, admire.
aspiring: (adj) aspirant, wishful,
enterprising, envious, desirous,
coming; (v) aspire, vaulting.
ANTONYM: (adj) desperate.
complexion: (n, v) tint; (n) cast,
character, appearance, look, hue,
Thesaurus
aspect, flush, glow, dye, fashion. emasculation, castration, furniture,
disengaged: (adj) vacant, unemployed, fastener, fitting.
disentangled, free, freed, florid: (adj) flamboyant, fancy,
untrammelled, devoid, unreserved, flowery, aureate, flashy, fresh,
detached, liberated, loosened. figurative, gorgeous; (adj, v) ornate,
fatigued: (adj) tired, weary, beat, gaudy; (adj, n) ruddy. ANTONYMS:
worn, tired out, jaded, spent, worn (adj) pale, plain.
out, done in, fagged, run-down. jaded: (adj) tired, fatigued, worn,
ANTONYMS: (adj) refreshed, alert, weary, wearied, fed up, satiate,
lively, energized, energetic. worn-out, bored, satiated, sick.
fixing: (n) fixation, fix, adjustment, ANTONYMS: (adj) fresh, innocent,
repair, mending, altering, brilliant.
 Jane Austen 131

intentions of his father fully explained. A living, of which Mr. Morland was
himself patron and incumbent, of about four hundred pounds yearly value, was
to be resigned to his son as soon as he should be old enough to take it; no trifling
deduction from the family income, no niggardly assignment to one of ten
children. An estate of at least equal value, moreover, was assured as his future
inheritance.%
James expressed himself on the occasion with becoming gratitude; and the
necessity of waiting between two and three years before they could marry, being,
however unwelcome, no more than he had expected, was borne by him without
discontent. Catherine, whose expectations had been as unfixed as her ideas of
her father’s income, and whose judgment was now entirely led by her brother,
felt equally well satisfied, and heartily congratulated Isabella on having
everything so pleasantly settled.
“It is very charming indeed,” said Isabella, with a grave face. “Mr. Morland
has behaved vastly handsome indeed,” said the gentle Mrs. Thorpe, looking
anxiously at her daughter. “I only wish I could do as much. One could not
expect more from him, you know. If he finds he can do more by and by, I dare
say he will, for I am sure he must be an excellent good-hearted man. Four
hundred is but a small income to begin on indeed, but your wishes, my dear
Isabella, are so moderate, you do not consider how little you ever want, my
dear.”
“It is not on my own account I wish for more; but I cannot bear to be the
means of injuring my dear Morland, making him sit down upon an income
hardly enough to find one in the common necessaries of life. For myself, it is
nothing; I never think of myself.”
“I know you never do, my dear; and you will always find your reward in the
affection it makes everybody feel for you. There never was a young woman so
beloved as you are by everybody that knows you; and I dare say when Mr.
Morland sees you, my dear child -- but do not let us distress our dear Catherine
by talking of such things. Mr. Morland has behaved so very handsome, you
know. I always heard he was a most excellent man; and you know, my dear, we

deduction: (n) allowance, discount,
decrease, abatement, rebate,
subtraction, corollary, decrement,
induction, implication, illation.
ANTONYMS: (n) addition, credit,
inclusion.
discontent: (n) disapproval,
discontentment, disaffection,
displeasure, disappointment,
discontentedness, unrest; (adj)
melancholy, dissatisfied, disgruntled, sojourner; (adj) compulsory; (v)
discontented. ANTONYMS: (n)
Thesaurus
contentment, pleasure, accord, necessaries: (n) necessary, necessaries
happiness; (v) content; (adj, n) happy; of life, necessity, must.
(adj) contented. niggardly: (adj) mean, stingy,
expectations: (n) outlook, expectation, closefisted, parsimonious, grudging,
expectancy, potential. close, near, skimpy, miserable,
good-hearted: (adj) benign, good- penurious; (adj, v) avaricious.
natured, kindly, kindhearted. ANTONYM: (adj) graceful.
incumbent: (adj, v) superimposed; (n) yearly: (adv) annually, each year,
functionary, official, householder, every year, per annum, per year, by
occupant, parson, locum tenens, year; (adj) perennial, anniversary,
periodic, annual tickets; (n) a year.
supernatant, overlying.
132 Northanger Abbey

are not to suppose but what, if you had had a suitable fortune, he would have
come down with something more, for I am sure he must be a most liberal-
minded man.”
“Nobody can think better of Mr. Morland than I do, I am sure. But
everybody has their failing, you know, and everybody has a right to do what
they like with their own money.” Catherine was hurt by these insinuations. “I
am very sure,” said she, “that my father has promised to do as much as he can
afford.”
Isabella recollected herself. “As to that, my sweet Catherine, there cannot be
a doubt, and you know me well enough to be sure that a much smaller income
would satisfy me. It is not the want of more money that makes me just at present
a little out of spirits; I hate money; and if our union could take place now upon
only fifty pounds a year, I should not have a wish unsatisfied. Ah! my
Catherine, you have found me out. There’s the sting. The long, long, endless
two years and half that are to pass before your brother can hold the living.”
“Yes, yes, my darling Isabella,” said Mrs. Thorpe, “we perfectly see into your
heart. You have no disguise. We perfectly understand the present vexation; and
everybody must love you the better for such a noble honest affection.”
Catherine’s uncomfortable feelings began to lessen. She endeavoured to
believe that the delay of the marriage was the only source of Isabella’s regret;
and when she saw her at their next interview as cheerful and amiable as ever,
endeavoured to forget that she had for a minute thought otherwise. James soon
followed his letter, and was received with the most gratifying kindness.%

darling: (adj, n) beloved, pet, favorite,
sweet; (adj) costly, cute, pretty; (adj, v)
precious; (n) love, deary, angel.
ANTONYMS: (n) foe, rival.
disguise: (n, v) cloak, mask, conceal,
masquerade, veil, camouflage, color;
(n) guise, concealment; (v) hide,
dissemble. ANTONYMS: (n)
revelation; (v) unmask, uncover,
show, expose, display, disclose,
clarify, reveal.
gratifying: (adj) agreeable, pleasant,
Thesaurus
enjoyable, delightful, pleasurable, aggravate, accelerate, bolster,
rewarding, welcome, satisfying, nice; worsen, strengthen, rise.
(adj, v) grateful; (v) gratify. sting: (n, v) bite, hurt, con, pain; (v)
ANTONYMS: (adj) disappointing, prick, itch, irritate, prickle, goad,
unwelcome, unrewarding, provoke, smart. ANTONYMS: (v)
frustrating, disagreeable, calm; (n) honesty.
heartbreaking, annoying, unpleasant. unsatisfied: (adj) dissatisfied,
lessen: (v) decrease, abate, fall, disgruntled, unsatiated, unsated,
decline, dwindle, assuage, allay, ungratified, restless, discontent,
alleviate; (adj, v) abridge, curtail, fidgety, fretful, unsatiable; (v)
contract. ANTONYMS: (v) increase, unslaked. ANTONYMS: (adj)
exacerbate, intensify, raise, grow, pleased, happy.
 Jane Austen 133

CHAPTER %17

The Allens had now entered on the sixth week of their stay in Bath; and
whether it should be the last was for some time a question, to which Catherine
listened with a beating heart. To have her acquaintance with the Tilneys end so
soon was an evil which nothing could counterbalance. Her whole happiness
seemed at stake, while the affair was in suspense, and everything secured when
it was determined that the lodgings should be taken for another fortnight. What
this additional fortnight was to produce to her beyond the pleasure of sometimes
seeing Henry Tilney made but a small part of Catherine’s speculation. Once or
twice indeed, since James’s engagement had taught her what could be done, she
had got so far as to indulge in a secret “perhaps,” but in general the felicity of
being with him for the present bounded her views: the present was now
comprised in another three weeks, and her happiness being certain for that
period, the rest of her life was at such a distance as to excite but little interest. In
the course of the morning which saw this business arranged, she visited Miss
Tilney, and poured forth her joyful feelings. It was doomed to be a day of trial.
No sooner had she expressed her delight in Mr. Allen’s lengthened stay than
Miss Tilney told her of her father’s having just determined upon quitting Bath by
the end of another week. Here was a blow! The past suspense of the morning
had been ease and quiet to the present disappointment. Catherine’s countenance

beating: (n) reverse, defeat, whipping,
thrashing, battery, flogging,
pounding, pulsation, pulse, rout; (adj)
pulsing. ANTONYMS: (n) victory,
win.
bounded: (adj) restricted, limited,
delimited, encircled, enclosed,
confined, leap, spring, bordered,
circumscribed, constrained.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unbounded,
unconfined, unlimited, free.
counterbalance: (v) compensate,
Thesaurus
counteract, neutralize, countervail,
cover, counterweigh; (n, v)
counterpoise; (n) counterweight,
equilibrium, poise, equilibration.
ANTONYMS: (v) unbalance,
overbalance.
excite: (v) arouse, enliven, disturb,
agitate, awaken, incite, inspire, rouse, jolly, blissful, blithe. ANTONYMS:
electrify; (n, v) energize; (adj, v)
quicken. ANTONYMS: (v) calm,
pacify, bore, soothe, stifle,
tranquilize, placate, quiet, dampen.
indulge: (n, v) gratify, humor; (v)
coddle, cosset, baby, pamper, spoil,
satisfy, please, mollycoddle, cocker.
ANTONYMS: (v) frustrate, deprive,
stifle, neglect, deny, displease, fast.
joyful: (adj) gay, glad, elated, cheerful,
gleeful, cheery, delighted, joyous,
(adj) miserable, sorrowful, unhappy,
despairing, unpleasant, staid, sorry,
disappointed, depressed, heavy.
134 Northanger Abbey

fell, and in a voice of most sincere concern she echoed Miss Tilney’s concluding
words, “By the end of another week!”%
“Yes, my father can seldom be prevailed on to give the waters what I think a
fair trial. He has been disappointed of some friends’ arrival whom he expected
to meet here, and as he is now pretty well, is in a hurry to get home.”
“I am very sorry for it,” said Catherine dejectedly; “if I had known this
before -- “
“Perhaps,” said Miss Tilney in an embarrassed manner, “you would be so
good -- it would make me very happy if -- “
The entrance of her father put a stop to the civility, which Catherine was
beginning to hope might introduce a desire of their corresponding. After
addressing her with his usual politeness, he turned to his daughter and said,
“Well, Eleanor, may I congratulate you on being successful in your application to
your fair friend?”
“I was just beginning to make the request, sir, as you came in.”
“Well, proceed by all means. I know how much your heart is in it. My
daughter, Miss Morland,” he continued, without leaving his daughter time to
speak, “has been forming a very bold wish. We leave Bath, as she has perhaps
told you, on Saturday se’nnight. A letter from my steward tells me that my
presence is wanted at home; and being disappointed in my hope of seeing the
Marquis of Longtown and General Courteney here, some of my very old friends,
there is nothing to detain me longer in Bath. And could we carry our selfish
point with you, we should leave it without a single regret. Can you, in short, be
prevailed on to quit this scene of public triumph and oblige your friend Eleanor
with your company in Gloucestershire? I am almost ashamed to make the
request, though its presumption would certainly appear greater to every
creature in Bath than yourself. Modesty such as yours -- but not for the world
would I pain it by open praise. If you can be induced to honour us with a visit,
you will make us happy beyond expression. ‘Tis true, we can offer you nothing
like the gaieties of this lively place; we can tempt you neither by amusement nor

concluding: (adj) last, terminal,
ultimate, closing, definitive,
conclusive, latest; (n) ending, dying,
finishing, reasoning. ANTONYMS:
(adj) opening, former, first.
congratulate: (v) compliment,
felicitate, preen, pride, celebrate,
applaud, joy, salute, commemorate,
approve; (n) congratulation.
ANTONYMS: (v) commiserate, slur,
disparage, belittle, condemn, boo.
dejectedly: (adv) despondently,
Thesaurus
dispiritedly, gloomily, glumly,
downcastly, dismally,
downheartedly, depressedly,
disheartenedly, melancholy, lowly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully,
enthusiastically.
presumption: (n) effrontery,
confidence, assurance, premise,
arrogance, guess, conjecture, surmise,
insolence, impertinence, belief.
ANTONYM: (n) respect.
sincere: (adj, v) earnest, devout; (adj)
genuine, faithful, heartfelt, honest,
serious, open, artless, candid; (adj, n)
cordial. ANTONYMS: (adj) insincere,
dishonest, guarded, flippant,
affected, disingenuous, hypocritical,
cunning, unfaithful, unenthusiastic,
unbelievable.
tempt: (adj, v) attract, allure; (v) entice,
decoy, charm, inveigle, invite, coax,
seduce, fascinate, attempt.
ANTONYMS: (v) discourage, appall,
repel.
 Jane Austen 135

splendour, for our mode of living, as you see, is plain and unpretending; yet no
endeavours shall be wanting on our side to make Northanger Abbey not wholly
disagreeable.”
Northanger Abbey! These were thrilling words, and wound up Catherine’s
feelings to the highest point of ecstasy. Her grateful and gratified heart could
hardly restrain its expressions within the language of tolerable calmness. To
receive so flattering an invitation! To have her company so warmly solicited!
Everything honourable and soothing, every present enjoyment, and every future
hope was contained in it; and her acceptance, with only the saving clause of Papa
and Mamma’s approbation, was eagerly given. “I will write home directly,” said
she, “and if they do not object, as I dare say they will not -- “
General Tilney was not less sanguine, having already waited on her excellent
friends in Pulteney Street, and obtained their sanction of his wishes. “Since they
can consent to part with you,” said he, “we may expect philosophy from all the
world.”
Miss Tilney was earnest, though gentle, in her secondary civilities, and the
affair became in a few minutes as nearly settled as this necessary reference to
Fullerton would allow.%
The circumstances of the morning had led Catherine’s feelings through the
varieties of suspense, security, and disappointment; but they were now safely
lodged in perfect bliss; and with spirits elated to rapture, with Henry at her
heart, and Northanger Abbey on her lips, she hurried home to write her letter.
Mr. and Mrs. Morland, relying on the discretion of the friends to whom they had
already entrusted their daughter, felt no doubt of the propriety of an
acquaintance which had been formed under their eye, and sent therefore by
return of post their ready consent to her visit in Gloucestershire. This
indulgence, though not more than Catherine had hoped for, completed her
conviction of being favoured beyond every other human creature, in friends and
fortune, circumstance and chance. Everything seemed to cooperate for her
advantage. By the kindness of her first friends, the Allens, she had been
introduced into scenes where pleasures of every kind had met her. Her feelings,

cooperate: (v) assist, concur, co-
operate, join, unite, help, interact, join
forces, participate, harmonize, agree.
ANTONYMS: (v) confront, impede,
oppose, prevent, undermine.
elated: (adj) joyful, delighted, jubilant,
exultant, gleeful, happy, triumphant,
overjoyed, proud, ecstatic; (n)
buoyant. ANTONYMS: (adj) dejected,
disappointed, sad, unhappy,
miserable, down, depressed,
despairing, blue, sorrowful, desolate.
Thesaurus
rapture: (n) joy, bliss, delight,
happiness, exaltation, elation,
exultation, enchantment; (adj, n)
enthusiasm; (n, v) transport; (adj, n, v)
passion. ANTONYMS: (n)
indifference, boredom, misery,
gloom, agony, hell, despair.
relying: (adj) dependent.
sanguine: (adj) hopeful, optimistic,
bloody, rubicund, confident, crimson,
cheerful, buoyant, sanguineous; (adj,
n) red, florid. ANTONYMS: (adj)
pessimistic, gloomy, doubtful.
thrilling: (adj, n) electric; (adj) exciting,
sensational, exhilarating, electrifying,
emotional, rousing, gripping,
stimulating; (adj, v) impressive; (n, v)
swelling. ANTONYMS: (adj) boring,
depressing, discouraging, upsetting,
uninspiring.
unpretending: (adj) unassuming,
humble, unostentatious, unobtrusive,
lowly, unpretentious, restrained; (n)
plain, homely, familiar, intimate.
136 Northanger Abbey

her preferences, had each known the happiness of a return. Wherever she felt
attachment, she had been able to create it. The affection of Isabella was to be
secured to her in a sister. The Tilneys, they, by whom, above all, she desired to
be favourably thought of, outstripped even her wishes in the flattering measures
by which their intimacy was to be continued. She was to be their chosen visitor,
she was to be for weeks under the same roof with the person whose society she
mostly prized -- and, in addition to all the rest, this roof was to be the roof of an
abbey! Her passion for ancient edifices was next in degree to her passion for
Henry Tilney -- and castles and abbeys made usually the charm of those reveries
which his image did not fill. To see and explore either the ramparts and keep of
the one, or the cloisters of the other, had been for many weeks a darling wish,
though to be more than the visitor of an hour had seemed too nearly impossible
for desire. And yet, this was to happen. With all the chances against her of
house, hall, place, park, court, and cottage, Northanger turned up an abbey, and
she was to be its inhabitant. Its long, damp passages, its narrow cells and
ruined chapel, were to be within her daily reach, and she could not entirely
subdue the hope of some traditional legends, some awful memorials of an
injured and ill-fated nun.%
It was wonderful that her friends should seem so little elated by the
possession of such a home, that the consciousness of it should be so meekly
borne. The power of early habit only could account for it. A distinction to which
they had been born gave no pride. Their superiority of abode was no more to
them than their superiority of person.
Many were the inquiries she was eager to make of Miss Tilney; but so active
were her thoughts, that when these inquiries were answered, she was hardly
more assured than before, of Northanger Abbey having been a richly endowed
convent at the time of the Reformation, of its having fallen into the hands of an
ancestor of the Tilneys on its dissolution, of a large portion of the ancient
building still making a part of the present dwelling although the rest was
decayed, or of its standing low in a valley, sheltered from the north and east by
rising woods of oak.

abode: (n) dwelling, house, residence, inhabitant: (n) denizen, resident,
place, domicile, lodge, abidance,
mansion, lodging, address, seat.
cells: (n) flesh.
cloisters: (n) walkway, arcade,
churchyard, covered passage,
doorway, pergola, portico.
decayed: (adj) spoiled, corrupt,
dilapidated, rank, rusty, rotting,
decaying, rotted, putrid; (adj, v)
wasted; (v) stale. ANTONYMS: (adj)
matured, restored, strengthened.
Thesaurus
prized: (adj) beloved, precious, dear,
occupant, citizen, tenant, occupier, cherished, appreciated, treasured,
population, native, liver, indweller; esteemed, valuable, highly regarded,
(v) habitant. ANTONYM: (n) favorite, priceless. ANTONYM: (adj)
stranger. hated.
meekly: (adv) humbly, submissively, ramparts: (n) rampart, fortification.
tamely, compliantly, obediently, subdue: (adj, n, v) conquer; (v)
docilely, peacefully, lowly, modestly, overpower, crush, defeat, quell,
placidly, kindly. ANTONYMS: (adv) quash, suppress, restrain; (n, v)
haughtily, harshly, wildly, reduce; (adj, v) repress; (adv, v)
arrogantly, assertively, brashly. control. ANTONYMS: (v) incite,
memorials: (n) memoir. enliven, resist, submit.
 Jane Austen 137

CHAPTER 18

With a mind thus full of happiness, Catherine was hardly aware that two or
three days had passed away, without her seeing Isabella for more than a few
minutes together. She began first to be sensible of this, and to sigh for her
conversation, as she walked along the pump-room one morning, by Mrs. Allen’s
side, without anything to say or to hear; and scarcely had she felt a five minutes’
longing of friendship, before the object of it appeared, and inviting her to a
secret conference, led the way to a seat. “This is my favourite place,” said she as
they sat down on a bench between the doors, which commanded a tolerable
view of everybody entering at either; “it is so out of the way.”%
Catherine, observing that Isabella’s eyes were continually bent towards one
door or the other, as in eager expectation, and remembering how often she had
been falsely accused of being arch, thought the present a fine opportunity for
being really so; and therefore gaily said, “Do not be uneasy, Isabella, James will
soon be here.”
“Psha! My dear creature,” she replied, “do not think me such a simpleton as
to be always wanting to confine him to my elbow. It would be hideous to be
always together; we should be the jest of the place. And so you are going to
Northanger! I am amazingly glad of it. It is one of the finest old places in
England, I understand. I shall depend upon a most particular description of it.”

Thesaurus
confine: (n, v) bound, border, limit; (v) rightly. unwelcoming, bleak, uncomfortable.
bind, restrain, circumscribe, tie, hideous: (adj) dreadful, frightful, jest: (n) gag, gibe, quip, game; (n, v)
incarcerate, hold; (n) boundary, fearful, ghastly, horrid, ugly, jape; (v) banter, jeer, deride, gird,
bounds. ANTONYMS: (v) release, repulsive, lurid, horrible, grisly, sneer, clown.
free, liberate, broaden. grim. ANTONYMS: (adj) lovely, tolerable: (adj) passable, mediocre,
falsely: (adv) incorrectly, fraudulently, pleasant, beautiful, wonderful. bearable, fair, middling, reasonable,
deceptively, dishonestly, wrongly, inviting: (adj) attractive, alluring, adequate, respectable, endurable,
erroneously, misleadingly, engaging, tempting, enticing, sufferable; (adj, v) satisfactory.
deceitfully, unfaithfully, spuriously, appealing, magnetic, captivating, ANTONYMS: (adj) intolerable,
fictitiously. ANTONYMS: (adv) prepossessing, seductive, appetizing. exceptional, unbearable,
honestly, truthfully, faithfully, ANTONYMS: (adj) offensive, unsatisfactory, bad, inadequate,
authentically, correctly, naturally, repellent, uninviting, unappealing, appalling, inadmissible.
138 Northanger Abbey

“You shall certainly have the best in my power to give. But who are you
looking for? Are your sisters coming?”%
“I am not looking for anybody. One’s eyes must be somewhere, and you
know what a foolish trick I have of fixing mine, when my thoughts are an
hundred miles off. I am amazingly absent; I believe I am the most absent
creature in the world. Tilney says it is always the case with minds of a certain
stamp.”
“But I thought, Isabella, you had something in particular to tell me?”
“Oh! Yes, and so I have. But here is a proof of what I was saying. My poor
head, I had quite forgot it. Well, the thing is this: I have just had a letter from
John; you can guess the contents.”
“No, indeed, I cannot.”
“My sweet love, do not be so abominably affected. What can he write about,
but yourself? You know he is over head and ears in love with you.”
“With me, dear Isabella!”
“Nay, my sweetest Catherine, this is being quite absurd! Modesty, and all
that, is very well in its way, but really a little common honesty is sometimes
quite as becoming. I have no idea of being so overstrained! It is fishing for
compliments. His attentions were such as a child must have noticed. And it was
but half an hour before he left Bath that you gave him the most positive
encouragement. He says so in this letter, says that he as good as made you an
offer, and that you received his advances in the kindest way; and now he wants
me to urge his suit, and say all manner of pretty things to you. So it is in vain to
affect ignorance.”
Catherine, with all the earnestness of truth, expressed her astonishment at
such a charge, protesting her innocence of every thought of Mr. Thorpe’s being
in love with her, and the consequent impossibility of her having ever intended
to encourage him. “As to any attentions on his side, I do declare, upon my
honour, I never was sensible of them for a moment -- except just his asking me to
dance the first day of his coming. And as to making me an offer, or anything like

abominably: (adv) atrociously,
awfully, terribly, repulsively, badly,
frightfully, awful, sadly, hideously,
sickeningly, rottenly.
consequent: (adj) following, ensuing,
resultant, sequent, resulting,
successive, succeeding; (n) sequel,
outcome, upshot; (adj, v) attendant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) original,
preceding.
earnestness: (n) seriousness, sincerity, dishonesty, wickedness, treachery,
gravity, fervor, devotion, graveness,
Thesaurus
staidness, honesty; (adj, n) ardor, zeal,
intentness. ANTONYMS: (n)
slackness, lightness, carelessness,
frivolousness, cheerfulness,
insincerity, flippancy.
ears: (n) antenna.
honesty: (adj, n) candor, justice,
fidelity, equity; (n) integrity, fairness,
candidness, probity, frankness,
rectitude, faith. ANTONYMS: (n)
deceit, deception, deviousness,
decadence, affectation, caution,
evasiveness, injustice.
impossibility: (n) impossibleness,
option, nonexistence, absurdity,
inability, impracticability, alternative,
choice, contradiction, contradiction in
terms, doubtfulness. ANTONYMS:
(n) possibility, probability.
noticed: (adj) noted.
protesting: (adj) disinclined, opposed;
(n) clamor.
wants: (n) need, necessities.
 Jane Austen 139

it, there must be some unaccountable mistake. I could not have misunderstood a
thing of that kind, you know! And, as I ever wish to be believed, I solemnly
protest that no syllable of such a nature ever passed between us. The last half
hour before he went away! It must be all and completely a mistake -- for I did
not see him once that whole morning.”%
“But that you certainly did, for you spent the whole morning in Edgar’s
Buildings -- it was the day your father’s consent came -- and I am pretty sure that
you and John were alone in the parlour some time before you left the house.”
“Are you? Well, if you say it, it was so, I dare say -- but for the life of me, I
cannot recollect it. I do remember now being with you, and seeing him as well as
the rest -- but that we were ever alone for five minutes -- However, it is not
worth arguing about, for whatever might pass on his side, you must be
convinced, by my having no recollection of it, that I never thought, nor expected,
nor wished for anything of the kind from him. I am excessively concerned that
he should have any regard for me -- but indeed it has been quite unintentional
on my side; I never had the smallest idea of it. Pray undeceive him as soon as
you can, and tell him I beg his pardon -- that is -- I do not know what I ought to
say -- but make him understand what I mean, in the properest way. I would not
speak disrespectfully of a brother of yours, Isabella, I am sure; but you know
very well that if I could think of one man more than another -- he is not the
person.” Isabella was silent. “My dear friend, you must not be angry with me. I
cannot suppose your brother cares so very much about me. And, you know, we
shall still be sisters.”
“Yes, yes” (with a blush), “there are more ways than one of our being sisters.
But where am I wandering to? Well, my dear Catherine, the case seems to be
that you are determined against poor John -- is not it so?”
“I certainly cannot return his affection, and as certainly never meant to
encourage it.”
“Since that is the case, I am sure I shall not tease you any further. John
desired me to speak to you on the subject, and therefore I have. But I confess, as
soon as I read his letter, I thought it a very foolish, imprudent business, and not
Thesaurus
disrespectfully: (adv) impudently, guarded, judicious, advisable. unknowable, unnatural.
insolently, rudely, irreverently, solemnly: (adv) earnestly, gravely, ANTONYMS: (adj) accountable,
impertinently, flippantly, impiously, majestically, stately, sternly, staidly, explainable, responsible, explicable.
discourteously, cheekily, uncivilly, thoughtfully, soberly, formally, undeceive: (v) unbeguile, unbefool,
boldly. ANTONYMS: (adv) ceremoniously, importantly. disabuse, inform.
deferentially, politely. ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully, unintentional: (adj) unconscious,
imprudent: (adj) foolish, foolhardy, flippantly. undesigned, inadvertent,
indiscreet, hasty, improvident, unaccountable: (adj) unintended, unwitting, coincidental,
impolitic, heedless, unadvised, incomprehensible, inexplicable, accidental, chance, spontaneous,
injudicious, unwary, unwise. strange, unintelligible, unexplainable, unthinking, fortuitous. ANTONYMS:
ANTONYMS: (adj) sensible, prudent, mysterious, impenetrable, (adj) intentional, planned, designed,
cautious, wise, deliberate, discreet, undiscoverable, undecipherable, intended, voluntary, conscious.
140 Northanger Abbey

likely to promote the good of either; for what were you to live upon, supposing
you came together? You have both of you something, to be sure, but it is not a
trifle that will support a family nowadays; and after all that romancers may say,
there is no doing without money. I only wonder John could think of it; he could
not have received my last.”%
“You do acquit me, then, of anything wrong? -- You are convinced that I
never meant to deceive your brother, never suspected him of liking me till this
moment?”
“Oh! As to that,” answered Isabella laughingly, “I do not pretend to
determine what your thoughts and designs in time past may have been. All that
is best known to yourself. A little harmless flirtation or so will occur, and one is
often drawn on to give more encouragement than one wishes to stand by. But
you may be assured that I am the last person in the world to judge you severely.
All those things should be allowed for in youth and high spirits. What one
means one day, you know, one may not mean the next. Circumstances change,
opinions alter.”
“But my opinion of your brother never did alter; it was always the same. You
are describing what never happened.”
“My dearest Catherine,” continued the other without at all listening to her, “I
would not for all the world be the means of hurrying you into an engagement
before you knew what you were about. I do not think anything would justify me
in wishing you to sacrifice all your happiness merely to oblige my brother,
because he is my brother, and who perhaps after all, you know, might be just as
happy without you, for people seldom know what they would be at, young men
especially, they are so amazingly changeable and inconstant. What I say is, why
should a brother’s happiness be dearer to me than a friend’s? You know I carry
my notions of friendship pretty high. But, above all things, my dear Catherine,
do not be in a hurry. Take my word for it, that if you are in too great a hurry, you
will certainly live to repent it. Tilney says there is nothing people are so often
deceived in as the state of their own affections, and I believe he is very right. Ah!
Here he comes; never mind, he will not see us, I am sure.”

Thesaurus
acquit: (adj, v) release; (v) exculpate, predictable, regular, dependable, flighty, fickle, variable, faithless,
exonerate, discharge, excuse, clear, immutable, certain, invariable, fitful, giddy, inconsistent, uncertain,
pardon, free, conduct, forgive, lasting. slippery. ANTONYMS: (adj)
vindicate. ANTONYMS: (v) harmless: (adj) safe, benign, unending, loyal, regular.
condemn, damn, censure, blame, inoffensive, hurtless, innocent, laughingly: (adv) merrily, gaily,
sentence. innoxious, intact, simple; (n) silly; lightheartedly, playfully, dizzily,
changeable: (adj) inconsistent, erratic, (adj, n) foolish; (v) weaponless. giddily, perkily, flippantly, smilingly,
capricious, irregular, mobile, ANTONYMS: (adj) lethal, damaging, riantly.
mutable, slippery, uncertain, destructive, poisonous, toxic, serious, trifle: (n, v) play; (adj, n, v) trinket; (v)
unsettled, unstable, mercurial. offensive, malicious, hurtful, noxious, dally, fiddle, flirt, fool, frivol; (n)
ANTONYMS: (adj) fixed, stable, unpleasant. nothing, triviality, detail; (adj, n)
unchangeable, consistent, inconstant: (adj) erratic, changeable, bagatelle.
 Jane Austen 141

Catherine, looking up, perceived Captain Tilney; and Isabella, earnestly

fixing her eye on him as she spoke, soon caught his notice. He approached
immediately, and took the seat to which her movements invited him. His first
address made Catherine start. Though spoken low, she could distinguish, “What!
Always to be watched, in person or by proxy!”%
“Psha, nonsense!” was Isabella’s answer in the same half whisper. “Why do
you put such things into my head? If I could believe it -- my spirit, you know, is
pretty independent.”
“I wish your heart were independent. That would be enough for me.”
“My heart, indeed! What can you have to do with hearts? You men have
none of you any hearts.”
“If we have not hearts, we have eyes; and they give us torment enough.”
“Do they? I am sorry for it; I am sorry they find anything so disagreeable in
me. I will look another way. I hope this pleases you” (turning her back on him);
“I hope your eyes are not tormented now.”
“Never more so; for the edge of a blooming cheek is still in view -- at once
too much and too little.”
Catherine heard all this, and quite out of countenance, could listen no longer.
Amazed that Isabella could endure it, and jealous for her brother, she rose up,
and saying she should join Mrs. Allen, proposed their walking. But for this
Isabella showed no inclination. She was so amazingly tired, and it was so odious
to parade about the pump-room; and if she moved from her seat she should miss
her sisters; she was expecting her sisters every moment; so that her dearest
Catherine must excuse her, and must sit quietly down again. But Catherine
could be stubborn too; and Mrs. Allen just then coming up to propose their
returning home, she joined her and walked out of the pump-room, leaving
Isabella still sitting with Captain Tilney. With much uneasiness did she thus
leave them. It seemed to her that Captain Tilney was falling in love with Isabella,
and Isabella unconsciously encouraging him; unconsciously it must be, for
Isabella’s attachment to James was as certain and well acknowledged as her

Thesaurus
blooming: (adj) rosy, thriving, reluctance, aversion, indifference, ANTONYMS: (adj) compliant,
flourishing, healthy, prosperous, unwillingness, antipathy, dislike, irresolute, flexible, amenable, docile,
ruddy, booming, blossoming, cherry, horror. easygoing, malleable, agreeable,
verdant, green. ANTONYMS: (adj) jealous: (adj) distrustful, envious, accommodating, cooperative, feeble.
arid, pale. covetous, suspicious, jealousy, unconsciously: (adv) instinctively,
expecting: (adj) pregnant, confident, resentful, invidious, green, grudging, unintentionally, unthinkingly,
with child, heavy, hopeful; (n) family jaundiced, attentive. ANTONYM: unwittingly, ignorantly, innocently,
way. (adj) trusting. comatosely, automatically,
inclination: (n, v) desire, bent; (n) stubborn: (adj) contrary, hard, obliviously, unsuspectingly,
fancy, affection, tendency, leaning, intractable, perverse, rigid, inadvertently. ANTONYMS: (adv)
drift, appetite, dip, proclivity, bias. determined, persistent, refractory, consciously, deliberately, knowingly,
ANTONYMS: (n) disinclination, tenacious, obdurate, inveterate. purposely.
142 Northanger Abbey

engagement. To doubt her truth or good intentions was impossible; and yet,
during the whole of their conversation her manner had been odd. She wished
Isabella had talked more like her usual self, and not so much about money, and
had not looked so well pleased at the sight of Captain Tilney. How strange that
she should not perceive his admiration! Catherine longed to give her a hint of it,
to put her on her guard, and prevent all the pain which her too lively behaviour
might otherwise create both for him and her brother.%
The compliment of John Thorpe’s affection did not make amends for this
thoughtlessness in his sister. She was almost as far from believing as from
wishing it to be sincere; for she had not forgotten that he could mistake, and his
assertion of the offer and of her encouragement convinced her that his mistakes
could sometimes be very egregious. In vanity, therefore, she gained but little;
her chief profit was in wonder. That he should think it worth his while to fancy
himself in love with her was a matter of lively astonishment. Isabella talked of
his attentions; she had never been sensible of any; but Isabella had said many
things which she hoped had been spoken in haste, and would never be said
again; and upon this she was glad to rest altogether for present ease and comfort.

amends: (n) atonement, compensation,
recompense, satisfaction, redress,
damages, reprisal, indemnity,
requital; (n, v) restitution, restoration.
assertion: (n) statement, argument,
claim, avowal, contention, charge,
testimony, profession, allegation,
accusation, position. ANTONYMS:
(n) denial, disavowal, uncertainty.
believing: (adj) faith, believe, faithful,
basic cognitive process, gullible,
Catholic, religious, loyal, certain,
Thesaurus
Christian, credent. gained: (adj) extrinsic.
egregious: (adj) rank, glaring, flagrant, thoughtlessness: (n) inconsideration,
crying, infamous, outrageous, rashness, carelessness,
peculiar, absurd, eccentric; (v) impulsiveness, imprudence,
extravagant; (adj, v) preposterous. indiscretion, heedlessness, bluntness,
ANTONYMS: (adj) petty, slight, foolhardiness, neglect, negligence.
trivial, measly, little, minor. ANTONYMS: (n) thoughtfulness,
engagement: (n, v) combat, battle, care, responsibility, carefulness,
action, fight, contest; (n) conflict, caution, wisdom, diplomacy,
commitment, appointment, contract, sensitivity.
duty, date. ANTONYM: (n)
disengagement.
 Jane Austen 143

CHAPTER %19

A few days passed away, and Catherine, though not allowing herself to
suspect her friend, could not help watching her closely. The result of her
observations was not agreeable. Isabella seemed an altered creature. When she
saw her, indeed, surrounded only by their immediate friends in Edgar’s
Buildings or Pulteney Street, her change of manners was so trifling that, had it
gone no farther, it might have passed unnoticed. A something of languid
indifference, or of that boasted absence of mind which Catherine had never
heard of before, would occasionally come across her; but had nothing worse
appeared, that might only have spread a new grace and inspired a warmer
interest. But when Catherine saw her in public, admitting Captain Tilney’s
attentions as readily as they were offered, and allowing him almost an equal
share with James in her notice and smiles, the alteration became too positive to
be passed over. What could be meant by such unsteady conduct, what her
friend could be at, was beyond her comprehension. Isabella could not be aware
of the pain she was inflicting; but it was a degree of wilful thoughtlessness
which Catherine could not but resent. James was the sufferer. She saw him
grave and uneasy; and however careless of his present comfort the woman might
be who had given him her heart, to her it was always an object. For poor Captain
Tilney too she was greatly concerned. Though his looks did not please her, his
name was a passport to her goodwill, and she thought with sincere compassion

admitting: (adj) suscipient; (adv)
conditionally; (n) acknowledgment,
receipt, credence; (conj) although.
languid: (adj) lazy, dull, indolent,
feeble, lethargic, lackadaisical,
sluggish, faint, torpid, inert,
apathetic. ANTONYMS: (adj) active,
lively, exciting, vigorous.
observations: (n) commentary,
remarks, explanation, comments.
sufferer: (n) victim, martyr, prey,
casualty, invalid, depressive,
Thesaurus
diseased person, sick person,
rheumatic, diabetic, neurotic.
unnoticed: (v) unheeded, unthought
of, unregarded; (adj) disregarded,
unmarked, hidden, neglected,
ignored, obscure; (adj, v)
unremarked, unobserved.
ANTONYMS: (adj) evident, seen,
noticeable, noted, obvious.
unsteady: (adj) insecure, changeable,
dizzy, unbalanced, rickety, unsettled, stubborn, studied, persistent.
shaky, unsound, precarious, uneven;
(adj, n) uncertain. ANTONYMS: (adj)
steady, stable, alert, firm, secure,
constant.
warmer: (n) stove, oilstove, deicer,
defroster, brasier, radiator, brazier,
warming, warmed, demister, gas
heater.
wilful: (adj) headstrong, deliberate,
intentional, knowing, designed,
wayward, obstinate, willful,
144 Northanger Abbey

of his approaching disappointment; for, in spite of what she had believed herself
to overhear in the pump-room, his behaviour was so incompatible with a
knowledge of Isabella’s engagement that she could not, upon reflection, imagine
him aware of it. He might be jealous of her brother as a rival, but if more had
seemed implied, the fault must have been in her misapprehension. She wished,
by a gentle remonstrance, to remind Isabella of her situation, and make her
aware of this double unkindness; but for remonstrance, either opportunity or
comprehension was always against her. If able to suggest a hint, Isabella could
never understand it. In this distress, the intended departure of the Tilney family
became her chief consolation; their journey into Gloucestershire was to take
place within a few days, and Captain Tilney’s removal would at least restore
peace to every heart but his own. But Captain Tilney had at present no intention
of removing; he was not to be of the party to Northanger; he was to continue at
Bath. When Catherine knew this, her resolution was directly made. She spoke to
Henry Tilney on the subject, regretting his brother’s evident partiality for Miss
Thorpe, and entreating him to make known her prior engagement.%
“My brother does know it,” was Henry’s answer.
“Does he? Then why does he stay here?”
He made no reply, and was beginning to talk of something else; but she
eagerly continued, “Why do not you persuade him to go away? The longer he
stays, the worse it will be for him at last. Pray advise him for his own sake, and
for everybody’s sake, to leave Bath directly. Absence will in time make him
comfortable again; but he can have no hope here, and it is only staying to be
miserable.”
Henry smiled and said, “I am sure my brother would not wish to do that.”
“Then you will persuade him to go away?”
“Persuasion is not at command; but pardon me, if I cannot even endeavour to
persuade him. I have myself told him that Miss Thorpe is engaged. He knows
what he is about, and must be his own master.”

consolation: (n) comfort, relief, balm,
succor, ease, cheer, solacement,
encouragement, sympathy,
alleviation, express sympathy.
ANTONYMS: (n) grief, sorrow,
distress, discouragement,
aggravation.
incompatible: (adj) incongruous,
inappropriate, inconsistent,
discrepant, discordant, conflicting,
irreconcilable, clashing; (adj, v)
antagonistic, repugnant, hostile.
Thesaurus
ANTONYMS: (adj) consistent,
matching, identical, befitting,
complementary, congenial,
synergistic, friendly.
misapprehension: (n) delusion,
mistake, misunderstanding, fallacy,
misconception, misinterpretation,
fault, misconstruction, misreading,
illusion, false impression.
ANTONYM: (n) fact.
overhear: (v) catch, eavesdrop, listen,
overheard, understand, fold up,
befool, fascinate, entrance, enchant,
enamour.
remonstrance: (n) protest,
expostulation, objection, dissuasion,
censure, remonstration,
reprehension, admonition,
monstrance, mediation, dehortation.
staying: (n) stays, arrest; (adj)
continual, old, left.
stays: (n) bodice, stay, girdle, panty
girdle, stayed, staying, foundation,
corselette, sash, slip, corselet.
 Jane Austen 145

“No, he does not know what he is about,” cried Catherine; “he does not
know the pain he is giving my brother. Not that James has ever told me so, but I
am sure he is very uncomfortable.”%
“And are you sure it is my brother’s doing?”
“Yes, very sure.”
“Is it my brother’s attentions to Miss Thorpe, or Miss Thorpe’s admission of
them, that gives the pain?”
“Is not it the same thing?”
“I think Mr. Morland would acknowledge a difference. No man is offended
by another man’s admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who
can make it a torment.”
Catherine blushed for her friend, and said, “Isabella is wrong. But I am sure
she cannot mean to torment, for she is very much attached to my brother. She
has been in love with him ever since they first met, and while my father’s consent
was uncertain, she fretted herself almost into a fever. You know she must be
attached to him.”
“I understand: she is in love with James, and flirts with Frederick.”
“Oh! no, not flirts. A woman in love with one man cannot flirt with
another.”
“It is probable that she will neither love so well, nor flirt so well, as she might
do either singly. The gentlemen must each give up a little.”
After a short pause, Catherine resumed with, “Then you do not believe
Isabella so very much attached to my brother?”
“I can have no opinion on that subject.”
“But what can your brother mean? If he knows her engagement, what can he
mean by his behaviour?”
“You are a very close questioner.”
“Am I? I only ask what I want to be told.”

acknowledge: (v) recognize, confess,
accept, profess, own, admit, concede,
appreciate, notice, declare, approve.
ANTONYMS: (v) ignore, overlook,
reject, repudiate, snub, refuse,
renounce, abjure, disavow, disregard,
refute.
fever: (n) malaria, delirium, pyrexia,
heat, frenzy, feverishness, febricity,
Bilious typhoid fever, Levant fever,
Hectic infantile fever, Typhoid fever.
flirt: (n, v) coquette; (v) dally, coquet,
Thesaurus
toy, romance, trifle, spoon; (n)
dalliance, vamp, tease, flirting.
fretted: (adj) latticed, haggard,
magged, latticelike, reticulated,
reticular, interlaced. ANTONYM:
(adj) unfretted.
pause: (n, v) halt, interruption,
adjournment, delay, respite, stop;
(adj, n, v) rest; (n) intermission, gap;
(adj, v) discontinue; (v) hesitate.
ANTONYMS: (n) decisiveness,
continuation, start; (v) proceed.
probable: (adj) likely, plausible,
possible, potential, presumable,
feasible, hopeful, convincing,
believable, to be expected, specious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) improbable,
implausible, unbelievable.
singly: (adv) one by one, separately,
independently, severally, solely,
respectively; (adj, adv) alone, only,
merely; (adj) single, particularly.
ANTONYM: (adv) multiply.
146 Northanger Abbey

“But do you only ask what I can be expected to tell?”%

“Yes, I think so; for you must know your brother’s heart.”
“My brother’s heart, as you term it, on the present occasion, I assure you I can
only guess at.”
“Well?”
“Well! Nay, if it is to be guesswork, let us all guess for ourselves. To be
guided by second-hand conjecture is pitiful. The premises are before you. My
brother is a lively and perhaps sometimes a thoughtless young man; he has had
about a week’s acquaintance with your friend, and he has known her
engagement almost as long as he has known her.”
“Well,” said Catherine, after some moments’ consideration, “you may be able
to guess at your brother’s intentions from all this; but I am sure I cannot. But is
not your father uncomfortable about it? Does not he want Captain Tilney to go
away? Sure, if your father were to speak to him, he would go.”
“My dear Miss Morland,” said Henry, “in this amiable solicitude for your
brother’s comfort, may you not be a little mistaken? Are you not carried a little
too far? Would he thank you, either on his own account or Miss Thorpe’s, for
supposing that her affection, or at least her good behaviour, is only to be secured
by her seeing nothing of Captain Tilney? Is he safe only in solitude? Or is her
heart constant to him only when unsolicited by anyone else? He cannot think
this -- and you may be sure that he would not have you think it. I will not say,
‘Do not be uneasy,’ because I know that you are so, at this moment; but be as
little uneasy as you can. You have no doubt of the mutual attachment of your
brother and your friend; depend upon it, therefore, that real jealousy never can
exist between them; depend upon it that no disagreement between them can be
of any duration. Their hearts are open to each other, as neither heart can be to
you; they know exactly what is required and what can be borne; and you may be
certain that one will never tease the other beyond what is known to be pleasant.”
Perceiving her still to look doubtful and grave, he added, “Though Frederick
does not leave Bath with us, he will probably remain but a very short time,

Thesaurus
guesswork: (n) guess, conjecture, wretched, poor, sad. ANTONYMS: inattentive, hasty, unthinking,
theory, supposition, shot, estimate, (adj) generous, heartwarming, negligent, neglectful, imprudent.
speculation, surmise, suspicion, admirable, cheerful, fine, happy, ANTONYMS: (adj) considerate,
approximation, assumption. impressive. considered, heedful, prudent, kind,
ANTONYM: (n) fact. solitude: (n) desolation, loneliness, cautious, mindful, responsible,
jealousy: (n) suspicion, jealous, seclusion, privacy, aloneness, attentive, observant, sensible.
jealousness, envy, envious, alertness, isolation, retirement, lonesomeness, unsolicited: (adj) unsought, uninvited,
distrust, contention, competition, retreat, desert, solitariness. undesirable, not desired, not
scruple, qualm. ANTONYMS: (n) companionship, requested, undesired, unasked for,
pitiful: (adj, n) abject; (adj) pathetic, closeness. annoying, unwanted, unwelcome,
lamentable, piteous, contemptible, thoughtless: (adj, v) careless, heedless, unasked. ANTONYMS: (adj)
miserable, distressing, mean, rash, improvident; (adj) reckless, solicited, asked, invited, requested.
 Jane Austen 147

perhaps only a few days behind us. His leave of absence will soon expire, and he
must return to his regiment. And what will then be their acquaintance? The
mess-room will drink Isabella Thorpe for a fortnight, and she will laugh with
your brother over poor Tilney’s passion for a month.”
Catherine would contend no longer against comfort. She had resisted its
approaches during the whole length of a speech, but it now carried her captive.
Henry Tilney must know best. She blamed herself for the extent of her fears, and
resolved never to think so seriously on the subject again.%
Her resolution was supported by Isabella’s behaviour in their parting
interview. The Thorpes spent the last evening of Catherine’s stay in Pulteney
Street, and nothing passed between the lovers to excite her uneasiness, or make
her quit them in apprehension. James was in excellent spirits, and Isabella most
engagingly placid. Her tenderness for her friend seemed rather the first feeling
of her heart; but that at such a moment was allowable; and once she gave her
lover a flat contradiction, and once she drew back her hand; but Catherine
remembered Henry’s instructions, and placed it all to judicious affection. The
embraces, tears, and promises of the parting fair ones may be fancied.

allowable: (adj, v) permissible; (adj)
justifiable, acceptable, lawful,
permitted, tolerable, bearable,
passable, sufferable, legal; (v)
allowed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inexcusable, inadmissible,
intolerable.
captive: (n) convict, prisoner of war,
slave, detainee, jailbird, gaolbird;
(adj) confined, imprisoned, rapt,
jailed, amoroso. ANTONYMS: (adj)
free, uninterested, unconfined,
Thesaurus
liberated, emancipated, disillusioned; (adj) stupid, tactless, indiscriminate,
(n) guard, captor. reckless, illogical, extreme, untimely.
carried: (adj) conveyed, imported. placid: (adj) calm, composed,
engagingly: (adv) fascinatingly, easygoing, equable, gentle, quiet,
engaging, interestingly, pleasingly, pacific, tranquil, cool, peaceable; (adj,
appealingly, fetchingly, winsomely, v) peaceful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
alluringly, winningly, charmingly, rough, energetic, stormy, frenetic,
glamorously. excitable, agitated, unstable,
judicious: (adj, v) discreet; (adj) bothered, harsh, boisterous.
careful, discerning, sensible, prudent, regiment: (n) corps, battalion, legion,
rational, sagacious, sound, cautious, host, brigade, division, multitude,
reasonable, advisable. ANTONYMS: cohort; (v) control, organize, regulate.
 Jane Austen 149

CHAPTER 20

Mr. and Mrs. Allen were sorry to lose their young friend, whose good
humour and cheerfulness had made her a valuable companion, and in the
promotion of whose enjoyment their own had been gently increased. Her
happiness in going with Miss Tilney, however, prevented their wishing it
otherwise; and, as they were to remain only one more week in Bath themselves,
her quitting them now would not long be felt. Mr. Allen attended her to Milsom
Street, where she was to breakfast, and saw her seated with the kindest welcome
among her new friends; but so great was her agitation in finding herself as one of
the family, and so fearful was she of not doing exactly what was right, and of not
being able to preserve their good opinion, that, in the embarrassment of the first
five minutes, she could almost have wished to return with him to Pulteney
Street.%
Miss Tilney’s manners and Henry’s smile soon did away some of her
unpleasant feelings; but still she was far from being at ease; nor could the
incessant attentions of the general himself entirely reassure her. Nay, perverse
as it seemed, she doubted whether she might not have felt less, had she been less
attended to. His anxiety for her comfort -- his continual solicitations that she
would eat, and his often-expressed fears of her seeing nothing to her taste --
though never in her life before had she beheld half such variety on a breakfast-
table -- made it impossible for her to forget for a moment that she was a visitor.
Thesaurus
cheerfulness: (n) glee, happiness, unrelenting, perennial. ANTONYMS: perverse: (adj) fractious, obstinate,
exhilaration, hilarity, mirth, (adj) sporadic, temporary, occasional, obdurate, bad, corrupt, headstrong,
merriment, gladness, cheer, good finite, inconstant, infrequent, ending, disobedient, intractable, willful,
spirits, pleasure, joviality. ceasing, halting, rare, acute. sinister, wayward. ANTONYMS:
ANTONYMS: (n) sadness, grimness, doubted: (adj) distrusted, suspected. (adj) wholesome, obliging, agreeable,
seriousness, misery, resentment, incessant: (adj) endless, continual, accommodating, malleable, good.
uncheerfulness, solemnity, lethargy, everlasting, eternal, constant, reassure: (n, v) encourage; (v)
bleakness, gravity, gloominess. continuous, perpetual, unremitting, guarantee, calm, comfort, console,
continual: (adj, adv) constant; (adj) interminable, persistent; (adj, v) hearten, assuage, quieten, soothe,
ceaseless, incessant, endless, frequent. ANTONYMS: (adj) promise; (n) cheer. ANTONYMS: (v)
continuous, frequent, everlasting, intermittent, occasional, sporadic, worry, unsettle, terrify, alarm,
uninterrupted, perpetual, broken, finite. undermine, upset.
150 Northanger Abbey

She felt utterly unworthy of such respect, and knew not how to reply to it. Her
tranquillity was not improved by the general’s impatience for the appearance of
his eldest son, nor by the displeasure he expressed at his laziness when Captain
Tilney at last came down. She was quite pained by the severity of his father’s
reproof, which seemed disproportionate to the offence; and much was her
concern increased when she found herself the principal cause of the lecture, and
that his tardiness was chiefly resented from being disrespectful to her. This was
placing her in a very uncomfortable situation, and she felt great compassion for
Captain Tilney, without being able to hope for his goodwill.%
He listened to his father in silence, and attempted not any defence, which
confirmed her in fearing that the inquietude of his mind, on Isabella’s account,
might, by keeping him long sleepless, have been the real cause of his rising late.
It was the first time of her being decidedly in his company, and she had hoped to
be now able to form her opinion of him; but she scarcely heard his voice while
his father remained in the room; and even afterwards, so much were his spirits
affected, she could distinguish nothing but these words, in a whisper to Eleanor,
“How glad I shall be when you are all off.”
The bustle of going was not pleasant. The clock struck ten while the trunks
were carrying down, and the general had fixed to be out of Milsom Street by that
hour. His greatcoat, instead of being brought for him to put on directly, was
spread out in the curricle in which he was to accompany his son. The middle
seat of the chaise was not drawn out, though there were three people to go in it,
and his daughter’s maid had so crowded it with parcels that Miss Morland
would not have room to sit; and, so much was he influenced by this
apprehension when he handed her in, that she had some difficulty in saving her
own new writing-desk from being thrown out into the street. At last, however,
the door was closed upon the three females, and they set off at the sober pace in
which the handsome, highly fed four horses of a gentleman usually perform a
journey of thirty miles: such was the distance of Northanger from Bath, to be
now divided into two equal stages. Catherine’s spirits revived as they drove
from the door; for with Miss Tilney she felt no restraint; and, with the interest of

chaise: (n) shay, carriage, equipage,
rig, coach, daybed, chaise longue,
bed, cabriole chair, chair.
disrespectful: (adj) impertinent,
insolent, impolite, impious,
irreverent, contemptuous,
sacrilegious, audacious, uncivil, rude,
bold. ANTONYMS: (adj) deferential,
gracious, reverent, courteous,
mannered, mannerly, pious, polite.
inquietude: (n) anxiety, disturbance,
unrest, perturbation, disquiet,
Thesaurus
restlessness, uneasiness, edginess, condemnation, objurgation,
trepidation; (n, v) discomfort, castigation.
vexation of spirit. tardiness: (n) slowness, sluggishness,
laziness: (n) indolence, acedia, laziness, timing, dilatoriness, delay,
inactivity, inertia, sloth, slowness, idleness, sloth, slothfulness, tardity.
lethargy, inactiveness, faineance, ANTONYMS: (n) promptness, speed,
lassitude, dreaminess. ANTONYMS: speediness.
(n) diligence, willingness, vigor, trunks: (n) short pants, pants, luggage,
liveliness, interest. Jockey shorts, Jamaica shorts,
reproof: (n, v) reprimand, censure, Bermuda shorts, bathing trunks,
rebuke, lecture; (n) reproach, bathing suit, costume, drawers,
admonition, reprehension, blame, swimming trunks.
 Jane Austen 151

a road entirely new to her, of an abbey before, and a curricle behind, she caught
the last view of Bath without any regret, and met with every milestone before
she expected it. The tediousness of a two hours’ wait at Petty France, in which
there was nothing to be done but to eat without being hungry, and loiter about
without anything to see, next followed -- and her admiration of the style in
which they travelled, of the fashionable chaise and four -- postilions handsomely
liveried, rising so regularly in their stirrups, and numerous outriders properly
mounted, sunk a little under this consequent inconvenience. Had their party
been perfectly agreeable, the delay would have been nothing; but General Tilney,
though so charming a man, seemed always a check upon his children’s spirits,
and scarcely anything was said but by himself; the observation of which, with his
discontent at whatever the inn afforded, and his angry impatience at the waiters,
made Catherine grow every moment more in awe of him, and appeared to
lengthen the two hours into four. At last, however, the order of release was
given; and much was Catherine then surprised by the general’s proposal of her
taking his place in his son’s curricle for the rest of the journey: “the day was fine,
and he was anxious for her seeing as much of the country as possible.”%
The remembrance of Mr. Allen’s opinion, respecting young men’s open
carriages, made her blush at the mention of such a plan, and her first thought
was to decline it; but her second was of greater deference for General Tilney’s
judgment; he could not propose anything improper for her; and, in the course of
a few minutes, she found herself with Henry in the curricle, as happy a being as
ever existed. A very short trial convinced her that a curricle was the prettiest
equipage in the world; the chaise and four wheeled off with some grandeur, to
be sure, but it was a heavy and troublesome business, and she could not easily
forget its having stopped two hours at Petty France. Half the time would have
been enough for the curricle, and so nimbly were the light horses disposed to
move, that, had not the general chosen to have his own carriage lead the way,
they could have passed it with ease in half a minute. But the merit of the curricle
did not all belong to the horses; Henry drove so well -- so quietly -- without
making any disturbance, without parading to her, or swearing at them: so
different from the only gentleman-coachman whom it was in her power to
Thesaurus
hours: (n) period, duty period; (adv) rapidly, readily; (adj) dexterously; monotony, flatness, ennui, dulness,
o'clock. (adj, adv) neatly. ANTONYMS: (adv) prosiness, tediosity, tiresomeness,
loiter: (v) dawdle, dally, tarry, hang lethargically, heavily, awkwardly. irksomeness; (adj) wearisomeness.
around, prowl; (adj, v) loaf, delay, respecting: (prep) about, regarding, troublesome: (adj) difficult, hard,
lounge, hesitate; (adv, v) lag; (n, v) apropos, as regards, pertaining to; arduous, bothersome, inconvenient,
saunter. ANTONYMS: (v) leave, lead. (adj) relative, not absolute, onerous, awkward, annoying,
milestone: (n) landmark, event, pertaining, referring, loving. laborious, tough, heavy.
marker, breakthrough, happening, swearing: (n) curse, expletive, ANTONYMS: (adj) nice, helpful,
age, juncture, occasion, incident; (adj) profanity, oath, abuse, blasphemy, useful, advantageous, convenient,
milliary. swearword, execration, adjuration, uncomplicated, delightful.
nimbly: (adv) adroitly, alertly, lightly, asseveration; (v) swear. wheeled: (adj) on wheels. ANTONYM:
energetically, cleverly, hastily, deftly, tediousness: (n) boredom, dullness, (adj) wheelless.
152 Northanger Abbey

compare him with! And then his hat sat so well, and the innumerable capes of
his greatcoat looked so becomingly important! To be driven by him, next to
being dancing with him, was certainly the greatest happiness in the world. In
addition to every other delight, she had now that of listening to her own praise;
of being thanked at least, on his sister’s account, for her kindness in thus
becoming her visitor; of hearing it ranked as real friendship, and described as
creating real gratitude. His sister, he said, was uncomfortably circumstanced --
she had no female companion -- and, in the frequent absence of her father, was
sometimes without any companion at all.%
“But how can that be?” said Catherine. “Are not you with her?”
“Northanger is not more than half my home; I have an establishment at my
own house in Woodston, which is nearly twenty miles from my father’s, and
some of my time is necessarily spent there.”
“How sorry you must be for that!”
“I am always sorry to leave Eleanor.”
“Yes; but besides your affection for her, you must be so fond of the abbey!
After being used to such a home as the abbey, an ordinary parsonage-house must
be very disagreeable.”
He smiled, and said, “You have formed a very favourable idea of the abbey.”
“To be sure, I have. Is not it a fine old place, just like what one reads about?”
“And are you prepared to encounter all the horrors that a building such as
‘what one reads about’ may produce? Have you a stout heart? Nerves fit for
sliding panels and tapestry?”
“Oh! yes -- I do not think I should be easily frightened, because there would
be so many people in the house -- and besides, it has never been uninhabited
and left deserted for years, and then the family come back to it unawares,
without giving any notice, as generally happens.”
“No, certainly. We shall not have to explore our way into a hall dimly
lighted by the expiring embers of a wood fire -- nor be obliged to spread our

becomingly: (adj, adv) seemly; (adv)
decorously, fitly, properly, decently,
fittingly, comely, adequately,
befittingly, rightly, worthily.
circumstanced: (adj) conditioned.
dimly: (adv) obscurely, darkly, faintly,
dully, duskily, vaguely, shadowily,
hazily, gloomily, somberly; (adj, adv)
palely. ANTONYMS: (adv) clearly,
strongly, distinctly.
embers: (v) cinder, ash, scoriae; (n)
fire, ashes.
Thesaurus
expiring: (adj) moribund, failing. plump, abruptly, a l'improviste,
ANTONYM: (adj) well. unaware, all at once, unexpectedly,
innumerable: (adj) countless, inadvertently; (adj) unwary,
numberless, incalculable, unsuspecting. ANTONYMS: (adj)
multitudinous, infinite, innumerous, prepared; (adv) knowingly,
unnumbered, uncounted, myriad, consciously.
immeasurable, untold. ANTONYM: uninhabited: (adj) empty, desert,
(adj) finite. desolate, vacant, unoccupied,
lighted: (adj) illuminated, lit, light, unpopulated, uninhabitable, lonely,
ablaze, bright, ignited, burn, burning, untenanted, unsettled, waste.
ignite, kindled, lighten. ANTONYMS: (adj) inhabited,
unawares: (adv) suddenly, pop, overcrowded, populous.
 Jane Austen 153

beds on the floor of a room without windows, doors, or furniture. But you must
be aware that when a young lady is (by whatever means) introduced into a
dwelling of this kind, she is always lodged apart from the rest of the family.
While they snugly repair to their own end of the house, she is formally
conducted by Dorothy, the ancient housekeeper, up a different staircase, and
along many gloomy passages, into an apartment never used since some cousin or
kin died in it about twenty years before. Can you stand such a ceremony as this?
Will not your mind misgive you when you find yourself in this gloomy chamber
-- too lofty and extensive for you, with only the feeble rays of a single lamp to
take in its size -- its walls hung with tapestry exhibiting figures as large as life,
and the bed, of dark green stuff or purple velvet, presenting even a funereal
appearance? Will not your heart sink within you?”%
“Oh! But this will not happen to me, I am sure.”
“How fearfully will you examine the furniture of your apartment! And what
will you discern? Not tables, toilettes, wardrobes, or drawers, but on one side
perhaps the remains of a broken lute, on the other a ponderous chest which no
efforts can open, and over the fireplace the portrait of some handsome warrior,
whose features will so incomprehensibly strike you, that you will not be able to
withdraw your eyes from it. Dorothy, meanwhile, no less struck by your
appearance, gazes on you in great agitation, and drops a few unintelligible hints.
To raise your spirits, moreover, she gives you reason to suppose that the part of
the abbey you inhabit is undoubtedly haunted, and informs you that you will
not have a single domestic within call. With this parting cordial she curtsies off -
- you listen to the sound of her receding footsteps as long as the last echo can
reach you -- and when, with fainting spirits, you attempt to fasten your door,
you discover, with increased alarm, that it has no lock.”
“Oh! Mr. Tilney, how frightful! This is just like a book! But it cannot really
happen to me. I am sure your housekeeper is not really Dorothy. Well, what
then?”
“Nothing further to alarm perhaps may occur the first night. After
surmounting your unconquerable horror of the bed, you will retire to rest, and

fainting: (n) swoon, syncope,
deliquium, lipothymy, prostration,
stupor; (adj) lipothymic.
funereal: (adj) doleful, dismal, dreary,
somber, gloomy, melancholy,
dolorous, dark, depressing,
lugubrious; (v) burial. ANTONYMS:
(adj) cheery, lively, cheerful.
incomprehensibly: (adv)
unintelligibly, enigmatically,
cryptically, disjointedly,
inarticulately. ANTONYMS: (adv)
Thesaurus
coherently, understandably.
informs: (v) inform; (n) informing.
lodged: (adj) wedged, stuck fast, stuck,
jammed.
lute: (n) harp, glue, solder, luting,
gum, mortar, plaster, stucco, paste,
size, wafer.
misgive: (v) dread, anticipate, doubt,
have a foreboding, have a
premonition, have a presentiment,
have a scary feeling, have misgivings,
have a feeling.
snugly: (adv) cozily, cosily,
comfortably, closely, tightly,
pleasantly, compactly, neatly,
conveniently, homely, trimly.
surmounting: (n) triumph.
unconquerable: (adj) insurmountable,
impregnable, insuperable, irresistible,
unbeatable, proof against, resistless,
indomitable, unquenchable,
impassable, inextinguishable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) conquerable,
feeble.
154 Northanger Abbey

get a few hours’ unquiet slumber. But on the second, or at farthest the third
night after your arrival, you will probably have a violent storm. Peals of thunder
so loud as to seem to shake the edifice to its foundation will roll round the
neighbouring mountains -- and during the frightful gusts of wind which
accompany it, you will probably think you discern (for your lamp is not
extinguished) one part of the hanging more violently agitated than the rest.
Unable of course to repress your curiosity in so favourable a moment for
indulging it, you will instantly arise, and throwing your dressing-gown around
you, proceed to examine this mystery. After a very short search, you will
discover a division in the tapestry so artfully constructed as to defy the minutest
inspection, and on opening it, a door will immediately appear -- which door,
being only secured by massy bars and a padlock, you will, after a few efforts,
succeed in opening -- and, with your lamp in your hand, will pass through it into
a small vaulted room.”%
“No, indeed; I should be too much frightened to do any such thing.”
“What! Not when Dorothy has given you to understand that there is a secret
subterraneous communication between your apartment and the chapel of St.
Anthony, scarcely two miles off? Could you shrink from so simple an
adventure? No, no, you will proceed into this small vaulted room, and through
this into several others, without perceiving anything very remarkable in either.
In one perhaps there may be a dagger, in another a few drops of blood, and in a
third the remains of some instrument of torture; but there being nothing in all
this out of the common way, and your lamp being nearly exhausted, you will
return towards your own apartment. In repassing through the small vaulted
room, however, your eyes will be attracted towards a large, old-fashioned
cabinet of ebony and gold, which, though narrowly examining the furniture
before, you had passed unnoticed. Impelled by an irresistible presentiment, you
will eagerly advance to it, unlock its folding doors, and search into every drawer
-- but for some time without discovering anything of importance -- perhaps
nothing but a considerable hoard of diamonds. At last, however, by touching a
secret spring, an inner compartment will open -- a roll of paper appears -- you

Thesaurus
artfully: (adv) cunningly, foxily, distant; (adj, adv) remotest. presentiment: (n) premonition, hunch,
ingeniously, trickily, shrewdly, ANTONYMS: (adv) closest, nearest. apprehension, feeling, foreboding,
skillfully, cleverly, disingenuously, indulging: (n) pampering, excess, anticipation, intuition, boding,
deceitfully, sly, schemingly. indulgence, orgy, folly, foolery, suspicion; (v) augury; (n, v) omen.
ANTONYMS: (adv) innocently, gratification. subterraneous: (adj) subterranean,
openly. massy: (adj) bulky, ample, underground, subterrene,
ebony: (adj, n) sable; (adj) black, dark, voluminous, heavy, considerable, subaqueous, submarine.
jet, soot, raven, smut, sloe; (n) jet weighty, ponderous, compacted, in unquiet: (adj) restless, anxious,
black, coal black, wood. mass, beamy. nervous, turbulent, unsettled,
farthest: (adj) ultimate, extreme, padlock: (n) bolt, bar, holdfast, rail, disturbed, fussy, tumultuous; (v)
farthermost, utmost, uttermost, last, rivet, wall, security device, deadbolt, movable, saltatory, shifting.
furthermost, endmost, greatest, most combination lock, closure; (v) secure. ANTONYM: (adj) quiet.
 Jane Austen 155

seize it -- it contains many sheets of manuscript -- you hasten with the precious
treasure into your own chamber, but scarcely have you been able to decipher
‘Oh! Thou -- whomsoever thou mayst be, into whose hands these memoirs of the
wretched Matilda may fall’ -- when your lamp suddenly expires in the socket,
and leaves you in total darkness.”
“Oh! No, no -- do not say so. Well, go on.”
But Henry was too much amused by the interest he had raised to be able to
carry it farther; he could no longer command solemnity either of subject or voice,
and was obliged to entreat her to use her own fancy in the perusal of Matilda’s
woes. Catherine, recollecting herself, grew ashamed of her eagerness, and began
earnestly to assure him that her attention had been fixed without the smallest
apprehension of really meeting with what he related. “Miss Tilney, she was sure,
would never put her into such a chamber as he had described! She was not at all
afraid.”
As they drew near the end of their journey, her impatience for a sight of the
abbey -- for some time suspended by his conversation on subjects very different -
- returned in full force, and every bend in the road was expected with solemn
awe to afford a glimpse of its massy walls of grey stone, rising amidst a grove of
ancient oaks, with the last beams of the sun playing in beautiful splendour on its
high Gothic windows. But so low did the building stand, that she found herself
passing through the great gates of the lodge into the very grounds of
Northanger, without having discerned even an antique chimney.%
She knew not that she had any right to be surprised, but there was a
something in this mode of approach which she certainly had not expected. To
pass between lodges of a modern appearance, to find herself with such ease in
the very precincts of the abbey, and driven so rapidly along a smooth, level road
of fine gravel, without obstacle, alarm, or solemnity of any kind, struck her as
odd and inconsistent. She was not long at leisure, however, for such
considerations. A sudden scud of rain, driving full in her face, made it
impossible for her to observe anything further, and fixed all her thoughts on the
welfare of her new straw bonnet; and she was actually under the abbey walls,

amidst: (adv, prep) among; (adv)
amongst; (prep) between, midst, into.
decipher: (v) interpret, explain, solve,
decode, translate, disentangle,
resolve, construe, read, decrypt,
discover. ANTONYMS: (v) encode,
code, encipher, scramble, confuse.
impatience: (n) annoyance, eagerness,
anger, intolerance, restlessness,
fidget, nervousness, fidgetiness,
enthusiasm, edginess; (adj)
nonendurance. ANTONYMS: (n)
Thesaurus
calmness, endurance, apathy.
perusal: (n) examination, scrutiny,
study, survey, inspection, poring
over, studying, literary scholarship,
perusing, lection, look.
precincts: (n) entourage, arena,
outskirts, neighbourhood, walk,
neighborhood, proximity,
surroundings, vicinity, limitations,
suburbs.
recollecting: (n) recollection.
scud: (v) race, scoot, rush, rack, dash,
run, navigate, flash, flit; (n) scudding,
shower.
solemnity: (n) seriousness, sobriety,
earnestness, formality, ceremony,
impressiveness, austerity, sedateness,
display, pomp, grandeur.
ANTONYMS: (n) humor, levity,
cheerfulness, understatement.
splendour: (n) pomp, magnificence,
lustre, splendor, luster, brilliancy,
resplendence, luxury, grandeur,
grandness, brilliance.
156 Northanger Abbey

was springing, with Henry’s assistance, from the carriage, was beneath the
shelter of the old porch, and had even passed on to the hall, where her friend and
the general were waiting to welcome her, without feeling one awful foreboding
of future misery to herself, or one moment’s suspicion of any past scenes of
horror being acted within the solemn edifice. The breeze had not seemed to waft
the sighs of the murdered to her; it had wafted nothing worse than a thick
mizzling rain; and having given a good shake to her habit, she was ready to be
shown into the common drawing-room, and capable of considering where she
was.%
An abbey! Yes, it was delightful to be really in an abbey! But she doubted, as
she looked round the room, whether anything within her observation would
have given her the consciousness. The furniture was in all the profusion and
elegance of modern taste. The fireplace, where she had expected the ample width
and ponderous carving of former times, was contracted to a Rumford, with slabs
of plain though handsome marble, and ornaments over it of the prettiest English
china. The windows, to which she looked with peculiar dependence, from
having heard the general talk of his preserving them in their Gothic form with
reverential care, were yet less what her fancy had portrayed. To be sure, the
pointed arch was preserved -- the form of them was Gothic -- they might be even
casements -- but every pane was so large, so clear, so light! To an imagination
which had hoped for the smallest divisions, and the heaviest stone-work, for
painted glass, dirt, and cobwebs, the difference was very distressing.
The general, perceiving how her eye was employed, began to talk of the
smallness of the room and simplicity of the furniture, where everything, being
for daily use, pretended only to comfort, etc.; flattering himself, however, that
there were some apartments in the Abbey not unworthy her notice -- and was
proceeding to mention the costly gilding of one in particular, when, taking out
his watch, he stopped short to pronounce it with surprise within twenty minutes
of five! This seemed the word of separation, and Catherine found herself hurried
away by Miss Tilney in such a manner as convinced her that the strictest
punctuality to the family hours would be expected at Northanger.

Thesaurus
divisions: (n) contents. onerous, burdensome, massive, devotional, devout, obedient, godly,
foreboding: (n) apprehension, boding, unwieldy, bulky, stodgy, hard, religious; (v) decorous. ANTONYM:
presentiment, fear, anxiety, tedious, dull. ANTONYMS: (adj) (adj) irreverent.
premonition, misgiving, anticipation, elegant, graceful, lively, brisk, smallness: (n) diminutiveness,
sign; (adj) ominous, sinister. manageable. minuteness, slightness, puniness,
ANTONYMS: (adj) favorable; (n) punctuality: (n) accuracy, precision, insignificance, scantiness, delicacy,
calmness, bravery, equanimity. nicety, exactitude, truth, fidelity, scantness, narrowness; (adj)
gilding: (n) embellishment, ormolu, exactness, promptitude, steadiness; meagerness, slenderness.
plating, beautification, cosmetics, (adj) rigor, mathematical precision. ANTONYM: (n) tallness.
decoration, enamel, adornment, ANTONYM: (n) tardiness. waft: (v) blow, float, drift, glide, wave,
prettification, coat, gold plating. reverential: (adj, v) deferential; (adj) gust; (n) whiff, puff, vivda, vifda,
ponderous: (adj) heavy, grave, reverent, dutiful, solemn, pious, pennoncelle.
 Jane Austen 157

Returning through the large and lofty hall, they ascended a broad staircase of
shining oak, which, after many flights and many landing-places, brought them
upon a long, wide gallery. On one side it had a range of doors, and it was
lighted on the other by windows which Catherine had only time to discover
looked into a quadrangle, before Miss Tilney led the way into a chamber, and
scarcely staying to hope she would find it comfortable, left her with an anxious
entreaty that she would make as little alteration as possible in her dress.%

Thesaurus
alteration: (n) adjustment, change, untroubled, assured, comfortable, parallelogram, quadruplet, inner
revision, shift, changeover, cool, apathetic. court, rectangle, patio, yard.
conversion, modification, variation, chamber: (n) hall, bedchamber, cavity, shining: (adj, v) brilliant; (adj) lustrous,
reversal, metamorphosis, cell, council, compartment, assembly, radiant, glossy, luminous, glorious,
amendment. ANTONYMS: (n) fixity, apartment, ventricle, dormitory, glowing; (adj, n) lucid, resplendent,
preservation. cubicle. clear; (v) shine. ANTONYMS: (adj)
anxious: (adj) uneasy, alarmed, entreaty: (n) plea, prayer, request, dull, pale, blemished.
thoughtful, fearful, apprehensive, petition, adjuration, supplication, staircase: (n) stair, ladder, flight, steps,
agitated, keen; (adj, v) nervous, tense, suit, demand, desire, invocation; (v) flight of steps, stairs, backstairs,
solicitous, jumpy. ANTONYMS: (adj) solicitation. escalator, companionway, way,
relaxed, carefree, confident, rational, quadrangle: (n) courtyard, court, entrance.
unconcerned, undisturbed, tetragon, quadrilateral, square,
 Jane Austen 159

CHAPTER 21

A moment’s glance was enough to satisfy Catherine that her apartment was
very unlike the one which Henry had endeavoured to alarm her by the
description of. It was by no means unreasonably large, and contained neither
tapestry nor velvet. The walls were papered, the floor was carpeted; the
windows were neither less perfect nor more dim than those of the drawing-room
below; the furniture, though not of the latest fashion, was handsome and
comfortable, and the air of the room altogether far from uncheerful. Her heart
instantaneously at ease on this point, she resolved to lose no time in particular
examination of anything, as she greatly dreaded disobliging the general by any
delay. Her habit therefore was thrown off with all possible haste, and she was
preparing to unpin the linen package, which the chaise-seat had conveyed for
her immediate accommodation, when her eye suddenly fell on a large high chest,
standing back in a deep recess on one side of the fireplace. The sight of it made
her start; and, forgetting everything else, she stood gazing on it in motionless
wonder, while these thoughts crossed her:%
“This is strange indeed! I did not expect such a sight as this! An immense
heavy chest! What can it hold? Why should it be placed here? Pushed back too,
as if meant to be out of sight! I will look into it -- cost me what it may, I will look
into it -- and directly too -- by daylight. If I stay till evening my candle may go
out.” She advanced and examined it closely: it was of cedar, curiously inlaid
Thesaurus
cedar: (n) true cedar, pahautea, fearsome; (v) drad. alcove, interval, interruption; (n, v)
kawaka, deodar, cedar tree. fireplace: (n) chimney, fire, hearth, break. ANTONYM: (n) continuation.
disobliging: (adj) unobliging, harsh, oven, stove, fire place, fireside, tapestry: (n) arras, tapis, textile,
uncooperative, unwilling, offensive, kitchen, niche, recess, furnace. embroidery, hanging, carpet, cloth,
not ready to give a hand, awkward, gazing: (adj) fixed. complexness, fabric, material,
unhelpful, contrary, disagreeable, ill- instantaneously: (adv) directly, mending.
natured. ANTONYMS: (adj) obliging, instantly, at once, forthwith, uncheerful: (adj) cheerless, drabber,
agreeable, polite, pleasant, courteous, suddenly, promptly, abruptly, drear, dreary, gloomy, lacking cheer,
mannered, civil, helpful, cooperative. momentarily, outright, right away, in disconsolate, unwilling, grim, drab,
dreaded: (adj) awful, terrible, a flash. ANTONYM: (adv) eventually. dismal. ANTONYM: (adj) cheerful.
cowardly, causing horror, dire, recess: (n) niche, pause, intermission, unpin: (v) loosen, undo.
direful, desperate, dreadful, fearful, holiday, nook, vacation, hollow,
160 Northanger Abbey

with %some darker wood, and raised, about a foot from the ground, on a carved
stand of the same. The lock was silver, though tarnished from age; at each end
were the imperfect remains of handles also of silver, broken perhaps prematurely
by some strange violence; and, on the centre of the lid, was a mysterious cipher,
in the same metal. Catherine bent over it intently, but without being able to
distinguish anything with certainty. She could not, in whatever direction she
took it, believe the last letter to be a T; and yet that it should be anything else in
that house was a circumstance to raise no common degree of astonishment. If not
originally theirs, by what strange events could it have fallen into the Tilney
family?
Her fearful curiosity was every moment growing greater; and seizing, with
trembling hands, the hasp of the lock, she resolved at all hazards to satisfy
herself at least as to its contents. With difficulty, for something seemed to resist
her efforts, she raised the lid a few inches; but at that moment a sudden knocking
at the door of the room made her, starting, quit her hold, and the lid closed with
alarming violence. This ill-timed intruder was Miss Tilney’s maid, sent by her
mistress to be of use to Miss Morland; and though Catherine immediately
dismissed her, it recalled her to the sense of what she ought to be doing, and
forced her, in spite of her anxious desire to penetrate this mystery, to proceed in
her dressing without further delay. Her progress was not quick, for her thoughts
and her eyes were still bent on the object so well calculated to interest and alarm;
and though she dared not waste a moment upon a second attempt, she could not
remain many paces from the chest. At length, however, having slipped one arm
into her gown, her toilette seemed so nearly finished that the impatience of her
curiosity might safely be indulged. One moment surely might be spared; and, so
desperate should be the exertion of her strength, that, unless secured by
supernatural means, the lid in one moment should be thrown back. With this
spirit she sprang forward, and her confidence did not deceive her. Her resolute
effort threw back the lid, and gave to her astonished eyes the view of a white
cotton counterpane, properly folded, reposing at one end of the chest in
undisputed possession!

cipher: (n) zero, nothing, number, nil,
nobody, null; (n, v) figure, cypher,
code; (v) calculate; (adj, n) nonentity.
ANTONYMS: (n) infinity; (v) encode,
decode, code, scramble.
counterpane: (n) bedspread, coverlet,
bedcover, blanket, spread, bed
covering, bed cover, tarpaulin,
drugget, rug, sheet.
hasp: (n, v) hook; (n) catch, buckle,
fastening, hank; (adj) bolt, screw,
rivet, pin, nail; (v) fasten.
Thesaurus
ill-timed: (adj) untimely, inopportune, unblemished, famous.
undue, inappropriate, inept, toilette: (n) dress, costume, attire,
inadmissible, disadvantageous. raiment, drapery, guise, trim, John,
reposing: (adj) calm, asleep. lavatory, privy, bathroom.
seizing: (v) seize; (n) seizure, clutches, undisputed: (adj, v) undoubted,
prehension, taking, apprehension, unquestioned; (adj) unchallenged,
capture, infection; (adj) catching, unquestionable, accepted,
galling, controlling. recognized, recognised, indubitable,
tarnished: (adj) stained, tainted, dim, absolute, decided; (v) uncontested.
besmirched, spotted, imperfect, ANTONYMS: (adj) doubtful,
damaged, flyblown, dull, messy, disputable, dubious, individual,
maggoty. ANTONYMS: (adj) clean, questionable.
 Jane Austen 161

She was gazing on it with the first blush of surprise when Miss Tilney,
anxious for her friend’s being ready, entered the room, and to the rising shame of
having harboured for some minutes an absurd expectation, was then added the
shame of being caught in so idle a search. “That is a curious old chest, is not it?”
said Miss Tilney, as Catherine hastily closed it and turned away to the glass. “It
is impossible to say how many generations it has been here. How it came to be
first put in this room I know not, but I have not had it moved, because I thought
it might sometimes be of use in holding hats and bonnets. The worst of it is that
its weight makes it difficult to open. In that corner, however, it is at least out of
the way.”%
Catherine had no leisure for speech, being at once blushing, tying her gown,
and forming wise resolutions with the most violent dispatch. Miss Tilney gently
hinted her fear of being late; and in half a minute they ran downstairs together,
in an alarm not wholly unfounded, for General Tilney was pacing the drawing-
room, his watch in his hand, and having, on the very instant of their entering,
pulled the bell with violence, ordered “Dinner to be on table directly!”
Catherine trembled at the emphasis with which he spoke, and sat pale and
breathless, in a most humble mood, concerned for his children, and detesting old
chests; and the general, recovering his politeness as he looked at her, spent the
rest of his time in scolding his daughter for so foolishly hurrying her fair friend,
who was absolutely out of breath from haste, when there was not the least
occasion for hurry in the world: but Catherine could not at all get over the
double distress of having involved her friend in a lecture and been a great
simpleton herself, till they were happily seated at the dinner-table, when the
general’s complacent smiles, and a good appetite of her own, restored her to
peace. The dining-parlour was a noble room, suitable in its dimensions to a
much larger drawing-room than the one in common use, and fitted up in a style
of luxury and expense which was almost lost on the unpractised eye of
Catherine, who saw little more than its spaciousness and the number of their
attendants. Of the former, she spoke aloud her admiration; and the general, with
a very gracious countenance, acknowledged that it was by no means an ill-sized

attendants: (n) entourage, followers,
retinue, tendance, persons present,
suite.
detesting: (adj) abhorring, detestable,
abhorrent; (n) execration, loathing.
foolishly: (adv) idiotically,
ridiculously, stupidly, indiscreetly,
silly, insanely, injudiciously,
preposterously, absurdly, senselessly;
(adj, adv) madly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
sensibly, solemnly, shrewdly,
prudently, responsibly, judiciously,
Thesaurus
carefully, rationally. tying: (n) ligation, bundling,
generations: (n) generation, family. attachment, knotting, lacing; (adj)
hinted: (adj) veiled, roundabout, not binding; (v) restrict.
explicit, implicit, coded, oblique. unfounded: (adj) groundless,
pacing: (n) accelerando, andante, unwarranted, false, idle, unsound,
allegro, allegretto, pace, walk, tempo, untrue, unsupported, erroneous,
musical time, maneuvering alongside gratuitous, unsubstantiated, vain.
another vessel, cardiac pacing. ANTONYMS: (adj) valid, proven,
spaciousness: (n) capaciousness, justified, supported, substantiated,
largeness, commodiousness, airiness, admiring, sound, rational, logical.
extent, spacious, wideness, bigness, unpractised: (adj) inexperienced, raw,
space, seating capacity, length. green, fresh, unskilled.
162 Northanger Abbey

room, and further confessed that, though as careless on such subjects as most
people, he did look upon a tolerably large eating-room as one of the necessaries
of life; he supposed, however, “that she must have been used to much better-
sized apartments at Mr. Allen’s?”
“No, indeed,” was Catherine’s honest assurance; “Mr. Allen’s dining-parlour
was not more than half as large,” and she had never seen so large a room as this
in her life. The general’s good humour increased. Why, as he had such rooms,
he thought it would be simple not to make use of them; but, upon his honour, he
believed there might be more comfort in rooms of only half their size. Mr.
Allen’s house, he was sure, must be exactly of the true size for rational
happiness.%
The evening passed without any further disturbance, and, in the occasional
absence of General Tilney, with much positive cheerfulness. It was only in his
presence that Catherine felt the smallest fatigue from her journey; and even then,
even in moments of languor or restraint, a sense of general happiness
preponderated, and she could think of her friends in Bath without one wish of
being with them.
The night was stormy; the wind had been rising at intervals the whole
afternoon; and by the time the party broke up, it blew and rained violently.
Catherine, as she crossed the hall, listened to the tempest with sensations of awe;
and, when she heard it rage round a corner of the ancient building and close
with sudden fury a distant door, felt for the first time that she was really in an
abbey. Yes, these were characteristic sounds; they brought to her recollection a
countless variety of dreadful situations and horrid scenes, which such buildings
had witnessed, and such storms ushered in; and most heartily did she rejoice in
the happier circumstances attending her entrance within walls so solemn! She
had nothing to dread from midnight assassins or drunken gallants. Henry had
certainly been only in jest in what he had told her that morning. In a house so
furnished, and so guarded, she could have nothing to explore or to suffer, and
might go to her bedroom as securely as if it had been her own chamber at
Fullerton. Thus wisely fortifying her mind, as she proceeded upstairs, she was

fortifying: (adj) fortify, healthy,
hopeful, cold, invigorating,
stimulating, revitalizing, refreshing,
bracing, restorative, brisk.
languor: (adj, n) inactivity, inertia,
feebleness; (n) lethargy, fatigue,
infirmity, lassitude, weakness,
indifference, ennui; (adj) atony.
ANTONYM: (n) energy.
midnight: (n) dark, noon, hour.
rejoice: (v) cheer, gladden, triumph,
revel, jubilate, gratify, gloat, please;
Thesaurus
(n, v) delight, glory, joy. still, pleasant, fair, mild, relaxed.
ANTONYMS: (v) lament, mourn, tempest: (adj, n) storm, gust; (n) gale,
complain. hurricane, squall, disturbance,
securely: (adv) surely, safely, closely, cyclone, typhoon, agitation, tornado,
solidly, steadily, assuredly, strongly, blizzard. ANTONYM: (n) serenity.
tightly, fixly, setly, stably. wisely: (adv) judiciously, prudently,
ANTONYM: (adv) insecurely. sagaciously, cleverly, discreetly,
situations: (n) circumstance. shrewdly, smartly, learnedly,
stormy: (adj, n) inclement, boisterous, astutely, sharply, perspicaciously.
rough, severe; (adj) fierce, windy, ANTONYMS: (adv) stupidly,
wild, dirty, foul, tempestuous, recklessly, imprudently, immaturely,
blustering. ANTONYMS: (adj) calm, illogically.
 Jane Austen 163

enabled, especially on perceiving that Miss Tilney slept only two doors from her,
to enter her room with a tolerably stout heart; and her spirits were immediately
assisted by the cheerful blaze of a wood fire. “How much better is this,” said she,
as she walked to the fender -- “how much better to find a fire ready lit, than to
have to wait shivering in the cold till all the family are in bed, as so many poor
girls have been obliged to do, and then to have a faithful old servant frightening
one by coming in with a faggot! How glad I am that Northanger is what it is! If
it had been like some other places, I do not know that, in such a night as this, I
could have answered for my courage: but now, to be sure, there is nothing to
alarm one.”%
She looked round the room. The window curtains seemed in motion. It could
be nothing but the violence of the wind penetrating through the divisions of the
shutters; and she stepped boldly forward, carelessly humming a tune, to assure
herself of its being so, peeped courageously behind each curtain, saw nothing on
either low window seat to scare her, and on placing a hand against the shutter,
felt the strongest conviction of the wind’s force. A glance at the old chest, as she
turned away from this examination, was not without its use; she scorned the
causeless fears of an idle fancy, and began with a most happy indifference to
prepare herself for bed. “She should take her time; she should not hurry herself;
she did not care if she were the last person up in the house. But she would not
make up her fire; that would seem cowardly, as if she wished for the protection
of light after she were in bed.” The fire therefore died away, and Catherine,
having spent the best part of an hour in her arrangements, was beginning to
think of stepping into bed, when, on giving a parting glance round the room, she
was struck by the appearance of a high, old-fashioned black cabinet, which,
though in a situation conspicuous enough, had never caught her notice before.
Henry’s words, his description of the ebony cabinet which was to escape her
observation at first, immediately rushed across her; and though there could be
nothing really in it, there was something whimsical, it was certainly a very
remarkable coincidence! She took her candle and looked closely at the cabinet. It
was not absolutely ebony and gold; but it was japan, black and yellow japan of
the handsomest kind; and as she held her candle, the yellow had very much the
Thesaurus
causeless: (adj) adventitious, cowardly: (adj, adv) dastardly, scared, neglected, contemptuous, despicable,
accidental, groundless, uncaused, shrinking; (adj) timid, afraid, craven, insolent, undesirable, unloved,
reasonless, casual, aimless, gutless, sneaky, fainthearted, faint; unpopular, mean.
fortuitous, gratuitous, indeterminate, (adv) recreantly. ANTONYMS: (adj, shutter: (n, v) close, shade; (n) curtain,
undetermined. adv) brave, daring, bold, courageous; shut, blind, window, skylight,
courageously: (adv) intrepidly, (adj) intrepid, fearless, strong, deadlight, lid, louver, jalousie.
valiantly, boldly, daringly, fearlessly, determined; (adv) dauntless, gutsy, whimsical: (adj, n) fanciful, eccentric;
gallantly, heroically, hardily, unafraid. (adj) capricious, freakish, humorous,
dauntlessly, audaciously, faggot: (n) fagot, queer, queen, fairy, changeable, fickle, erratic, wayward,
stoutheartedly. ANTONYMS: (adv) pansy, poof, bobbing, log, fascine, odd, arbitrary. ANTONYMS: (adj)
timidly, execrably, fearfully, fascicle, wisp. reasonable, behaving, normal,
nervously. scorned: (adj) detested, hated, abject, serious, predictable.
164 Northanger Abbey

effect of gold. The key was in the door, and she had a strange fancy to look into
it; not, however, with the smallest expectation of finding anything, but it was so
very odd, after what Henry had said. In short, she could not sleep till she had
examined it. So, placing the candle with great caution on a chair, she seized the
key with a very tremulous hand and tried to turn it; but it resisted her utmost
strength. Alarmed, but not discouraged, she tried it another way; a bolt flew,
and she believed herself successful; but how strangely mysterious! The door was
still immovable. She paused a moment in breathless wonder. The wind roared
down the chimney, the rain beat in torrents against the windows, and everything
seemed to speak the awfulness of her situation. To retire to bed, however,
unsatisfied on such a point, would be vain, since sleep must be impossible with
the consciousness of a cabinet so mysteriously closed in her immediate vicinity.
Again, therefore, she applied herself to the key, and after moving it in every
possible way for some instants with the determined celerity of hope’s last effort,
the door suddenly yielded to her hand: her heart leaped with exultation at such
a victory, and having thrown open each folding door, the second being secured
only by bolts of less wonderful construction than the lock, though in that her eye
could not discern anything unusual, a double range of small drawers appeared
in view, with some larger drawers above and below them; and in the centre, a
small door, closed also with a lock and key, secured in all probability a cavity of
importance.%
Catherine’s heart beat quick, but her courage did not fail her. With a cheek
flushed by hope, and an eye straining with curiosity, her fingers grasped the
handle of a drawer and drew it forth. It was entirely empty. With less alarm and
greater eagerness she seized a second, a third, a fourth; each was equally empty.
Not one was left unsearched, and in not one was anything found. Well read in
the art of concealing a treasure, the possibility of false linings to the drawers did
not escape her, and she felt round each with anxious acuteness in vain. The
place in the middle alone remained now unexplored; and though she had “never
from the first had the smallest idea of finding anything in any part of the cabinet,
and was not in the least disappointed at her ill success thus far, it would be
foolish not to examine it thoroughly while she was about it.” It was some time
Thesaurus
acuteness: (n) acuity, sharpness, celerity: (n) rapidity, speed, dispatch, shaking, fearful, apprehensive,
acumen, discrimination, gravity, velocity, swiftness, quickness, quavering, fidgety, shivering; (n)
insight, sensitivity, perspicacity, expedition, fleetness, alacrity, pace, nervous, diffident, coy. ANTONYMS:
penetration, keenness, intensity. promptness. ANTONYMS: (n) (adj) stable, confident, steady.
ANTONYMS: (n) faintness, leisureliness, sluggishness. unexplored: (adj) unexplained,
insignificance, dullness. exultation: (n) jubilation, joy, delight, unapprehended, unascertained,
awfulness: (n) terribleness, horridness, ecstasy, elation, rejoicing, revelling, undiscovered, unheard of; (v)
frightfulness, atrociousness, transport, joyousness, bliss, glee. unexamined, uninvented,
fearfulness, gravity, solemnity, ANTONYMS: (n) depression, unsearched, unstudied, unweighed,
ghastliness, horror, horribleness, desolation, misery, sorrow. unsifted.
terror. ANTONYMS: (n) torrents: (n) white water, rapids. unsearched: (v) unsifted, unweighed,
insignificance, delight. tremulous: (adj) shaky, trembling, unstudied; (adj) unexplored.
 Jane Austen 165

however before she could unfasten the door, the same difficulty occurring in the
management of this inner lock as of the outer; but at length it did open; and not
vain, as hitherto, was her search; her quick eyes directly fell on a roll of paper
pushed back into the further part of the cavity, apparently for concealment, and
her feelings at that moment were indescribable. Her heart fluttered, her knees
trembled, and her cheeks grew pale. She seized, with an unsteady hand, the
precious manuscript, for half a glance sufficed to ascertain written characters;
and while she acknowledged with awful sensations this striking exemplification
of what Henry had foretold, resolved instantly to peruse every line before she
attempted to rest.%
The dimness of the light her candle emitted made her turn to it with alarm;
but there was no danger of its sudden extinction; it had yet some hours to burn;
and that she might not have any greater difficulty in distinguishing the writing
than what its ancient date might occasion, she hastily snuffed it. Alas! It was
snuffed and extinguished in one. A lamp could not have expired with more
awful effect. Catherine, for a few moments, was motionless with horror. It was
done completely; not a remnant of light in the wick could give hope to the
rekindling breath. Darkness impenetrable and immovable filled the room. A
violent gust of wind, rising with sudden fury, added fresh horror to the moment.
Catherine trembled from head to foot. In the pause which succeeded, a sound
like receding footsteps and the closing of a distant door struck on her affrighted
ear. Human nature could support no more. A cold sweat stood on her forehead,
the manuscript fell from her hand, and groping her way to the bed, she jumped
hastily in, and sought some suspension of agony by creeping far underneath the
clothes. To close her eyes in sleep that night, she felt must be entirely out of the
question. With a curiosity so justly awakened, and feelings in every way so
agitated, repose must be absolutely impossible. The storm too abroad so
dreadful! She had not been used to feel alarm from wind, but now every blast
seemed fraught with awful intelligence. The manuscript so wonderfully found,
so wonderfully accomplishing the morning’s prediction, how was it to be
accounted for? What could it contain? To whom could it relate? By what means
could it have been so long concealed? And how singularly strange that it should
Thesaurus
accomplishing: (n) doing; (adj) exemplification: (n) illustration, nondescript, terrible, intangible,
effectual. instance, demonstration, exemplar, termless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
affrighted: (adj) frightful, eery; (prep) sample, explanation, exemplified explainable, conceivable, concrete.
affright. copy, epitome, case, definition, peruse: (v) examine, look through,
awakened: (adj) excited, aroused, comparison. inspect, study, leaf, flip, flick, learn,
awakens, awoke, interested. groping: (adj) fumbling, gropingly, review, to read, browse. ANTONYM:
dimness: (n) darkness, gloom, investigative, incertain, blind, (v) skim.
shadow, haze, faintness, obscurity, probing, tentative, uncertain, unsure, rekindling: (n) restitution.
dusk, dark, cloudiness, duskiness, hesitant, exploratory. unfasten: (v) open, detach, release,
gloominess. ANTONYMS: (n) light, indescribable: (adj) indefinable, unbind, unbutton, disengage, unbolt,
brightness, intelligence, clearness, ineffable, unutterable, vague, beyond separate, loose, loosen, unchain.
strength, clarity. expression, nameless, inexpressible, ANTONYMS: (v) attach, lock, close.
166 Northanger Abbey

fall to her lot to discover it! Till she had made herself mistress of its contents,
however, she could have neither repose nor comfort; and with the sun’s first rays
she was determined to peruse it. But many were the tedious hours which must
yet intervene. She shuddered, tossed about in her bed, and envied every quiet
sleeper. The storm still raged, and various were the noises, more terrific even
than the wind, which struck at intervals on her startled ear. The very curtains of
her bed seemed at one moment in motion, and at another the lock of her door
was agitated, as if by the attempt of somebody to enter. Hollow murmurs
seemed to creep along the gallery, and more than once her blood was chilled by
the sound of distant moans. Hour after hour passed away, and the wearied
Catherine had heard three proclaimed by all the clocks in the house before the
tempest subsided or she unknowingly fell fast asleep.%

chilled: (adj) frozen, freezing, cool,
refrigerated, icy, inhibited,
restrained, confined, shivering, iced,
stiff.
clocks: (n) alfilaria, alfileria, storksbill,
pin clover, redstem storksbill, pin
grass, filaria, filaree.
creep: (v) grovel, sneak, steal, fawn,
lurk, truckle, cringe; (n) creeping,
crawling, toady, sycophant.
ANTONYMS: (v) race, dash, hasten,
hurry, speed, fly.
Thesaurus
moans: (adj) moaning.
proclaimed: (adj) announced,
indictive, declared publicly.
repose: (n, v) recline, peace, lie, calm;
(n) composure, ease, quiet, leisure,
recreation, relaxation; (v) lay.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) work; (n)
activity, panic, agitation.
sleeper: (n) railroad tie, crosstie, tie,
noctambulist, baggage car,
slumberer, dreamer, Pullman car,
freight car, parlor car, express car.
startled: (adj) dumbfounded,
dismayed, distressed, aghast,
frightened, astonished, amazed,
terrified, afraid, shocked, astounded.
unknowingly: (adv) inadvertently,
unconsciously, ignorantly,
unawarely, unweetingly, naively,
unawares. ANTONYMS: (adv)
mindfully, wittingly, deliberately.
wearied: (adj) jaded, tired, spent,
fatigued, weary, prostrate, limp,
haggard, shattered, worn, fatigate.
 Jane Austen 167

CHAPTER 22

The housemaid’s folding back her window-shutters at eight o’clock the next
day was the sound which first roused Catherine; and she opened her eyes,
wondering that they could ever have been closed, on objects of cheerfulness; her
fire was already burning, and a bright morning had succeeded the tempest of the
night. Instantaneously, with the consciousness of existence, returned her
recollection of the manuscript; and springing from the bed in the very moment
of the maid’s going away, she eagerly collected every scattered sheet which had
burst from the roll on its falling to the ground, and flew back to enjoy the luxury
of their perusal on her pillow. She now plainly saw that she must not expect a
manuscript of equal length with the generality of what she had shuddered over
in books, for the roll, seeming to consist entirely of small disjointed sheets, was
altogether but of trifling size, and much less than she had supposed it to be at
first.%
Her greedy eye glanced rapidly over a page. She started at its import. Could
it be possible, or did not her senses play her false? An inventory of linen, in
coarse and modern characters, seemed all that was before her! If the evidence of
sight might be trusted, she held a washing-bill in her hand. She seized another
sheet, and saw the same articles with little variation; a third, a fourth, and a fifth
presented nothing new. Shirts, stockings, cravats, and waistcoats faced her in
each. Two others, penned by the same hand, marked an expenditure scarcely
Thesaurus
disjointed: (adj) disconnected, commonness, rule, abstraction, illusory, outward, probable,
confused, split, broken, dislocated, commonality, balance, thought, deceptive, specious; (adj, n)
rambling, unconnected, disordered, quality, idea, catholicity, bulk. appearance, semblance; (n) aspect,
fragmentary, discontinuous, ANTONYMS: (n) specific, show. ANTONYMS: (adj) actual,
muddled. ANTONYMS: (adj) jointed, particularity. deep, inner.
united, affiliated, attached, inventory: (n) catalogue, index, stock, sheets: (n) rain, bed linen.
connected, continuous. catalog, account, enumeration, roll, springing: (v) jumping, climbing,
folding: (n) foldaway, plication, schedule, bill, table, inventorying. bounding, furious, conspicuous,
foldable, bend, crease, bending, penned: (adj) fenced in, confined, prominent, ascending, projecting
flexure, pleating, collapsable, captive, in captivity, jailed, outwardly; (n) growth, suspension,
collapsible, doubling. imprisoned, enclosed. emanation.
generality: (n) generalization, seeming: (adj) ostensible, superficial,
168 Northanger Abbey

more interesting, in letters, hair-powder, shoe-string, and breeches-ball. And the

larger sheet, which had enclosed the rest, seemed by its first cramp line, “To
poultice chestnut mare” -- a farrier’s bill! Such was the collection of papers (left
perhaps, as she could then suppose, by the negligence of a servant in the place
whence she had taken them) which had filled her with expectation and alarm,
and robbed her of half her night’s rest! She felt humbled to the dust. Could not
the adventure of the chest have taught her wisdom? A corner of it, catching her
eye as she lay, seemed to rise up in judgment against her. Nothing could now be
clearer than the absurdity of her recent fancies. To suppose that a manuscript of
many generations back could have remained undiscovered in a room such as
that, so modern, so habitable! -- Or that she should be the first to possess the
skill of unlocking a cabinet, the key of which was open to all!
How could she have so imposed on herself? Heaven forbid that Henry
Tilney should ever know her folly! And it was in a great measure his own doing,
for had not the cabinet appeared so exactly to agree with his description of her
adventures, she should never have felt the smallest curiosity about it. This was
the only comfort that occurred. Impatient to get rid of those hateful evidences of
her folly, those detestable papers then scattered over the bed, she rose directly,
and folding them up as nearly as possible in the same shape as before, returned
them to the same spot within the cabinet, with a very hearty wish that no
untoward accident might ever bring them forward again, to disgrace her even
with herself.%
Why the locks should have been so difficult to open, however, was still
something remarkable, for she could now manage them with perfect ease. In this
there was surely something mysterious, and she indulged in the flattering
suggestion for half a minute, till the possibility of the door’s having been at first
unlocked, and of being herself its fastener, darted into her head, and cost her
another blush.
She got away as soon as she could from a room in which her conduct
produced such unpleasant reflections, and found her way with all speed to the
breakfast-parlour, as it had been pointed out to her by Miss Tilney the evening

absurdity: (n) absurdness, nonsense,
silliness, nonsensicality,
meaninglessness, illogicality,
stupidity, folly, fatuity, idiocy,
preposterousness. ANTONYMS: (n)
logic, reasonableness, worthiness,
solemnity, sensibleness.
cramp: (v) restrict, constrict, confine,
bind, limit, hamper; (n, v) spasm,
pinch; (n) crick, pain, constraint.
ANTONYMS: (v) allow, permit,
liberate; (n) release.
Thesaurus
fancies: (n) stock.
fastener: (n) fastening, clip, tie, buckle, epithem, liniment, pepastic,
attachment, snap, lock, closure, bolt,
holdfast, catch.
habitable: (adj) livable, liveable.
hateful: (adj) disgusting, execrable,
nasty, abominable, hideous,
despicable, repulsive, distasteful,
foul; (adj, v) odious, obnoxious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) delightful, kind,
nice, benign, desirable.
poultice: (n, v) plaster; (v) foment,
stupe; (adj) pap, jam, curd, dough; (n)
sinapism.
undiscovered: (v) solved,
undeveloped, unexplained, untraced;
(adj) unnoticed, remote, unexplored,
unheard-of, silly, unacquainted with,
foolish.
whence: (adv) wherefrom, hence,
because, for, why, wherefore, how,
then, then thence so, how comes it,
how happens it.
 Jane Austen 169

before. Henry was alone in it; and his immediate hope of her having been
undisturbed by the tempest, with an arch reference to the character of the
building they inhabited, was rather distressing. For the world would she not
have her weakness suspected, and yet, unequal to an absolute falsehood, was
constrained to acknowledge that the wind had kept her awake a little. “But we
have a charming morning after it,” she added, desiring to get rid of the subject;
“and storms and sleeplessness are nothing when they are over. What beautiful
hyacinths! I have just learnt to love a hyacinth.”%
“And how might you learn? By accident or argument?”
“Your sister taught me; I cannot tell how. Mrs. Allen used to take pains, year
after year, to make me like them; but I never could, till I saw them the other day
in Milsom Street; I am naturally indifferent about flowers.”
“But now you love a hyacinth. So much the better. You have gained a new
source of enjoyment, and it is well to have as many holds upon happiness as
possible. Besides, a taste for flowers is always desirable in your sex, as a means
of getting you out of doors, and tempting you to more frequent exercise than you
would otherwise take. And though the love of a hyacinth may be rather
domestic, who can tell, the sentiment once raised, but you may in time come to
love a rose?”
“But I do not want any such pursuit to get me out of doors. The pleasure of
walking and breathing fresh air is enough for me, and in fine weather I am out
more than half my time. Mamma says I am never within.”
“At any rate, however, I am pleased that you have learnt to love a hyacinth.
The mere habit of learning to love is the thing; and a teachableness of disposition
in a young lady is a great blessing. Has my sister a pleasant mode of
instruction?”
Catherine was saved the embarrassment of attempting an answer by the
entrance of the general, whose smiling compliments announced a happy state of
mind, but whose gentle hint of sympathetic early rising did not advance her
composure.

composure: (n) calmness, serenity,
poise, calm, equanimity, temper,
aplomb, tranquillity, peace,
temperament, disposition.
ANTONYMS: (n) panic,
discomposure, anger, nervousness,
perturbation, anxiety, agitation,
turbulence, awkwardness.
constrained: (adj) forced, bound, stiff,
strained, awkward, compelled,
limited, affected, stilted, rigid,
unnatural. ANTONYMS: (adj)
Thesaurus
unrestricted, liberated, natural, open.
desiring: (adj) envious, insatiable,
desirous, eager; (adv) fleshly.
falsehood: (n) fable, fabrication,
deception, untruth, lie, fib, fiction,
invention, dishonesty; (adj, n) deceit,
falsity. ANTONYMS: (n) fact,
honesty, reality.
hyacinth: (n) zircon, amethyst, cape
hyacinth, carbuncle, common
hyacinth, hyacine.
inhabited: (v) populous, full of people,
arrayed, clothed, dressed,
accustomed, habited; (adj, v) peopled;
(adj) occupied, settled, housing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unoccupied,
uninhabited, business.
saved: (adj) protected, economized,
rescued, blessed.
sleeplessness: (n) wakefulness,
restlessness, nerves, insomnolence,
disquietude, unrest; (v) vigil.
ANTONYM: (n) sleepiness.
teachableness: (n) docity, docibleness.
170 Northanger Abbey

The elegance of the breakfast set forced itself on Catherine’s notice when they
were seated at table; and, lucidly, it had been the general’s choice. He was
enchanted by her approbation of his taste, confessed it to be neat and simple,
thought it right to encourage the manufacture of his country; and for his part, to
his uncritical palate, the tea was as well flavoured from the clay of Staffordshire,
as from that of Dresden or Save. But this was quite an old set, purchased two
years ago. The manufacture was much improved since that time; he had seen
some beautiful specimens when last in town, and had he not been perfectly
without vanity of that kind, might have been tempted to order a new set. He
trusted, however, that an opportunity might ere long occur of selecting one --
though not for himself. Catherine was probably the only one of the party who
did not understand him.%
Shortly after breakfast Henry left them for Woodston, where business
required and would keep him two or three days. They all attended in the hall to
see him mount his horse, and immediately on re-entering the breakfast-room,
Catherine walked to a window in the hope of catching another glimpse of his
figure. “This is a somewhat heavy call upon your brother’s fortitude,” observed
the general to Eleanor. “Woodston will make but a sombre appearance today.”
“Is it a pretty place?” asked Catherine.
“What say you, Eleanor? Speak your opinion, for ladies can best tell the taste
of ladies in regard to places as well as men. I think it would be acknowledged by
the most impartial eye to have many recommendations. The house stands
among fine meadows facing the south-east, with an excellent kitchen-garden in
the same aspect; the walls surrounding which I built and stocked myself about
ten years ago, for the benefit of my son. It is a family living, Miss Morland; and
the property in the place being chiefly my own, you may believe I take care that
it shall not be a bad one. Did Henry’s income depend solely on this living, he
would not be ill-provided for. Perhaps it may seem odd, that with only two
younger children, I should think any profession necessary for him; and certainly
there are moments when we could all wish him disengaged from every tie of
business. But though I may not exactly make converts of you young ladies, I am

Thesaurus
enchanted: (adj) bewitched, delighted, detached. ANTONYMS: (adj) partial, roof of the mouth, smack, fancy.
charmed, fascinated, rapt, partisan, prejudiced, subjective, purchased: (adj) boughten, not
spellbound, blissful, happy, unfair, unjust. homemade; (prep) bribed.
enamored, possessed; (v) entranced. lucidly: (adv) plainly, limpidly, stocked: (adj) stocked with, furnished,
ANTONYMS: (adj) disenchanted, pellucidly, sanely, transparently, full.
unhappy. perspicuously, shiningly, articulately, uncritical: (v) benedictory,
flavoured: (adj) seasoned, spiced, resplendently, luminously, complimentary, commendatory,
spicy, tasteful, flavorful. translucently. ANTONYMS: (adv) lavish of praise, encomiastic,
impartial: (adj) just, equitable, obscurely, unconvincingly, panegyrical, laudatory; (adj)
disinterested, unprejudiced, incoherently, vaguely, illogically. indiscriminate, noncritical,
unbiased, dispassionate, even- palate: (n) gusto, savour, flavour, unselective, gullible. ANTONYMS:
handed, candid, even, evenhanded, gustation, liking, tooth, taste, relish, (adj) discriminating, shrewd, fussy.
 Jane Austen 171

sure your father, Miss Morland, would agree with me in thinking it expedient to
give every young man some employment. The money is nothing, it is not an
object, but employment is the thing. Even Frederick, my eldest son, you see, who
will perhaps inherit as considerable a landed property as any private man in the
county, has his profession.”
The imposing effect of this last argument was equal to his wishes. The silence
of the lady proved it to be unanswerable.%
Something had been said the evening before of her being shown over the
house, and he now offered himself as her conductor; and though Catherine had
hoped to explore it accompanied only by his daughter, it was a proposal of too
much happiness in itself, under any circumstances, not to be gladly accepted; for
she had been already eighteen hours in the abbey, and had seen only a few of its
rooms. The netting-box, just leisurely drawn forth, was closed with joyful haste,
and she was ready to attend him in a moment. “And when they had gone over
the house, he promised himself moreover the pleasure of accompanying her into
the shrubberies and garden.” She curtsied her acquiescence. “But perhaps it
might be more agreeable to her to make those her first object. The weather was
at present favourable, and at this time of year the uncertainty was very great of
its continuing so. Which would she prefer? He was equally at her service.
Which did his daughter think would most accord with her fair friend’s wishes?
But he thought he could discern. Yes, he certainly read in Miss Morland’s eyes a
judicious desire of making use of the present smiling weather. But when did she
judge amiss? The abbey would be always safe and dry. He yielded implicitly,
and would fetch his hat and attend them in a moment.” He left the room, and
Catherine, with a disappointed, anxious face, began to speak of her
unwillingness that he should be taking them out of doors against his own
inclination, under a mistaken idea of pleasing her; but she was stopped by Miss
Tilney’s saying, with a little confusion, “I believe it will be wisest to take the
morning while it is so fine; and do not be uneasy on my father’s account; he
always walks out at this time of day.”

Thesaurus
discern: (v) differentiate, see, inconvenient, foolish. measured, idle; (adv) deliberately,
comprehend, detect, distinguish, implicitly: (adv) unquestioningly, slowly, at leisure. ANTONYMS: (adj)
make out, perceive, find, note; (n, v) absolutely, tacitly, virtually, rushed, hurried, formal, vigorous,
descry; (adj, v) recognize. indirectly, silently, unspokenly, speedy, fast; (adv) formally, quickly.
ANTONYMS: (v) Miss, neglect, inherently, obliquely, completely, unwillingness: (n) disinclination,
disregard, observe, overlook. unexpressedly. ANTONYMS: (adv) indisposition, aversion, hesitation,
expedient: (adj) fit, advisable, openly, explicitly. hesitancy, resistance, antipathy,
becoming, desirable, adequate, apt, inherit: (v) heir, come into, get, to reluctancy, dislike, distaste,
convenient, suitable; (n) contrivance, inherit, own, receive, come in for, to irreconcilableness. ANTONYMS: (n)
resource, artifice. ANTONYMS: (adj) succeed, follow, descend, accede. enthusiasm, disposition, keenness,
inappropriate, inexpedient, leisurely: (adj) slow, deliberate, inclination.
impractical, futile, detrimental, easygoing, leisure, at ease, unhurried, yielded: (v) yold, yolden.
172 Northanger Abbey

Catherine did not exactly know how this was to be understood. Why was
Miss Tilney embarrassed? Could there be any unwillingness on the general’s
side to show her over the abbey? The proposal was his own. And was not it odd
that he should always take his walk so early? Neither her father nor Mr. Allen
did so. It was certainly very provoking. She was all impatience to see the house,
and had scarcely any curiosity about the grounds. If Henry had been with them
indeed! But now she should not know what was picturesque when she saw it.
Such were her thoughts, but she kept them to herself, and put on her bonnet in
patient discontent.%
She was struck, however, beyond her expectation, by the grandeur of the
abbey, as she saw it for the first time from the lawn. The whole building enclosed
a large court; and two sides of the quadrangle, rich in Gothic ornaments, stood
forward for admiration. The remainder was shut off by knolls of old trees, or
luxuriant plantations, and the steep woody hills rising behind, to give it shelter,
were beautiful even in the leafless month of March. Catherine had seen nothing
to compare with it; and her feelings of delight were so strong, that without
waiting for any better authority, she boldly burst forth in wonder and praise.
The general listened with assenting gratitude; and it seemed as if his own
estimation of Northanger had waited unfixed till that hour.
The kitchen-garden was to be next admired, and he led the way to it across a
small portion of the park.
The number of acres contained in this garden was such as Catherine could
not listen to without dismay, being more than double the extent of all Mr.
Allen’s, as well her father’s, including church-yard and orchard. The walls
seemed countless in number, endless in length; a village of hot-houses seemed to
arise among them, and a whole parish to be at work within the enclosure. The
general was flattered by her looks of surprise, which told him almost as plainly,
as he soon forced her to tell him in words, that she had never seen any gardens at
all equal to them before; and he then modestly owned that, “without any
ambition of that sort himself -- without any solicitude about it -- he did believe
them to be unrivalled in the kingdom. If he had a hobby-horse, it was that. He

assenting: (adj) assentient, consenting,
acquiescent, unanimous, in accord,
favorable; (n) agreement, accession,
confession; (adv) consentingly; (v)
agree. ANTONYM: (adj) conflicting.
leafless: (adj) bald, bare, aphyllous,
leaveless, hairless. ANTONYM: (adj)
leafy.
luxuriant: (adj, n) lush; (adj) abundant,
lavish, exuberant, dense, thick, fertile,
flourishing, fecund, opulent, profuse.
ANTONYMS: (adj) barren, meager,
Thesaurus
unhealthy, arid, withering, sparse,
shabby, unadorned.
modestly: (adv) unassumingly,
demurely, humbly, reservedly,
retiringly, unpretentiously,
diffidently, soberly, timidly, meekly, unmatchable, incomparable, one, one
moderately. ANTONYMS: (adv)
ostentatiously, arrogantly,
immodestly, elaborately, boldly,
radically, proudly, brashly,
boastfully, brazenly, excessively.
ornaments: (n) stuff, trim,
ornamentation, equipments, dress,
disposition, custom, curios,
condition, clothing, gaudery.
unrivalled: (adj) unmatched,
unrivaled, matchless, nonpareil,
and only, unequalled, unequaled,
unique.
woody: (adj) arboreous, ligneous,
wooden, forested, woodsy,
arboraceous, arboreal, harder, hard,
lignified, nemorous.
 Jane Austen 173

loved a garden. Though careless enough in most matters of eating, he loved

good fruit -- or if he did not, his friends and children did. There were great
vexations, however, attending such a garden as his. The utmost care could not
always secure the most valuable fruits. The pinery had yielded only one
hundred in the last year. Mr. Allen, he supposed, must feel these inconveniences
as well as himself.”
“No, not at all. Mr. Allen did not care about the garden, and never went into
it.”
With a triumphant smile of self-satisfaction, the general wished he could do
the same, for he never entered his, without being vexed in some way or other, by
its falling short of his plan.%
“How were Mr. Allen’s succession-houses worked?” describing the nature of
his own as they entered them.
“Mr. Allen had only one small hot-house, which Mrs. Allen had the use of for
her plants in winter, and there was a fire in it now and then.”
“He is a happy man!” said the general, with a look of very happy contempt.
Having taken her into every division, and led her under every wall, till she
was heartily weary of seeing and wondering, he suffered the girls at last to seize
the advantage of an outer door, and then expressing his wish to examine the
effect of some recent alterations about the tea-house, proposed it as no
unpleasant extension of their walk, if Miss Morland were not tired. “But where
are you going, Eleanor? Why do you choose that cold, damp path to it? Miss
Morland will get wet. Our best way is across the park.”
“This is so favourite a walk of mine,” said Miss Tilney, “that I always think it
the best and nearest way. But perhaps it may be damp.”
It was a narrow winding path through a thick grove of old Scotch firs; and
Catherine, struck by its gloomy aspect, and eager to enter it, could not, even by
the general’s disapprobation, be kept from stepping forward. He perceived her
inclination, and having again urged the plea of health in vain, was too polite to
make further opposition. He excused himself, however, from attending them:

careless: (adj) forgetful, inattentive,
insouciant, haphazard, cursory,
reckless, lax, unwary, sloppy; (adj,
adv) thoughtless; (adj, v) heedless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cautious, prudent,
meticulous, thoughtful, diligent,
attentive, thorough, wary, guarded,
methodical, strict.
disapprobation: (n) condemnation,
animadversion, displeasure,
discountenance, disapproval, blame,
objection, dissatisfaction, disfavor,
Thesaurus
anger, dislike.
fruits: (n) revenue.
pinery: (n) pine-stove, parterre,
arboretum, avenue, pinetum,
orchard, plantation, shrubbery.
seize: (v) catch, capture, grab, arrest,
clutch, get, apprehend, receive,
annex, clasp; (n, v) grapple.
ANTONYMS: (v) baulk, relinquish,
restore, surrender, give, remove.
self-satisfaction: (n) boast, pride.
stepping: (n) steps.
triumphant: (adj) victorious,
successful, triumphal, exulting,
winning, joyful, rejoicing, elated,
conquering, prideful; (adj, v) exultant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disappointed,
failing, losing, defeated, miserable,
sorrowful.
winding: (n) twist, wind, turn; (adj)
indirect, crooked, circuitous,
meandering, twisty, wandering; (adj,
n) twisting, twisted. ANTONYMS:
(adj) direct, unbent.
174 Northanger Abbey

“The rays of the sun were not too cheerful for him, and he would meet them by
another course.” He turned away; and Catherine was shocked to find how much
her spirits were relieved by the separation. The shock, however, being less real
than the relief, offered it no injury; and she began to talk with easy gaiety of the
delightful melancholy which such a grove inspired.%
“I am particularly fond of this spot,” said her companion, with a sigh. “It
was my mother’s favourite walk.”
Catherine had never heard Mrs. Tilney mentioned in the family before, and
the interest excited by this tender remembrance showed itself directly in her
altered countenance, and in the attentive pause with which she waited for
something more.
“I used to walk here so often with her!” added Eleanor; “though I never
loved it then, as I have loved it since. At that time indeed I used to wonder at her
choice. But her memory endears it now.”
“And ought it not,” reflected Catherine, “to endear it to her husband? Yet the
general would not enter it.” Miss Tilney continuing silent, she ventured to say,
“Her death must have been a great affliction!”
“A great and increasing one,” replied the other, in a low voice. “I was only
thirteen when it happened; and though I felt my loss perhaps as strongly as one
so young could feel it, I did not, I could not, then know what a loss it was.” She
stopped for a moment, and then added, with great firmness, “I have no sister,
you know -- and though Henry -- though my brothers are very affectionate, and
Henry is a great deal here, which I am most thankful for, it is impossible for me
not to be often solitary.”
“To be sure you must miss him very much.”
“A mother would have been always present. A mother would have been a
constant friend; her influence would have been beyond all other.”
“Was she a very charming woman? Was she handsome? Was there any
picture of her in the abbey? And why had she been so partial to that grove? Was
it from dejection of spirits?” -- were questions now eagerly poured forth; the first

Thesaurus
attentive: (adj) assiduous, diligent, ANTONYMS: (n) cheerfulness, dejected, dismal, gloomy, doleful; (n,
heedful, watchful, observant, ecstasy, encouragement, hopefulness, v) low spirits; (n) gloominess,
advertent, mindful, careful, aware, joy, cheer. depression. ANTONYMS: (n)
alert, respectful. ANTONYMS: (adj) endear: (adj, v) attract; (adj) attach, happiness, cheerfulness, hopefulness,
unfocused, negligent, neglectful, turn the head, seduce, fascinate, optimism; (adj) happy, bright, cheery,
forgetful, heedless, unobservant, enrapture; (v) enamor, dear, satisfied.
rude, unprepared, unconscious, captivate, indear, bewitch. thankful: (adj) appreciative, indebted,
uncaring, inconsiderate. grove: (n) forest, orchard, thicket, beholden, obliged, contented,
dejection: (n) discouragement, coppice, wood, gardens, residences, pleased, gratified, relieved, under
depression, sadness, despair, sorrow, Holt, bosquet, park, Hurst. obligation, appreciatory, welcome.
woe, grief, melancholy, blues, melancholy: (adj, v) dreary; (adj, n) ANTONYMS: (adj) worried,
desolation, despondency. gloom, melancholic; (adj) depressed, unappreciative, unthankful, sorry.
 Jane Austen 175

three received a ready affirmative, the two others were passed by; and
Catherine’s interest in the deceased Mrs. Tilney augmented with every question,
whether answered or not. Of her unhappiness in marriage, she felt persuaded.
The general certainly had been an unkind husband. He did not love her walk:
could he therefore have loved her? And besides, handsome as he was, there was
a something in the turn of his features which spoke his not having behaved well
to her.%
“Her picture, I suppose,” blushing at the consummate art of her own
question, “hangs in your father’s room?”
“No; it was intended for the drawing-room; but my father was dissatisfied
with the painting, and for some time it had no place. Soon after her death I
obtained it for my own, and hung it in my bed-chamber -- where I shall be happy
to show it you; it is very like.” Here was another proof. A portrait -- very like --
of a departed wife, not valued by the husband! He must have been dreadfully
cruel to her!
Catherine attempted no longer to hide from herself the nature of the feelings
which, in spite of all his attentions, he had previously excited; and what had been
terror and dislike before, was now absolute aversion. Yes, aversion! His cruelty
to such a charming woman made him odious to her. She had often read of such
characters, characters which Mr. Allen had been used to call unnatural and
overdrawn; but here was proof positive of the contrary.
She had just settled this point when the end of the path brought them directly
upon the general; and in spite of all her virtuous indignation, she found herself
again obliged to walk with him, listen to him, and even to smile when he smiled.
Being no longer able, however, to receive pleasure from the surrounding objects,
she soon began to walk with lassitude; the general perceived it, and with a
concern for her health, which seemed to reproach her for her opinion of him, was
most urgent for returning with his daughter to the house. He would follow them
in a quarter of an hour. Again they parted -- but Eleanor was called back in half
a minute to receive a strict charge against taking her friend round the abbey till

Thesaurus
affirmative: (adj) positive, affirmatory, inadequate, mediocre, incomplete, lassitude: (n) apathy, exhaustion,
assertive, ratifying, concurring; (adv) deficient, amateurish, untrained, languor, lethargy, inanition,
yes; (n) affirmation, avowal, abysmal, inept; (v) start, initiate, weariness, inertia, inactivity, ennui,
assenting; (adj, v) predicatory, begin. tiredness, stupor.
declaratory. ANTONYMS: (adj) dreadfully: (adj, adv) frightfully, overdrawn: (adj) sweeping.
dissenting; (n) no. shockingly; (adv) fearfully, virtuous: (adj) upright, pure,
attempted: (adj) unsuccessful. appallingly, hideously, horrendously, righteous, good, moral, just,
consummate: (adj, v) perfect; (n, v) horribly, atrociously, ghastly, honorable, honest, respectable,
conclude, crown; (v) accomplish, tremendously, horridly. decent, pious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
achieve, execute; (adj) accomplished, ANTONYMS: (adv) pleasantly, bad, sinful, corrupt, impure,
absolute, profound, matchless, wonderfully, happily, hardly, unethical, decadent, degenerate,
masterful. ANTONYMS: (adj) superbly, well. irreverent.
176 Northanger Abbey

his return. This second instance of his anxiety to delay what she so much
wished for struck Catherine as very remarkable.%

Thesaurus
anxiety: (n) disquiet, trouble, fear, ANTONYMS: (n, v) rush; (n) departure, confiscation, abolition,
care, alarm, anxiousness, uneasiness, decisiveness, promptness; (v) recovery, loss, disappearance,
worry, anguish, concern; (adj, n) advance, hurry, begin, hasten, go, penalty; (v) keep, depart, take,
solicitude. ANTONYMS: (n) calm, expedite, speed, prompt. remove.
bravery, confidence, reassurance, instance: (n) exemplar, case, time, struck: (adj, v) smitten; (v) stroke; (adj)
security, relaxation, indifference, illustration, sample, affair, pattern, affected, afflicted, doting, dotty,
serenity, tranquility, peace, chance, cause; (v) exemplify, enamored, gaga, hurt, in love,
satisfaction. illustrate. infatuated.
delay: (adj, v) defer, linger; (n, v) return: (v) recur, reimburse, restore;
arrest, wait, check, stay; (n) (n, v) pay, restitution, recompense,
deferment, interruption; (v) refund, restoration, render, retort; (n)
postpone, reserve, adjourn. proceeds. ANTONYMS: (n)
 Jane Austen 177

CHAPTER 23

An hour passed away before the general came in, spent, on the part of his
young guest, in no very favourable consideration of his character. “This
lengthened absence, these solitary rambles, did not speak a mind at ease, or a
conscience void of reproach.” At length he appeared; and, whatever might have
been the gloom of his meditations, he could still smile with them. Miss Tilney,
understanding in part her friend’s curiosity to see the house, soon revived the
subject; and her father being, contrary to Catherine’s expectations, unprovided
with any pretence for further delay, beyond that of stopping five minutes to
order refreshments to be in the room by their return, was at last ready to escort
them.%
They set forward; and, with a grandeur of air, a dignified step, which caught
the eye, but could not shake the doubts of the well-read Catherine, he led the
way across the hall, through the common drawing-room and one useless
antechamber, into a room magnificent both in size and furniture -- the real
drawing-room, used only with company of consequence. It was very noble --
very grand -- very charming! -- was all that Catherine had to say, for her
indiscriminating eye scarcely discerned the colour of the satin; and all
minuteness of praise, all praise that had much meaning, was supplied by the
general: the costliness or elegance of any room’s fitting-up could be nothing to
her; she cared for no furniture of a more modern date than the fifteenth century.
Thesaurus
antechamber: (n) lobby, anteroom, unseemly, vulgar, poor, lowly, bluff, appearance, pretension.
hall, foyer, hallway, waiting room, modest, base. satin: (adj) glossy, sleek, velvet, down,
room, corridor, antichamber, cell, doubts: (adj) doubting. silky, silklike, silken, satiny, velure;
entry. indiscriminating: (adj) (n) cloth, fabric.
costliness: (n) expensiveness, undiscriminating, indiscriminate, not unprovided: (adj) unorganized,
sumptuosity, preciousness. discriminating. unarranged, unbegun, untrimmed,
dignified: (adj) exalted, majestic, minuteness: (n) diminutiveness, unequipped, unready; (v)
noble, grand, lofty, respectable, smallness, attention to detail, unsupplied.
solemn, distinguished, lordly, high; petiteness, tininess, weeness. well-read: (adj) learned, erudite,
(adj, v) great. ANTONYMS: (adj) pretence: (n) deceit, pretext, informed, literary, scholarly,
undignified, foolish, dishonorable, dissimulation, pretense, affectation, studious, educated.
boisterous, unceremonious, falsehood, deception, hypocrisy,
178 Northanger Abbey

When the general had satisfied his own curiosity, in a close examination of every
well-known ornament, they proceeded into the library, an apartment, in its way,
of equal magnificence, exhibiting a collection of books, on which an humble man
might have looked with pride. Catherine heard, admired, and wondered with
more genuine feeling than before -- gathered all that she could from this
storehouse of knowledge, by running over the titles of half a shelf, and was
ready to proceed. But suites of apartments did not spring up with her wishes.
Large as was the building, she had already visited the greatest part; though, on
being told that, with the addition of the kitchen, the six or seven rooms she had
now seen surrounded three sides of the court, she could scarcely believe it, or
overcome the suspicion of there being many chambers secreted. It was some
relief, however, that they were to return to the rooms in common use, by passing
through a few of less importance, looking into the court, which, with occasional
passages, not wholly unintricate, connected the different sides; and she was
further soothed in her progress by being told that she was treading what had
once been a cloister, having traces of cells pointed out, and observing several
doors that were neither opened nor explained to her -- by finding herself
successively in a billiard-room, and in the general’s private apartment, without
comprehending their connection, or being able to turn aright when she left
them; and lastly, by passing through a dark little room, owning Henry’s
authority, and strewed with his litter of books, guns, and greatcoats.%
From the dining-room, of which, though already seen, and always to be seen
at five o’clock, the general could not forgo the pleasure of pacing out the length,
for the more certain information of Miss Morland, as to what she neither doubted
nor cared for, they proceeded by quick communication to the kitchen -- the
ancient kitchen of the convent, rich in the massy walls and smoke of former
days, and in the stoves and hot closets of the present. The general’s improving
hand had not loitered here: every modern invention to facilitate the labour of the
cooks had been adopted within this, their spacious theatre; and, when the genius
of others had failed, his own had often produced the perfection wanted. His
endowments of this spot alone might at any time have placed him high among
the benefactors of the convent.
Thesaurus
aright: (adv) correctly, right, well, true, dining-room: (n) canteen, restaurant. secreted: (adj) hidden, unseen, out of
not Amis, satisfactorily, favorably, forgo: (v) waive, abandon, relinquish, sight.
justly, exactly, rightly, properly. give up, dispense with, abdicate, soothed: (adj) composed.
cloister: (n) abbey, priory, monastery, resign, renounce, forswear, forsake, storehouse: (adj, n, v) magazine; (n)
arcade, friary, piazza, nunnery, foreswear. granary, depot, barn, depository,
circus, veranda; (v) encircle, insulate. magnificence: (adj, n) splendor, arsenal, repertory, treasury, storage,
comprehending: (adj) intelligent, brilliancy, gorgeousness; (n) glory, entrepot; (adj, n) repository.
general, observant, sympathetic, pomp, brilliance, grandness, successively: (adv) in turn, one after
brotherly, conversant. greatness, dignity, majesty, loftiness. the other, in succession, sequentially,
convent: (n, v) abbey, cloister; (n) ANTONYMS: (n) paucity, modesty, serially, running, in order, gradually,
monastery, friary, priory, nunnery, shabbiness, poverty, austerity, subsequently, repeatedly, one after
community, retreat. unattractiveness. another.
 Jane Austen 179

With the walls of the kitchen ended all the antiquity of the abbey; the fourth
side of the quadrangle having, on account of its decaying state, been removed by
the general’s father, and the present erected in its place. All that was venerable
ceased here. The new building was not only new, but declared itself to be so;
intended only for offices, and enclosed behind by stable-yards, no uniformity of
architecture had been thought necessary. Catherine could have raved at the
hand which had swept away what must have been beyond the value of all the
rest, for the purposes of mere domestic economy; and would willingly have been
spared the mortification of a walk through scenes so fallen, had the general
allowed it; but if he had a vanity, it was in the arrangement of his offices; and as
he was convinced that, to a mind like Miss Morland’s, a view of the
accommodations and comforts, by which the labours of her inferiors were
softened, must always be gratifying, he should make no apology for leading her
on. They took a slight survey of all; and Catherine was impressed, beyond her
expectation, by their multiplicity and their convenience. The purposes for which
a few shapeless pantries and a comfortless scullery were deemed sufficient at
Fullerton, were here carried on in appropriate divisions, commodious and
roomy. The number of servants continually appearing did not strike her less than
the number of their offices. Wherever they went, some pattened girl stopped to
curtsy, or some footman in dishabille sneaked off. Yet this was an abbey! How
inexpressibly different in these domestic arrangements from such as she had
read about -- from abbeys and castles, in which, though certainly larger than
Northanger, all the dirty work of the house was to be done by two pair of female
hands at the utmost. How they could get through it all had often amazed Mrs.
Allen; and, when Catherine saw what was necessary here, she began to be
amazed herself.%
They returned to the hall, that the chief staircase might be ascended, and the
beauty of its wood, and ornaments of rich carving might be pointed out: having
gained the top, they turned in an opposite direction from the gallery in which her
room lay, and shortly entered one on the same plan, but superior in length and
breadth. She was here shown successively into three large bed-chambers, with
their dressing-rooms, most completely and handsomely fitted up; everything
Thesaurus
accommodations: (n) house, housing, confined, squeezed. indescribably, beyond words.
lodging, habitat. curtsy: (n, v) bob, curtsey; (adj, n, v) roomy: (adj, n) capacious; (adj) broad,
comfortless: (adj) dreary, desolate, courtesy, kowtow; (v) nod, kneel, extensive, large, commodious, ample,
bleak, uncomfortable, inconsolable, bow submission, recognize; (n) voluminous, expansive, big, rangy,
gloomy, lonely; (adj, v) disconsolate, obeisance; (adj) salaam, kotow. comprehensive. ANTONYMS: (adj)
forlorn; (v) joyless, sick at heart. decaying: (adj) rotten, decayed, small, narrow, airless, tiny, tight.
commodious: (adj) capacious, wide, rotting, stale, decadent, stinking, shapeless: (adj) amorphous,
roomy, spacious, comfortable, decomposed, smelly, shabby, seedy; misshapen, unformed, unstructured,
voluminous, extensive, useful, large; (n) fading. ANTONYM: (adj) pristine. nebulous, inchoate, unshapely,
(adj, v) convenient, easy. dishabille: (n) morning dress, status, indistinct, uncrystallized, embryonic,
ANTONYMS: (adj) small, neglige, bareness; (adj) dirty, nude. vague. ANTONYMS: (adj) distinct,
uncomfortable, tight, incommodious, inexpressibly: (adv) unspeakably, defined, tailored.
180 Northanger Abbey

that money and taste could do, to give comfort and elegance to apartments, had
been bestowed on these; and, being furnished within the last five years, they
were perfect in all that would be generally pleasing, and wanting in all that
could give pleasure to Catherine. As they were surveying the last, the general,
after slightly naming a few of the distinguished characters by whom they had at
times been honoured, turned with a smiling countenance to Catherine, and
ventured to hope that henceforward some of their earliest tenants might be “our
friends from Fullerton.” She felt the unexpected compliment, and deeply
regretted the impossibility of thinking well of a man so kindly disposed towards
herself, and so full of civility to all her family.%
The gallery was terminated by folding doors, which Miss Tilney, advancing,
had thrown open, and passed through, and seemed on the point of doing the
same by the first door to the left, in another long reach of gallery, when the
general, coming forwards, called her hastily, and, as Catherine thought, rather
angrily back, demanding whether she were going? -- And what was there more
to be seen? -- Had not Miss Morland already seen all that could be worth her
notice? -- And did she not suppose her friend might be glad of some refreshment
after so much exercise? Miss Tilney drew back directly, and the heavy doors
were closed upon the mortified Catherine, who, having seen, in a momentary
glance beyond them, a narrower passage, more numerous openings, and
symptoms of a winding staircase, believed herself at last within the reach of
something worth her notice; and felt, as she unwillingly paced back the gallery,
that she would rather be allowed to examine that end of the house than see all
the finery of all the rest. The general’s evident desire of preventing such an
examination was an additional stimulant. Something was certainly to be
concealed; her fancy, though it had trespassed lately once or twice, could not
mislead her here; and what that something was, a short sentence of Miss
Tilney’s, as they followed the general at some distance downstairs, seemed to
point out: “I was going to take you into what was my mother’s room -- the room
in which she died -- “ were all her words; but few as they were, they conveyed
pages of intelligence to Catherine. It was no wonder that the general should
shrink from the sight of such objects as that room must contain; a room in all
Thesaurus
henceforward: (adv) in future, from naming: (n) appointment, stimulating. ANTONYMS: (n)
now on, from this time on, from this identification, denomination, deterrent, sedative.
moment on, after this. appellation, nomination, indication, surveying: (n) mensuration,
mislead: (v) betray, deceive, cheat, delegacy, assignment, mention; (adj, measurement, investigation,
beguile, misinform, fool, con, lie, lead n) appellative; (adj) designating. triangulation; (v) inspect, examine;
astray, hoodwink, trick. refreshment: (n) bite, drink, (adj) observant.
mortified: (adj) humiliated, recreation, collation, repose, relief, unwillingly: (adv) grudgingly, loathly,
embarrassed, abashed, gangrenous, rest, entertainment, treat; (v) aversely, unenthusiastically,
sheepish, chagrined, feeling shame, invigoration; (n, v) regalement. indisposedly, resentfully,
feeling guilty, guilty, hangdog, stimulant: (n) incentive, excitant, involuntarily, recalcitrantly,
humbled. ANTONYM: (adj) goad, spur, impetus, stimulus, fillip, refractorily, lothly, hesitatingly.
unabashed. stimulation, tonic; (adj) stimulative, ANTONYM: (adv) wholeheartedly.
 Jane Austen 181

probability never entered by him since the dreadful scene had passed, which
released his suffering wife, and left him to the stings of conscience.%
She ventured, when next alone with Eleanor, to express her wish of being
permitted to see it, as well as all the rest of that side of the house; and Eleanor
promised to attend her there, whenever they should have a convenient hour.
Catherine understood her: the general must be watched from home, before that
room could be entered. “It remains as it was, I suppose?” said she, in a tone of
feeling.
“Yes, entirely.”
“And how long ago may it be that your mother died?”
“She has been dead these nine years.” And nine years, Catherine knew, was
a trifle of time, compared with what generally elapsed after the death of an
injured wife, before her room was put to rights.
“You were with her, I suppose, to the last?”
“No,” said Miss Tilney, sighing; “I was unfortunately from home. Her illness
was sudden and short; and, before I arrived it was all over.”
Catherine’s blood ran cold with the horrid suggestions which naturally
sprang from these words. Could it be possible? Could Henry’s father -- ? And
yet how many were the examples to justify even the blackest suspicions! And,
when she saw him in the evening, while she worked with her friend, slowly
pacing the drawing-room for an hour together in silent thoughtfulness, with
downcast eyes and contracted brow, she felt secure from all possibility of
wronging him. It was the air and attitude of a Montoni! What could more
plainly speak the gloomy workings of a mind not wholly dead to every sense of
humanity, in its fearful review of past scenes of guilt? Unhappy man! And the
anxiousness of her spirits directed her eyes towards his figure so repeatedly, as
to catch Miss Tilney’s notice. “My father,” she whispered, “often walks about the
room in this way; it is nothing unusual.”

Thesaurus
anxiousness: (n) disquiet, uneasiness, ANTONYMS: (adj) cheerful, ANTONYMS: (n) thoughtlessness,
hypochondria, hypochondriasis, vivacious, cheery, elated, joyous, up, carelessness, cruelty, rashness,
overanxiety, panic, scare, turmoil. positive. unthoughtfulness, inconsideration,
contracted: (adj) insular, contract, elapsed: (adj) gone, forgotten, lapsed, unkindness, selfishness, insensitivity,
constricted, tight, bound, close, back, beyond, onwards, over and neglect, cheerfulness.
narrow-minded, confined, brief; (v) done. worked: (adj) elaborated, beaten.
shrunk; (adj, v) selfish. ANTONYM: stings: (adj) stung. workings: (n) working, mechanism,
(adj) expanded. thoughtfulness: (n) kindness, tact, works, whole kit and boodle, kit and
downcast: (adj) depressed, dejected, deliberation, attentiveness, boodle, kit and caboodle, machinery,
dispirited, blue, desolate, contemplativeness, attention, moving parts, nuts and bolts, plant,
disconsolate, gloomy, low, sad, introspection, meditation, whole kit.
downhearted, discouraged. pensiveness, reflection, reflexion. wronging: (n) tribulation.
182 Northanger Abbey

“So much the worse!” thought Catherine; such ill-timed exercise was of a
piece with the strange unseasonableness of his morning walks, and boded
nothing good.%
After an evening, the little variety and seeming length of which made her
peculiarly sensible of Henry’s importance among them, she was heartily glad to
be dismissed; though it was a look from the general not designed for her
observation which sent his daughter to the bell. When the butler would have lit
his master’s candle, however, he was forbidden. The latter was not going to
retire. “I have many pamphlets to finish,” said he to Catherine, “before I can
close my eyes, and perhaps may be poring over the affairs of the nation for hours
after you are asleep. Can either of us be more meetly employed? My eyes will
be blinding for the good of others, and yours preparing by rest for future
mischief.”
But neither the business alleged, nor the magnificent compliment, could win
Catherine from thinking that some very different object must occasion so serious
a delay of proper repose. To be kept up for hours, after the family were in bed,
by stupid pamphlets was not very likely. There must be some deeper cause:
something was to be done which could be done only while the household slept;
and the probability that Mrs. Tilney yet lived, shut up for causes unknown, and
receiving from the pitiless hands of her husband a nightly supply of coarse food,
was the conclusion which necessarily followed. Shocking as was the idea, it was
at least better than a death unfairly hastened, as, in the natural course of things,
she must ere long be released. The suddenness of her reputed illness, the
absence of her daughter, and probably of her other children, at the time -- all
favoured the supposition of her imprisonment. Its origin -- jealousy perhaps, or
wanton cruelty -- was yet to be unravelled.
In revolving these matters, while she undressed, it suddenly struck her as not
unlikely that she might that morning have passed near the very spot of this
unfortunate woman’s confinement -- might have been within a few paces of the
cell in which she languished out her days; for what part of the abbey could be
more fitted for the purpose than that which yet bore the traces of monastic

Thesaurus
favoured: (adj) preferred, preferential. suddenness: (n) steepness, hastiness, timing, inexpedience,
meetly: (adv) fitly, properly, suitly, precipitance, precipitancy, inopportuneness, inopportunity,
becomingly, meet, appropriately, precipitateness, sudden, craggedness, inconvenience. ANTONYM: (n)
seemly, congruously, rightly, surprise, precipitousness, seasonableness.
decorously, goodly. brusqueness, curtness. wanton: (adj) loose, dissolute, light,
pitiless: (adj) merciless, brutal, harsh, supposition: (n, v) conjecture; (n) licentious, unchaste, lewd,
cruel, ruthless, implacable, assumption, hypothesis, debauched, unprovoked; (v) dally; (n,
remorseless, inexorable, inhuman, presumption, premise, speculation, v) sport; (adj, v) flirt. ANTONYMS:
heartless, hard. ANTONYMS: (adj) surmise, guess, supposal, thought, (adj) moral, wise, nice, kind, gentle,
merciful, charitable, soft, imagination. ANTONYMS: (n) fact, decent, clean, careful, observant,
compassionate, warmhearted, knowledge, proof, reality, practice. justifiable, involuntary.
sympathetic, flexible, caring, tolerant. unseasonableness: (n) intempestivity,
 Jane Austen 183

division? In the high-arched passage, paved with stone, which already she had
trodden with peculiar awe, she well remembered the doors of which the general
had given no account. To what might not those doors lead? In support of the
plausibility of this conjecture, it further occurred to her that the forbidden
gallery, in which lay the apartments of the unfortunate Mrs. Tilney, must be, as
certainly as her memory could guide her, exactly over this suspected range of
cells, and the staircase by the side of those apartments of which she had caught a
transient glimpse, communicating by some secret means with those cells, might
well have favoured the barbarous proceedings of her husband. Down that
staircase she had perhaps been conveyed in a state of well-prepared
insensibility!
Catherine sometimes started at the boldness of her own surmises, and
sometimes hoped or feared that she had gone too far; but they were supported
by such appearances as made their dismissal impossible.%
The side of the quadrangle, in which she supposed the guilty scene to be
acting, being, according to her belief, just opposite her own, it struck her that, if
judiciously watched, some rays of light from the general’s lamp might glimmer
through the lower windows, as he passed to the prison of his wife; and, twice
before she stepped into bed, she stole gently from her room to the corresponding
window in the gallery, to see if it appeared; but all abroad was dark, and it must
yet be too early. The various ascending noises convinced her that the servants
must still be up. Till midnight, she supposed it would be in vain to watch; but
then, when the clock had struck twelve, and all was quiet, she would, if not quite
appalled by darkness, steal out and look once more. The clock struck twelve --
and Catherine had been half an hour asleep.

according: (adj) pursuant, consonant,
equal, agreeable, harmonious,
conformable, consistent,
corresponding, respondent; (adv)
correspondingly, accordingly.
ascending: (adj) uphill, rising,
assurgent, climbing, ascendent; (n)
ascension, ascent, rise, advance,
movement; (v) go up.
barbarous: (adj) barbaric, savage,
gothic, brutal, heathen, truculent,
rude, fell, ferocious, fierce,
Thesaurus
uncivilized. ANTONYMS: (adj) nice,
cultured, civilized, sophisticated,
refined, humane.
glimmer: (adj, n, v) flicker, twinkle; (n, probability, admissibility,
v) gleam, shimmer, flash, sparkle,
beam, glow, shine; (v) blink; (n)
gleaming.
judiciously: (adv) prudently,
sagaciously, shrewdly, discreetly,
discerningly, politically, cautiously,
logically, rationally, sensibly,
soundly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
foolishly, injudiciously, unwisely,
illogically, imprudently.
plausibility: (n) credibility, possibility,
believability, credibleness, fair
appearance, plausibleness,
presumption, reasonableness; (adj, n)
verisimilitude.
trodden: (adj) trampled, damaged,
beaten, compressed, packed down.
ANTONYM: (adj) loose.
well-prepared: (adj) delicious.
 Jane Austen 185

CHAPTER 24

The next day afforded no opportunity for the proposed examination of the
mysterious apartments. It was Sunday, and the whole time between morning
and afternoon service was required by the general in exercise abroad or eating
cold meat at home; and great as was Catherine’s curiosity, her courage was not
equal to a wish of exploring them after dinner, either by the fading light of the
sky between six and seven o’clock, or by the yet more partial though stronger
illumination of a treacherous lamp. The day was unmarked therefore by
anything to interest her imagination beyond the sight of a very elegant
monument to the memory of Mrs. Tilney, which immediately fronted the family
pew. By that her eye was instantly caught and long retained; and the perusal of
the highly strained epitaph, in which every virtue was ascribed to her by the
inconsolable husband, who must have been in some way or other her destroyer,
affected her even to tears.%
That the general, having erected such a monument, should be able to face it,
was not perhaps very strange, and yet that he could sit so boldly collected within
its view, maintain so elevated an air, look so fearlessly around, nay, that he
should even enter the church, seemed wonderful to Catherine. Not, however,
that many instances of beings equally hardened in guilt might not be produced.
She could remember dozens who had persevered in every possible vice, going on
from crime to crime, murdering whomsoever they chose, without any feeling of
Thesaurus
ascribed: (adj) accredited, qualified, heroically, courageously, valiantly; inconsolable: (adj) disconsolate,
credited, ascriptitious, additional, (adv) dauntlessly, bravely, gallantly, desolate, forlorn, desperate,
added. ANTONYM: (adj) unofficial. undauntedly, audaciously, despairing, dejected, heartbroken,
destroyer: (n) wrecker, ruiner, unflinchingly. ANTONYMS: (adv) sad, wretched, comfortless; (adj, v)
destructor, warship, annihilator, nervously, cautiously, timidly. unconsolable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
saboteur, extirpator, anarchist, illumination: (n) brightness, hopeful, euphoric, happy.
assassin, bad person, butcher. illuminance, lighting, light, unmarked: (adj) overlooked,
ANTONYM: (n) creator. explanation, elucidation, edification, unidentified, blank, unblemished,
epitaph: (n) memorial, lettering, luminousness, luminosity, without a scratch, without a number;
inscription, commemoration, illustration; (adj, n) irradiation. (adj, v) unnoted; (v) unheeded,
epitaphic, legend. ANTONYMS: (n) education, unthought of, unregarded, unmissed.
fearlessly: (adj, adv) daringly, boldly, knowledge, confusion. ANTONYMS: (adj) injured, old.
186 Northanger Abbey

humanity or remorse; till a violent death or a religious retirement closed their

black career. The erection of the monument itself could not in the smallest
degree affect her doubts of Mrs. Tilney’s actual decease. Were she even to
descend into the family vault where her ashes were supposed to slumber, were
she to behold the coffin in which they were said to be enclosed -- what could it
avail in such a case? Catherine had read too much not to be perfectly aware of
the ease with which a waxen figure might be introduced, and a supposititious
funeral carried on.%
The succeeding morning promised something better. The general’s early
walk, ill-timed as it was in every other view, was favourable here; and when she
knew him to be out of the house, she directly proposed to Miss Tilney the
accomplishment of her promise. Eleanor was ready to oblige her; and Catherine
reminding her as they went of another promise, their first visit in consequence
was to the portrait in her bed-chamber. It represented a very lovely woman,
with a mild and pensive countenance, justifying, so far, the expectations of its
new observer; but they were not in every respect answered, for Catherine had
depended upon meeting with features, hair, complexion, that should be the very
counterpart, the very image, if not of Henry’s, of Eleanor’s -- the only portraits of
which she had been in the habit of thinking, bearing always an equal
resemblance of mother and child. A face once taken was taken for generations.
But here she was obliged to look and consider and study for a likeness. She
contemplated it, however, in spite of this drawback, with much emotion, and,
but for a yet stronger interest, would have left it unwillingly.
Her agitation as they entered the great gallery was too much for any
endeavour at discourse; she could only look at her companion. Eleanor’s
countenance was dejected, yet sedate; and its composure spoke her inured to all
the gloomy objects to which they were advancing. Again she passed through the
folding doors, again her hand was upon the important lock, and Catherine,
hardly able to breathe, was turning to close the former with fearful caution, when
the figure, the dreaded figure of the general himself at the further end of the
gallery, stood before her! The name of “Eleanor” at the same moment, in his

decease: (v) go, die, perish, pass, pass
away, exit, expire; (n) demise,
passing, departure, expiration.
ANTONYMS: (n) nascency; (v)
survive.
dejected: (adj) sad, depressed, low,
downhearted, gloomy, down,
unhappy, spiritless, sorrowful,
miserable, melancholy. ANTONYMS:
(adj) elated, happy, euphoric, joyous,
encouraged, positive, enthusiastic,
hopeful.
Thesaurus
inured: (adj) accustomed, callous, solemn, sober, earnest, cool, heavy.
enured, habituated, casehardened, ANTONYMS: (v) stimulate; (adj)
confirmed, emotionally hardened, wild, frenetic, bold, boisterous,
broken in, given, tough, trained. frivolous.
pensive: (adj) contemplative, supposititious: (adj, v) spurious,
meditative, musing, wistful, dreamy, counterfeit; (adj) suppositious,
melancholy, abstracted, broody, suppositional, supposed, conjectural,
reflective, moody; (adj, v) sad. bastard, factitious, false, illegitimate;
ANTONYMS: (adj) shallow, satisfied, (v) fabulous.
carefree. waxen: (adj) pale, waxy, white,
sedate: (adj, v) calm, serious, quiet, colorless, wan, ashen, yielding, soft,
demure; (adj) staid, composed, gray, drawn, cereous.
 Jane Austen 187

loudest tone, resounded through the building, giving to his daughter the first
intimation of his presence, and to Catherine terror upon terror. An attempt at
concealment had been her first instinctive movement on perceiving him, yet she
could scarcely hope to have escaped his eye; and when her friend, who with an
apologizing look darted hastily by her, had joined and disappeared with him,
she ran for safety to her own room, and, locking herself in, believed that she
should never have courage to go down again. She remained there at least an
hour, in the greatest agitation, deeply commiserating the state of her poor friend,
and expecting a summons herself from the angry general to attend him in his
own apartment. No summons, however, arrived; and at last, on seeing a
carriage drive up to the abbey, she was emboldened to descend and meet him
under the protection of visitors. The breakfast-room was gay with company; and
she was named to them by the general as the friend of his daughter, in a
complimentary style, which so well concealed his resentful ire, as to make her
feel secure at least of life for the present. And Eleanor, with a command of
countenance which did honour to her concern for his character, taking an early
occasion of saying to her, “My father only wanted me to answer a note,” she
began to hope that she had either been unseen by the general, or that from some
consideration of policy she should be allowed to suppose herself so. Upon this
trust she dared still to remain in his presence, after the company left them, and
nothing occurred to disturb it.%
In the course of this morning’s reflections, she came to a resolution of making
her next attempt on the forbidden door alone. It would be much better in every
respect that Eleanor should know nothing of the matter. To involve her in the
danger of a second detection, to court her into an apartment which must wring
her heart, could not be the office of a friend. The general’s utmost anger could
not be to herself what it might be to a daughter; and, besides, she thought the
examination itself would be more satisfactory if made without any companion.
It would be impossible to explain to Eleanor the suspicions, from which the other
had, in all likelihood, been hitherto happily exempt; nor could she therefore, in
her presence, search for those proofs of the general’s cruelty, which however
they might yet have escaped discovery, she felt confident of somewhere drawing
Thesaurus
apartment: (n) residence, lodging, costly, scornful, unflattering. hurt, mad. ANTONYMS: (adj)
suite, place, dwelling, chamber, emboldened: (adj) bold. resigned, unresentful, willing, sweet,
room, abode, house, home, intimation: (n) hint, inkling, pleased.
accommodation. implication, insinuation, suggestion, unseen: (adj, v) unknown; (adj)
complimentary: (adj, adv) free, gratis, clue, allusion, indication, cue, notice, invisible, concealed, hidden,
without charge, at no cost; (adj) innuendo. unobserved, secret, veiled, latent; (v)
gratuitous, adulatory, flattering, locking: (n) lockup, bolting, unheeded, unperceived; (n) spiritual
costless, approving, on the house; (v) interlocking, engagement, cordoning world. ANTONYMS: (adj) seen,
commendatory. ANTONYMS: (adj) off, closing off, binding, guarding. visible, open, famous, noticeable.
disparaging, offensive, disapproving, resentful: (adj) angry, indignant, wring: (n, v) squeeze; (v) twist,
critical, uncomplimentary, malicious, resent, embittered, wrench, wrest, torture, torment,
derogatory, denouncing, negative, rancorous, envious, jealous, offended, distort, extract, twine, contort, rack.
188 Northanger Abbey

forth, in the shape of some fragmented journal, continued to the last gasp. Of the
way to the apartment she was now perfectly mistress; and as she wished to get it
over before Henry’s return, who was expected on the morrow, there was no time
to be lost. The day was bright, her courage high; at four o’clock, the sun was
now two hours above the horizon, and it would be only her retiring to dress half
an hour earlier than usual.%
It was done; and Catherine found herself alone in the gallery before the
clocks had ceased to strike. It was no time for thought; she hurried on, slipped
with the least possible noise through the folding doors, and without stopping to
look or breathe, rushed forward to the one in question. The lock yielded to her
hand, and, luckily, with no sullen sound that could alarm a human being. On
tiptoe she entered; the room was before her; but it was some minutes before she
could advance another step. She beheld what fixed her to the spot and agitated
every feature. She saw a large, well-proportioned apartment, an handsome
dimity bed, arranged as unoccupied with an housemaid’s care, a bright Bath
stove, mahogany wardrobes, and neatly painted chairs, on which the warm
beams of a western sun gaily poured through two sash windows! Catherine had
expected to have her feelings worked, and worked they were. Astonishment and
doubt first seized them; and a shortly succeeding ray of common sense added
some bitter emotions of shame. She could not be mistaken as to the room; but
how grossly mistaken in everything else! -- in Miss Tilney’s meaning, in her own
calculation! This apartment, to which she had given a date so ancient, a position
so awful, proved to be one end of what the general’s father had built. There
were two other doors in the chamber, leading probably into dressing-closets; but
she had no inclination to open either. Would the veil in which Mrs. Tilney had
last walked, or the volume in which she had last read, remain to tell what
nothing else was allowed to whisper? No: whatever might have been the
general’s crimes, he had certainly too much wit to let them sue for detection. She
was sick of exploring, and desired but to be safe in her own room, with her own
heart only privy to its folly; and she was on the point of retreating as softly as
she had entered, when the sound of footsteps, she could hardly tell where, made
her pause and tremble. To be found there, even by a servant, would be
Thesaurus
dimity: (n) cloth. waistband, framework, frame, fillet, totter, quake; (n) throb; (v) flutter,
gasp: (n, v) pant; (v) puff, blow, fascia. quail, falter. ANTONYMS: (v) steady,
breathe, sigh, heave, wheeze, breathe sullen: (adj, n) morose, sulky, sour; calm.
heavily, gag; (n) inhalation, breath. (adj) gloomy, gruff, glum, moody, unoccupied: (adj) empty, vacant,
privy: (adj) confidential, covert, dark, cross, surly; (adj, v) grim. unemployed, free, desolate, void,
personal, clandestine, ulterior, occult, ANTONYMS: (adj) bright, cheery; (n) uninhabited, idle, inactive, deserted,
latent, secret; (n) outhouse, lavatory, cheeriness. abandoned. ANTONYMS: (adj) full,
loo. tiptoe: (v) tip, tippytoe, creep, patter, inhabited, overcrowded, solid,
retreating: (n) flight; (adj) moving skirt, skip, tilt, sidle, lean; (adj) alert; working, busy.
back. (n) quieter. ANTONYM: (v) clump. well-proportioned: (adj) classical,
sash: (n) girdle, cincture, band, tremble: (adj, n, v) shiver; (n, v) quiver, uniform, trim, statuesque, shapely,
cummerbund, baldric, framing, shudder, thrill, palpitate; (adj, v) handsome, buxom, curvaceous.
 Jane Austen 189

unpleasant; but by the general (and he seemed always at hand when least
wanted), much worse! She listened -- the sound had ceased; and resolving not to
lose a moment, she passed through and closed the door. At that instant a door
underneath was hastily opened; someone seemed with swift steps to ascend the
stairs, by the head of which she had yet to pass before she could gain the gallery.
She had no power to move. With a feeling of terror not very definable, she fixed
her eyes on the staircase, and in a few moments it gave Henry to her view. “Mr.
Tilney!” she exclaimed in a voice of more than common astonishment. He
looked astonished too. “Good God!” she continued, not attending to his
address. “How came you here? How came you up that staircase?”%
“How came I up that staircase!” he replied, greatly surprised. “Because it is
my nearest way from the stable-yard to my own chamber; and why should I not
come up it?”
Catherine recollected herself, blushed deeply, and could say no more. He
seemed to be looking in her countenance for that explanation which her lips did
not afford. She moved on towards the gallery. “And may I not, in my turn,” said
he, as he pushed back the folding doors, “ask how you came here? This passage
is at least as extraordinary a road from the breakfast-parlour to your apartment,
as that staircase can be from the stables to mine.”
“I have been,” said Catherine, looking down, “to see your mother’s room.”
“My mother’s room! Is there anything extraordinary to be seen there?”
“No, nothing at all. I thought you did not mean to come back till tomorrow.”
“I did not expect to be able to return sooner, when I went away; but three
hours ago I had the pleasure of finding nothing to detain me. You look pale. I
am afraid I alarmed you by running so fast up those stairs. Perhaps you did not
know -- you were not aware of their leading from the offices in common use?”
“No, I was not. You have had a very fine day for your ride.”
“Very; and does Eleanor leave you to find your way into all the rooms in the
house by yourself?”

alarmed: (adj) afraid, scared,
frightened, apprehensive, horrified,
anxious, uneasy, agitated, shocked,
terrified, concerned. ANTONYM:
(adj) carefree.
ascend: (n, v) mount; (v) arise, scale,
uprise, climb, go up, come up,
increase, elevate; (n) ascending,
ascent. ANTONYMS: (v) descend,
drop, decline, fall, lower, set, sink.
astonished: (adj) astonish,
dumbfounded, flabbergasted,
Thesaurus
stunned, aghast, bewildered, gradually, cautiously.
astounded, taken aback, offices: (n) kitchen, pantry, scullery.
thunderstruck, astonied; (v) amaze. sooner: (adj, adv) rather, earlier, before,
ceased: (adj) finished. preferably, instead; (adv) first, before
definable: (adj) finite. now, faster, previously, beforehand;
hastily: (adv) hurriedly, rapidly, (adj) prior.
quickly, rashly, promptly, suddenly, swift: (adj, adv, v) fast; (adj) quick,
thoughtlessly, impetuously, swiftly, fleet, speedy, alert, nimble, hasty,
imprudently, speedily. ANTONYMS: prompt, sudden, hurried; (adj, v)
(adv) carefully, unhurriedly, rapid. ANTONYMS: (adj) considered,
industriously, sensibly, prudently, leisurely, sluggish, gradual, delayed,
late, calmly, thoroughly, patiently, clumsy.
190 Northanger Abbey

“Oh! No; she showed me over the greatest part on Saturday -- and we were
coming here to these rooms -- but only” -- dropping her voice -- “your father was
with us.”%
“And that prevented you,” said Henry, earnestly regarding her. “Have you
looked into all the rooms in that passage?”
“No, I only wanted to see -- Is not it very late? I must go and dress.”
“It is only a quarter past four” showing his watch -- “and you are not now in
Bath. No theatre, no rooms to prepare for. Half an hour at Northanger must be
enough.”
She could not contradict it, and therefore suffered herself to be detained,
though her dread of further questions made her, for the first time in their
acquaintance, wish to leave him. They walked slowly up the gallery. “Have you
had any letter from Bath since I saw you?”
“No, and I am very much surprised. Isabella promised so faithfully to write
directly.”
“Promised so faithfully! A faithful promise! That puzzles me. I have heard
of a faithful performance. But a faithful promise -- the fidelity of promising! It is
a power little worth knowing, however, since it can deceive and pain you. My
mother’s room is very commodious, is it not? Large and cheerful-looking, and
the dressing-closets so well disposed! It always strikes me as the most
comfortable apartment in the house, and I rather wonder that Eleanor should not
take it for her own. She sent you to look at it, I suppose?”
“No.”
“It has been your own doing entirely?” Catherine said nothing. After a short
silence, during which he had closely observed her, he added, “As there is
nothing in the room in itself to raise curiosity, this must have proceeded from a
sentiment of respect for my mother’s character, as described by Eleanor, which
does honour to her memory. The world, I believe, never saw a better woman.
But it is not often that virtue can boast an interest such as this. The domestic,
unpretending merits of a person never known do not often create that kind of

boast: (v) bluster, brag, blow, crow,
gasconade, show off, rodomontade,
exult; (n, v) vaunt, pride; (n)
arrogance. ANTONYMS: (n)
deprecation; (v) downplay, lack.
detained: (adj) seized, locked up,
jailed, intransitive, tardy, inside,
caged, captive, behind bars; (n) in
prison, under arrest.
dropping: (adj) dropped, down,
fatigued, plunging, plummeting,
dipping; (n) sagging, reducing,
Thesaurus
sinking, dropping of the launcher authentically, dutifully, literally,
stages, dispatching. steadfastly, truely. ANTONYMS:
faithful: (adj, n) accurate, correct, (adv) unfaithfully, approximately,
exact, true; (adj) close, unfailing, falsely, insincerely, carelessly,
dependable, devoted, sound, devout; inaccurately.
(adj, v) constant. ANTONYMS: (adj) promising: (adj) auspicious, bright,
unreliable, false, inaccurate, favorable, propitious, encouraging,
unfaithful, unrealistic, faithless, favourable, hopeful, promise,
perfidious, backstabbing, cheating, budding, optimistic, probable.
inexact, loose. ANTONYMS: (adj) hopeless,
faithfully: (adv) exactly, accurately, inauspicious, threatening,
sincerely, staunchly, precisely, truly, unfavorable, unlikely, depressing.
 Jane Austen 191

fervent, venerating tenderness which would prompt a visit like yours. Eleanor, I
suppose, has talked of her a great deal?”%
“Yes, a great deal. That is -- no, not much, but what she did say was very
interesting. Her dying so suddenly” (slowly, and with hesitation it was spoken),
“and you -- none of you being at home -- and your father, I thought -- perhaps
had not been very fond of her.”
“And from these circumstances,” he replied (his quick eye fixed on hers),
“you infer perhaps the probability of some negligence -- some” -- (involuntarily
she shook her head) -- “or it may be -- of something still less pardonable.” She
raised her eyes towards him more fully than she had ever done before. “My
mother’s illness,” he continued, “the seizure which ended in her death, was
sudden. The malady itself, one from which she had often suffered, a bilious
fever -- its cause therefore constitutional. On the third day, in short, as soon as
she could be prevailed on, a physician attended her, a very respectable man, and
one in whom she had always placed great confidence. Upon his opinion of her
danger, two others were called in the next day, and remained in almost constant
attendance for four and twenty hours. On the fifth day she died. During the
progress of her disorder, Frederick and I (we were both at home) saw her
repeatedly; and from our own observation can bear witness to her having
received every possible attention which could spring from the affection of those
about her, or which her situation in life could command. Poor Eleanor was
absent, and at such a distance as to return only to see her mother in her coffin.”
“But your father,” said Catherine, “was he afflicted?”
“For a time, greatly so. You have erred in supposing him not attached to her.
He loved her, I am persuaded, as well as it was possible for him to -- we have not
all, you know, the same tenderness of disposition -- and I will not pretend to say
that while she lived, she might not often have had much to bear, but though his
temper injured her, his judgment never did. His value of her was sincere; and, if
not permanently, he was truly afflicted by her death.”
“I am very glad of it,” said Catherine; “it would have been very shocking!”

Thesaurus
afflicted: (adj) miserable, distressed, unenthusiastic, cool, weak, incite, inspire, move, instigate; (adj, v)
stricken, pitiful, sorrowful, ill, unexcited, dispirited, dispassionate, fleet. ANTONYMS: (adj) late,
woeful, dejected, sorry; (v) afflict, flippant, impassive, lukewarm, mild. uncertain; (v) discourage, hinder,
displeased. malady: (n, v) illness, ailment, halt.
bilious: (adj) atrabilious, liverish, indisposition, distemper; (adj, n, v) seizure: (n) arrest, confiscation,
dyspeptic, queasy, irascible, disorder; (adj, n) complaint, infirmity; capture, seizing, apprehension,
saturnine, touchy, testy, splenetic, (n) sickness, condition, trouble, ill. appropriation, attachment,
peppery; (v) jaundiced. physician: (n) doctor, medico, doc, convulsion, detention; (adj, n) attack,
fervent: (adj) ardent, eager, earnest, medic, quack, surgeon, leech, assumption. ANTONYMS: (n)
enthusiastic, intense, cordial, houseman, MD, allergist, intern. release, restoration, surrender.
passionate, hot, emotional, torrid, prompt: (adj) agile, quick, nimble, venerating: (adj) reverential, reverent,
strong. ANTONYMS: (adj) apathetic, punctual, expeditious; (v) actuate, obedient, devout.
192 Northanger Abbey

“If I understand you rightly, you had formed a surmise of such horror as I
have hardly words to -- Dear Miss Morland, consider the dreadful nature of the
suspicions you have entertained. What have you been judging from?
Remember the country and the age in which we live. Remember that we are
English, that we are Christians. Consult your own understanding, your own
sense of the probable, your own observation of what is passing around you.
Does our education prepare us for such atrocities? Do our laws connive at
them? Could they be perpetrated without being known, in a country like this,
where social and literary intercourse is on such a footing, where every man is
surrounded by a neighbourhood of voluntary spies, and where roads and
newspapers lay everything open? Dearest Miss Morland, what ideas have you
been admitting?”
They had reached the end of the gallery, and with tears of shame she ran off
to her own room.%

atrocities: (n) murder, killing,
slaughter, violence, carnage.
connive: (v) scheme, intrigue, plot,
contrive, collude, blink, wink,
overlook, acquiesce, plan, design.
consult: (v) consider, negotiate,
deliberate, advise, refer, discuss, ask,
reason, look up, canvass; (n, v) talk.
ANTONYMS: (v) ignore, bypass.
dreadful: (adj) bad, awful, alarming,
atrocious, fearful, terrible,
abominable, appalling, direful, grisly;
Thesaurus
(adj, v) dread. ANTONYMS: (adj) acquaintance.
wonderful, great, lovely, fantastic, judging: (n) judge, judgment, judged,
marvelous, admirable, successful, decision making, assessment,
nice, joyous, honorable, fair. thought, deciding, prejudgment,
footing: (n) foothold, base, bottom, discernment.
foundation, status, rank, foot, rightly: (adv) correctly, rightfully,
pedestal, situation, relation, root. properly, accurately, appropriately,
ANTONYM: (n) top. exactly, fitly, straightly, fairly, really;
intercourse: (n) contact, coition, (adv, v) adequately. ANTONYMS:
conversation, communication, coitus, (adv) wrongly, inappropriately,
dealings, converse, commerce, incorrectly, immorally, unjustly,
liaison, congress; (adj, n) partially, sinfully, unfairly, falsely.
 Jane Austen 193

CHAPTER %25

The visions of romance were over. Catherine was completely awakened.

Henry’s address, short as it had been, had more thoroughly opened her eyes to
the extravagance of her late fancies than all their several disappointments had
done. Most grievously was she humbled. Most bitterly did she cry. It was not
only with herself that she was sunk -- but with Henry. Her folly, which now
seemed even criminal, was all exposed to him, and he must despise her forever.
The liberty which her imagination had dared to take with the character of his
father -- could he ever forgive it? The absurdity of her curiosity and her fears --
could they ever be forgotten? She hated herself more than she could express. He
had -- she thought he had, once or twice before this fatal morning, shown
something like affection for her. But now -- in short, she made herself as
miserable as possible for about half an hour, went down when the clock struck
five, with a broken heart, and could scarcely give an intelligible answer to
Eleanor’s inquiry if she was well. The formidable Henry soon followed her into
the room, and the only difference in his behaviour to her was that he paid her
rather more attention than usual. Catherine had never wanted comfort more,
and he looked as if he was aware of it.
The evening wore away with no abatement of this soothing politeness; and
her spirits were gradually raised to a modest tranquillity. She did not learn
either to forget or defend the past; but she learned to hope that it would never
Thesaurus
abatement: (n) rebate, deduction, squandering, recklessness, waste, understandable, articulate, luminous,
discount, reprieve, abate, break, prodigality, magnificence, apprehensible, graspable, simple,
interruption, decrease, suspension, immoderateness. ANTONYMS: (n) lucid, definite, distinct, perspicuous.
subsidence; (n, v) reduction. economy, frugality, parsimony, ANTONYMS: (adj) difficult, illegible.
despise: (v) disdain, loathe, prudence, paucity, moderation, tranquillity: (adj, n, v) quiet; (n)
depreciate, abhor, dislike, detest, austerity, necessity, bareness. serenity, quietness, relaxation,
slight, hate; (n, v) contemn; (n) grievously: (adv) seriously, heavily, quietude, peacefulness, calmness; (n,
contempt, deride. ANTONYMS: (v) sorrowfully, gravely, severely, v) repose, rest; (adj, n) stillness, calm.
respect, love, adore, appreciate, mortally, mournfully, heinously, ANTONYMS: (n) noise, agitation,
cherish, like, praise, accept. weightily; (adj, adv) painfully, movement, panic, turbulence,
extravagance: (n) dissipation, luxury, bitterly. turmoil.
excess, profligacy, lavishness, intelligible: (adj) clear, went: (v) walked, proceeded.
194 Northanger Abbey

transpire farther, and that it might not cost her Henry’s entire regard. Her
thoughts being still chiefly fixed on what she had with such causeless terror felt
and done, nothing could shortly be clearer than that it had been all a voluntary,
self-created delusion, each trifling circumstance receiving importance from an
imagination resolved on alarm, and everything forced to bend to one purpose by
a mind which, before she entered the abbey, had been craving to be frightened.
She remembered with what feelings she had prepared for a knowledge of
Northanger. She saw that the infatuation had been created, the mischief settled,
long before her quitting Bath, and it seemed as if the whole might be traced to
the influence of that sort of reading which she had there indulged.%
Charming as were all Mrs. Radcliffe’s works, and charming even as were the
works of all her imitators, it was not in them perhaps that human nature, at least
in the Midland counties of England, was to be looked for. Of the Alps and
Pyrenees, with their pine forests and their vices, they might give a faithful
delineation; and Italy, Switzerland, and the south of France might be as fruitful
in horrors as they were there represented. Catherine dared not doubt beyond
her own country, and even of that, if hard pressed, would have yielded the
northern and western extremities. But in the central part of England there was
surely some security for the existence even of a wife not beloved, in the laws of
the land, and the manners of the age. Murder was not tolerated, servants were
not slaves, and neither poison nor sleeping potions to be procured, like rhubarb,
from every druggist. Among the Alps and Pyrenees, perhaps, there were no
mixed characters. There, such as were not as spotless as an angel might have the
dispositions of a fiend. But in England it was not so; among the English, she
believed, in their hearts and habits, there was a general though unequal mixture
of good and bad. Upon this conviction, she would not be surprised if even in
Henry and Eleanor Tilney, some slight imperfection might hereafter appear; and
upon this conviction she need not fear to acknowledge some actual specks in the
character of their father, who, though cleared from the grossly injurious
suspicions which she must ever blush to have entertained, she did believe, upon
serious consideration, to be not perfectly amiable.

craving: (n) appetite, addiction,
appetence, eagerness, hankering, yen,
hunger; (n, v) desire, appetency; (adj,
n) longing; (adj) eager. ANTONYMS:
(n) disgust, hatred, distaste,
repulsion, aversion, apathy,
disinclination; (adj) unconcerned,
disinterested.
druggist: (n) apothecary, chemist,
pharmacy, pharmaceutist,
dispensatory, drug store,
pharmacopolist, pill roller, drugger,
Thesaurus
drugster, medical attendant. detrimental, adverse, deleterious,
fiend: (n) monster, devil, fanatic, inimical, damaging. ANTONYMS:
brute, deuce, incubus, goblin, ogre, (adj) healing, favorable, healthy,
enthusiast, daemon, addict. helpful, advantageous, beneficial.
ANTONYM: (n) angel. rhubarb: (n) pieplant, veggie, quarrel,
imperfection: (adj, n) frailty; (n) fault, dispute, wrangle; (adj, n) brawl,
blemish, defect, deficiency, flaw, fracas, riot, uproar, tumult; (adj)
weakness, disadvantage, vice, foible, rumpus.
shortcoming. ANTONYMS: (n) slaves: (n) helotry, bondsmen.
perfection, strength. transpire: (v) occur, pass, evaporate,
injurious: (adj) evil, harmful, hurtful, exhale, befall, come out, come about,
destructive, bad, disadvantageous, arise, fume, exude, ensue.
 Jane Austen 195

Her mind made up on these several points, and her resolution formed, of
always judging and acting in future with the greatest good sense, she had
nothing to do but to forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient
hand of time did much for her by insensible gradations in the course of another
day. Henry’s astonishing generosity and nobleness of conduct, in never
alluding in the slightest way to what had passed, was of the greatest assistance
to her; and sooner than she could have supposed it possible in the beginning of
her distress, her spirits became absolutely comfortable, and capable, as
heretofore, of continual improvement by anything he said. There were still some
subjects, indeed, under which she believed they must always tremble -- the
mention of a chest or a cabinet, for instance -- and she did not love the sight of
japan in any shape: but even she could allow that an occasional memento of past
folly, however painful, might not be without use.%
The anxieties of common life began soon to succeed to the alarms of romance.
Her desire of hearing from Isabella grew every day greater. She was quite
impatient to know how the Bath world went on, and how the rooms were
attended; and especially was she anxious to be assured of Isabella’s having
matched some fine netting-cotton, on which she had left her intent; and of her
continuing on the best terms with James. Her only dependence for information
of any kind was on Isabella. James had protested against writing to her till his
return to Oxford; and Mrs. Allen had given her no hopes of a letter till she had
got back to Fullerton. But Isabella had promised and promised again; and when
she promised a thing, she was so scrupulous in performing it! This made it so
particularly strange!
For nine successive mornings, Catherine wondered over the repetition of a
disappointment, which each morning became more severe: but, on the tenth,
when she entered the breakfast-room, her first object was a letter, held out by
Henry’s willing hand. She thanked him as heartily as if he had written it himself.
“‘Tis only from James, however,” as she looked at the direction. She opened it; it
was from Oxford; and to this purpose:

generosity: (n, v) charity, liberality;
(adj, n) bounty, kindness, beneficence,
favor; (n) benevolence,
bounteousness, chivalry, nobility,
munificence. ANTONYMS: (n)
stinginess, greed, meanness, thrift,
thriftiness, avarice, unfriendliness,
bareness, malevolence, miserliness,
nastiness.
intent: (n) idea, intention, design,
spirit, meaning, import, goal,
purpose; (adj, n) attentive; (adj)
Thesaurus
absorbed, engrossed. magnanimity, nobility, greatness,
lenient: (adj) gracious, indulgent, grandeur, stateliness, civil honors,
bland, clement, compassionate, goodness, glory, glorify.
easygoing, forbearing, forgiving, scrupulous: (adj) careful, punctilious,
easy, kind, soft. ANTONYMS: (adj) exact, conscientious, particular,
severe, harsh, unforgiving, impatient, painstaking, accurate, prudent,
hardhearted. meticulous, rigorous, cautious.
memento: (n) keepsake, token, ANTONYMS: (adj) sloppy,
souvenir, relic, remembrance, unscrupulous, slapdash, relaxed,
remembrancer, trophy, monument, guilty, deceitful.
reminiscence, trace; (v) memorabilia. slightest: (adj) minimal, first, smallest
nobleness: (n) dignity, generosity, amount.
196 Northanger Abbey

“Dear Catherine,
“Though, God knows, with little inclination for writing, I think it my
duty to tell you that everything is at an end between Miss Thorpe and
me. I left her and Bath yesterday, never to see either again. I shall not
enter into particulars -- they would only pain you more. You will soon
hear enough from another quarter to know where lies the blame; and I
hope will acquit your brother of everything but the folly of too easily
thinking his affection returned. Thank God! I am undeceived in time!
But it is a heavy blow! After my father’s consent had been so kindly
given -- but no more of this. She has made me miserable forever! Let me
soon hear from you, dear Catherine; you are my only friend; your love I
do build upon. I wish your visit at Northanger may be over before
Captain Tilney makes his engagement known, or you will be
uncomfortably circumstanced. Poor Thorpe is in town: I dread the sight
of him; his honest heart would feel so much. I have written to him and
my father. Her duplicity hurts me more than all; till the very last, if I
reasoned with her, she declared herself as much attached to me as ever,
and laughed at my fears. I am ashamed to think how long I bore with it;
but if ever man had reason to believe himself loved, I was that man. I
cannot understand even now what she would be at, for there could be no
need of my being played off to make her secure of Tilney. We parted at
last by mutual consent -- happy for me had we never met! I can never
expect to know such another woman! Dearest Catherine, beware how
you give your heart. “Believe me,” &c.%

Catherine had not read three lines before her sudden change of countenance,
and short exclamations of sorrowing wonder, declared her to be receiving
unpleasant news; and Henry, earnestly watching her through the whole letter,
saw plainly that it ended no better than it began. He was prevented, however,
from even looking his surprise by his father’s entrance. They went to breakfast
directly; but Catherine could hardly eat anything. Tears filled her eyes, and even
ran down her cheeks as she sat. The letter was one moment in her hand, then in
Thesaurus
beware: (v) look out, caution, be allegiance, truthfulness. mournful, distressed, bereft,
careful, guard, pay attention, take folly: (n) fatuity, foolishness, silliness, bereaved, unhappy, lamenting,
care, watch out, mind, keep, care, tomfoolery, nonsense, stupidity, regretful, sad; (n) cry. ANTONYM:
careful. ANTONYMS: (v) risk, craziness, density, freak; (adj, n) (adj) joyful.
disregard, invite. irrationality, trifling. ANTONYM: (n) uncomfortably: (adv) uneasily, grimly,
cheeks: (n) Gemini, twins, couple, sense. agitatedly, apprehensively,
posterior, pair, deuce, two, duet. reasoned: (adj) coherent, rational, cheerlessly, disagreeably, dismally,
duplicity: (n) deception, dishonesty, sound, logical, valid, reasonable, distastefully, embarrassingly,
artifice, craft, deceitfulness, guile, carefully considered, intelligent, gloomily, illegally. ANTONYMS:
treachery, betrayal, chicanery, fraud, heavy, healthy, good. ANTONYM: (adv) comfortably, calmly, innocently.
trickery. ANTONYMS: (n) loyalty, (adj) confused. undeceived: (adj) disillusioned,
sincerity, straightforwardness, sorrowing: (adj) sorrowful, grieving, disenchanted.
 Jane Austen 197

her lap, and then in her pocket; and she looked as if she knew not what she did.
The general, between his cocoa and his newspaper, had luckily no leisure for
noticing her; but to the other two her distress was equally visible. As soon as she
dared leave the table she hurried away to her own room; but the housemaids
were busy in it, and she was obliged to come down again. She turned into the
drawing-room for privacy, but Henry and Eleanor had likewise retreated thither,
and were at that moment deep in consultation about her. She drew back, trying
to beg their pardon, but was, with gentle violence, forced to return; and the
others withdrew, after Eleanor had affectionately expressed a wish of being of
use or comfort to her.%
After half an hour’s free indulgence of grief and reflection, Catherine felt
equal to encountering her friends; but whether she should make her distress
known to them was another consideration. Perhaps, if particularly questioned,
she might just give an idea -- just distantly hint at it -- but not more. To expose a
friend, such a friend as Isabella had been to her -- and then their own brother so
closely concerned in it! She believed she must waive the subject altogether.
Henry and Eleanor were by themselves in the breakfast-room; and each, as she
entered it, looked at her anxiously. Catherine took her place at the table, and,
after a short silence, Eleanor said, “No bad news from Fullerton, I hope? Mr. and
Mrs. Morland -- your brothers and sisters -- I hope they are none of them ill?”
“No, I thank you” (sighing as she spoke); “they are all very well. My letter
was from my brother at Oxford.”
Nothing further was said for a few minutes; and then speaking through her
tears, she added, “I do not think I shall ever wish for a letter again!”
“I am sorry,” said Henry, closing the book he had just opened; “if I had
suspected the letter of containing anything unwelcome, I should have given it
with very different feelings.”
“It contained something worse than anybody could suppose! Poor James is
so unhappy! You will soon know why.”

affectionately: (adv) lovingly,
tenderly, warmly, dearly, caringly,
devotedly, kindly, ardently,
cordially, amorously, dotingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) disapprovingly,
frostily, roughly.
catherine: (n) Catherine of Aragon,
Catherine the great.
cocoa: (n) hot chocolate, cacao, brown, luxury, enjoyment, leniency, pardon. waive: (v) forgo, relinquish, dispense
coco, foodstuff, burnt umber, coco
palm, beverage; (v) tea, coffee.
distantly: (adv) reservedly, aloofly,
Thesaurus
coldly, formally, coolly, frigidly, unwelcome: (adj) undesirable,
standoffishly, farly, removedly, objectionable, unpopular, unasked,
vaguely, detachedly. ANTONYMS: unwished, unintroduced, unvisited,
(adv) intimately, passionately, clearly, uninvited, unpleasant; (adj, n)
warmly, nearby, alertly. disagreeable, unsatisfactory.
indulgence: (adj, n) gratification, ANTONYMS: (adj) welcome,
delight; (n) allowance, extravagance, desirable, gratifying, wanted,
debauchery, hobby, tolerance, fortunate.
ANTONYMS: (n) denial, virtue, with, resign, surrender, forfeit, give
intolerance, uprightness, necessity, up, abandon, spare, abdicate, release.
indifference, dismay, severity. ANTONYM: (v) enforce.
198 Northanger Abbey

“To have so kind-hearted, so affectionate a sister,” replied Henry warmly,

“must be a comfort to him under any distress.”
“I have one favour to beg,” said Catherine, shortly afterwards, in an agitated
manner, “that, if your brother should be coming here, you will give me notice of
it, that I may go away.”
“Our brother! Frederick!”
“Yes; I am sure I should be very sorry to leave you so soon, but something
has happened that would make it very dreadful for me to be in the same house
with Captain Tilney.”
Eleanor’s work was suspended while she gazed with increasing
astonishment; but Henry began to suspect the truth, and something, in which
Miss Thorpe’s name was included, passed his lips.%
“How quick you are!” cried Catherine: “you have guessed it, I declare! And
yet, when we talked about it in Bath, you little thought of its ending so. Isabella
-- no wonder now I have not heard from her -- Isabella has deserted my brother,
and is to marry yours! Could you have believed there had been such
inconstancy and fickleness, and everything that is bad in the world?”
“I hope, so far as concerns my brother, you are misinformed. I hope he has
not had any material share in bringing on Mr. Morland’s disappointment. His
marrying Miss Thorpe is not probable. I think you must be deceived so far. I am
very sorry for Mr. Morland -- sorry that anyone you love should be unhappy; but
my surprise would be greater at Frederick’s marrying her than at any other part
of the story.”
“It is very true, however; you shall read James’s letter yourself. Stay -- There
is one part -- “ recollecting with a blush the last line.
“Will you take the trouble of reading to us the passages which concern my
brother?”
“No, read it yourself,” cried Catherine, whose second thoughts were clearer.
“I do not know what I was thinking of” (blushing again that she had blushed
before); “James only means to give me good advice.”
Thesaurus
concerns: (n) dealings, affairs. satisfaction, boost, happiness, good, kindly, clement, benevolent,
deserted: (adj) desert, solitary, empty, pleasure, hopefulness, fulfillment, humane, kindhearted, philanthropic,
lonely, isolated, forsaken, lonesome, comfort, idealism, climax, bonus, sympathetic, tolerant, warm.
desolate, bleak, vacant; (adj, v) gratification. misinformed: (adj) ignorant.
forlorn. ANTONYMS: (adj) occupied, ending: (n) conclusion, end, closure, warmly: (adv) cordially, ardently,
packed, crowded, mobbed, close, completion, finish, termination, hotly, genially, affectionately,
populated, populous, overcrowded. dissolution, death; (adj, n) closing, vigorously, fervently, zealously,
disappointment: (n) anticlimax, last. ANTONYMS: (n) beginning, eagerly, strongly, pleasantly.
failure, letdown, comedown, middle, commencement, ANTONYMS: (adv) coolly,
frustration, shame, disillusionment, inauguration, kickoff, prelude, inhospitably, sourly, disagreeably,
annoyance, dismay, setback, establishment; (adj) first. indifferently, frostily, roughly,
misfortune. ANTONYMS: (n) kind-hearted: (adj) good-natured, rudely, apathetically.
 Jane Austen 199

He gladly received the letter, and, having read it through, with close
attention, returned it saying, “Well, if it is to be so, I can only say that I am sorry
for it. Frederick will not be the first man who has chosen a wife with less sense
than his family expected. I do not envy his situation, either as a lover or a son.”
Miss Tilney, at Catherine’s invitation, now read the letter likewise, and,
having expressed also her concern and surprise, began to inquire into Miss
Thorpe’s connections and fortune.%
“Her mother is a very good sort of woman,” was Catherine’s answer.
“What was her father?”
“A lawyer, I believe. They live at Putney.”
“Are they a wealthy family?”
“No, not very. I do not believe Isabella has any fortune at all: but that will
not signify in your family. Your father is so very liberal! He told me the other
day that he only valued money as it allowed him to promote the happiness of his
children.” The brother and sister looked at each other. “But,” said Eleanor, after
a short pause, “would it be to promote his happiness, to enable him to marry
such a girl? She must be an unprincipled one, or she could not have used your
brother so. And how strange an infatuation on Frederick’s side! A girl who,
before his eyes, is violating an engagement voluntarily entered into with another
man! Is not it inconceivable, Henry? Frederick too, who always wore his heart
so proudly! Who found no woman good enough to be loved!”
“That is the most unpromising circumstance, the strongest presumption
against him. When I think of his past declarations, I give him up. Moreover, I
have too good an opinion of Miss Thorpe’s prudence to suppose that she would
part with one gentleman before the other was secured. It is all over with
Frederick indeed! He is a deceased man -- defunct in understanding. Prepare
for your sister-in-law, Eleanor, and such a sister-in-law as you must delight in!
Open, candid, artless, guileless, with affections strong but simple, forming no
pretensions, and knowing no disguise.”
“Such a sister-in-law, Henry, I should delight in,” said Eleanor with a smile.

Thesaurus
candid: (adj) blunt, outspoken, thriving, surviving, operating, alive, inquire: (v) demand, ask, explore,
ingenuous, direct, sincere, open, current. enquire, inspect, research, consult,
forthright, artless, equitable, honest, guileless: (adj) candid, artless, pry, request, wonder; (n, v) question.
guileless. ANTONYMS: (adj) forthright, sincere, innocent, ANTONYM: (v) answer.
scheming, tricky, artful, deceitful, ingenuous, honest, pure, simple, unprincipled: (adj) abandoned,
dishonest, guarded, indirect, open, straightforward. ANTONYMS: unscrupulous, depraved, dishonest,
insincere, inhibited, disingenuous, (adj) dishonest, sly, evasive. unethical, profligate, dissolute,
evasive. infatuation: (adj) devotion, shameless, unconscionable, vicious,
defunct: (adj) deceased, inanimate, fascination, enchantment, gross immoral. ANTONYMS: (adj) ethical,
late, extinct, departed, lifeless; (n) credulity; (adj, n) passion, fervor, moral, honest, professional.
reliquiae, dust, earth, mortal remains, fanaticism; (n) crush, idolatry, love, violating: (adj) illegal.
relics. ANTONYMS: (adj) existing, hobby. ANTONYM: (n) indifference.
200 Northanger Abbey

“But perhaps,” observed Catherine, “though she has behaved so ill by our
family, she may behave better by yours. Now she has really got the man she
likes, she may be constant.”%
“Indeed I am afraid she will,” replied Henry; “I am afraid she will be very
constant, unless a baronet should come in her way; that is Frederick’s only
chance. I will get the Bath paper, and look over the arrivals.”
“You think it is all for ambition, then? And, upon my word, there are some
things that seem very like it. I cannot forget that, when she first knew what my
father would do for them, she seemed quite disappointed that it was not more. I
never was so deceived in anyone’s character in my life before.”
“Among all the great variety that you have known and studied.”
“My own disappointment and loss in her is very great; but, as for poor James,
I suppose he will hardly ever recover it.”
“Your brother is certainly very much to be pitied at present; but we must not,
in our concern for his sufferings, undervalue yours. You feel, I suppose, that in
losing Isabella, you lose half yourself: you feel a void in your heart which
nothing else can occupy. Society is becoming irksome; and as for the
amusements in which you were wont to share at Bath, the very idea of them
without her is abhorrent. You would not, for instance, now go to a ball for the
world. You feel that you have no longer any friend to whom you can speak with
unreserve, on whose regard you can place dependence, or whose counsel, in any
difficulty, you could rely on. You feel all this?”
“No,” said Catherine, after a few moments’ reflection, “I do not -- ought I? To
say the truth, though I am hurt and grieved, that I cannot still love her, that I am
never to hear from her, perhaps never to see her again, I do not feel so very, very
much afflicted as one would have thought.”
“You feel, as you always do, what is most to the credit of human nature.
Such feelings ought to be investigated, that they may know themselves.”

Thesaurus
abhorrent: (adj, v) hateful, odious, trying, burdensome, bothersome, frankness, candor.
execrable; (adj) offensive, detestable, irritating, prosaic. ANTONYMS: (adj) void: (adj, n) hollow, null, blank; (n)
repugnant, horrible, revolting, delightful, pleasant, refreshing, emptiness, vacancy; (adj, v) vacant;
unpleasant, obnoxious, loathsome. soothing. (v) nullify, quash, rescind; (adj)
ANTONYMS: (adj) delightful, likes: (n) kind, sort, type. invalid, vacuous. ANTONYMS: (v)
lovable, desirable, inoffensive, nice. undervalue: (v) underestimate, validate, sanction, permit, keep,
grieved: (adj) sore, sad, sorry, underrate, devalue, belittle, lessen, allow; (adj) full, occupied, filled,
sorrowful, upset, woeful, pained, disparage, misjudge, decry, despise, meaningful, solid; (n) fullness.
affected, brokenhearted. devaluate, diminish. ANTONYMS: wont: (adj, n) use, custom, usage; (n)
investigated: (adj) studied. (v) overrate, appreciate, overestimate, practice, tradition, cleanliness,
irksome: (adj, v) wearisome, tiresome; overvalue, recognize. assuetude, assuefaction, convention,
(adj) boring, dull, annoying, tedious, unreserve: (adj) sincerity, truth, rut; (v) practise.
 Jane Austen 201

Catherine, by some chance or other, found her spirits so very much relieved
by this conversation that she could not regret her being led on, though so
unaccountably, to mention the circumstance which had produced it.%

Thesaurus
chance: (n, v) hazard, adventure, risk, mention: (n, v) comment, name, shamelessness, joy, satisfaction.
venture, bet; (n) fortune, probability, remark, call, hint; (v) cite, observe, spirits: (n) alcohol, booze, humor,
opportunity; (adj) accidental; (adj, n) commend; (n) allusion, citation, frame of mind, liqueur, strong drink,
contingency; (v) befall. ANTONYMS: reference. ANTONYM: (v) conceal. hard drink; (adj) cheer, geniality,
(adj) intentional, deliberate, designed, produced: (v) producing; (adj) formed, good humor; (v) wine.
arranged, planned, foreseeable; (n, v) manufactured, bent, fashioned, though: (adj, conj) however; (conj) still,
plan; (n) predictability, misfortune, shaped, twisted, wrought. notwithstanding, nevertheless, albeit,
certainty; (v) protect. regret: (n, v) grieve, sorrow; (v) bewail, whereas, while; (adv) even, after all,
conversation: (n) talk, conference, lament, mourn, bemoan, deplore; (n) tho'; (adv, conj) tho.
communication, colloquy, remorse, penitence, compunction, unaccountably: (adv) mysteriously,
confabulation, discussion, language, contrition. ANTONYMS: (v) especially, curiously, bizarrely.
discourse, speech, talking, palaver. welcome, praise; (n) idealism,
 Jane Austen 203

CHAPTER %26

From this time, the subject was frequently canvassed by the three young
people; and Catherine found, with some surprise, that her two young friends
were perfectly agreed in considering Isabella’s want of consequence and fortune
as likely to throw great difficulties in the way of her marrying their brother.
Their persuasion that the general would, upon this ground alone, independent of
the objection that might be raised against her character, oppose the connection,
turned her feelings moreover with some alarm towards herself. She was as
insignificant, and perhaps as portionless, as Isabella; and if the heir of the Tilney
property had not grandeur and wealth enough in himself, at what point of
interest were the demands of his younger brother to rest? The very painful
reflections to which this thought led could only be dispersed by a dependence
on the effect of that particular partiality, which, as she was given to understand
by his words as well as his actions, she had from the first been so fortunate as to
excite in the general; and by a recollection of some most generous and
disinterested sentiments on the subject of money, which she had more than once
heard him utter, and which tempted her to think his disposition in such matters
misunderstood by his children.
They were so fully convinced, however, that their brother would not have the
courage to apply in person for his father’s consent, and so repeatedly assured her
that he had never in his life been less likely to come to Northanger than at the
Thesaurus
dependence: (n) belief, confidence, progeny, heritor, descendant, scion, contradict, controvert, contravene,
addiction, dependance, faith, issue. ANTONYMS: (n) ancestor, counteract, fight, counter, disagree,
dependency, credence, hope, donor. dissent. ANTONYMS: (v) advocate,
subordination, trust; (adj) insignificant: (adj) inconsequential, agree, back, advise, promote, accept,
contingency. ANTONYMS: (n) inconsiderable, humble, poor, submit, encourage, correspond,
abstinence, distrust. immaterial, trivial, unimportant, approve, favor.
dispersed: (adj) sparse, spread, light, infinitesimal, indifferent, small. utter: (v) say, state, speak, breathe,
distributed, scattered, diffused, ANTONYMS: (adj) significant, articulate, deliver, voice, pronounce;
scatter, outspread, disseminated, enormous, major, important, huge, (adj, n, v) express, declare; (adj, v) tell.
split, dissipated, separate. substantial, considerable, great, ANTONYMS: (adj) qualified,
heir: (n) beneficiary, successor, colossal, valuable, influential. incomplete, uncertain, rather, slight;
offspring, inheritor, heiress, receiver, oppose: (v) contest, contend, resist, (v) conceal, hide, block.
204 Northanger Abbey

present time, that she suffered her mind to be at ease as to the necessity of any
sudden removal of her own. But as it was not to be supposed that Captain
Tilney, whenever he made his application, would give his father any just idea of
Isabella’s conduct, it occurred to her as highly expedient that Henry should lay
the whole business before him as it really was, enabling the general by that
means to form a cool and impartial opinion, and prepare his objections on a
fairer ground than inequality of situations. She proposed it to him accordingly;
but he did not catch at the measure so eagerly as she had expected. “No,” said
he, “my father’s hands need not be strengthened, and Frederick’s confession of
folly need not be forestalled. He must tell his own story.”%
“But he will tell only half of it.”
“A quarter would be enough.”
A day or two passed away and brought no tidings of Captain Tilney. His
brother and sister knew not what to think. Sometimes it appeared to them as if
his silence would be the natural result of the suspected engagement, and at
others that it was wholly incompatible with it. The general, meanwhile, though
offended every morning by Frederick’s remissness in writing, was free from any
real anxiety about him, and had no more pressing solicitude than that of making
Miss Morland’s time at Northanger pass pleasantly. He often expressed his
uneasiness on this head, feared the sameness of every day’s society and
employments would disgust her with the place, wished the Lady Frasers had
been in the country, talked every now and then of having a large party to dinner,
and once or twice began even to calculate the number of young dancing people
in the neighbourhood. But then it was such a dead time of year, no wild-fowl, no
game, and the Lady Frasers were not in the country. And it all ended, at last, in
his telling Henry one morning that when he next went to Woodston, they would
take him by surprise there some day or other, and eat their mutton with him.
Henry was greatly honoured and very happy, and Catherine was quite delighted
with the scheme. “And when do you think, sir, I may look forward to this
pleasure? I must be at Woodston on Monday to attend the parish meeting, and
shall probably be obliged to stay two or three days.”

disgust: (n) antipathy, aversion,
abhorrence, abomination, detestation,
dislike, repugnance; (n, v) shock,
distaste; (v) nauseate, displease.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) delight; (n) love,
attraction, liking, adoration; (v)
attract, allure, charm, entice, please.
eagerly: (adv) zealously, readily,
keenly, fervently, avidly, greedily,
enthusiastically, intently, earnestly,
impatiently, actively. ANTONYMS:
(adv) apathetically, nonchalantly,
Thesaurus
grudgingly, patiently, halfheartedly,
reluctantly, unenthusiastically.
inequality: (n) disparity,
disproportion, difference, injustice,
variance, variation, imbalance,
discrepancy, inequity; (adj) odds; (n,
v) dissimilitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
justice, parity.
mutton: (n) lamb, em, mouton, mut,
sheep, pork, red meat, white meat,
beef, area unit; (v) pilot bread.
pleasantly: (adv) pleasingly, nicely,
cheerily, enjoyably, agreeably,
delightfully, sunnily, genially,
gratifyingly, kindly; (adv, v) happily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) disagreeably,
offensively, awfully, discordantly,
dreadfully, shockingly, unkindly,
irritably, harshly, curtly, nastily.
remissness: (n) laxity, negligence,
laxness, carelessness, heedlessness,
inadvertence, inattention, disregard,
thoughtlessness, disesteem; (adj)
idleness.
 Jane Austen 205

“Well, well, we will take our chance some one of those days. There is no
need to fix. You are not to put yourself at all out of your way. Whatever you
may happen to have in the house will be enough. I think I can answer for the
young ladies making allowance for a bachelor’s table. Let me see; Monday will
be a busy day with you, we will not come on Monday; and Tuesday will be a
busy one with me. I expect my surveyor from Brockham with his report in the
morning; and afterwards I cannot in decency fail attending the club. I really
could not face my acquaintance if I stayed away now; for, as I am known to be in
the country, it would be taken exceedingly amiss; and it is a rule with me, Miss
Morland, never to give offence to any of my neighbours, if a small sacrifice of
time and attention can prevent it. They are a set of very worthy men. They have
half a buck from Northanger twice a year; and I dine with them whenever I can.
Tuesday, therefore, we may say is out of the question. But on Wednesday, I
think, Henry, you may expect us; and we shall be with you early, that we may
have time to look about us. Two hours and three quarters will carry us to
Woodston, I suppose; we shall be in the carriage by ten; so, about a quarter
before one on Wednesday, you may look for us.”%
A ball itself could not have been more welcome to Catherine than this little
excursion, so strong was her desire to be acquainted with Woodston; and her
heart was still bounding with joy when Henry, about an hour afterwards, came
booted and greatcoated into the room where she and Eleanor were sitting, and
said, “I am come, young ladies, in a very moralizing strain, to observe that our
pleasures in this world are always to be paid for, and that we often purchase
them at a great disadvantage, giving ready-monied actual happiness for a draft
on the future, that may not be honoured. Witness myself, at this present hour.
Because I am to hope for the satisfaction of seeing you at Woodston on
Wednesday, which bad weather, or twenty other causes, may prevent, I must go
away directly, two days before I intended it.”
“Go away!” said Catherine, with a very long face. “And why?”

Thesaurus
amiss: (adj, adv) wrong; (adj) bad, greenback, exquisite, fop, clam, hart; impropriety, badness, nastiness.
haywire, faulty, astray, guilty; (adv) (v) charge; (n, v) buck jump. exceedingly: (adj, adv) very, highly;
badly, poorly, awry, wrongly, adrift. ANTONYMS: (v) conform, (adv) too, exceptionally, overly,
ANTONYMS: (adj, adv) right; (adv) surrender; (n) female, girl. surpassingly, extraordinarily, greatly,
perfectly, properly, suitably, decency: (n) dignity, modesty, awfully, terrifically, eminently.
appropriately, correctly, well; (adj) decorum, kindness, morality, ANTONYMS: (adv) slightly, hardly,
okay, correct, good. courtesy, correctness, goodness, insufficiently, somewhat.
booted: (adj) shod, shoder. virtue, respectability, propriety. excursion: (n) expedition, jaunt,
bounding: (n) jumping, confinement; ANTONYMS: (n) indecency, outing, digression, drive, tour, airing,
(v) confine, salient; (adj) terminal, offensiveness, corruption, voyage, deviation, stroll; (n, v)
moving, subsultory. immorality, wickedness, journey.
buck: (n) dollar, stag, beau, boar, unsuitability, unkindness, rudeness,
206 Northanger Abbey

“Why! How can you ask the question? Because no time is to be lost in
frightening my old housekeeper out of her wits, because I must go and prepare
a dinner for you, to be sure.”%
“Oh! Not seriously!”
“Aye, and sadly too -- for I had much rather stay.”
“But how can you think of such a thing, after what the general said? When
he so particularly desired you not to give yourself any trouble, because anything
would do.”
Henry only smiled. “I am sure it is quite unnecessary upon your sister’s
account and mine. You must know it to be so; and the general made such a point
of your providing nothing extraordinary: besides, if he had not said half so much
as he did, he has always such an excellent dinner at home, that sitting down to a
middling one for one day could not signify.”
“I wish I could reason like you, for his sake and my own. Good-bye. As
tomorrow is Sunday, Eleanor, I shall not return.”
He went; and, it being at any time a much simpler operation to Catherine to
doubt her own judgment than Henry’s, she was very soon obliged to give him
credit for being right, however disagreeable to her his going. But the
inexplicability of the general’s conduct dwelt much on her thoughts. That he
was very particular in his eating, she had, by her own unassisted observation,
already discovered; but why he should say one thing so positively, and mean
another all the while, was most unaccountable! How were people, at that rate, to
be understood? Who but Henry could have been aware of what his father was
at?
From Saturday to Wednesday, however, they were now to be without Henry.
This was the sad finale of every reflection: and Captain Tilney’s letter would
certainly come in his absence; and Wednesday she was very sure would be wet.
The past, present, and future were all equally in gloom. Her brother so unhappy,
and her loss in Isabella so great; and Eleanor’s spirits always affected by Henry’s
absence! What was there to interest or amuse her? She was tired of the woods

Thesaurus
amuse: (v) please, beguile, absorb, frightening: (adj) awesome, awful, inexplicability: (n) inconceivability,
entertain, enjoy, disport, distract, menacing, alarming, fearsome, incomprehensibleness,
delight, occupy, recreate, rejoice. horrific, terrible, creepy, fearful, inexplicableness.
ANTONYMS: (v) bore, dull, tire, dread, formidable. ANTONYMS: unassisted: (adj) alone, unbacked; (v)
annoy, anger, cloy, depress, weary, (adj) comfortable, soothing, pleasant, unsupported, unstrengthened; (adv)
disappoint. comforting, approachable, normal, single-handed. ANTONYM: (adj)
dwelt: (v) dwell, inhabit. hospitable. assisted.
finale: (n) close, end, ending, finish, housekeeper: (n) factotum, mistress, wits: (n) intellect, mind, wit, brains,
finis, termination, catastrophe, last, shepherd, householder, housewife, common sense, presence,
epilogue, closing, denouement. domestic, cleaning woman, croupier, percipience, observation, mother wit,
ANTONYMS: (n) start, introduction, domestic help, seneschal, house right mind, judgment.
prelude. servant.
 Jane Austen 207

and the shrubberies -- always so smooth and so dry; and the abbey in itself was
no more to her now than any other house. The painful remembrance of the folly
it had helped to nourish and perfect was the only emotion which could spring
from a consideration of the building. What a revolution in her ideas! She, who
had so longed to be in an abbey! Now, there was nothing so charming to her
imagination as the unpretending comfort of a well-connected parsonage,
something like Fullerton, but better: Fullerton had its faults, but Woodston
probably had none. If Wednesday should ever come!
It did come, and exactly when it might be reasonably looked for. It came -- it
was fine -- and Catherine trod on air. By ten o’clock, the chaise and four
conveyed the two from the abbey; and, after an agreeable drive of almost twenty
miles, they entered Woodston, a large and populous village, in a situation not
unpleasant. Catherine was ashamed to say how pretty she thought it, as the
general seemed to think an apology necessary for the flatness of the country, and
the size of the village; but in her heart she preferred it to any place she had ever
been at, and looked with great admiration at every neat house above the rank of
a cottage, and at all the little chandler’s shops which they passed. At the further
end of the village, and tolerably disengaged from the rest of it, stood the
parsonage, a new-built substantial stone house, with its semicircular sweep and
green gates; and, as they drove up to the door, Henry, with the friends of his
solitude, a large Newfoundland puppy and two or three terriers, was ready to
receive and make much of them.%
Catherine’s mind was too full, as she entered the house, for her either to
observe or to say a great deal; and, till called on by the general for her opinion of
it, she had very little idea of the room in which she was sitting. Upon looking
round it then, she perceived in a moment that it was the most comfortable room
in the world; but she was too guarded to say so, and the coldness of her praise
disappointed him.
“We are not calling it a good house,” said he. “We are not comparing it with
Fullerton and Northanger -- we are considering it as a mere parsonage, small and
confined, we allow, but decent, perhaps, and habitable; and altogether not

coldness: (n) chilliness, coolness,
indifference, distance, apathy, iciness,
reserve, frost, frigidity, unconcern;
(adj, n) cold. ANTONYMS: (n)
friendliness, sympathy, sensitivity,
hotness, heat, responsiveness,
concern, brightness, kindness.
flatness: (n) dullness, monotony,
plain, flat, tedium, sameness,
insipidness, tediousness, platitude,
smoothing, smooth. ANTONYM: (n)
unevenness.
Thesaurus
guarded: (adj) wary, careful, chary,
circumspect, cagey, vigilant,
watchful, conditional, discreet,
gingerly, conservative. ANTONYMS:
(adj) frank, careless, trusting, reckless,
open, unwary, natural.
nourish: (v) foster, keep, bring up,
nurture, sustain, aliment, cherish,
feed, maintain, cultivate; (n, v) cradle.
ANTONYMS: (v) starve, sap.
parsonage: (n) vicarage, rectory,
residence, habitation, glebe house,
glebe, dwelling house, dwelling,
domicile, deanery, church house.
perceived: (adj) sensed, apparent,
supposed, professed, ostensible.
populous: (adj) multitudinous,
crowded, densely populated,
multiple, thick, inhabited, numerous,
manifold, multiplied; (adj, v) teeming;
(v) closely packed. ANTONYM: (adj)
uninhabited.
semicircular: (adj) curved, semicircled,
crescentic, crescent.
208 Northanger Abbey

inferior to the generality; or, in other words, I believe there are few country
parsonages in England half so good. It may admit of improvement, however.
Far be it from me to say otherwise; and anything in reason -- a bow thrown out,
perhaps -- though, between ourselves, if there is one thing more than another my
aversion, it is a patched-on bow.”
Catherine did not hear enough of this speech to understand or be pained by
it; and other subjects being studiously brought forward and supported by
Henry, at the same time that a tray full of refreshments was introduced by his
servant, the general was shortly restored to his complacency, and Catherine to
all her usual ease of spirits.%
The room in question was of a commodious, well-proportioned size, and
handsomely fitted up as a dining-parlour; and on their quitting it to walk round
the grounds, she was shown, first into a smaller apartment, belonging peculiarly
to the master of the house, and made unusually tidy on the occasion; and
afterwards into what was to be the drawing-room, with the appearance of which,
though unfurnished, Catherine was delighted enough even to satisfy the
general. It was a prettily shaped room, the windows reaching to the ground, and
the view from them pleasant, though only over green meadows; and she
expressed her admiration at the moment with all the honest simplicity with
which she felt it. “Oh! Why do not you fit up this room, Mr. Tilney? What a
pity not to have it fitted up! It is the prettiest room I ever saw; it is the prettiest
room in the world!”
“I trust,” said the general, with a most satisfied smile, “that it will very
speedily be furnished: it waits only for a lady’s taste!”
“Well, if it was my house, I should never sit anywhere else. Oh! What a
sweet little cottage there is among the trees -- apple trees, too! It is the prettiest
cottage!”
“You like it -- you approve it as an object -- it is enough. Henry, remember
that Robinson is spoken to about it. The cottage remains.”

anywhere: (adv, n) anyplace; (adv)
someplace, wherever, everywhere.
complacency: (n) contentment,
conceit, satisfaction, self-satisfaction, prettily: (adv) beautifully, charmingly, purposely, wittingly.
comfort, entire satisfaction, peace of
mind, gratification; (adj) amiability,
soft tongue, mansuetude.
introduced: (adj) exotic, familiar,
foisted in, imported.
peculiarly: (adj, adv) particularly,
curiously, unusually, uncommonly,
singularly; (adv) especially, oddly,
Thesaurus
strangely, specifically, weirdly,
specially. ANTONYMS: (adv)
typically, ordinarily, slightly.
pleasantly, handsomely, finely,
neatly, gracefully, picturesquely,
elegantly, delightfully, pleasingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) unattractively,
unpleasantly.
restored: (adj) new, healthy,
comfortable, convalescent.
studiously: (adv) industriously,
assiduously, busily, earnestly,
carefully, eagerly, bookishly; (adj,
adv) designedly; (adj) knowingly,
supported: (adj) sustained, backed,
bolstered, based; (v) borne, carried,
conveyed, supporting; (adv) on.
unfurnished: (v) unprovided; (adj)
unarranged, unbegun, unequipped,
untrimmed, unoccupied, vacant,
clear, cleared, devoid, unorganized.
ANTONYM: (adj) full.
 Jane Austen 209

Such a compliment recalled all Catherine’s consciousness, and silenced her

directly; and, though pointedly applied to by the general for her choice of the
prevailing colour of the paper and hangings, nothing like an opinion on the
subject could be drawn from her. The influence of fresh objects and fresh air,
however, was of great use in dissipating these embarrassing associations; and,
having reached the ornamental part of the premises, consisting of a walk round
two sides of a meadow, on which Henry’s genius had begun to act about half a
year ago, she was sufficiently recovered to think it prettier than any pleasure-
ground she had ever been in before, though there was not a shrub in it higher
than the green bench in the corner.%
A saunter into other meadows, and through part of the village, with a visit to
the stables to examine some improvements, and a charming game of play with a
litter of puppies just able to roll about, brought them to four o’clock, when
Catherine scarcely thought it could be three. At four they were to dine, and at six
to set off on their return. Never had any day passed so quickly!
She could not but observe that the abundance of the dinner did not seem to
create the smallest astonishment in the general; nay, that he was even looking at
the side-table for cold meat which was not there. His son and daughter’s
observations were of a different kind. They had seldom seen him eat so heartily
at any table but his own, and never before known him so little disconcerted by
the melted butter’s being oiled.
At six o’clock, the general having taken his coffee, the carriage again received
them; and so gratifying had been the tenor of his conduct throughout the whole
visit, so well assured was her mind on the subject of his expectations, that, could
she have felt equally confident of the wishes of his son, Catherine would have
quitted Woodston with little anxiety as to the How or the When she might return
to it.

begun: (adj) present.
disconcerted: (adj) confused,
confounded, bewildered, blank,
embarrassed, disturbed, troubled,
worried, ashamed, discombobulated, unadorned.
bemused. ANTONYMS: (adj)
composed, soothed, unabashed,
relaxed.
dissipating: (n) distribution.
oiled: (adj) intoxicated, oily.
ANTONYM: (adj) unoiled.
ornamental: (adj) fancy, florid,
Thesaurus
cosmetic, extravagant, elaborate, loiter, linger, lag; (v) roam, meander.
showy, enhancing, delicate, shrub: (n) bush, scrub, heath,
beautifying; (n) decoration, greasewood, gorse, gooseberry,
adornment. ANTONYMS: (adj) plain, goldenbush, frangipanni, hawthorn,
fuchsia, furze.
pointedly: (adv) penetratingly, silenced: (adj) mute, muffled,
poignantly, piquantly, markedly; disabled.
(adj) particularly, by design, tenor: (n) purport, meaning,
peculiarly, on purpose, notably, substance, tendency, spirit, tone,
knowingly, designedly. mood, effect, set, temper; (adj)
saunter: (n, v) ramble, amble, walk, soprano.
wander, promenade, hike; (adv, v)
 Jane Austen 211

CHAPTER 27

THE next morning brought the following very unexpected letter from Isabella:%

Bath, April---
My Dearest Catherine,
I received your two kind letters with the greatest delight, and have a
thousand apologies to make for not answering them sooner. I really am
quite ashamed of my idleness; but in this horrid place one can find time
for nothing. I have had my pen in my hand to begin a letter to you
almost every day since you left Bath, but have always been prevented by
some silly trifler or other. Pray write to me soon, and direct to my own
home. Thank God, we leave this vile place tomorrow. Since you went
away, I have had no pleasure in it -- the dust is beyond anything; and
everybody one cares for is gone. I believe if I could see you I should not
mind the rest, for you are dearer to me than anybody can conceive. I am
quite uneasy about your dear brother, not having heard from him since
he went to Oxford; and am fearful of some misunderstanding. Your
kind offices will set all right: he is the only man I ever did or could love,
and I trust you will convince him of it. The spring fashions are partly
down; and the hats the most frightful you can imagine. I hope you
spend your time pleasantly, but am afraid you never think of me. I will
Thesaurus
ashamed: (adj) hangdog, guilty, ANTONYMS: (adj) wonderful, understanding.
embarrassed, sheepish, remorseful, calming, soothing, pleasant, lovely, trifler: (n) dilettante, fribble, fribbler,
regretful, bashful, disconcerted, fair. gamester, gambler, wanton, doodle,
contrite, chagrined; (v) dashed. having: (n) estate, possession, dangler, toyer, dallier; (v) waiter on
ANTONYMS: (adj) proud, arrogant, acceptance, enjoyment. Providence.
unremorseful, unashamed, pleased, misunderstanding: (n) vile: (adj, n) contemptible, dirty, low;
blatant, bold, happy, unabashed, misapprehension, disagreement, (adj, v) base; (adj) despicable, ignoble,
unrepentant. misconception, misinterpretation, evil, sorry, revolting, offensive, nasty.
frightful: (adj, v) fearful; (adj) error, misconstruction, dispute, ANTONYMS: (adj) attractive, kind,
formidable, awful, fearsome, quarrel, mistaking; (n, v) dissension, nice, lovely, lovable, gentle,
appalling, gruesome, horrible, difference. ANTONYMS: (n) honorable, good, delightful,
terrible, dread, frightening, grim. harmony, fact, agreement, admirable, noble.
212 Northanger Abbey

not %say all that I could of the family you are with, because I would not
be ungenerous, or set you against those you esteem; but it is very
difficult to know whom to trust, and young men never know their minds
two days together. I rejoice to say that the young man whom, of all
others, I particularly abhor, has left Bath. You will know, from this
description, I must mean Captain Tilney, who, as you may remember,
was amazingly disposed to follow and tease me, before you went away.
Afterwards he got worse, and became quite my shadow. Many girls
might have been taken in, for never were such attentions; but I knew the
fickle sex too well. He went away to his regiment two days ago, and I
trust I shall never be plagued with him again. He is the greatest
coxcomb I ever saw, and amazingly disagreeable. The last two days he
was always by the side of Charlotte Davis: I pitied his taste, but took no
notice of him. The last time we met was in Bath Street, and I turned
directly into a shop that he might not speak to me; I would not even look
at him. He went into the pump-room afterwards; but I would not have
followed him for all the world. Such a contrast between him and your
brother! Pray send me some news of the latter -- I am quite unhappy
about him; he seemed so uncomfortable when he went away, with a
cold, or something that affected his spirits. I would write to him myself,
but have mislaid his direction; and, as I hinted above, am afraid he took
something in my conduct amiss. Pray explain everything to his
satisfaction; or, if he still harbours any doubt, a line from himself to me,
or a call at Putney when next in town, might set all to rights. I have not
been to the rooms this age, nor to the play, except going in last night
with the Hodges, for a frolic, at half price: they teased me into it; and I
was determined they should not say I shut myself up because Tilney was
gone. We happened to sit by the Mitchells, and they pretended to be
quite surprised to see me out. I knew their spite: at one time they could
not be civil to me, but now they are all friendship; but I am not such a
fool as to be taken in by them. You know I have a pretty good spirit of
my own. Anne Mitchell had tried to put on a turban like mine, as I wore

Thesaurus
coxcomb: (n) cockscomb, fop, beau, mobile, variable, inconsistent, ANTONYM: (adj) found.
dandy, exquisite, dude, blood, buck, shifting, giddy, inconstant. plagued: (adj) overrun, inundated,
comb, crest, sheik. ANTONYMS: (adj) untiring, stable, snowed under, beleaguered, weighed
esteem: (n) deference, admiration; (n, unchanging, consistent, constant, down, obsessed, besieged, beset,
v) respect, value, consideration, dependable, predictable, placid, overwhelmed.
account; (v) appreciate, deem, adore, loyal, faithful. pretended: (adj, v) sham, mock,
admire, count. ANTONYMS: (v) frolic: (n, v) sport, romp, gambol, counterfeit, pseudo, spurious; (adj)
scorn, hate, disdain, insult, despise, disport; (v) cavort, lark; (adj, v) frisk; assumed, fake, feigned, fictitious,
abominate, abhor, dislike, reject; (n) (n) caper, joy, merriment, prank. bogus, affected.
disesteem, disapproval. mislaid: (adj) misplaced, absent, turban: (n) peruke, pelt, periwig,
fickle: (adj, v) erratic, skittish; (adj) disordered, gone astray, not there, pillbox, toque, front, caftan, chignon,
volatile, capricious, mercurial, missing, lost temporarily. turbant, headgear, millinery.
 Jane Austen 213

it the week before at the concert, but made wretched work of it -- it

happened to become my odd face, I believe, at least Tilney told me so at
the time, and said every eye was upon me; but he is the last man whose
word I would take. I wear nothing but purple now: I know I look
hideous in it, but no matter -- it is your dear brother’s favourite colour.
Lose no time, my dearest, sweetest Catherine, in writing to him and to
me, Who ever am, etc.%

Such a strain of shallow artifice could not impose even upon Catherine. Its
inconsistencies, contradictions, and falsehood struck her from the very first. She
was ashamed of Isabella, and ashamed of having ever loved her. Her professions
of attachment were now as disgusting as her excuses were empty, and her
demands impudent. “Write to James on her behalf! No, James should never
hear Isabella’s name mentioned by her again.”
On Henry’s arrival from Woodston, she made known to him and Eleanor
their brother’s safety, congratulating them with sincerity on it, and reading
aloud the most material passages of her letter with strong indignation. When
she had finished it -- “So much for Isabella,” she cried, “and for all our intimacy!
She must think me an idiot, or she could not have written so; but perhaps this
has served to make her character better known to me than mine is to her. I see
what she has been about. She is a vain coquette, and her tricks have not
answered. I do not believe she had ever any regard either for James or for me,
and I wish I had never known her.”
“It will soon be as if you never had,” said Henry.
“There is but one thing that I cannot understand. I see that she has had
designs on Captain Tilney, which have not succeeded; but I do not understand
what Captain Tilney has been about all this time. Why should he pay her such
attentions as to make her quarrel with my brother, and then fly off himself?”
“I have very little to say for Frederick’s motives, such as I believe them to
have been. He has his vanities as well as Miss Thorpe, and the chief difference is,

Thesaurus
artifice: (n, v) art; (n) ruse, deception, oaf, changeling, idiocy. ANTONYM: difference. ANTONYMS: (n)
contrivance, artfulness, dodge, (n) intellectual. agreement, reconciliation,
science, trickery, wile, proficiency, indignation: (n) anger, resentment, acceptance, concord, consensus; (v)
maneuver. ANTONYMS: (n) displeasure, grudge, umbrage, rage, agree.
truthfulness, sincerity, honesty, outrage, exasperation, choler, sincerity: (adj, n) candor, honesty,
naivete, inability, artlessness, dudgeon; (adj, n) wrath. integrity, probity, faithfulness; (n)
incapacity, straightforwardness. ANTONYMS: (n) contentment, earnestness, heartiness, genuineness,
coquette: (n) vamp, jilt, minx, woman; pleasure. candour, frankness, cordiality.
(v) coquet, dally, romance, chat up, mentioned: (adj) spoken. ANTONYMS: (n) dishonesty,
puritan, speak, prude. quarrel: (adj, n, v) dispute; (n, v) fight, hypocrisy, flippancy, frivolity,
idiot: (n) dolt, blockhead, dunce, feud, brawl, row, altercation, argue, affectedness, caution, reticence,
dimwit, moron, cretin, ass, imbecile, conflict, squabble; (n) dissension, deceit, doubt.
214 Northanger Abbey

that, having a stronger head, they have not yet injured himself. If the effect of his
behaviour does not justify him with you, we had better not seek after the cause.”
“Then you do not suppose he ever really cared about her?”
“I am persuaded that he never did.”
“And only made believe to do so for mischief’s sake?”
Henry bowed his assent.%
“Well, then, I must say that I do not like him at all. Though it has turned out
so well for us, I do not like him at all. As it happens, there is no great harm done,
because I do not think Isabella has any heart to lose. But, suppose he had made
her very much in love with him?”
“But we must first suppose Isabella to have had a heart to lose --
consequently to have been a very different creature; and, in that case, she would
have met with very different treatment.”
“It is very right that you should stand by your brother.”
“And if you would stand by yours, you would not be much distressed by the
disappointment of Miss Thorpe. But your mind is warped by an innate principle
of general integrity, and therefore not accessible to the cool reasonings of family
partiality, or a desire of revenge.”
Catherine was complimented out of further bitterness. Frederick could not
be unpardonably guilty, while Henry made himself so agreeable. She resolved
on not answering Isabella’s letter, and tried to think no more of it.

Thesaurus
bitterness: (n) acerbity, animosity, innate: (adj) inherent, congenital, unpardonably: (adj, adv) unforgivably,
gall, malice, resentment, enmity, inbred, indigenous, instinctive, indefensibly; (adv) unjustifiably,
acridity, acidity, bitter, rancor, natural, intrinsic, constitutional, unwarrantably, appallingly,
sharpness. ANTONYMS: (n) joy, essential, ingrained; (adj, v) born. intolerably; (adj) unreasonably,
happiness, harmony, kindness, ANTONYMS: (adj) learned, excessively, unduly, unwarrantedly.
blandness, friendliness, goodwill, conditioned, acquired, trained, ANTONYM: (adv) understandably.
idealism, affection. spiritual. warped: (adj, n) twisted; (adj)
bowed: (adj) arched, curved, inclined, persuaded: (adj) sure, satisfied, easily deformed, crooked, perverted,
crooked, arciform, arching, arced, affected, impressible, positive, misshapen, kinky, curved, distorted,
bandy, arcuate, twisted, bended. delicate, sensible, intelligent, certain, wry, partisan, superficial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) straight, concave, in no doubt, definite. ANTONYMS: ANTONYMS: (adj) wholesome,
plucked. (adj) unsure, uncertain. impartial.
 Jane Austen 215

CHAPTER %28

Soon after this, the general found himself obliged to go to London for a week;
and he left Northanger earnestly regretting that any necessity should rob him
even for an hour of Miss Morland’s company, and anxiously recommending the
study of her comfort and amusement to his children as their chief object in his
absence. His departure gave Catherine the first experimental conviction that a
loss may be sometimes a gain. The happiness with which their time now passed,
every employment voluntary, every laugh indulged, every meal a scene of ease
and good humour, walking where they liked and when they liked, their hours,
pleasures, and fatigues at their own command, made her thoroughly sensible of
the restraint which the general’s presence had imposed, and most thankfully feel
their present release from it. Such ease and such delights made her love the
place and the people more and more every day; and had it not been for a dread
of its soon becoming expedient to leave the one, and an apprehension of not
being equally beloved by the other, she would at each moment of each day have
been perfectly happy; but she was now in the fourth week of her visit; before the
general came home, the fourth week would be turned, and perhaps it might
seem an intrusion if she stayed much longer. This was a painful consideration
whenever it occurred; and eager to get rid of such a weight on her mind, she very
soon resolved to speak to Eleanor about it at once, propose going away, and be
guided in her conduct by the manner in which her proposal might be taken.

anxiously: (adv) uneasily, restlessly,
carefully, worriedly, fearfully,
nervously, concernedly, solicitously,
timidly, keenly, enthusiastically.
ANTONYMS: (adv) calmly,
confidently, merrily, indifferently,
fearlessly, nonchalantly, patiently,
unconcernedly.
apprehension: (n) alarm,
comprehension, dread, misgiving,
understanding, capture, foreboding,
arrest, trepidation; (n, v) doubt,
Thesaurus
appreciation. ANTONYMS: (n)
release, confidence, calmness,
tranquility, freeing,
misunderstanding, peace, relief,
bravery, calm, equanimity.
guided: (adj) conducted, directed, led. recommendatory, commendatory.
intrusion: (n) infringement,
encroachment, disturbance,
interruption, inroad, trespass,
invasion, violation, incursion,
disruption, entry.
propose: (v) bid, nominate, design,
plan, proffer, move, intend, mean,
aim, suggest; (n, v) advance.
ANTONYMS: (v) reject, improvise,
oppose.
recommending: (adj)
thankfully: (adv) gratefully, obligedly,
beholdenly, indebtedly, pleasedly,
fortunately, happily, unreservedly,
with enthusiasm, with pleasure,
freely. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unfortunately, unwillingly.
216 Northanger Abbey

Aware that if she gave herself much time, she might feel it difficult to bring
forward so unpleasant a subject, she took the first opportunity of being suddenly
alone with Eleanor, and of Eleanor’s being in the middle of a speech about
something very different, to start forth her obligation of going away very soon.
Eleanor looked and declared herself much concerned. She had “hoped for the
pleasure of her company for a much longer time -- had been misled (perhaps by
her wishes) to suppose that a much longer visit had been promised -- and could
not but think that if Mr. and Mrs. Morland were aware of the pleasure it was to
her to have her there, they would be too generous to hasten her return.”
Catherine explained: “Oh! As to that, Papa and Mamma were in no hurry at all.
As long as she was happy, they would always be satisfied.”
“Then why, might she ask, in such a hurry herself to leave them?”
“Oh! Because she had been there so long.”
“Nay, if you can use such a word, I can urge you no farther. If you think it
long -- “
“Oh! No, I do not indeed. For my own pleasure, I could stay with you as
long again.” And it was directly settled that, till she had, her leaving them was
not even to be thought of. In having this cause of uneasiness so pleasantly
removed, the force of the other was likewise weakened. The kindness, the
earnestness of Eleanor’s manner in pressing her to stay, and Henry’s gratified
look on being told that her stay was determined, were such sweet proofs of her
importance with them, as left her only just so much solicitude as the human
mind can never do comfortably without. She did -- almost always -- believe that
Henry loved her, and quite always that his father and sister loved and even
wished her to belong to them; and believing so far, her doubts and anxieties were
merely sportive irritations.%
Henry was not able to obey his father’s injunction of remaining wholly at
Northanger in attendance on the ladies, during his absence in London, the
engagements of his curate at Woodston obliging him to leave them on Saturday
for a couple of nights. His loss was not now what it had been while the general
was at home; it lessened their gaiety, but did not ruin their comfort; and the two
Thesaurus
curate: (n) rector, clergyman, minister, compassion, grace, good will, misled: (adj) fooled, undirected, false,
chaplain, pastor, Stipendiary curate, graciousness, humanity, goodness, bewildered, confused, erroneous,
priest, vicar, incumbent, reverend, affection; (adj, n) courtesy, gentleness. mistaken, misleading, misdirected,
canon. ANTONYMS: (n) miserliness, spite, led astray, incorrect.
engagements: (n) arrangements, nastiness, callousness, cruelty, sportive: (adj) frolicsome, jocund, gay,
actions, activities, schedule, travels, unfriendliness, maliciousness, jolly, cheerful, lively, merry,
movements. thoughtlessness, sourness, severity, rollicking, mirthful, vivacious, blithe.
injunction: (n) dictate, command, disservice. took: (adj) taken; (v) receive.
behest, bidding, commandment, fiat, lessened: (adj) diminished, hurt, weakened: (adj) lessened, faded, hurt,
direction, enjoinment, enjoining, lower, mitigated, pointed, tapering, vitiated, damaged, cut, diluted,
order, instruction. vitiated, atrophied, short, attenuate, thinned, attenuated, attenuate,
kindness: (n) generosity, clemency, attenuated. disabled.
 Jane Austen 217

girls agreeing in occupation, and improving in intimacy, found themselves so

well sufficient for the time to themselves, that it was eleven o’clock, rather a late
hour at the abbey, before they quitted the supper-room on the day of Henry’s
departure. They had just reached the head of the stairs when it seemed, as far as
the thickness of the walls would allow them to judge, that a carriage was driving
up to the door, and the next moment confirmed the idea by the loud noise of the
house-bell. After the first perturbation of surprise had passed away, in a “Good
heaven! What can be the matter?” it was quickly decided by Eleanor to be her
eldest brother, whose arrival was often as sudden, if not quite so unseasonable,
and accordingly she hurried down to welcome him.%
Catherine walked on to her chamber, making up her mind as well as she
could, to a further acquaintance with Captain Tilney, and comforting herself
under the unpleasant impression his conduct had given her, and the persuasion
of his being by far too fine a gentleman to approve of her, that at least they
should not meet under such circumstances as would make their meeting
materially painful. She trusted he would never speak of Miss Thorpe; and
indeed, as he must by this time be ashamed of the part he had acted, there could
be no danger of it; and as long as all mention of Bath scenes were avoided, she
thought she could behave to him very civilly. In such considerations time passed
away, and it was certainly in his favour that Eleanor should be so glad to see
him, and have so much to say, for half an hour was almost gone since his arrival,
and Eleanor did not come up.
At that moment Catherine thought she heard her step in the gallery, and
listened for its continuance; but all was silent. Scarcely, however, had she
convicted her fancy of error, when the noise of something moving close to her
door made her start; it seemed as if someone was touching the very doorway --
and in another moment a slight motion of the lock proved that some hand must
be on it. She trembled a little at the idea of anyone’s approaching so cautiously;
but resolving not to be again overcome by trivial appearances of alarm, or misled
by a raised imagination, she stepped quietly forward, and opened the door.
Eleanor, and only Eleanor, stood there. Catherine’s spirits, however, were

Thesaurus
agreeing: (adj) concurring, concordant, overwhelming, surprising, corporally, vitally, solidly,
assentient, accordant, suitable, troublesome, irritating, tense, momentously, fundamentally.
harmonious, in accord, in agreement; upsetting. perturbation: (n) commotion,
(n) assenting; (v) agree, accept. continuance: (n) duration, abidance, agitation, fuss, emotion, excitement,
ANTONYM: (adj) conflicting. existence, endurance, protraction, confusion, dislocation, discomposure,
comforting: (adj) soothing, consoling, adjournment, resumption, interruption; (adj, n, v) trepidation;
consolatory, satisfying, gratifying, prolongation, time, standing, (adj, n) flutter.
encouraging, restful, placatory, perseverance. ANTONYMS: (n) unseasonable: (adj) inopportune,
tranquil, appeasing; (n) relief. discontinuation, destruction. inappropriate, premature, ill timed,
ANTONYMS: (adj) hostile, materially: (adv) physically, improper, immature, inconvenient,
discomforting, disconcerting, substantially, corporeally, ill-timed, inept, unchancy; (v)
distressing, disturbing, significantly, really, essentially, illtimed.
218 Northanger Abbey

tranquillized but for an instant, for Eleanor’s cheeks were pale, and her manner
greatly agitated. Though evidently intending to come in, it seemed an effort to
enter the room, and a still greater to speak when there. Catherine, supposing
some uneasiness on Captain Tilney’s account, could only express her concern by
silent attention, obliged her to be seated, rubbed her temples with lavender-
water, and hung over her with affectionate solicitude. “My dear Catherine, you
must not -- you must not indeed -- “ were Eleanor’s first connected words. “I am
quite well. This kindness distracts me -- I cannot bear it -- I come to you on such
an errand!”%
“Errand! To me!”
“How shall I tell you! Oh! How shall I tell you!”
A new idea now darted into Catherine’s mind, and turning as pale as her
friend, she exclaimed, “‘Tis a messenger from Woodston!”
“You are mistaken, indeed,” returned Eleanor, looking at her most
compassionately; “it is no one from Woodston. It is my father himself.” Her
voice faltered, and her eyes were turned to the ground as she mentioned his
name. His unlooked-for return was enough in itself to make Catherine’s heart
sink, and for a few moments she hardly supposed there were anything worse to
be told. She said nothing; and Eleanor, endeavouring to collect herself and speak
with firmness, but with eyes still cast down, soon went on. “You are too good, I
am sure, to think the worse of me for the part I am obliged to perform. I am
indeed a most unwilling messenger. After what has so lately passed, so lately
been settled between us -- how joyfully, how thankfully on my side! -- as to your
continuing here as I hoped for many, many weeks longer, how can I tell you that
your kindness is not to be accepted -- and that the happiness your company has
hitherto given us is to be repaid by -- But I must not trust myself with words.
My dear Catherine, we are to part. My father has recollected an engagement that
takes our whole family away on Monday. We are going to Lord Longtown’s,
near Hereford, for a fortnight. Explanation and apology are equally impossible. I
cannot attempt either.”

Thesaurus
compassionately: (adv) kindly, (adj, n, v) pressing, urgent. attrite, marked, accomplished,
humanely, mercifully, pityingly, ANTONYMS: (n) age, eternity; (adj) fretten.
benevolently, graciously, tenderly, considered, delayed, slow. temples: (n) brow.
clemently, caringly, humanitarianly, lately: (adv) tardily, newly, freshly, unlooked-for: (adj) unforeseen.
indulgently. ANTONYMS: (adv) belatedly, slowly, latterly, deadly; unwilling: (adj) involuntary, loath,
severely, unkindly, malevolently, (adj, adv) anew, late, afresh; (adj) disinclined, averse, recalcitrant,
meanly, roughly, inhumanely. recent. backward, indisposed, grudging,
hung: (n) hanging; (v) Heng; (adj) messenger: (n, v) herald; (n) harbinger, loth, adverse, forced. ANTONYMS:
fatigued, puzzled, decorated. runner, emissary, bearer, (adj) inclined, amenable, keen,
instant: (adj, n) present; (adj) ambassador, precursor, courier, prepared, ready, eager, disposed,
immediate, prompt; (n) flash, minute, carrier, apostle, errand. agreeable, accepting, happy.
jiffy, point, second; (adj, v) exigent; rubbed: (adj) polished, refined, terse,
 Jane Austen 219

“My dear Eleanor,” cried Catherine, suppressing her feelings as well as she
could, “do not be so distressed. A second engagement must give way to a first. I
am very, very sorry we are to part -- so soon, and so suddenly too; but I am not
offended, indeed I am not. I can finish my visit here, you know, at any time; or I
hope you will come to me. Can you, when you return from this lord’s, come to
Fullerton?”%
“It will not be in my power, Catherine.”
“Come when you can, then.”
Eleanor made no answer; and Catherine’s thoughts recurring to something
more directly interesting, she added, thinking aloud, “Monday -- so soon as
Monday; and you all go. Well, I am certain of -- I shall be able to take leave,
however. I need not go till just before you do, you know. Do not be distressed,
Eleanor, I can go on Monday very well. My father and mother’s having no notice
of it is of very little consequence. The general will send a servant with me, I dare
say, half the way -- and then I shall soon be at Salisbury, and then I am only nine
miles from home.”
“Ah, Catherine! Were it settled so, it would be somewhat less intolerable,
though in such common attentions you would have received but half what you
ought. But -- how can I tell you? -- tomorrow morning is fixed for your leaving
us, and not even the hour is left to your choice; the very carriage is ordered, and
will be here at seven o’clock, and no servant will be offered you.”
Catherine sat down, breathless and speechless. “I could hardly believe my
senses, when I heard it; and no displeasure, no resentment that you can feel at
this moment, however justly great, can be more than I myself -- but I must not
talk of what I felt. Oh! That I could suggest anything in extenuation! Good
God! What will your father and mother say! After courting you from the
protection of real friends to this -- almost double distance from your home, to
have you driven out of the house, without the considerations even of decent
civility! Dear, dear Catherine, in being the bearer of such a message, I seem
guilty myself of all its insult; yet, I trust you will acquit me, for you must have

bearer: (n) holder, carrier, messenger,
porter, courier, envoy, traveller,
griever, hamal, lamenter, mourner.
courting: (n) wooing, courtship,
bundling, appeal, attraction, case,
causa, cause, flirtation, suit.
extenuation: (n, v) excuse, apology; (n) immorally.
palliation, mitigation, diminution,
justification, extenuating
circumstances, extenuating excuse,
easement, abatement, alleviation.
justly: (adv) accurately, fairly,
Thesaurus
correctly, honestly, lawfully, (adj) irregular, intermittent,
properly, exactly, uprightly, spasmodic, unusual, rare, occasional.
legitimately, impartially, purely. senses: (adj) sober senses, sound mind;
ANTONYMS: (adv) wrongly, (n) reason, mind, conception,
unfairly, unjustifiably, unjustly, consciousness, judgment, faculties,
unlawfully, sinfully, falsely, mother wit, right mind, sanity.
speechless: (adj) silent, mute, dumb,
miles: (adj) far. dumbfounded, voiceless, quiet,
recurring: (adj) frequent, intermittent, tongueless, tacit, noiseless, mum,
cyclic, periodic, periodical, repeated, wordless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
repetitive, customary, accustomed, loquacious, eloquent, talkative.
memorable, chronic. ANTONYMS: suppressing: (n) reticence.
220 Northanger Abbey

been long enough in this house to see that I am but a nominal mistress of it, that
my real power is nothing.”
“Have I offended the general?” said Catherine in a faltering voice.%
“Alas! For my feelings as a daughter, all that I know, all that I answer for, is
that you can have given him no just cause of offence. He certainly is greatly, very
greatly discomposed; I have seldom seen him more so. His temper is not happy,
and something has now occurred to ruffle it in an uncommon degree; some
disappointment, some vexation, which just at this moment seems important, but
which I can hardly suppose you to have any concern in, for how is it possible?”
It was with pain that Catherine could speak at all; and it was only for
Eleanor’s sake that she attempted it. “I am sure,” said she, “I am very sorry if I
have offended him. It was the last thing I would willingly have done. But do not
be unhappy, Eleanor. An engagement, you know, must be kept. I am only sorry
it was not recollected sooner, that I might have written home. But it is of very
little consequence.”
“I hope, I earnestly hope, that to your real safety it will be of none; but to
everything else it is of the greatest consequence: to comfort, appearance,
propriety, to your family, to the world. Were your friends, the Allens, still in
Bath, you might go to them with comparative ease; a few hours would take you
there; but a journey of seventy miles, to be taken post by you, at your age, alone,
unattended!”
“Oh, the journey is nothing. Do not think about that. And if we are to part, a
few hours sooner or later, you know, makes no difference. I can be ready by
seven. Let me be called in time.” Eleanor saw that she wished to be alone; and
believing it better for each that they should avoid any further conversation, now
left her with, “I shall see you in the morning.”
Catherine’s swelling heart needed relief. In Eleanor’s presence friendship
and pride had equally restrained her tears, but no sooner was she gone than they
burst forth in torrents. Turned from the house, and in such a way! Without any
reason that could justify, any apology that could atone for the abruptness, the

abruptness: (n) gradient, shortness,
slope, brusqueness, curtness,
steepness, haste, hurriedness,
rudeness, brevity, hastiness.
ANTONYMS: (n) gradualness,
courtesy, friendliness, gentleness,
pleasantness.
atone: (v) satisfy, pay, propitiate,
indemnify, compensate, make up,
recoup, apologize, abye, aby, repent. modest, temperate, discreet, limited,
ANTONYM: (v) forfeit.
discomposed: (adj) disturbed,
Thesaurus
perturbed, doubtful, excited, unrestrained, open, flashy, immoral,
distraught, uncomfortable, fearful. ostentatious, wild, loud, theatrical,
faltering: (n) falter, pause, vacillation; outgoing, extravagant, emotional.
(adj) tentative, vacillating, doubtful, ruffle: (n, v) crinkle, ruff, crumple,
irresolute, hesitant, uncertain, wrinkle, fold; (v) agitate, discompose,
unsure; (adv) falteringly. fret; (adj, n) perturbation; (n) flounce,
ANTONYMS: (adj) decided, firm, frill. ANTONYMS: (v) smooth, calm.
eloquent, decisive, sure. swelling: (n) protuberance, lump,
restrained: (adj) reserved, quiet, swell, intumescence, growth,
projection, prominence, bulge,
reasonable, subdued, unemotional, dropsy; (adj, v) inflated; (adj)
reticent, guarded. ANTONYMS: (adj) growing. ANTONYM: (n) decline.
 Jane Austen 221

rudeness, nay, the insolence of it. Henry at a distance -- not able even to bid him
farewell. Every hope, every expectation from him suspended, at least, and who
could say how long? Who could say when they might meet again? And all this
by such a man as General Tilney, so polite, so well bred, and heretofore so
particularly fond of her! It was as incomprehensible as it was mortifying and
grievous. From what it could arise, and where it would end, were
considerations of equal perplexity and alarm. The manner in which it was done
so grossly uncivil, hurrying her away without any reference to her own
convenience, or allowing her even the appearance of choice as to the time or
mode of her travelling; of two days, the earliest fixed on, and of that almost the
earliest hour, as if resolved to have her gone before he was stirring in the
morning, that he might not be obliged even to see her. What could all this mean
but an intentional affront? By some means or other she must have had the
misfortune to offend him. Eleanor had wished to spare her from so painful a
notion, but Catherine could not believe it possible that any injury or any
misfortune could provoke such ill will against a person not connected, or, at
least, not supposed to be connected with it.%
Heavily passed the night. Sleep, or repose that deserved the name of sleep,
was out of the question. That room, in which her disturbed imagination had
tormented her on her first arrival, was again the scene of agitated spirits and
unquiet slumbers. Yet how different now the source of her inquietude from
what it had been then -- how mournfully superior in reality and substance! Her
anxiety had foundation in fact, her fears in probability; and with a mind so
occupied in the contemplation of actual and natural evil, the solitude of her
situation, the darkness of her chamber, the antiquity of the building, were felt
and considered without the smallest emotion; and though the wind was high,
and often produced strange and sudden noises throughout the house, she heard
it all as she lay awake, hour after hour, without curiosity or terror.
Soon after six Eleanor entered her room, eager to show attention or give
assistance where it was possible; but very little remained to be done. Catherine
had not loitered; she was almost dressed, and her packing almost finished. The

Thesaurus
affront: (n, v) insult, abuse, outrage, intentional: (adj, v) voluntary; (adj) ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully,
slight, snub; (v) face, offend; (n) deliberate, calculated, willful, joyfully.
disgrace, slur, offense, mortification. knowing, conscious, premeditated, packing: (n) boxing, package, gasket,
ANTONYMS: (n, v) praise; (v) please, designed, planned, advised, wilful. bundling, fill, pad, pack,
placate, mollify, gratify, flatter, ANTONYMS: (adj) accidental, envelopment, wadding, wrap,
assuage, appease, adulate; (n) unintentional, involuntary, backpacking.
pleasantry, appeasement. spontaneous, undesigned, uncivil: (adj) discourteous,
grievous: (adj) bitter, dolorous, unconscious, casual. disrespectful, impolite, coarse,
dreadful, deplorable, sad, tough, mournfully: (adv) sadly, sorrowfully, brusque, curt, blunt, barbarous,
pitiful, atrocious, regrettable, glumly, woefully, unhappily, short; (adj, n) rough, harsh.
sorrowful, sorry. ANTONYM: (adj) plaintively, grievously, funereally, ANTONYMS: (adj) polite, courteous,
successful. dejectedly, dolorously, poignantly. gracious.
222 Northanger Abbey

possibility of some conciliatory message from the general occurred to her as his
daughter appeared. What so natural, as that anger should pass away and
repentance succeed it? And she only wanted to know how far, after what had
passed, an apology might properly be received by her. But the knowledge
would have been useless here; it was not called for; neither clemency nor dignity
was put to the trial -- Eleanor brought no message. Very little passed between
them on meeting; each found her greatest safety in silence, and few and trivial
were the sentences exchanged while they remained upstairs, Catherine in busy
agitation completing her dress, and Eleanor with more goodwill than experience
intent upon filling the trunk. When everything was done they left the room,
Catherine lingering only half a minute behind her friend to throw a parting
glance on every well-known, cherished object, and went down to the breakfast-
parlour, where breakfast was prepared. She tried to eat, as well to save herself
from the pain of being urged as to make her friend comfortable; but she had no
appetite, and could not swallow many mouthfuls. The contrast between this and
her last breakfast in that room gave her fresh misery, and strengthened her
distaste for everything before her. It was not four and twenty hours ago since
they had met there to the same repast, but in circumstances how different! With
what cheerful ease, what happy, though false, security, had she then looked
around her, enjoying everything present, and fearing little in future, beyond
Henry’s going to Woodston for a day! Happy, happy breakfast! For Henry had
been there; Henry had sat by her and helped her. These reflections were long
indulged undisturbed by any address from her companion, who sat as deep in
thought as herself; and the appearance of the carriage was the first thing to
startle and recall them to the present moment. Catherine’s colour rose at the
sight of it; and the indignity with which she was treated, striking at that instant
on her mind with peculiar force, made her for a short time sensible only of
resentment. Eleanor seemed now impelled into resolution and speech.%
“You must write to me, Catherine,” she cried; “you must let me hear from
you as soon as possible. Till I know you to be safe at home, I shall not have an
hour’s comfort. For one letter, at all risks, all hazards, I must entreat. Let me
have the satisfaction of knowing that you are safe at Fullerton, and have found
Thesaurus
clemency: (n) charity, tenderness, provocative, challenging, hostile, repast: (n) feast, food, banquet, dinner,
leniency, compassion, pardon, pity, aggressive, stubborn, bellicose, lunch, refection, collation, luncheon,
benevolence, quarter, grace; (adj, n) belligerent, fighting, antagonizing, spread, potluck, eating.
kindness, benignity. ANTONYMS: uncompromising, antagonistic. repentance: (n) contrition, penance,
(n) blame, cruelty, harshness, impelled: (adj) prompted, provoked, remorse, regret, compunction,
strictness, unkindness, determined, compulsive, encouraged, sorrow, guilt, contriteness, grief,
vindictiveness, mercilessness. goaded, motivated, bound. attrition, atonement. ANTONYMS:
conciliatory: (adj) complaisant, pacific, indignity: (n) dishonor, contumely, (n) shamelessness, brazenness.
mollifying, propitiatory, friendly, humiliation, contempt, outrage, startle: (n, v) start, jump; (v) frighten,
appeasing, conciliating, disdain, offence, disgrace, scare, astonish, shock, astound,
compromising, pacificatory, degradation; (n, v) insult, abuse. amaze, shake, threaten, electrify.
assuaging, quiet. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYMS: (n) honor, glory, pride. ANTONYM: (v) soothe.
 Jane Austen 223

your family well, and then, till I can ask for your correspondence as I ought to
do, I will not expect more. Direct to me at Lord Longtown’s, and, I must ask it,
under cover to Alice.”%
“No, Eleanor, if you are not allowed to receive a letter from me, I am sure I
had better not write. There can be no doubt of my getting home safe.”
Eleanor only replied, “I cannot wonder at your feelings. I will not importune
you. I will trust to your own kindness of heart when I am at a distance from
you.” But this, with the look of sorrow accompanying it, was enough to melt
Catherine’s pride in a moment, and she instantly said, “Oh, Eleanor, I will write
to you indeed.”
There was yet another point which Miss Tilney was anxious to settle, though
somewhat embarrassed in speaking of. It had occurred to her that after so long
an absence from home, Catherine might not be provided with money enough for
the expenses of her journey, and, upon suggesting it to her with most affectionate
offers of accommodation, it proved to be exactly the case. Catherine had never
thought on the subject till that moment, but, upon examining her purse, was
convinced that but for this kindness of her friend, she might have been turned
from the house without even the means of getting home; and the distress in
which she must have been thereby involved filling the minds of both, scarcely
another word was said by either during the time of their remaining together.
Short, however, was that time. The carriage was soon announced to be ready;
and Catherine, instantly rising, a long and affectionate embrace supplied the
place of language in bidding each other adieu; and, as they entered the hall,
unable to leave the house without some mention of one whose name had not yet
been spoken by either, she paused a moment, and with quivering lips just made
it intelligible that she left “her kind remembrance for her absent friend.” But
with this approach to his name ended all possibility of restraining her feelings;
and, hiding her face as well as she could with her handkerchief, she darted
across the hall, jumped into the chaise, and in a moment was driven from the
door.

accompanying: (adj) concomitant,
concurrent, related, acceding,
incidental, accessory, subservient,
auxiliary, collateral, minor,
supplementary.
bidding: (n) behest, order, dictate,
charge, bid, request, call, dictation,
direction, fiat; (adj) imperative.
examining: (v) examine, investigate;
(adj) investigative, curious,
disquisitive, exploratory, inquiring.
handkerchief: (n) hankie, kerchief,
Thesaurus
bandanna, cravat, hanky, wipe, handbag, sac, currency, pocketbook,
bandana, collar, shawl; (n, v) napkin; pelf; (v) wrinkle, pucker, crease.
(v) sudary. quivering: (adj, n) trembling, tremor,
importune: (v) beseech, implore, beg, quaking, trepidation; (n) palpitation,
entreat, badger, besiege, worry, quiver, vibration; (adj) flutter,
annoy, press, pester, tease. quavering, shivering, tremulous.
melt: (v) dissolve, deliquesce, vanish, ANTONYM: (adj) steady.
coalesce, relent, meld, fade, defrost; restraining: (adj) binding, astringent,
(adj, v) run, liquefy; (n, v) thaw. warning, abstemious, continuous,
ANTONYMS: (v) freeze, solidify, moderate, not interrupted,
cool, set. obligatory, opposing; (n) arrest,
purse: (n) bag, pouch, money, penning.
 Jane Austen 225

CHAPTER 29

Catherine was too wretched to be fearful. The journey in itself had no terrors
for her; and she began it without either dreading its length or feeling its
solitariness. Leaning back in one comer of the carriage, in a violent burst of
tears, she was conveyed some miles beyond the walls of the abbey before she
raised her head; and the highest point of ground within the park was almost
closed from her view before she was capable of turning her eyes towards it.
Unfortunately, the road she now travelled was the same which only ten days ago
she had so happily passed along in going to and from Woodston; and, for
fourteen miles, every bitter feeling was rendered more severe by the review of
objects on which she had first looked under impressions so different. Every
mile, as it brought her nearer Woodston, added to her sufferings, and when
within the distance of five, she passed the turning which led to it, and thought of
Henry, so near, yet so unconscious, her grief and agitation were excessive.%
The day which she had spent at that place had been one of the happiest of her
life. It was there, it was on that day, that the general had made use of such
expressions with regard to Henry and herself, had so spoken and so looked as to
give her the most positive conviction of his actually wishing their marriage. Yes,
only ten days ago had he elated her by his pointed regard -- had he even
confused her by his too significant reference! And now -- what had she done, or
what had she omitted to do, to merit such a change?
Thesaurus
comer: (n) newcomer, arriver, traveler, insignificance, mediocrity, subconscious, oblivious, automatic,
traveller, contender, competitor, commonness. insensible, unintentional, instinctive,
competition, visitor, whiz kid, Young omitted: (adj) absent, forgotten, senseless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
Turk; (adj) fresh. misplaced, wanting, not there, away, conscious, awake, deliberate, aware,
dreading: (adj) anxious. gone astray, lost, mislaid, gone. voluntary, intentional, alive, wary.
impressions: (n) impersonation, solitariness: (n) loneliness, solitude, wretched: (adj) unfortunate, pitiful,
imitation. aloneness, isolation, lonesomeness, sad, pitiable, woeful, pathetic,
merit: (n, v) deserve; (adj, n) destitution, friendlessness, piteous, lamentable; (adj, v) poor,
excellence, worth, desert; (n) virtue, disposition, gloominess, unhappy, forlorn. ANTONYMS: (adj)
credit, significance, value, goodness, reclusiveness, ruin. fine, strong, fortunate, overjoyed,
quality; (v) rate. ANTONYMS: (n) unconscious: (adj) involuntary, nice, admirable, good, cheery, joyous,
demerit, disgrace, fault, unaware, ignorant, unwitting, lucky, comfortable.
226 Northanger Abbey

The only offence against him of which she could accuse herself had been such
as was scarcely possible to reach his knowledge. Henry and her own heart only
were privy to the shocking suspicions which she had so idly entertained; and
equally safe did she believe her secret with each. Designedly, at least, Henry
could not have betrayed her. If, indeed, by any strange mischance his father
should have gained intelligence of what she had dared to think and look for, of
her causeless fancies and injurious examinations, she could not wonder at any
degree of his indignation. If aware of her having viewed him as a murderer, she
could not wonder at his even turning her from his house. But a justification so
full of torture to herself, she trusted, would not be in his power.%
Anxious as were all her conjectures on this point, it was not, however, the one
on which she dwelt most. There was a thought yet nearer, a more prevailing,
more impetuous concern. How Henry would think, and feel, and look, when he
returned on the morrow to Northanger and heard of her being gone, was a
question of force and interest to rise over every other, to be never ceasing,
alternately irritating and soothing; it sometimes suggested the dread of his calm
acquiescence, and at others was answered by the sweetest confidence in his
regret and resentment. To the general, of course, he would not dare to speak; but
to Eleanor -- what might he not say to Eleanor about her?
In this unceasing recurrence of doubts and inquiries, on any one article of
which her mind was incapable of more than momentary repose, the hours
passed away, and her journey advanced much faster than she looked for. The
pressing anxieties of thought, which prevented her from noticing anything
before her, when once beyond the neighbourhood of Woodston, saved her at the
same time from watching her progress; and though no object on the road could
engage a moment’s attention, she found no stage of it tedious. From this, she
was preserved too by another cause, by feeling no eagerness for her journey’s
conclusion; for to return in such a manner to Fullerton was almost to destroy the
pleasure of a meeting with those she loved best, even after an absence such as
hers -- an eleven weeks’ absence. What had she to say that would not humble
herself and pain her family, that would not increase her own grief by the

accuse: (v) charge, incriminate,
arraign, denounce, defame,
criminate, indict, fault, betray,
condemn, inculpate. ANTONYMS:
(v) absolve, exculpate, exonerate,
praise, support, clear.
alternately: (adv) alternatively, by
turns, in turn, secondarily,
reciprocally, mutually, off-and-on,
rather, anthemwise, secondly; (adj,
adv) on and off.
ceasing: (n) stopping, subsidence.
Thesaurus
idly: (adj, adv) foolishly; (adv) vainly, assuasive; (adj, n) softening; (n)
vaguely, listlessly, forgetfully, alleviation. ANTONYMS: (adj)
distractedly; (adj) thoughtlessly. upsetting, disturbing, hostile, scary,
ANTONYM: (adv) energetically. worrying, stimulating, exasperating,
impetuous: (adj) boisterous, hasty, annoying, invigorating, painful,
fiery, headlong, heady, hot, brash, intimidating.
foolhardy, dashing, fierce; (adj, v) unceasing: (adj) ceaseless, incessant,
impulsive. ANTONYMS: (adj) perpetual, continuous, constant,
considered, careful, slow, sensible, continual, everlasting, eternal,
patient. lasting, uninterrupted, endless.
soothing: (adj) calming, soft, smooth, ANTONYMS: (adj) acute,
pacifying, quiet, restful, bland, calm, intermittent, sporadic.
 Jane Austen 227

confession of it, extend an useless resentment, and perhaps involve the innocent
with the guilty in undistinguishing ill will? She could never do justice to Henry
and Eleanor’s merit; she felt it too strongly for expression; and should a dislike
be taken against them, should they be thought of unfavourably, on their father’s
account, it would cut her to the heart.%
With these feelings, she rather dreaded than sought for the first view of that
well-known spire which would announce her within twenty miles of home.
Salisbury she had known to be her point on leaving Northanger; but after the
first stage she had been indebted to the post-masters for the names of the places
which were then to conduct her to it; so great had been her ignorance of her
route. She met with nothing, however, to distress or frighten her. Her youth,
civil manners, and liberal pay procured her all the attention that a traveller like
herself could require; and stopping only to change horses, she travelled on for
about eleven hours without accident or alarm, and between six and seven o’clock
in the evening found herself entering Fullerton.
A heroine returning, at the close of her career, to her native village, in all the
triumph of recovered reputation, and all the dignity of a countess, with a long
train of noble relations in their several phaetons, and three waiting-maids in a
travelling chaise and four, behind her, is an event on which the pen of the
contriver may well delight to dwell; it gives credit to every conclusion, and the
author must share in the glory she so liberally bestows. But my affair is widely
different; I bring back my heroine to her home in solitude and disgrace; and no
sweet elation of spirits can lead me into minuteness. A heroine in a hack post-
chaise is such a blow upon sentiment, as no attempt at grandeur or pathos can
withstand. Swiftly therefore shall her post-boy drive through the village, amid
the gaze of Sunday groups, and speedy shall be her descent from it.
But, whatever might be the distress of Catherine’s mind, as she thus
advanced towards the parsonage, and whatever the humiliation of her
biographer in relating it, she was preparing enjoyment of no everyday nature for
those to whom she went; first, in the appearance of her carriage -- and secondly,
in herself. The chaise of a traveller being a rare sight in Fullerton, the whole

biographer: (n) writer, novelist; (v)
fabulist; (adj) autobiographical,
autobiographic.
contriver: (n) inventor, schemer,
deviser, plotter, human, soul,
someone, somebody, person,
individual, mortal.
elation: (n) bliss, excitement, delight,
euphoria, rapture, joy, happiness,
joyousness, high spirits, exhilaration, pathos: (v) emotion, inspiration,
exultation. ANTONYMS: (n)
depression, sorrow, unhappiness,
Thesaurus
misery, sadness, despair, agony,
dejection, dislike, desolation.
liberally: (adv) freely, bountifully,
abundantly, munificently, profusely,
copiously, bounteously,
magnanimously, plentifully, largely,
richly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
parsimoniously, carefully, stingily,
meagerly, ungenerously.
impression, affection; (n) poignancy,
pity, ruth, commiseration, grief,
poignance, sympathy.
places: (n) chairs, seating, spaces.
spire: (n) pinnacle, minaret, top; (adj,
n) steeple; (v) coil, hover; (adj) tower,
column, obelisk, pillar, monument.
undistinguishing: (adj) indiscriminate,
promiscuous, confused.
unfavourably: (adv) adversely,
inconveniently, awkwardly,
inappropriately, showing
disapproval, inopportunely.
ANTONYM: (adv) favorably.
228 Northanger Abbey

family were immediately at the window; and to have it stop at the sweep-gate
was a pleasure to brighten every eye and occupy every fancy – a pleasure quite
unlooked for by all but the two youngest children, a boy and girl of six and four
years old, who expected a brother or sister in every carriage. Happy the glance
that first distinguished Catherine! Happy the voice that proclaimed the
discovery! But whether such happiness were the lawful property of George or
Harriet could never be exactly understood.%
Her father, mother, Sarah, George, and Harriet, all assembled at the door to
welcome her with affectionate eagerness, was a sight to awaken the best feelings
of Catherine’s heart; and in the embrace of each, as she stepped from the
carriage, she found herself soothed beyond anything that she had believed
possible. So surrounded, so caressed, she was even happy! In the joyfulness of
family love everything for a short time was subdued, and the pleasure of seeing
her, leaving them at first little leisure for calm curiosity, they were all seated
round the tea-table, which Mrs. Morland had hurried for the comfort of the poor
traveller, whose pale and jaded looks soon caught her notice, before any inquiry
so direct as to demand a positive answer was addressed to her.
Reluctantly, and with much hesitation, did she then begin what might
perhaps, at the end of half an hour, be termed, by the courtesy of her hearers, an
explanation; but scarcely, within that time, could they at all discover the cause, or
collect the particulars, of her sudden return. They were far from being an
irritable race; far from any quickness in catching, or bitterness in resenting,
affronts: but here, when the whole was unfolded, was an insult not to be
overlooked, nor, for the first half hour, to be easily pardoned. Without suffering
any romantic alarm, in the consideration of their daughter’s long and lonely
journey, Mr. and Mrs. Morland could not but feel that it might have been
productive of much unpleasantness to her; that it was what they could never
have voluntarily suffered; and that, in forcing her on such a measure, General
Tilney had acted neither honourably nor feelingly -- neither as a gentleman nor
as a parent. Why he had done it, what could have provoked him to such a
breach of hospitality, and so suddenly turned all his partial regard for their

Thesaurus
awaken: (v) arouse, wake, rouse, call, delight, glee, enjoyment, exultation, dispatch, dexterity, fleetness, hurry,
stir, kindle, get up, raise, wake up, happiness, merriment, joyousness, readiness. ANTONYMS: (n)
waken, revive. ANTONYMS: (v) pleasure, ecstasy. ANTONYMS: (n) awkwardness, delay, ineptness.
dampen, calm, retire, suppress, spoil, sorrow, misery. unpleasantness: (n) nastiness,
quench, douse, stifle. lawful: (adj) legal, just, rightful, disagreeableness, horridness,
brighten: (adj, v) clear up; (v) light, constitutional, true, right, justifiable, unkindness, awfulness, odiousness,
illuminate, burnish, clear, gild, glow, licit, regular; (n, v) allowable; (adj, v) discomfort, disagreeable, spite,
perk up, cheer, irradiate, enliven. permissible. ANTONYMS: (adj) offensiveness; (adj, n) ugliness.
ANTONYMS: (v) upset, sadden, unlawful, prohibited, ANTONYMS: (n)
overcast, fade, dim, depress, blacken, unconstitutional. straightforwardness, kindness,
spoil. quickness: (n) celerity, expedition, deliciousness, delightfulness,
joyfulness: (n) joy, exhilaration, promptness, alacrity, agility, speed, politeness, attractiveness.
 Jane Austen 229

daughter into actual ill will, was a matter which they were at least as far from
divining as Catherine herself; but it did not oppress them by any means so long;
and, after a due course of useless conjecture, that “it was a strange business, and
that he must be a very strange man,” grew enough for all their indignation and
wonder; though Sarah indeed still indulged in the sweets of
incomprehensibility, exclaiming and conjecturing with youthful ardour. “My
dear, you give yourself a great deal of needless trouble,” said her mother at last;
“depend upon it, it is something not at all worth understanding.”%
“I can allow for his wishing Catherine away, when he recollected this
engagement,” said Sarah, “but why not do it civilly?”
“I am sorry for the young people,” returned Mrs. Morland; “they must have a
sad time of it; but as for anything else, it is no matter now; Catherine is safe at
home, and our comfort does not depend upon General Tilney.” Catherine
sighed. “Well,” continued her philosophic mother, “I am glad I did not know of
your journey at the time; but now it is all over, perhaps there is no great harm
done. It is always good for young people to be put upon exerting themselves;
and you know, my dear Catherine, you always were a sad little scatter-brained
creature; but now you must have been forced to have your wits about you, with
so much changing of chaises and so forth; and I hope it will appear that you have
not left anything behind you in any of the pockets.”
Catherine hoped so too, and tried to feel an interest in her own amendment,
but her spirits were quite worn down; and, to be silent and alone becoming soon
her only wish, she readily agreed to her mother’s next counsel of going early to
bed. Her parents, seeing nothing in her ill looks and agitation but the natural
consequence of mortified feelings, and of the unusual exertion and fatigue of
such a journey, parted from her without any doubt of their being soon slept
away; and though, when they all met the next morning, her recovery was not
equal to their hopes, they were still perfectly unsuspicious of there being any
deeper evil. They never once thought of her heart, which, for the parents of a
young lady of seventeen, just returned from her first excursion from home, was
odd enough!

ardour: (n) fervency, fervidness,
fervor, fervour, fire, elan, zeal,
violence, ardency, assiduity,
application.
divining: (adj) oracular; (n) dowsing.
exclaiming: (n) deuce, Dickens,
ejaculation, exclaim, devil,
interjection, ecphonesis.
exerting: (n) push.
fatigue: (v) exhaust, tire, weary,
harass, enervate, fag, jade, wear; (n)
exhaustion, weariness, tiredness.
Thesaurus
ANTONYMS: (n) energy, liveliness,
vitality, vigor, strength; (v) energize,
renew, rejuvenate, restore,
invigorate.
incomprehensibility: (n) illegibility,
impenetrableness, impenetrability,
abstruseness, quality,
incomprehensible, inconceivability,
inexplicability, inscrutability,
opaqueness, mystique. ANTONYM:
(n) clearness.
needless: (adj, v) unnecessary,
superfluous; (adj) futile, dispensable,
bootless, excessive, preventable,
meaningless, pointless, wanton,
unavailing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
essential, worthwhile, inevitable,
justifiable.
philosophic: (v) platonic, staid, stayed,
stoical; (adj) thoughtful, rational,
patient, learned, ideologic,
ideological. ANTONYM: (adj)
nonphilosophical.
230 Northanger Abbey

As soon as breakfast was over, she sat down to fulfil her promise to Miss
Tilney, whose trust in the effect of time and distance on her friend’s disposition
was already justified, for already did Catherine reproach herself with having
parted from Eleanor coldly, with having never enough valued her merits or
kindness, and never enough commiserated her for what she had been yesterday
left to endure. The strength of these feelings, however, was far from assisting
her pen; and never had it been harder for her to write than in addressing Eleanor
Tilney. To compose a letter which might at once do justice to her sentiments and
her situation, convey gratitude without servile regret, be guarded without
coldness, and honest without resentment -- a letter which Eleanor might not be
pained by the perusal of -- and, above all, which she might not blush herself, if
Henry should chance to see, was an undertaking to frighten away all her powers
of performance; and, after long thought and much perplexity, to be very brief
was all that she could determine on with any confidence of safety. The money
therefore which Eleanor had advanced was enclosed with little more than
grateful thanks, and the thousand good wishes of a most affectionate heart.%
“This has been a strange acquaintance,” observed Mrs. Morland, as the letter
was finished; “soon made and soon ended. I am sorry it happens so, for Mrs.
Allen thought them very pretty kind of young people; and you were sadly out of
luck too in your Isabella. Ah! Poor James! Well, we must live and learn; and the
next new friends you make I hope will be better worth keeping.”
Catherine coloured as she warmly answered, “No friend can be better worth
keeping than Eleanor.”
“If so, my dear, I dare say you will meet again some time or other; do not be
uneasy. It is ten to one but you are thrown together again in the course of a few
years; and then what a pleasure it will be!”
Mrs. Morland was not happy in her attempt at consolation. The hope of
meeting again in the course of a few years could only put into Catherine’s head
what might happen within that time to make a meeting dreadful to her. She
could never forget Henry Tilney, or think of him with less tenderness than she
did at that moment; but he might forget her; and in that case, to meet -- ! Her

assisting: (adj) aiding, auxiliary,
subsidiary, suffragan, adjuvant,
supporting, support, secondary,
supplementary, assistant; (n) helping.
ANTONYM: (adj) main.
coldly: (adv) frigidly, icily, coolly,
indifferently, frostily, distantly,
gelidly, reservedly, bleakly, wintrily,
frozenly. ANTONYMS: (adv) warmly,
affectionately, sympathetically,
sensitively, kindly, cheerfully,
emotionally.
Thesaurus
compose: (v) build, compile, write,
weave; (adj, v) appease, tranquilize,
allay, lull; (n, v) calm, constitute,
settle. ANTONYMS: (v) destroy, ruin,
unsettle, annihilate, discompose,
demolish, disturb, fluster.
frighten: (v) cow, alarm, daunt, terrify,
appall, scare, affright, intimidate,
terrorize, appal; (n, v) fright.
ANTONYMS: (v) comfort, reassure,
soothe, calm.
gratitude: (n) appreciation, thanks,
thank, acknowledgement,
acknowledgment, appreciativeness,
feeling, appreciate, grateful,
thanksgiving, kindness.
ANTONYMS: (n) ingratitude,
ungratefulness.
harder: (adj) serious.
servile: (adj) abject, obsequious, base,
fawning, ignoble, sordid, subservient,
cringing, slavish; (adj, n) mean, low.
ANTONYMS: (adj) bossy, assertive.
 Jane Austen 231

eyes filled with tears as she pictured her acquaintance so renewed; and her
mother, perceiving her comfortable suggestions to have had no good effect,
proposed, as another expedient for restoring her spirits, that they should call on
Mrs. Allen.%
The two houses were only a quarter of a mile apart; and, as they walked, Mrs.
Morland quickly dispatched all that she felt on the score of James’s
disappointment. “We are sorry for him,” said she; “but otherwise there is no
harm done in the match going off; for it could not be a desirable thing to have
him engaged to a girl whom we had not the smallest acquaintance with, and
who was so entirely without fortune; and now, after such behaviour, we cannot
think at all well of her. Just at present it comes hard to poor James; but that will
not last forever; and I dare say he will be a discreeter man all his life, for the
foolishness of his first choice.”
This was just such a summary view of the affair as Catherine could listen to;
another sentence might have endangered her complaisance, and made her reply
less rational; for soon were all her thinking powers swallowed up in the
reflection of her own change of feelings and spirits since last she had trodden
that well-known road. It was not three months ago since, wild with joyful
expectation, she had there run backwards and forwards some ten times a day,
with an heart light, gay, and independent; looking forward to pleasures untasted
and unalloyed, and free from the apprehension of evil as from the knowledge of
it. Three months ago had seen her all this; and now, how altered a being did she
return!
She was received by the Allens with all the kindness which her unlooked-for
appearance, acting on a steady affection, would naturally call forth; and great
was their surprise, and warm their displeasure, on hearing how she had been
treated -- though Mrs. Morland’s account of it was no inflated representation, no
studied appeal to their passions. “Catherine took us quite by surprise yesterday
evening,” said she. “She travelled all the way post by herself, and knew nothing
of coming till Saturday night; for General Tilney, from some odd fancy or other,
all of a sudden grew tired of having her there, and almost turned her out of the

Thesaurus
dispatched: (adj) fulfilled, finished. grown. restoration; (adj) grateful, refective,
endangered: (n) tiger, white inflated: (adj) grandiloquent, comforting, refreshing.
rhinoceros; (adj) risky, vulnerable, exaggerated, puffy, conceited, smallest: (adj) least, minimal, littlest,
defenseless, at risk, in danger. hyperbolic, vain, bloated, swollen, lowest, last, first, negligible, smallest
foolishness: (n) folly, fatuity, extravagant, flatulent; (adj, v) number of, bottom, littler.
craziness, nonsense, stupidity, distended. ANTONYMS: (adj) ANTONYM: (adj) maximum.
indiscretion, ineptitude, mistake, deflated, humble, cheap, reasonable. unalloyed: (adj) pure, unadulterated,
fatuousness, irrationality; (adj, n) pictured: (adj) envisioned, portrayed, genuine, unsophisticated, solid,
silliness. ANTONYMS: (n) prudence, graphic, delineate, delineated, unfortified, untinged, sheer, true; (v)
sense, sensibleness, understanding, impictured, unreal, visualised, painless, without alloy.
forethought, responsibility. visualized, impressed. untasted: (adj) fuller, full, still full,
grew: (v) become, develop; (adj) restoring: (n) reinstatement, untouched, unswayed.
232 Northanger Abbey

house. Very unfriendly, certainly; and he must be a very odd man; but we are so
glad to have her amongst us again! And it is a great comfort to find that she is
not a poor helpless creature, but can shift very well for herself.”
Mr. Allen expressed himself on the occasion with the reasonable resentment
of a sensible friend; and Mrs. Allen thought his expressions quite good enough to
be immediately made use of again by herself. His wonder, his conjectures, and
his explanations became in succession hers, with the addition of this single
remark -- “I really have not patience with the general” -- to fill up every
accidental pause. And, “I really have not patience with the general,” was uttered
twice after Mr. Allen left the room, without any relaxation of anger, or any
material digression of thought. A more considerable degree of wandering
attended the third repetition; and, after completing the fourth, she immediately
added, “Only think, my dear, of my having got that frightful great rent in my
best Mechlin so charmingly mended, before I left Bath, that one can hardly see
where it was. I must show it you some day or other. Bath is a nice place,
Catherine, after all. I assure you I did not above half like coming away. Mrs.
Thorpe’s being there was such a comfort to us, was not it? You know, you and I
were quite forlorn at first.”
“Yes, but that did not last long,” said Catherine, her eyes brightening at the
recollection of what had first given spirit to her existence there.%
“Very true: we soon met with Mrs. Thorpe, and then we wanted for nothing.
My dear, do not you think these silk gloves wear very well? I put them on new
the first time of our going to the Lower Rooms, you know, and I have worn them
a great deal since. Do you remember that evening?”
“Do I! Oh! Perfectly.”
“It was very agreeable, was not it? Mr. Tilney drank tea with us, and I
always thought him a great addition, he is so very agreeable. I have a notion you
danced with him, but am not quite sure. I remember I had my favourite gown
on.”

brightening: (n) blooming, polishing,
limb, illumination, first blush, break
of day.
forlorn: (adj) hopeless, desolate,
despairing, unhappy, miserable,
deserted, disconsolate, downcast,
cheerless, wretched, abject.
ANTONYMS: (adj) happy, hopeful,
fine.
gloves: (n) gauntlet, mitten, mittens,
gauntlets, scarf, ornament, handbag,
belt, batting glove, boxing glove,
Thesaurus
baseball mitt.
helpless: (adj, v) forlorn, destitute,
abandoned; (adj) powerless, weak,
defenseless, disabled, impotent,
feeble, hopeless, unable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strong,
independent, capable, invulnerable,
armed, powerful, impervious.
silk: (adj) silky, down, silken, velure,
velvet; (n) silks, satin, cloth, animal
fiber, fabric, dental floss.
unfriendly: (adj) inimical, distant,
adverse, antagonistic, unkind, cold,
inhospitable, icy; (adj, adv) chilly; (adj,
v) unfavorable; (adv) hostilely.
ANTONYMS: (adj) friendly,
welcoming, warm, amiable,
approachable, sociable, hospitable,
kindly, nice, outgoing, pleasant.
wandering: (adj) itinerant, nomadic,
erratic, rambling, errant, migratory;
(adj, v) stray, vagrant, vagabond,
unsettled; (n) peregrination.
ANTONYM: (adj) resident.
 Jane Austen 233

Catherine could not answer; and, after a short trial of other subjects, Mrs.
Allen again returned to -- “I really have not patience with the general! Such an
agreeable, worthy man as he seemed to be! I do not suppose, Mrs. Morland, you
ever saw a better-bred man in your life. His lodgings were taken the very day
after he left them, Catherine. But no wonder; Milsom Street, you know.”
As they walked home again, Mrs. Morland endeavoured to impress on her
daughter’s mind the happiness of having such steady well-wishers as Mr. and
Mrs. Allen, and the very little consideration which the neglect or unkindness of
slight acquaintance like the Tilneys ought to have with her, while she could
preserve the good opinion and affection of her earliest friends. There was a great
deal of good sense in all this; but there are some situations of the human mind in
which good sense has very little power; and Catherine’s feelings contradicted
almost every position her mother advanced. It was upon the behaviour of these
very slight acquaintance that all her present happiness depended; and while Mrs.
Morland was successfully confirming her own opinions by the justness of her
own representations, Catherine was silently reflecting that now Henry must
have arrived at Northanger; now he must have heard of her departure; and now,
perhaps, they were all setting off for Hereford.%

arrived: (adv) here, at home; (adj)
accepted.
confirming: (adj) affirmative,
confirmatory, corroborative,
collateral, verifying, confirmative,
corroboratory, positive,
substantiating, substantiative,
validating.
impress: (n, v) mark, print, stamp; (v)
move, affect, inscribe, instill, touch,
emboss, inculcate; (n) impression.
neglect: (n, v) disregard, slight,
Thesaurus
default; (v) ignore, fail, overlook,
miss, forget, drop; (n) carelessness,
omission. ANTONYMS: (n)
development, surveillance, caution,
affection, cherish; (v) do, protect,
complete, remember, heed; (n, v)
care.
patience: (n) endurance, fortitude,
longanimity, equanimity, tolerance,
resignation, restraint, composure,
sufferance; (n, v) moderation,
calmness. ANTONYMS: (n)
impatience, eagerness, intolerance,
annoyance.
reflecting: (adv) reflectingly; (adj)
reflective, thoughtful, calculating,
reflected, shiny, shimmering,
reflectent; (n) mirroring, reflection,
reflexion.
silently: (adv) mutely, stilly, quietly,
noiselessly, soundlessly, taciturnly,
wordlessly, secretly, speechlessly,
placidly, tacitly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
loudly, audibly, openly, brazenly.
 Jane Austen 235

CHAPTER 30

Catherine’s disposition was not naturally sedentary, nor had her habits been
ever very industrious; but whatever might hitherto have been her defects of that
sort, her mother could not but perceive them now to be greatly increased. She
could neither sit still nor employ herself for ten minutes together, walking round
the garden and orchard again and again, as if nothing but motion was voluntary;
and it seemed as if she could even walk about the house rather than remain fixed
for any time in the parlour. Her loss of spirits was a yet greater alteration. In her
rambling and her idleness she might only be a caricature of herself; but in her
silence and sadness she was the very reverse of all that she had been before.%
For two days Mrs. Morland allowed it to pass even without a hint; but when
a third night’s rest had neither restored her cheerfulness, improved her in useful
activity, nor given her a greater inclination for needlework, she could no longer
refrain from the gentle reproof of, “My dear Catherine, I am afraid you are
growing quite a fine lady. I do not know when poor Richard’s cravats would be
done, if he had no friend but you. Your head runs too much upon Bath; but
there is a time for everything -- a time for balls and plays, and a time for work.
You have had a long run of amusement, and now you must try to be useful.”
Catherine took up her work directly, saying, in a dejected voice, that “her
head did not run upon Bath -- much.”

caricature: (n) burlesque, satire,
cartoon, takeoff; (n, v) lampoon,
ridicule; (v) ape, travesty, take off,
spoof, mimic.
hint: (v) suggest; (adj, n) trace; (n)
suggestion, intimation, inkling, cue,
allusion; (n, v) tip, touch, dash; (adj, v)
intimate. ANTONYM: (n) overtone.
industrious: (adj) diligent, assiduous,
indefatigable, busy, energetic,
hardworking, laborious, tireless,
earnest, keen, enterprising.
Thesaurus
ANTONYMS: (adj) indolent, idle, excursive, meandering, diffuse, loose,
destructive, weary, careless. errant; (adj, n) wandering.
needlework: (n) stitchery, sewing, ANTONYMS: (adj) coherent, abrupt,
needlecraft, stitching, knitwork, conclusive, pithy, taciturn, compact.
crochet, crocheting, knit, knitting, refrain: (v) desist, cease, fast, avoid,
fancywork, creation. leave off, withhold, stop, spare; (adj,
orchard: (n) park, garden, plantation, v) forbear; (n) chorus, hold.
arboretum, avenue, pinetum, ANTONYMS: (v) participate, act,
shrubbery, woodlet, parterre, pinery, consume, persist.
copse. sedentary: (adj) lazy, sluggish,
rambling: (adj) disjointed, incoherent, motionless, stationary, domestic; (v)
desultory, discursive, erratic, untraveled. ANTONYM: (adj) mobile.
236 Northanger Abbey

“Then you are fretting about General Tilney, and that is very simple of you;
for ten to one whether you ever see him again. You should never fret about
trifles.” After a short silence -- “I hope, my Catherine, you are not getting out of
humour with home because it is not so grand as Northanger. That would be
turning your visit into an evil indeed. Wherever you are you should always be
contented, but especially at home, because there you must spend the most of
your time. I did not quite like, at breakfast, to hear you talk so much about the
French bread at Northanger.”%
“I am sure I do not care about the bread. it is all the same to me what I eat.”
“There is a very clever essay in one of the books upstairs upon much such a
subject, about young girls that have been spoilt for home by great acquaintance -
- The Mirror, I think. I will look it out for you some day or other, because I am
sure it will do you good.”
Catherine said no more, and, with an endeavour to do right, applied to her
work; but, after a few minutes, sunk again, without knowing it herself, into
languor and listlessness, moving herself in her chair, from the irritation of
weariness, much oftener than she moved her needle. Mrs. Morland watched the
progress of this relapse; and seeing, in her daughter’s absent and dissatisfied
look, the full proof of that repining spirit to which she had now begun to
attribute her want of cheerfulness, hastily left the room to fetch the book in
question, anxious to lose no time in attacking so dreadful a malady. It was some
time before she could find what she looked for; and other family matters
occurring to detain her, a quarter of an hour had elapsed ere she returned
downstairs with the volume from which so much was hoped. Her avocations
above having shut out all noise but what she created herself, she knew not that a
visitor had arrived within the last few minutes, till, on entering the room, the
first object she beheld was a young man whom she had never seen before. With
a look of much respect, he immediately rose, and being introduced to her by her
conscious daughter as “Mr. Henry Tilney,” with the embarrassment of real
sensibility began to apologize for his appearance there, acknowledging that after
what had passed he had little right to expect a welcome at Fullerton, and stating

acknowledging: (n) agreement; (adj)
responsive, affirmative.
dissatisfied: (adj) discontent,
disgruntled, disappointed, put out,
displeased, malcontent, grumpy,
annoyed, disaffected; (adj, v)
querulous, complaining.
ANTONYMS: (adj) content,
contented, happy, fulfilled, gratified,
pleased, idealistic.
fret: (n, v) gall, irritate, trouble, worry;
(v) agitate, chafe, rub, fray, upset,
Thesaurus
annoy; (n) anxiety. recur, deteriorate. ANTONYMS: (v)
fretting: (adj) irritable, dissatisfied, improve, recover, progress; (n)
peevish; (n) festering, friction, improvement, recovery,
exulceration. regeneration.
listlessness: (n) lethargy, apathy, repining: (n) regret, plaintive,
languor, lassitude, inertia, disregard, lamenting, mourning, grief,
torpidity, torpor, ennui, boredom, mournful; (v) taking on; (adj)
fatigue. regretful.
occurring: (adj) going on. spoilt: (adj) spoiled, blighted, be
relapse: (n, v) regress, decline, fall; (n) stunted, destroyed, unsound,
recidivism, recurrence, regression, corrupt, disordered, reproduced
deterioration; (v) backslide, revert, fraudulently, defective, defiled, big.
 Jane Austen 237

his impatience to be assured of Miss Morland’s having reached her home in

safety, as the cause of his intrusion. He did not address himself to an uncandid
judge or a resentful heart. Far from comprehending him or his sister in their
father’s misconduct, Mrs. Morland had been always kindly disposed towards
each, and instantly, pleased by his appearance, received him with the simple
professions of unaffected benevolence; thanking him for such an attention to her
daughter, assuring him that the friends of her children were always welcome
there, and entreating him to say not another word of the past.%
He was not ill-inclined to obey this request, for, though his heart was greatly
relieved by such unlooked-for mildness, it was not just at that moment in his
power to say anything to the purpose. Returning in silence to his seat, therefore,
he remained for some minutes most civilly answering all Mrs. Morland’s
common remarks about the weather and roads. Catherine meanwhile -- the
anxious, agitated, happy, feverish Catherine -- said not a word; but her glowing
cheek and brightened eye made her mother trust that this good-natured visit
would at least set her heart at ease for a time, and gladly therefore did she lay
aside the first volume of The Mirror for a future hour.
Desirous of Mr. Morland’s assistance, as well in giving encouragement, as in
finding conversation for her guest, whose embarrassment on his father’s account
she earnestly pitied, Mrs. Morland had very early dispatched one of the children
to summon him; but Mr. Morland was from home -- and being thus without any
support, at the end of a quarter of an hour she had nothing to say. After a couple
of minutes’ unbroken silence, Henry, turning to Catherine for the first time since
her mother’s entrance, asked her, with sudden alacrity, if Mr. and Mrs. Allen
were now at Fullerton? And on developing, from amidst all her perplexity of
words in reply, the meaning, which one short syllable would have given,
immediately expressed his intention of paying his respects to them, and, with a
rising colour, asked her if she would have the goodness to show him the way.
“You may see the house from this window, sir,” was information on Sarah’s side,
which produced only a bow of acknowledgment from the gentleman, and a
silencing nod from her mother; for Mrs. Morland, thinking it probable, as a

acknowledgment: (n) admission,
acknowledgement, acceptance,
confession, greeting, credit,
allowance, declaration, agreement,
thanks, gratitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
rejection, ungratefulness, oversight,
snub, ignoring, invoice, blame,
defiance.
alacrity: (n) rapidity, speed,
promptness, activity, preparedness,
velocity, haste, swiftness, quickness,
expedition; (adj) life. ANTONYMS:
Thesaurus
(n) aversion, reservation, reluctance, frenzied, fevered, excited, sick,
indifference, hesitance, dullness, fanatical; (adj, v) hot, flushed; (adj, n)
disinclination, apathy, tardiness, hysterical. ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
delay. afebrile, collected, composed,
benevolence: (n) beneficence, mellow.
affection, favor, mercy, compassion, mildness: (adj, n) gentleness, kindness,
favour, kindness, benefaction, pity, benignity, compassion, goodness; (n)
kindliness, generosity. ANTONYMS: lenity, mercy, meekness, leniency,
(n) malevolence, meanness, cruelty, lenience, tenderness. ANTONYMS:
misanthropy, wickedness, nastiness, (n) roughness, pungency.
malice. uncandid: (adj) disingenuous, mean,
feverish: (adj) febrile, feverous, fiery, not ingenuous, unfair, not noble.
238 Northanger Abbey

secondary consideration in his wish of waiting on their worthy neighbours, that

he might have some explanation to give of his father’s behaviour, which it must
be more pleasant for him to communicate only to Catherine, would not on any
account prevent her accompanying him. They began their walk, and Mrs.
Morland was not entirely mistaken in his object in wishing it. Some explanation
on his father’s account he had to give; but his first purpose was to explain
himself, and before they reached Mr. Allen’s grounds he had done it so well that
Catherine did not think it could ever be repeated too often. She was assured of
his affection; and that heart in return was solicited, which, perhaps, they pretty
equally knew was already entirely his own; for, though Henry was now sincerely
attached to her, though he felt and delighted in all the excellencies of her
character and truly loved her society, I must confess that his affection originated
in nothing better than gratitude, or, in other words, that a persuasion of her
partiality for him had been the only cause of giving her a serious thought. It is a
new circumstance in romance, I acknowledge, and dreadfully derogatory of an
heroine’s dignity; but if it be as new in common life, the credit of a wild
imagination will at least be all my own.%
A very short visit to Mrs. Allen, in which Henry talked at random, without
sense or connection, and Catherine, rapt in the contemplation of her own
unutterable happiness, scarcely opened her lips, dismissed them to the ecstasies
of another tete-a-tete; and before it was suffered to close, she was enabled to
judge how far he was sanctioned by parental authority in his present
application. On his return from Woodston, two days before, he had been met
near the abbey by his impatient father, hastily informed in angry terms of Miss
Morland’s departure, and ordered to think of her no more.
Such was the permission upon which he had now offered her his hand. The
affrighted Catherine, amidst all the terrors of expectation, as she listened to this
account, could not but rejoice in the kind caution with which Henry had saved
her from the necessity of a conscientious rejection, by engaging her faith before
he mentioned the subject; and as he proceeded to give the particulars, and
explain the motives of his father’s conduct, her feelings soon hardened into even

conscientious: (adj) scrupulous,
painstaking, honest, thorough,
meticulous, dutiful, close, principled, flattering, positive, complimentary,
strict; (adj, v) ethical, moral.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sloppy,
unconscientious, immoral,
irresponsible, unscrupulous,
conscienceless, corrupt, dishonest,
inexact, slack, slipshod.
derogatory: (adj) derogative,
disparaging, abusive, insulting,
slanderous, pejorative, degrading,
Thesaurus
critical, contemptuous, detracting; inattentive, uninterested, bored.
(adj, v) detractory. ANTONYMS: (adj) sanctioned: (adj) approved, legitimate,
authorized, canonical, official, legal,
fulsome, praising, appreciative, accepted, canonic, orthodox; (v)
approving, favorable. allowed; (adj, v) privileged.
dismissed: (adj) discharged, tete-a-tete: (n) gab, conversation, chat.
unemployed, clear, convalescent. unutterable: (adj) indescribable,
rapt: (adj) engrossed, intent, ecstatic, unspeakable, inexpressible,
preoccupied, spellbound, captive, unpronounceable, indefinable,
enthralled, attentive, fixed, untellable, unnameable,
enwrapped; (v) engrossed in. unapproachable, beyond description,
ANTONYMS: (adj) detached, incommunicable, terrible.
 Jane Austen 239

a triumphant delight. The general had had nothing to accuse her of, nothing to
lay to her charge, but her being the involuntary, unconscious object of a
deception which his pride could not pardon, and which a better pride would
have been ashamed to own. She was guilty only of being less rich than he had
supposed her to be. Under a mistaken persuasion of her possessions and claims,
he had courted her acquaintance in Bath, solicited her company at Northanger,
and designed her for his daughter-in-law. On discovering his error, to turn her
from the house seemed the best, though to his feelings an inadequate proof of his
resentment towards herself, and his contempt of her family.%
John Thorpe had first misled him. The general, perceiving his son one night
at the theatre to be paying considerable attention to Miss Morland, had
accidentally inquired of Thorpe if he knew more of her than her name. Thorpe,
most happy to be on speaking terms with a man of General Tilney’s importance,
had been joyfully and proudly communicative; and being at that time not only in
daily expectation of Morland’s engaging Isabella, but likewise pretty well
resolved upon marrying Catherine himself, his vanity induced him to represent
the family as yet more wealthy than his vanity and avarice had made him believe
them. With whomsoever he was, or was likely to be connected, his own
consequence always required that theirs should be great, and as his intimacy
with any acquaintance grew, so regularly grew their fortune. The expectations of
his friend Morland, therefore, from the first overrated, had ever since his
introduction to Isabella been gradually increasing; and by merely adding twice
as much for the grandeur of the moment, by doubling what he chose to think the
amount of Mr. Morland’s preferment, trebling his private fortune, bestowing a
rich aunt, and sinking half the children, he was able to represent the whole
family to the general in a most respectable light. For Catherine, however, the
peculiar object of the general’s curiosity, and his own speculations, he had yet
something more in reserve, and the ten or fifteen thousand pounds which her
father could give her would be a pretty addition to Mr. Allen’s estate. Her
intimacy there had made him seriously determine on her being handsomely
legacied hereafter; and to speak of her therefore as the almost acknowledged
future heiress of Fullerton naturally followed. Upon such intelligence the
Thesaurus
avarice: (n) cupidity, covetousness, duplicity; (v) guile. unconscious, unintentional, forced,
rapacity, avariciousness, avidity, engaging: (adj, v) charming, inviting, mechanical, unthinking, reluctant,
eagerness, voracity, voraciousness, prepossessing; (adj) attractive, unwilling, compulsory, inadvertent,
stinginess; (adj, n) greediness; (adj) interesting, lovable, delightful, accidental. ANTONYMS: (adj)
extortion. ANTONYMS: (n) appealing, pleasant, captivating; (adv) voluntary, intentional, intended,
philanthropy, benevolence, charity. engagingly. ANTONYMS: (adj) willing.
chose: (v) choose, opt, decide; (n) repulsive, loathsome, repellant, preferment: (n) advancement,
thing. unattractive, undesirable, unlikable, elevation, priority, preference,
discovering: (adj) observant, oracular. dull, unpleasant, repellent. consecration, induction, institution,
doubling: (n) folding, duplication, heiress: (n) inheritress, inheritrix, ordination, holy orders, translation;
repetition, artifice, twisting, furring, inheritor, heritor, owner, beneficiary. (n, v) promotion. ANTONYM: (n)
gemination, plication, reduplication, involuntary: (adj) instinctive, demotion.
240 Northanger Abbey

general %had proceeded; for never had it occurred to him to doubt its authority.
Thorpe’s interest in the family, by his sister’s approaching connection with one of
its members, and his own views on another (circumstances of which he boasted
with almost equal openness), seemed sufficient vouchers for his truth; and to
these were added the absolute facts of the Allens being wealthy and childless, of
Miss Morland’s being under their care, and -- as soon as his acquaintance
allowed him to judge -- of their treating her with parental kindness. His
resolution was soon formed. Already had he discerned a liking towards Miss
Morland in the countenance of his son; and thankful for Mr. Thorpe’s
communication, he almost instantly determined to spare no pains in weakening
his boasted interest and ruining his dearest hopes. Catherine herself could not be
more ignorant at the time of all this, than his own children. Henry and Eleanor,
perceiving nothing in her situation likely to engage their father’s particular
respect, had seen with astonishment the suddenness, continuance, and extent of
his attention; and though latterly, from some hints which had accompanied an
almost positive command to his son of doing everything in his power to attach
her, Henry was convinced of his father’s believing it to be an advantageous
connection, it was not till the late explanation at Northanger that they had the
smallest idea of the false calculations which had hurried him on. That they were
false, the general had learnt from the very person who had suggested them, from
Thorpe himself, whom he had chanced to meet again in town, and who, under
the influence of exactly opposite feelings, irritated by Catherine’s refusal, and yet
more by the failure of a very recent endeavour to accomplish a reconciliation
between Morland and Isabella, convinced that they were separated forever, and
spurning a friendship which could be no longer serviceable, hastened to
contradict all that he had said before to the advantage of the Morlands --
confessed himself to have been totally mistaken in his opinion of their
circumstances and character, misled by the rhodomontade of his friend to
believe his father a man of substance and credit, whereas the transactions of the
two or three last weeks proved him to be neither; for after coming eagerly
forward on the first overture of a marriage between the families, with the most
liberal proposals, he had, on being brought to the point by the shrewdness of the

accomplish: (v) perform, reach, do,
compass, perfect, attain, make, fulfill,
realize, execute, carry out.
ANTONYMS: (v) abandon, neglect,
choke, blow, lose.
childless: (adj) sterile, unfruitful,
issueless, infertile, bare, bereaved,
bleak, unkind, unproductive, orbate.
latterly: (adv) lately, lastly, late,
subsequently, finally, of late, newly,
ultimately, secondly, freshly,
afterward. ANTONYM: (adv)
Thesaurus
initially. ruining: (n) ruin, laying waste,
overture: (n, v) offer, advance; (n) devastation, wrecking, razing,
prelude, approach, introduction, damage, collapse, desolation,
preface, opening, presentation, feeler, destruction, dilapidation; (adj)
bid, motion. ANTONYMS: (n) finale, deleterious.
conclusion, postscript. shrewdness: (n) craftiness,
parental: (adj) paternal, motherly, perspicacity, astuteness, gumption,
parent, enatic, enate, agnatic, agnate. ingenuity, foxiness, craft, cunning,
ANTONYM: (adj) filial. cleverness, sharpness, sagacity.
proposals: (n) suggestion. ANTONYMS: (n) stupidity,
rhodomontade: (n) braggadocio, ingenuousness, ineptness.
bravado, rodomontade. spurning: (n) disbelief, renunciation.
 Jane Austen 241

relator, been constrained to acknowledge himself incapable of giving the young

people even a decent support. They were, in fact, a necessitous family;
numerous, too, almost beyond example; by no means respected in their own
neighbourhood, as he had lately had particular opportunities of discovering;
aiming at a style of life which their fortune could not warrant; seeking to better
themselves by wealthy connections; a forward, bragging, scheming race.%
The terrified general pronounced the name of Allen with an inquiring look;
and here too Thorpe had learnt his error. The Allens, he believed, had lived near
them too long, and he knew the young man on whom the Fullerton estate must
devolve. The general needed no more. Enraged with almost everybody in the
world but himself, he set out the next day for the abbey, where his performances
have been seen.
I leave it to my reader’s sagacity to determine how much of all this it was
possible for Henry to communicate at this time to Catherine, how much of it he
could have learnt from his father, in what points his own conjectures might assist
him, and what portion must yet remain to be told in a letter from James. I have
united for their case what they must divide for mine. Catherine, at any rate,
heard enough to feel that in suspecting General Tilney of either murdering or
shutting up his wife, she had scarcely sinned against his character, or magnified
his cruelty.
Henry, in having such things to relate of his father, was almost as pitiable as
in their first avowal to himself. He blushed for the narrow-minded counsel
which he was obliged to expose. The conversation between them at Northanger
had been of the most unfriendly kind. Henry’s indignation on hearing how
Catherine had been treated, on comprehending his father’s views, and being
ordered to acquiesce in them, had been open and bold. The general, accustomed
on every ordinary occasion to give the law in his family, prepared for no
reluctance but of feeling, no opposing desire that should dare to clothe itself in
words, could ill brook the opposition of his son, steady as the sanction of reason
and the dictate of conscience could make it. But, in such a cause, his anger,
though it must shock, could not intimidate Henry, who was sustained in his

abbey: (n) monastery, convent,
church, priory, nunnery, friary,
clergyman.
avowal: (n) declaration, assertion,
affirmation, admission, statement,
recognition, acknowledgement,
announcement, confession,
testimony; (n, v) profession.
bragging: (n) brag, swagger, bluff,
bluster, conceit, arrogance; (adj)
arrogant, boastful, big, overweening, pitiable: (adj) forlorn, abject, pathetic, ingenuous, straightforward, open,
braggy. ANTONYMS: (adj) modest;
Thesaurus
(n) timidity.
devolve: (v) fall, cede, assign, light,
pass on, pass, deliver, descend, give
up, surrender, come down.
ANTONYM: (v) centralize.
necessitous: (adj) indigent, destitute,
necessary, poor, impoverished,
penniless, meagre, indispensable,
poverty-stricken; (adj, n) pinched; (n) devious, astute, intriguing; (adj, n)
straitened.
miserable, pitiful, wretched,
lamentable, poor, squalid; (adj, v)
deplorable, mournful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) privileged, strong.
relator: (n) storyteller, raconteur,
speaker, penny dreadful, informer,
dime novel, teller of tales, reporter.
scheming: (adj) designing, artful,
crafty, wily, tricky, sly, shrewd,
cunning. ANTONYMS: (adj) honest,
straight, guileless; (n) ingenuousness.
242 Northanger Abbey

purpose by a conviction of its justice. He felt himself bound as much in honour

as in affection to Miss Morland, and believing that heart to be his own which he
had been directed to gain, no unworthy retraction of a tacit consent, no
reversing decree of unjustifiable anger, could shake his fidelity, or influence the
resolutions it prompted.%
He steadily refused to accompany his father into Herefordshire, an
engagement formed almost at the moment to promote the dismissal of Catherine,
and as steadily declared his intention of offering her his hand. The general was
furious in his anger, and they parted in dreadful disagreement. Henry, in an
agitation of mind which many solitary hours were required to compose, had
returned almost instantly to Woodston, and, on the afternoon of the following
day, had begun his journey to Fullerton.

Thesaurus
disagreement: (n) discrepancy, repudiation. ANTONYM: (n) voiceless, mute, mum; (n) tace; (v) not
dispute, conflict, contention, confirmation. expressed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
variance, scrap, argument, difference reversing: (n) overturning, spoken, express.
of opinion, dissension; (n, v) discord; renversement, cancellation. unjustifiable: (adj) unwarranted,
(adj, n) dissidence. ANTONYMS: (n) solitary: (adj) forlorn, only, alone, unwarrantable, unreasonable,
accord, harmony, consistency, single, lonely, lone, sole, inexcusable, unjustified, unfair,
compatibility, treaty, sameness, pact, unaccompanied, isolated; (adj, n) unfounded, unforgivable,
consent, concord, acceptance, unity. recluse; (n) hermit. ANTONYMS: unallowable, undue; (adj, v)
retraction: (n) cancellation, (adj) sociable, combined, common, unpardonable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
recantation, annulment, withdrawal, outgoing. justifiable, excusable,
abjuration, recall, rescission, tacit: (adj) silent, implicit, understood, understandable, fair, justified,
retractation, backdown, abolition; (v) implied, undeclared, unspoken, necessary.
 Jane Austen 243

CHAPTER 31

Mr. and Mrs. Morland’s surprise on being applied to by Mr. Tilney for their
consent to his marrying their daughter was, for a few minutes, considerable, it
having never entered their heads to suspect an attachment on either side; but as
nothing, after all, could be more natural than Catherine’s being beloved, they
soon learnt to consider it with only the happy agitation of gratified pride, and, as
far as they alone were concerned, had not a single objection to start. His pleasing
manners and good sense were self-evident recommendations; and having never
heard evil of him, it was not their way to suppose any evil could be told.
Goodwill supplying the place of experience, his character needed no attestation.
“Catherine would make a sad, heedless young housekeeper to be sure,” was her
mother’s foreboding remark; but quick was the consolation of there being
nothing like practice.%
There was but one obstacle, in short, to be mentioned; but till that one was
removed, it must be impossible for them to sanction the engagement. Their
tempers were mild, but their principles were steady, and while his parent so
expressly forbade the connection, they could not allow themselves to encourage
it. That the general should come forward to solicit the alliance, or that he should
even very heartily approve it, they were not refined enough to make any
parading stipulation; but the decent appearance of consent must be yielded, and
that once obtained -- and their own hearts made them trust that it could not be
Thesaurus
attestation: (n) affirmation, evidence, refined: (adj) delicate, cultured, reject, outlaw, debar; (n, v) ban, veto;
confirmation, attest, assertion, graceful, polite, gentle, urbane, (n) reward, prohibition, refusal.
certificate, proof, affidavit, courteous, courtly, cultivated; (adj, n) self-evident: (adj) axiomatic, obvious,
verification, profession, approbation. polished, pure. ANTONYMS: (adj) apparent, demonstrable, perspicuous,
forbade: (v) prohibit, to prohibit. unrefined, raw, uncouth, rough, proverbial, unquestionable.
heedless: (adj) careless, reckless, careless, crude, brute, boorish, plain, solicit: (v) crave, request, petition, ask,
inattentive, neglectful, negligent, lowly, inelegant. pray, importune, require, apply,
thoughtless, rash, regardless, sanction: (n, v) warrant, countenance, implore, demand; (adj, v) court.
unwary, indifferent; (adj, v) wanton. assent, consent, license; (v) approve, stipulation: (n) condition, provision,
ANTONYMS: (adj) heedful, attentive, okay, authorize; (n) endorsement, covenant, proviso, compact, promise,
mindful, conscientious, prudent, permission, authority. ANTONYMS: requirement, clause, restriction,
careful, cautious. (v) forbid, prohibit, disapprove, qualification, contract.
244 Northanger Abbey

very long denied -- their willing approbation was instantly to follow. His
consent was all that they wished for. They were no more inclined than entitled
to demand his money. Of a very considerable fortune, his son was, by marriage
settlements, eventually secure; his present income was an income of
independence and comfort, and under every pecuniary view, it was a match
beyond the claims of their daughter.%
The young people could not be surprised at a decision like this. They felt and
they deplored -- but they could not resent it; and they parted, endeavouring to
hope that such a change in the general, as each believed almost impossible, might
speedily take place, to unite them again in the fullness of privileged affection.
Henry returned to what was now his only home, to watch over his young
plantations, and extend his improvements for her sake, to whose share in them
he looked anxiously forward; and Catherine remained at Fullerton to cry.
Whether the torments of absence were softened by a clandestine
correspondence, let us not inquire. Mr. and Mrs. Morland never did -- they had
been too kind to exact any promise; and whenever Catherine received a letter, as,
at that time, happened pretty often, they always looked another way.
The anxiety, which in this state of their attachment must be the portion of
Henry and Catherine, and of all who loved either, as to its final event, can hardly
extend, I fear, to the bosom of my readers, who will see in the tell-tale
compression of the pages before them, that we are all hastening together to
perfect felicity. The means by which their early marriage was effected can be the
only doubt: what probable circumstance could work upon a temper like the
general’s? The circumstance which chiefly availed was the marriage of his
daughter with a man of fortune and consequence, which took place in the course
of the summer -- an accession of dignity that threw him into a fit of good
humour, from which he did not recover till after Eleanor had obtained his
forgiveness of Henry, and his permission for him “to be a fool if he liked it!”
The marriage of Eleanor Tilney, her removal from all the evils of such a home
as Northanger had been made by Henry’s banishment, to the home of her choice
and the man of her choice, is an event which I expect to give general satisfaction

Thesaurus
banishment: (n) expulsion, ostracism, underhanded, furtive, covert; (adj, v) hastening: (n) quickening, speed,
ouster, proscription, relegation, private, privy. ANTONYMS: (adj) hurrying, speeding up, faster, fast,
ejection, deportation, dismissal, public, forthright, overt, aboveboard, stepping up.
expatriation; (adj, n) exclusion; (adj) known, transparent, blatant. obtained: (adj) fulfilled, derivative.
excommunication. evils: (n) mala. pecuniary: (adj) financial, fiscal,
bosom: (n) heart, interior, boob, fullness: (n) completeness, breadth, commercial, economic, nummulary,
thorax, chest, bust, tit; (n, v) embrace; entirety, abundance, sumptuary, numismatical, pecunial,
(v) cherish, hug; (adj) intimate. comprehensiveness, ampleness, crumenal.
ANTONYMS: (n) outside, exteriority. largeness, repletion, wholeness, softened: (adj) diffused, muffled,
clandestine: (adj) surreptitious, totality, richness. ANTONYMS: (n) muted, quiet, slow, touched,
undercover, underhand, narrowness, incompleteness, sluggish, soften, pultaceous,
underground, hidden, stealthy, thinness, weakness. subdued, low-key.
 Jane Austen 245

among all her acquaintance. My own joy on the occasion is very sincere. I know
no one more entitled, by unpretending merit, or better prepared by habitual
suffering, to receive and enjoy felicity. Her partiality for this gentleman was not
of recent origin; and he had been long withheld only by inferiority of situation
from addressing her. His unexpected accession to title and fortune had removed
all his difficulties; and never had the general loved his daughter so well in all her
hours of companionship, utility, and patient endurance as when he first hailed
her “Your Ladyship!” Her husband was really deserving of her; independent of
his peerage, his wealth, and his attachment, being to a precision the most
charming young man in the world. Any further definition of his merits must be
unnecessary; the most charming young man in the world is instantly before the
imagination of us all. Concerning the one in question, therefore, I have only to
add -- aware that the rules of composition forbid the introduction of a character
not connected with my fable -- that this was the very gentleman whose negligent
servant left behind him that collection of washing-bills, resulting from a long
visit at Northanger, by which my heroine was involved in one of her most
alarming adventures.%
The influence of the viscount and viscountess in their brother’s behalf was
assisted by that right understanding of Mr. Morland’s circumstances which, as
soon as the general would allow himself to be informed, they were qualified to
give. It taught him that he had been scarcely more misled by Thorpe’s first boast
of the family wealth than by his subsequent malicious overthrow of it; that in no
sense of the word were they necessitous or poor, and that Catherine would have
three thousand pounds. This was so material an amendment of his late
expectations that it greatly contributed to smooth the descent of his pride; and by
no means without its effect was the private intelligence, which he was at some
pains to procure, that the Fullerton estate, being entirely at the disposal of its
present proprietor, was consequently open to every greedy speculation.
On the strength of this, the general, soon after Eleanor’s marriage, permitted
his son to return to Northanger, and thence made him the bearer of his consent,
very courteously worded in a page full of empty professions to Mr. Morland.

Thesaurus
assisted: (adj) aided. uncooperatively, disrespectfully, inferiority: (n) poorness, degeneracy,
companionship: (n) company, society, impolitely. subordinacy, minority, disadvantage,
fellowship, camaraderie, partnership, deserving: (adj) meritorious, calibre, vulgarity, quality,
friendship, fraternity, amity, admirable, creditable, commendable, subordination, meanness, deteriority.
coexistence, brotherhood, laudable, fit, good, deserved, ANTONYMS: (n) superiority,
communion. ANTONYMS: (n) condign; (v) deserve, worthy of. advantage, excellence, preeminence.
animosity, enmity, solitude. ANTONYMS: (adj) unworthy, peerage: (n) aristocracy, baronage,
courteously: (adv) graciously, civilly, undeserving, unimpressive. nobility, peerdom, gentry, noblesse.
considerately, decorously, decently, fable: (n) legend, fiction, tale, story, procure: (v) get, obtain, buy, earn, win,
gallantly, obligingly, urbanely, fabrication, fairy tale, lie, myth, gain, have, purchase, induce, derive,
suavely, thoughtfully, kindly. anecdote; (adj, n) apologue, parable. find. ANTONYM: (v) give.
ANTONYMS: (adv) coarsely, ANTONYMS: (n) fact, history. viscountess: (n) married woman.
246 Northanger Abbey

The event which it authorized soon followed: Henry and Catherine were
married, the bells rang, and everybody smiled; and, as this took place within a
twelvemonth from the first day of their meeting, it will not appear, after all the
dreadful delays occasioned by the general’s cruelty, that they were essentially
hurt by it. To begin perfect happiness at the respective ages of twenty-six and
eighteen is to do pretty well; and professing myself moreover convinced that the
general’s unjust interference, so far from being really injurious to their felicity,
was perhaps rather conducive to it, by improving their knowledge of each other,
and adding strength to their attachment, I leave it to be settled, by whomsoever it
may concern, whether the tendency of this work be altogether to recommend
parental tyranny, or reward filial disobedience.%

conducive: (n) advantageous,
favorable; (adj) instrumental, helpful,
contributory, tending, subservient,
profitable, auspicious, beneficial; (v)
working towards. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unconducive, hindering, deleterious,
counter, adverse.
cruelty: (n) brutality, cruelness,
oppression, barbarity, ferociousness,
tyranny, violence, atrocity, ferocity,
mercilessness, harshness.
ANTONYMS: (n) compassion,
Thesaurus
gentleness, friendliness, humanity,
benevolence, sensitivity, liberty,
decency.
filial: (adj) dutiful.
professing: (n) avowal, profession,
community.
rang: (n) rung.
twelvemonth: (n) calendar year, civil
year, financial year, common year,
amount of time, time period, period
of time, bissextile year, class, yr,
period.
tyranny: (adj, n) dictatorship,
autocracy; (n) absolutism, despotism,
oppression, cruelty, monocracy,
totalitarianism, authoritarianism,
autarchy, Caesarism. ANTONYMS:
(n) democracy, liberty.
unjust: (adj) partial, injurious, wrong,
inequitable, unrighteous, wicked,
foul, wrongful, improper, unmerited,
unjustified. ANTONYMS: (adj) just,
equitable, rightful, reasonable, good.
 Jane Austen 247

A NOTE ON THE TEXT

Northanger Abbey was written in 1797-98 under a different title. The

manuscript was revised around 1803 and sold to a London publisher, Crosbie &
Co., who sold it back in 1816. The Signet Classic text is based on the first edition,
published by John Murray, London, in 1818 -- the year following Miss Austen’s
death. Spelling and punctuation have been largely brought into conformity
with modern British usage. %

Thesaurus
conformity: (n) agreement, copy, quantity of Stamps issued, Lord, professional, firm.
compliance, concord, conformance, number, issue, adaptation, book, punctuation: (n) comma, praxis,
accordance, coincidence, issuance, variation. hyphen, apostrophe, parenthesis,
concordance, observance, manuscript: (n, v) writing; (n) book, ampersand, colon, grammar,
conformation, conformism, keeping. handwriting, record, copy, text, accidence, diagonal, stop.
ANTONYMS: (n) nonconformity, document, Ms, holograph, transcript, sold: (adj) depleted, interested; (v) to
disagreement, incongruity, palimpsest. market.
uniqueness, rebellion, published: (adj) known, promulgated, usage: (n, v) practice, use,
nonconformance, looseness, public, divulgate. employment, convention, usance;
difference, noncompliance, infidelity, publisher: (n) newspaper, paper, (adj, n, v) habit; (n) method,
divergence. bookseller, newspaper publisher, consuetude, wont, exercise; (v)
edition: (n) release, print, circulation, magazine, press, editor, papers, press application.

abatement: (n) rebate, deduction,
discount, reprieve, abate, break,
interruption, decrease, suspension,
subsidence; (n, v) reduction
abbey: (n) monastery, convent,
church, priory, nunnery, friary,
clergyman
abhor: (v) hate, detest, abominate,
execrate, despise, dislike, nauseate,
disdain, scorn, resent, dread.
ANTONYMS: (v) adore, approve,
like, cherish, embrace, relish,
treasure, admire
abhorrent: (adj, v) hateful, odious,
execrable; (adj) offensive, detestable,
repugnant, horrible, revolting,
unpleasant, obnoxious, loathsome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) delightful,
lovable, desirable, inoffensive, nice
abode: (n) dwelling, house, residence,
place, domicile, lodge, abidance,
mansion, lodging, address, seat
abominably: (adv) atrociously,
awfully, terribly, repulsively, badly,
frightfully, awful, sadly, hideously,
sickeningly, rottenly
abridger: (n) rewriter, reviser,
abbreviator
abroad: (adj, adv) overseas, away;
(adv) afield, forth, beyond seas,
yonder, farther, at large, further;
(adj) foreign, out. ANTONYMS:
(adj) remaining, nearby
abruptly: (adv) precipitously, rudely,
brusquely, curtly, gruffly, shortly,
sharply, bluntly, hastily,
unexpectedly, steeply.
ANTONYMS: (adv) gradually,
civilly, attentively, kindly, politely,
verbosely, eventually, pleasantly,
slowly, indirectly
abruptness: (n) gradient, shortness,
slope, brusqueness, curtness,
steepness, haste, hurriedness,
rudeness, brevity, hastiness.
ANTONYMS: (n) gradualness,
courtesy, friendliness, gentleness,
Jane Austen
GLOSSARY
pleasantness
absent: (adj) wanting, inattentive, not
present, preoccupied, lost, missing,
faraway, nonexistent,
absentminded, out; (adj, adv) off.
ANTONYMS: (adj) alert, attendant,
attending, existing, here, real,
attentive; (adv) in, visible
absolute: (adj) total, unconditional,
downright, full, categorical, utter,
sheer; (adj, v) peremptory,
unqualified; (adj, n) positive, real.
ANTONYMS: (adj) partial,
qualified, incomplete, limited,
provisional, uncertain, democratic,
blemished, circumscribed,
comparative, complaisant
absurd: (adj) ridiculous, foolish,
unreasonable, irrational,
meaningless, inept, senseless,
nonsensical, illogical, ludicrous; (adj,
n) silly. ANTONYMS: (adj) rational,
reasonable, logical, wise, weighty,
sound, consistent, serious, plausible,
credible, acceptable
absurdity: (n) absurdness, nonsense,
silliness, nonsensicality,
meaninglessness, illogicality,
stupidity, folly, fatuity, idiocy,
preposterousness. ANTONYMS: (n)
logic, reasonableness, worthiness,
solemnity, sensibleness
abundance: (adj) plenty; (n)
plenitude, store, richness, profusion,
amplitude, exuberance, affluence,
treasure, enough; (adj, n) riches.
ANTONYMS: (n) scarcity, shortage,
insufficiency, lack, aridity,
scarceness, paucity, emptiness,
fruitlessness, bareness
abuse: (n, v) affront, insult, outrage,
reproach, harm, wrong; (v) mistreat,
injure, violate; (adj, v) maltreat,
profane. ANTONYMS: (n, v)
respect; (v) compliment, protect,
nurture, laud, honor, help, flatter;
(n) compliments, kindness, flattery
249
abyss: (n) gorge, ravine, chasm, gulf,
deep, purgatory, depth, hell, gap,
Gehenna, pit. ANTONYMS: (n)
junction, juncture
acceptance: (n) recognition,
acknowledgment, adoption,
confirmation, assumption, approval,
credence, welcome, accession,
receipt, acquiescence. ANTONYMS:
(n) refutation, dispatch, reprisal,
protest, opposition, intolerance,
disagreement, defiance, refusal,
resistance, wildness
accepting: (adj) tolerant, sympathetic,
thoughtful, understanding, willing
to help, yielding, lenient, acceptant,
obliging, soft, permissive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) resistant,
uncooperative, unforgiving, severe,
unsympathetic
accessible: (adj) available, open,
convenient, handy, easy,
comprehensible, amenable,
obtainable, ready, sociable; (adj, v)
weak. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unavailable, limited, difficult,
unobtainable, unattainable,
restricted, unapproachable, obscure,
hostile, distant
accession: (n) increase, acceptance,
augmentation, access, acquisition,
agreement, accretion, assent,
entrance, coming, increment.
ANTONYMS: (n) abdication,
decline, deposition, disagreement,
discard, impeachment, renunciation,
resignation, withdrawal, fall
accidental: (adj) casual,
unintentional, adventitious,
unintended, incidental, chance,
random, unforeseen, unexpected,
contingent, haphazard.
ANTONYMS: (adj) deliberate,
designed, intended, planned,
premeditated
accidentally: (adv) incidentally,
casually, fortuitously, by chance,
 250
coincidentally, adventitiously,
unintentionally, contingently,
haphazardly, occasionally,
inadvertently. ANTONYMS: (adv)
deliberately, knowingly, purposely,
unfortunately, correctly
accommodate: (adj, v) fit, adapt, suit;
(n, v) oblige; (v) provide, contain,
quarter, lodge, reconcile, fashion,
hold. ANTONYMS: (v) constrain,
block, disoblige, hinder, impede,
incommode, limit, prevent, stop, bar
accommodations: (n) house, housing,
lodging, habitat
accompany: (v) attend, follow,
companion, guide, company, lead,
walk, associate, consort, conduct,
concur. ANTONYMS: (v) desert,
abandon, leave
accompanying: (adj) concomitant,
concurrent, related, acceding,
incidental, accessory, subservient,
auxiliary, collateral, minor,
supplementary
accomplish: (v) perform, reach, do,
compass, perfect, attain, make,
fulfill, realize, execute, carry out.
ANTONYMS: (v) abandon, neglect,
choke, blow, lose
accomplished: (adj) proficient, able,
skillful, gifted, finished,
experienced, completed, adept, fine,
versed, competent. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unfinished, amateur,
untrained, unskilled, unseasoned,
unable, inexpert, green, clumsy, bad,
mediocre
accomplishing: (n) doing; (adj)
effectual
accomplishment: (n) attainment,
completion, exploit, performance,
deed, skill, fulfillment, feat, action,
act, acquisition. ANTONYMS: (n)
abandonment, washout, flop,
debacle, defeat
accord: (n) agreement, consensus,
harmony; (n, v) consent, concord,
assent; (adj, v) agree; (v) give,
bestow, suit, grant. ANTONYMS:
(n) discord, strife, antagonism,
hostility, friction, dissidence,
dissension; (n, v) conflict; (v)
withhold, question, oppose
according: (adj) pursuant, consonant,
equal, agreeable, harmonious,
conformable, consistent,
corresponding, respondent; (adv)
correspondingly, accordingly
accordingly: (adv) therefore, thus, so,
then, ergo, as a result,
correspondingly, according,
appropriately, as a consequence,
Northanger Abbey
properly. ANTONYM: (adv)
unsuitable
accountable: (adj, v) amenable, liable;
(adj) responsible, obligated, obliged,
explicable, accomptable,
blameworthy, calculable; (v) bound,
comptible. ANTONYMS: (adj)
untrustworthy, unreliable,
unaccountable, exempt, excused,
blameless, innocent
accumulation: (n) store, stock,
accretion, mass, agglomeration, pile,
batch, accrual, accruement, hoard,
reserve. ANTONYMS: (n) shedding,
scattering, loss, erosion, dispersal,
disbursement, expenditure
accuse: (v) charge, incriminate,
arraign, denounce, defame,
criminate, indict, fault, betray,
condemn, inculpate. ANTONYMS:
(v) absolve, exculpate, exonerate,
praise, support, clear
accused: (n) panel, defendant,
prisoner, respondent, suspect,
suspected person
accustomed: (adj, n) habitual; (adj)
familiar, normal, wonted, usual,
natural, everyday, ordinary,
habituated, common, traditional.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unusual, green,
unseasoned, unconventional,
untrained, abnormal,
uncharacteristic, exceptional
acknowledge: (v) recognize, confess,
accept, profess, own, admit,
concede, appreciate, notice, declare,
approve. ANTONYMS: (v) ignore,
overlook, reject, repudiate, snub,
refuse, renounce, abjure, disavow,
disregard, refute
acknowledged: (adj) accepted,
renowned, recognized, avowed,
known, customary, confirmed,
admitted, affirmed, recognised; (v)
received. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unconventional, unacknowledged,
questionable
acknowledging: (n) agreement; (adj)
responsive, affirmative
acknowledgment: (n) admission,
acknowledgement, acceptance,
confession, greeting, credit,
allowance, declaration, agreement,
thanks, gratitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
rejection, ungratefulness, oversight,
snub, ignoring, invoice, blame,
defiance
acquaintance: (n) connection, friend,
acquaintanceship, mate, awareness,
associate, buddy, friendship,
intercourse, companion; (n, v)
knowledge. ANTONYMS: (n)
ignorance, inexperience,
unfamiliarity, animosity, enemy
acquainted: (adj) knowledgeable,
informed, aware, cognizant,
conversant, hand and glove,
intimate, thick; (adv) abreast; (v)
inform, acquaint
acquiesce: (v) assent, accept, agree,
consent, acknowledge, yield,
submit, concur, permit, surrender,
defer. ANTONYMS: (v) resist,
disagree, dissent, protest, object,
fight, challenge, rebuff
acquiescence: (n) compliance,
consent, resignation, permission,
sanction, approval, accord,
agreement, submission, conformity;
(n, v) assent. ANTONYMS: (n)
disagreement, insubordination,
rebellion, defiance, rejection
acquisition: (n) accomplishment,
acquirement, attainment,
achievement, conquest, learning,
buyout, prize, getting, buy; (v) gain.
ANTONYMS: (n) loss, giving, sale
acquit: (adj, v) release; (v) exculpate,
exonerate, discharge, excuse, clear,
pardon, free, conduct, forgive,
vindicate. ANTONYMS: (v)
condemn, damn, censure, blame,
sentence
acquitted: (adj) not guilty, guiltless;
(v) acquit, absolved
acres: (n) land, acres and perches,
roods and perches, landed estate,
leasehold, homestead, glebe, manor,
freehold, fief, feoff
acting: (adj) interim, active,
temporary, pro Tem, provisional,
agent, substitute; (n) drama,
business, portrayal, playing
acts: (n) Acts of the Apostles,
revelations, Epistles, apocalypse,
act, advanced communications
technology satellite, evangelists,
gospels
acute: (adj, n, v) sharp; (adj) incisive,
intense, penetrating, keen, severe,
critical; (adj, v) high, shrewd; (adj, n)
strong, smart. ANTONYMS: (adj)
obtuse, insignificant, stupid,
unimportant, moderate, blunt, slow,
slight, mild, minor, imperceptive
acuteness: (n) acuity, sharpness,
acumen, discrimination, gravity,
insight, sensitivity, perspicacity,
penetration, keenness, intensity.
ANTONYMS: (n) faintness,
insignificance, dullness
adapted: (adj) altered, fit, agreeable,
conformable, fitted, appropriate,
prepared, tailored, modified; (adj, v)

convenient, proper. ANTONYM:
(adj) unaccustomed
addicted: (adj) habituated, dedicated,
habitual, hooked, devoted,
accustomed, captivated, devote,
obsessive, obsessed; (v) dedicate.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unaccustomed,
averse, disinclined, independent,
opposed, unenthusiastic, occasional
adding: (n) addition, calculation,
reckoning
addition: (n) accession, accessory,
increase, extension, addendum,
accretion, attachment, appendage,
annex, extra; (n, prep) accumulation.
ANTONYMS: (n) removal,
estimation, deduction, exclusion,
decline, erosion, loss, setback
adieu: (int, n) farewell; (n) vale,
valediction, goodbye, leave, cheerio,
adios, bye, so long, parting; (int) bon
voyage. ANTONYM: (n) greeting
adjusted: (adj) altered, set, arranged,
accustomed, correct, fitted, right,
tuned, secure, familiarised,
familiarized. ANTONYM: (adj)
maladjusted
administering: (adj) administrative;
(n) administration
admirably: (adv) superbly, perfectly,
excellently, admirable,
marvellously, heroically, bravely,
brilliantly, nicely, creditably, ably.
ANTONYMS: (adv) badly,
inadequately, dishonorably,
execrably, incompetently, poorly
admiration: (n) esteem, adoration,
appreciation, reverence, estimation,
amazement, liking, awe,
compliment; (adj, n) regard; (v)
laud. ANTONYMS: (n) disdain,
criticism, disapproval, contempt,
abhorrence, loathing, disgust,
despising, dishonor, disparagement,
detestation
admire: (v) revere, look up to, idolize,
appreciate, adore, wonder, praise,
worship, admiring, esteem, honor.
ANTONYMS: (v) despise, loathe,
scorn, hate, condemn, abhor,
disrespect, detest, disregard,
disapprove, deprecate
admired: (adj) respected, admirable,
estimable, favorite, pet, beloved,
honored, August, loved, accepted,
popular. ANTONYM: (adj)
disreputable
admiring: (adj) admire, admiringly,
loving, respectful, glowing,
affectionate, amatory, appreciative,
enthusiastic, flattering, approving.
ANTONYMS: (adj) defamatory,
Jane Austen
critical, disdainful, disapproving,
disrespectful, uncomplimentary
admission: (n) acknowledgment,
access, confession, reception,
entrance fee, declaration,
recognition, admittance, profession,
confirmation; (v) acknowledge.
ANTONYMS: (n) impediment,
secret, concealment, blockage,
barring, confidentiality, exclusion
admit: (n, v) allow; (adj, v)
acknowledge; (v) concede, accede,
grant, affirm, confess, include,
permit, take, welcome.
ANTONYMS: (v) reject, exclude,
bar, dispute, gainsay, withhold,
refuse, oust, hide, eject, dismiss
admittance: (n) access, accession,
introduction, door, matriculation,
inlet, permit, entrance, entree, entry,
input
admitted: (v) admitting, understood,
of course; (adj) acknowledged,
undisputed, known, orthodox
admitting: (adj) suscipient; (adv)
conditionally; (n) acknowledgment,
receipt, credence; (conj) although
adopt: (v) admit, affiliate, assume,
borrow, espouse, take up, take, pass,
acquire, choose, embrace.
ANTONYMS: (v) disinherit, cancel,
discard, shun, repudiate, refuse,
ignore, oppose
adopted: (adj) adoptive, elected,
consecrated, inspired, justified,
regenerated, sanctified, unearthly,
converted, select, adoptious.
ANTONYM: (adj) native
adorned: (adj) decorated, ornate,
bedecked, decked out, fancy,
garnished, ornamented, decked,
beautiful, inscribed, festooned
advanced: (adj) progressive, senior,
higher, precocious, modern, new,
late, superior, ripe, cultured,
developed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inferior, fundamental, slow,
traditional, simple, obsolete,
neurotic, behind, after, backwards,
incomplete
advances: (v) access, approach
advancing: (adj) progressive, moving
forward, increasing, moving,
processive, thriving, ongoing,
aggressive; (n) advancement,
progression, proceeding
advantageous: (adj) expedient,
useful, auspicious, helpful, gainful,
serviceable, convenient, lucky,
worthwhile, beneficial; (adj, v)
profitable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
useless, disadvantageous,
251
detrimental, unhelpful, unfortunate,
inauspicious, worthless, unpleasant
adventure: (n, v) venture, chance; (n)
accident, escapade, incident, event,
undertaking, consequence, essay; (v)
risk, jeopardize. ANTONYMS: (n)
stillness, passiveness, inactivity,
inaction, avoidance, inertia, bore
adventures: (n) experiences, fortunes,
confessions, journal, life, biography,
autobiography, personal narrative
advise: (v) recommend, propose,
warn, inform, acquaint, suggest,
notify, announce, tell, offer,
forewarn. ANTONYMS: (v) betray,
deceive, delude, fool, trick
affair: (n) occurrence, event, business,
concern, occasion, job, topic, duty,
subject, amour, thing
affectation: (n) pretension, feint,
pose, display, airs, affectedness,
ostentation, show, pretense,
mannerism, sham. ANTONYMS: (n)
artlessness, honesty, modesty
affectedly: (adv) pretentiously,
pompously, insincerely, stiltedly,
unnaturally, theatrically, feignedly,
snobbishly, contrivedly,
pedantically, pedanticly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) modestly,
naturally
affection: (n) charity, attachment,
fondness, heart, love, disease,
nature, feeling, affectionateness,
tenderness, kindness. ANTONYMS:
(n) disgust, neglect, malice, loathing,
dislike, detachment, coldness,
roughness
affectionate: (adj) fond, tender, kind,
mild, devoted, ardent, warm,
cordial, caring, brotherly; (adj, adv)
fatherly. ANTONYMS: (adj)
uncaring, callous, undemonstrative,
aloof, cool, disapproving, reserved,
antagonistic, paternal, rough
affectionately: (adv) lovingly,
tenderly, warmly, dearly, caringly,
devotedly, kindly, ardently,
cordially, amorously, dotingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) disapprovingly,
frostily, roughly
affections: (n) bosom
affirmative: (adj) positive,
affirmatory, assertive, ratifying,
concurring; (adv) yes; (n)
affirmation, avowal, assenting; (adj,
v) predicatory, declaratory.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dissenting; (n)
no
afflicted: (adj) miserable, distressed,
stricken, pitiful, sorrowful, ill,
woeful, dejected, sorry; (v) afflict,
 252
displeased
affrighted: (adj) frightful, eery; (prep)
affright
affront: (n, v) insult, abuse, outrage,
slight, snub; (v) face, offend; (n)
disgrace, slur, offense, mortification.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) praise; (v)
please, placate, mollify, gratify,
flatter, assuage, appease, adulate; (n)
pleasantry, appeasement
affronted: (adj) insulted, hurt,
slighted, embarrassed, angry,
ashamed, horrified, humiliated,
piqued, annoyed. ANTONYM: (adj)
unconcerned
ages: (n) time out of mind, time
immemorial, coon's age, blue moon,
month of Sundays
agitated: (adj) upset, excited,
nervous, restive, tumultuous,
distressed, tense, jumpy,
overwrought, anxious, alarmed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) calm, lethargic,
tranquil, relaxed, assured, cool, still
agitation: (n) disturbance,
excitement, tumult, stirring,
convulsion, stir, commotion,
emotion, unrest, shake, turmoil.
ANTONYMS: (n) serenity, calm,
equanimity, rest, peace, deterrent
agony: (n) torture, suffering, torment,
distress, misery, passion, pain, grief,
pang, sorrow, throe. ANTONYMS:
(n) pleasure, joy, euphoria, bliss,
happiness, ecstasy, peace, content
agreeable: (adj) accordant, nice,
sweet, consistent, suitable, amusing,
enjoyable, affable; (adj, v) pleasant,
desirable; (adj, n) acceptable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disagreeable,
discordant, unpleasant, nasty,
unwilling, resistant, aggressive,
repugnant, averse, stubborn,
unacceptable
agreeableness: (n) agreeability,
compliance, complaisance,
compliancy, amenity, cordiality,
obligingness, disposition,
temperament, fitness, congruity.
ANTONYMS: (n) disagreeableness,
unkindness
agreeably: (adv) enjoyably,
pleasantly, sympathetically,
pleasingly, suitably, well,
melodically, accordingly, affably,
genially; (adv, v) happily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) disagreeably,
incongruously, uncooperatively,
unhelpfully, badly, stubbornly,
harshly
agreeing: (adj) concurring,
concordant, assentient, accordant,
Northanger Abbey
suitable, harmonious, in accord, in
agreement; (n) assenting; (v) agree,
accept. ANTONYM: (adj) conflicting
aimed: (adj) directed, pointed,
expected, designed, meant
airing: (n, v) drive, ride, outing; (n)
aeration, stroll, saunter, walk,
expedition, improvement, turn,
journey
airs: (n, v) pretension; (n) affectation,
pride, pose, pretensions, attitude;
(adj, n) arrogance; (v) precisianism,
euphuism, purism, pedantry.
ANTONYMS: (n) humility,
personality, realness, truthfulness,
honesty
alacrity: (n) rapidity, speed,
promptness, activity, preparedness,
velocity, haste, swiftness, quickness,
expedition; (adj) life. ANTONYMS:
(n) aversion, reservation, reluctance,
indifference, hesitance, dullness,
disinclination, apathy, tardiness,
delay
alarm: (n, v) alert, scare, awe, panic;
(n) consternation, alarm clock,
fright, alarum, terror; (v) agitate,
horrify. ANTONYMS: (n, v)
comfort; (v) reassure, soothe, assure;
(n) reassurance, composure,
nonchalance, assurance, bravery,
confidence, order
alarmed: (adj) afraid, scared,
frightened, apprehensive, horrified,
anxious, uneasy, agitated, shocked,
terrified, concerned. ANTONYM:
(adj) carefree
alarming: (adj) scary, alarm, awful,
formidable, shocking, appalling,
awesome, dire, horrid, horrible,
dreadful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
soothing, lovely, normal
alarmingly: (adv) dreadfully,
disturbingly, terrifyingly,
distressingly, appallingly, fearfully,
frightfully, awfully, dangerously,
scarily, shockingly
alas: (adv) unluckily, regrettably,
sadly, unhappily, sorry to say; (n)
oh; (int) lackaday. ANTONYM:
(adv) luckily
alfred: (n) Alfred the Great
alike: (adj) corresponding, equal,
equivalent, cognate, analogical,
parallel, analogous, identical,
similar, the same, duplicate.
ANTONYMS: (adj) different,
dissimilar, contrasting, unalike,
disparate, unlike, opposite; (adv)
differently, unequally, unevenly
alleged: (adj) ostensible, apparent,
assumed, professed, supposed,
apologetic, pretended, putative, so-
called, purported, believed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) certain, definite,
sure
allen: (n) Allen Stewart Konigsberg,
Ethan Allen, woody Allen
alley: (n) track, road, passage, lane,
alleyway, aisle, path, runway,
pathway, street, back street
alliance: (n) connection, confederacy,
combination, affinity, association,
union, merger, organization, society,
affiliation, coalition. ANTONYMS:
(n) nonalignment, antagonism,
divergence, discord, hostility,
animosity
allowable: (adj, v) permissible; (adj)
justifiable, acceptable, lawful,
permitted, tolerable, bearable,
passable, sufferable, legal; (v)
allowed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inexcusable, inadmissible,
intolerable
allowance: (n) admission, quota,
discount, tolerance, maintenance,
portion, margin, deduction, rebate,
share, leave
allowing: (adj) permissive; (n)
acknowledgment
aloud: (adv) loud, out loud, strong,
out, audibly, hard, forte.
ANTONYMS: (adv) softly,
inaudibly, quietly
alps: (n) mountain range
alter: (v) change, adapt, move,
convert, adjust, amend, affect,
transform, correct, vary, shift.
ANTONYMS: (v) continue, keep,
leave, preserve, worsen, retain,
standardize, straighten, clarify
alteration: (n) adjustment, change,
revision, shift, changeover,
conversion, modification, variation,
reversal, metamorphosis,
amendment. ANTONYMS: (n)
fixity, preservation
altered: (adj) transformed, changed,
diversified, varied, distorted,
affected, castrated, malformed,
misrepresented, misshapen; (v)
battered. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unaltered, unadjusted
altering: (n) castration, fixing,
interchange, neutering; (adj)
changing, alterant
alternately: (adv) alternatively, by
turns, in turn, secondarily,
reciprocally, mutually, off-and-on,
rather, anthemwise, secondly; (adj,
adv) on and off
altogether: (adv) absolutely, all,
wholly, perfectly, purely, all in all,

completely, entirely, totally, simply,
ensemble. ANTONYMS: (adv)
incompletely, partially
amazed: (adj) astounded, astonished,
stunned, dumbfounded,
flabbergasted, shocked, staggered,
bewildered, surprised,
thunderstruck, aghast
amazement: (n) admiration, wonder,
surprise, consternation,
stupefaction, stupor, wonderment,
feeling, alarm, jolt; (v) amaze.
ANTONYMS: (n) preparation,
indifference, expectation, coolness,
cool, composure, calmness,
contempt, belief
amazing: (adj) astonishing, terrific,
wonderful, incredible, awesome,
astounding, breathtaking,
extraordinary, fabulous, impressive,
tremendous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
ordinary, boring, predictable,
unremarkable, modest, insignificant,
comforting, dire, humdrum
amazingly: (adj, adv) wonderfully,
stupendously, awfully; (adv)
surprisingly, astoundingly,
extraordinarily, spectacularly,
marvelously, fabulously, terrificly,
terrifically. ANTONYMS: (adv)
predictably, mildly
ambiguous: (adj) equivocal,
indistinct, misty, indeterminate,
shadowy, uncertain, evasive, shady,
slippery, inexplicit, oracular.
ANTONYMS: (adj) definite,
unambiguous, unequivocal, certain,
straightforward, lucid, explicit,
exact, consistent, obvious, truthful
ambition: (n) aim, hope, goal, drive,
ambitiousness, wish, dream,
purpose, target, objective, intention.
ANTONYMS: (n) satisfaction,
contentment, sloth, laziness,
lethargy
amenable: (adj) accountable,
yielding, answerable, tractable,
submissive, responsible, compliant,
obedient, acquiescent, accessible,
pliable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
obstinate, stubborn, disobedient,
uncooperative, irresponsible,
nonconforming, disagreeable,
unanswerable, unaccountable,
intractable, unamenable
amendment: (n) alteration,
betterment, redress, improvement,
revision, addition, supplement,
addendum, appendix,
transformation, adjustment
amends: (n) atonement,
compensation, recompense,
Jane Austen
satisfaction, redress, damages,
reprisal, indemnity, requital; (n, v)
restitution, restoration
amiable: (adj) friendly, genial,
agreeable, benign, complaisant,
sweet, cordial, pleasant, likable,
nice, lovely. ANTONYMS: (adj)
disagreeable, argumentative,
aggressive, antisocial, unkind,
hateful, mean, quarrelsome, rude,
surly, cold
amid: (adv, prep) among, amongst;
(prep) between, amidst, mid,
during, in the midst of, with,
surrounded by, stuck between; (n)
midst. ANTONYMS: (prep) outside,
separate
amidst: (adv, prep) among; (adv)
amongst; (prep) between, midst,
into
amiss: (adj, adv) wrong; (adj) bad,
haywire, faulty, astray, guilty; (adv)
badly, poorly, awry, wrongly, adrift.
ANTONYMS: (adj, adv) right; (adv)
perfectly, properly, suitably,
appropriately, correctly, well; (adj)
okay, correct, good
amity: (n) friendship, concord,
companionship, benevolence, peace,
harmony, friendliness, brotherhood,
fellowship, sympathy, camaraderie.
ANTONYMS: (n) hostility, discord,
antagonism, war, animosity
ample: (adj) abundant, big, broad,
copious, large, plentiful, heavy,
liberal, roomy, affluent,
considerable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
small, meager, insufficient, scarce,
sparse, scant, cramped, narrow,
partial, sketchy, slender
amuse: (v) please, beguile, absorb,
entertain, enjoy, disport, distract,
delight, occupy, recreate, rejoice.
ANTONYMS: (v) bore, dull, tire,
annoy, anger, cloy, depress, weary,
disappoint
amused: (adj) amusing, smiling,
tickled pink, pleased, diverted
amusement: (n) pleasure, recreation,
entertainment, distraction,
diversion, sport, pastime, laughter,
enjoyment, joy, hobby.
ANTONYMS: (n) sadness, boredom,
work, tedium, business,
despondency, discomfort,
displeasure
amusing: (adj) humorous, fun,
pleasant, entertaining, risible,
comical, diverting, enjoyable,
laughable, agreeable, pleasing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) tragic, boring,
unpleasant, unfunny, tiring, grim,
253
depressing, sad, annoying, heavy,
serious
ancestor: (n) forerunner, forefather,
parent, father, precursor,
antecedent, forebear, forbear,
prototype, ancestry, ascendant.
ANTONYMS: (n) descendant,
successor, offspring, progeny
angel: (n, v) sponsor, support; (n)
backer, cherub, messenger, patron,
benefactor, saint; (adj) Dulcinea,
goddess; (adj, n) darling.
ANTONYMS: (n) fiend, devil, jerk,
demon
anger: (n) fury, rage, displeasure,
resentment, indignation; (v) incense,
offend, irritate, exasperate; (adj)
angry; (n, v) wrath. ANTONYMS:
(v) placate, pacify, tickle; (n)
pleasure, composure, glee, affection,
serenity, goodwill, forbearance; (n,
v) calm
angrily: (adv) irately, passionately,
fiercely, indignantly, cholericly,
resentfully, enragedly, infuriatedly,
wrathfully, madly, crossly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) warmly, lightly,
calmly, cheerfully, gently, gladly
animated: (adj) alive, lively, animate,
perky, spirited, sprightly, brisk,
cheerful, quick, vivacious, airy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lethargic, dull,
blank, lifeless, spiritless, stiff,
unanimated, bored, impassive,
unexciting, dead
animation: (adj, n) life, vivacity; (n)
liveliness, vitality, activity, spirit,
exhilaration, dash, energy,
buoyancy; (adj) alacrity.
ANTONYMS: (n) lethargy,
lifelessness, inertness, inertia,
sluggishness, boredom
announce: (v) advertise, declare,
enunciate, proclaim, return,
promulgate, publicize, publish, tell,
communicate, foretell.
ANTONYMS: (v) withhold, conceal,
repress, request
answering: (adj) respondent,
responsive, according, agreeing,
responsory; (n) respondency
antechamber: (n) lobby, anteroom,
hall, foyer, hallway, waiting room,
room, corridor, antichamber, cell,
entry
anthony: (n) Marcus Antonius, Susan
Anthony, Susan Brownell Anthony,
Mark Antony, Antony, Antonius
antique: (adj) old, antiquated,
obsolete, aged, antiquarian, musty,
quaint, outmoded, antediluvian,
outdated; (n) relic. ANTONYMS:
 254
(adj, n) modern; (adj) recent, fresh,
current, contemporary
antiquity: (n) ancientness, ancientry,
past, relic, status quo, artefact,
artifact, oldness, old age, hoariness;
(adj, n) age. ANTONYMS: (n) today,
newness, modernity
anxiety: (n) disquiet, trouble, fear,
care, alarm, anxiousness,
uneasiness, worry, anguish, concern;
(adj, n) solicitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
calm, bravery, confidence,
reassurance, security, relaxation,
indifference, serenity, tranquility,
peace, satisfaction
anxious: (adj) uneasy, alarmed,
thoughtful, fearful, apprehensive,
agitated, keen; (adj, v) nervous,
tense, solicitous, jumpy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) relaxed, carefree,
confident, rational, unconcerned,
undisturbed, untroubled, assured,
comfortable, cool, apathetic
anxiously: (adv) uneasily, restlessly,
carefully, worriedly, fearfully,
nervously, concernedly, solicitously,
timidly, keenly, enthusiastically.
ANTONYMS: (adv) calmly,
confidently, merrily, indifferently,
fearlessly, nonchalantly, patiently,
unconcernedly
anxiousness: (n) disquiet, uneasiness,
hypochondria, hypochondriasis,
overanxiety, panic, scare, turmoil
anyhow: (adv) somehow, at any rate,
in any case, whatever, in any event,
regardless, however, though,
besides, nonetheless, one way or
another
apart: (adj, adv) aloof; (adv) aside,
asunder, especially; (adj) alone,
distant, detached, isolated, only;
(adj, v) separate; (v) segregate.
ANTONYMS: (adv) adjoining, near,
surrounded; (adj) connected, nearby
apartment: (n) residence, lodging,
suite, place, dwelling, chamber,
room, abode, house, home,
accommodation
apologies: (n) regret
apologize: (n) palliate, extenuate,
apology, gloze; (n, v) excuse; (v)
apologise, beg pardon, give
satisfaction, justify, plead; (adj)
sorry. ANTONYM: (v) defy
apology: (n, v) excuse; (n) amends,
regret, defense, justification, reason,
explanation, vindication, alibi,
acknowledgment; (v) apologize.
ANTONYMS: (n) blame,
reprehension, accusation,
shamelessness, epitome
Northanger Abbey
appalled: (adj) dismayed, scared,
shocked, horrified, afraid, fright,
amazed, astonished, stunned,
outraged, scandalized. ANTONYM:
(adj) indifferent
appearances: (n) show, semblance,
outlook, indicia
appearing: (adj) seeming, beseen,
emergent, accomplished; (n) coming
into court; (prep) liking; (adj, adv)
prima facie
appeased: (adj) content, pacate
appetite: (n, v) desire; (n) appetence,
appetency, relish, inclination,
stomach, taste, thirst, passion,
liking, gusto. ANTONYMS: (n)
dislike, repulsion, revulsion, apathy,
distaste
apple: (n) Malus pumila, pome, earth,
city, world, orchard apple tree; (v)
apple slump, ball; (adj) green
applicable: (adj, n) germane,
felicitous; (adj) pertinent, proper,
suitable, applicative, available,
fitting, apropos, relative,
applicatory. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unsuitable, irrelevant, inapplicable,
impertinent, unrelated
apprehension: (n) alarm,
comprehension, dread, misgiving,
understanding, capture, foreboding,
arrest, trepidation; (n, v) doubt,
appreciation. ANTONYMS: (n)
release, confidence, calmness,
tranquility, freeing,
misunderstanding, peace, relief,
bravery, calm, equanimity
apprised: (adj) conscious, informed,
familiar, knowledgeable
approaching: (adj) future,
forthcoming, impending, imminent,
oncoming, near; (adj, n) coming; (n,
v) approach; (adv) nearly, almost;
(prep) toward
approbation: (n, v) praise; (n)
applause, agreement, approval,
acclaim, sanction, commendation,
admiration, permission,
appreciation, favor. ANTONYMS:
(n) condemnation, disapproval,
criticism
approve: (v) adopt, allow, accept,
acknowledge, ratify, let, agree,
endorse, admit, support, applaud.
ANTONYMS: (v) condemn, censure,
disapprove, veto, forbid, invalidate,
disallow, disrespect, deny,
desecrate, oppose
arch: (n, v) curve, bow, bend; (n)
dome, curvature, acute; (adj) wily,
shrewd, sly; (v) vault; (adj, n, v)
round. ANTONYMS: (adj) smallest,
petty, modest, minor, frank, least,
lesser, inferior, forthright, guileless,
humble
architecture: (n) frame, constitution,
structure, framework, construction,
formation, architectonics,
composition, makeup, edification,
fabric
archness: (n) playfulness, craftiness,
cunning, wiliness, slyness,
perkiness, flippancy, hatred,
astuteness, malice, pertness.
ANTONYM: (n) humility
archway: (n) arcade, entry,
entranceway, entryway, entree,
doorway, entrance
ardour: (n) fervency, fervidness,
fervor, fervour, fire, elan, zeal,
violence, ardency, assiduity,
application
arguing: (n) controversy, contention,
disputation, contestation, polemics,
tilt; (v) argue; (adj) quarrelsome,
argumentative
arguments: (n) reasons, argument,
contention, advice, opinion,
influence, point of view, urging,
wiles
argyle: (n) Argyll, argyles
aright: (adv) correctly, right, well,
true, not Amis, satisfactorily,
favorably, justly, exactly, rightly,
properly
arise: (v) appear, emerge, result,
issue, mount, proceed, originate, get
up, ascend, awake, stand up.
ANTONYMS: (v) end, sit, recline,
stop, retire, disappear, descend,
cease, fade
arising: (n) emanation
arose: (v) happen, occur
arranged: (adj) settled, regular,
prepared, orderly, fixed, organized,
ready, tidy, straight, ordered, neat.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disorderly,
disorganized, changing,
unprepared, untidy
arrangement: (n) order, settlement,
array, distribution, design, system,
adjustment, sequence, contract,
alignment; (adj, n) method.
ANTONYMS: (n) disarray,
individual
arrival: (n) advent, accession,
entrance, incoming, newcomer,
return, attainment, coming, comer,
entry, reaching. ANTONYMS: (n)
exit, leaving, disappearance,
conclusion
arriving: (n) arrival; (adj) incoming,
inbound, received, external,
homeward bound, inward, new,

inward bound. ANTONYM: (adj)
outgoing
artful: (adj) crafty, cunning,
scheming, wily, shrewd, insidious,
designing, sly, adroit, subtle,
disingenuous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
artless, unskillful, inept, ingenuous,
unskilled, open, straight
artfully: (adv) cunningly, foxily,
ingeniously, trickily, shrewdly,
skillfully, cleverly, disingenuously,
deceitfully, sly, schemingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) innocently,
openly
articles: (n) canons, articles of
agreement, equipment, statute,
doctrine, system of opinions, stock,
school
artifice: (n, v) art; (n) ruse, deception,
contrivance, artfulness, dodge,
science, trickery, wile, proficiency,
maneuver. ANTONYMS: (n)
truthfulness, sincerity, honesty,
naivete, inability, artlessness,
incapacity, straightforwardness
artless: (adj) ingenuous, simple,
innocent, naive, open, candid,
unsophisticated, unpretentious,
unaffected, sincere, rugged.
ANTONYMS: (adj) artful,
sophisticated, complicated,
unnatural, pretentious, insincere,
disingenuous, affected, forced,
experienced, cunning
ascend: (n, v) mount; (v) arise, scale,
uprise, climb, go up, come up,
increase, elevate; (n) ascending,
ascent. ANTONYMS: (v) descend,
drop, decline, fall, lower, set, sink
ascending: (adj) uphill, rising,
assurgent, climbing, ascendent; (n)
ascension, ascent, rise, advance,
movement; (v) go up
ascertain: (v) determine, find out,
learn, discover, check, tell, control,
find, ensure, detect; (adj, v)
establish. ANTONYM: (v) disprove
ascertained: (adj) discovered,
determined; (v) absolute,
recognized, received, noted,
notorious, decisive, unmistakable,
unequivocal, positive
ascribed: (adj) accredited, qualified,
credited, ascriptitious, additional,
added. ANTONYM: (adj) unofficial
ashamed: (adj) hangdog, guilty,
embarrassed, sheepish, remorseful,
regretful, bashful, disconcerted,
contrite, chagrined; (v) dashed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) proud, arrogant,
unremorseful, unashamed, pleased,
blatant, bold, happy, unabashed,
Jane Austen
unrepentant
ashes: (n) dust, cinders, remains,
cinder, clay, earth, embers, clinker;
(adj) scoriae, mother, precipitate
aside: (adv) apart, away, beside,
alongside, in reserve, off, abreast;
(adj, adv) by; (n) digression,
divagation, parenthesis.
ANTONYMS: (adv) erectly,
uprightly, vertically
asleep: (adj) sleeping, deceased,
sleepy, dormant, numb, dead, sound
asleep, snoozing, slumbering,
napping, gone. ANTONYMS: (adj)
up, attentive, alert, conscious
aspiring: (adj) aspirant, wishful,
enterprising, envious, desirous,
coming; (v) aspire, vaulting.
ANTONYM: (adj) desperate
assembled: (adj) amassed, collected,
collective, concentrated, united,
gather, assembling, gathered,
massed, built, aggregate
assembling: (n) assemblage,
assembly, collection, collecting,
compilation, meeting, aggregation,
congregation, montage; (adj)
gathering, assembled
assent: (n) acceptance, acquiescence,
approval, agreement, compliance,
admission, approbation; (v) accede,
accord, agree; (adj, v) acquiesce.
ANTONYMS: (v) resist, disagree,
disapprove, reject, refuse; (n)
disagreement, refusal, resistance
assenting: (adj) assentient,
consenting, acquiescent, unanimous,
in accord, favorable; (n) agreement,
accession, confession; (adv)
consentingly; (v) agree. ANTONYM:
(adj) conflicting
assert: (v) allege, affirm, say, claim,
declare, swear, show, avow, aver,
maintain, argue. ANTONYMS: (v)
reject, controvert, repress, refute
asserting: (v) affirm; (adj)
declaratory, declarative, evidentiary;
(n) assertion
assertion: (n) statement, argument,
claim, avowal, contention, charge,
testimony, profession, allegation,
accusation, position. ANTONYMS:
(n) denial, disavowal, uncertainty
assignment: (n) allotment, mission,
appointment, assigning,
apportionment, stint, assignation,
business, chore, transfer, post.
ANTONYM: (n) retention
assist: (n, v) aid, help, support; (v)
abet, serve, contribute, boost,
relieve, encourage, to help, facilitate.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) impede,
255
oppose; (v) thwart, disrupt, hamper,
hurt, stop, worsen, shun; (n)
hindrance, counteract
assisted: (adj) aided
assisting: (adj) aiding, auxiliary,
subsidiary, suffragan, adjuvant,
supporting, support, secondary,
supplementary, assistant; (n)
helping. ANTONYM: (adj) main
associations: (n) association,
relations, connections, relationships,
dealings, relatives
assumed: (adj) sham, affected,
fictitious, fake, feigned, counterfeit,
pretended, reputed, artificial,
hypothetical, spurious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) true, authentic,
explicit, known, real, natural
assuming: (adj) arrogant, uppish,
forward, bloated, contumelious,
pretentious, bold, pompous; (conj)
if; (n) assumption; (v) assume.
ANTONYMS: (adj) respectful,
modest
assurance: (n) confidence, guarantee,
belief, pledge, security, promise,
sureness, poise, conviction, nerve,
warrant. ANTONYMS: (n) doubt,
uncertainty, mistrust, lie, fiction,
awkwardness, timidity, clumsiness
assure: (n, v) certify, warrant, vouch;
(v) secure, persuade, satisfy,
reassure, affirm, promise, ascertain;
(adj, v) ensure. ANTONYMS: (v)
alarm, disclaim, deny, disbelieve,
undermine
assured: (adj, v) certain, sure; (adj)
confident, guaranteed, positive,
definite, assertive, confirmed,
convinced, reliable, safe.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncertain,
doubtful, unsure, troubled, timid,
questionable, hesitant, confused,
halting, unlikely
assuring: (adj) ensuring, insure,
insuring, assure, ensure, giving
confidence, securing, likely,
promising
astonished: (adj) astonish,
dumbfounded, flabbergasted,
stunned, aghast, bewildered,
astounded, taken aback,
thunderstruck, astonied; (v) amaze
astonishing: (adj) amazing,
wonderful, stupendous, prodigious,
strange, surprising, astounding,
incredible, breathtaking; (v)
astonish; (adj, n) marvelous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ordinary,
humdrum, boring, mundane, dull,
expected, predictable, usual,
comforting
 256
astonishment: (n) admiration,
wonder, wonderment, surprise,
marvel, stupefaction, confusion,
consternation, awe, alarm, startle.
ANTONYMS: (n) calmness, belief,
contempt
asunder: (adj, v) separate; (adv)
aside, in two; (adj, adv) in Twain;
(adj) loose, distant, adrift, aloof; (v)
discrete, far between, free.
ANTONYM: (adv) together
atone: (v) satisfy, pay, propitiate,
indemnify, compensate, make up,
recoup, apologize, abye, aby, repent.
ANTONYM: (v) forfeit
atrocities: (n) murder, killing,
slaughter, violence, carnage
attach: (v) append, adhere, add, affix,
bind, link, associate, assign, nail,
apply, annex. ANTONYMS: (v)
undo, separate, unfasten,
disconnect, free, deflect, dissociate,
loosen, quit, take, unscrew
attached: (adj) affectionate,
committed, affiliated, associated,
devoted, fond, loving, loyal, near,
added; (n) attachment.
ANTONYMS: (adj) separate,
unmarried, unattached, vagile, free,
distant
attachment: (n) appendix, addition,
accessory, adherence, regard, link,
bond, fitting, devotion, liking,
connection. ANTONYMS: (n)
aversion, estrangement, repulsion,
separation, dislike
attachments: (n) equipment
attacked: (adj) assaulted, corroded
attacking: (adj) aggressive, assailing,
invading, abusive, abhorrent,
warlike, rebellious, assailant
attempted: (adj) unsuccessful
attend: (n, v) tend, escort, nurse,
conduct; (v) assist, serve, minister,
aid, look, partake, follow.
ANTONYMS: (v) neglect, leave,
ignore, disregard, desert, abandon
attendance: (n) appearance, turnout,
audience, attending, being there,
hearing, tendance, retinue, attention,
contribution, ministry. ANTONYM:
(n) nonattendance
attendant: (n) companion, follower,
assistant, escort, subordinate,
employee, guide, varlet; (adj)
accompanying, concomitant,
incidental. ANTONYMS: (n)
superior, boss; (adj) absent,
unrelated, significant
attendants: (n) entourage, followers,
retinue, tendance, persons present,
suite
Northanger Abbey
attended: (adj) attent, fraught, tended
to
attending: (v) attend; (n) presence,
nursing, care, appearing,
observation; (adj) concomitant,
attendant, ministrant, in attendance,
ancillary. ANTONYMS: (n)
nonattendance, inattention
attentive: (adj) assiduous, diligent,
heedful, watchful, observant,
advertent, mindful, careful, aware,
alert, respectful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unfocused, negligent, neglectful,
forgetful, heedless, unobservant,
rude, unprepared, unconscious,
uncaring, inconsiderate
attentively: (adv) carefully,
mindfully, watchfully, observantly,
heedfully, vigilantly, cautiously,
considerately, diligently, alertly,
obligingly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unhelpfully, neglectfully, abruptly,
carelessly, hastily, casually
attestation: (n) affirmation, evidence,
confirmation, attest, assertion,
certificate, proof, affidavit,
verification, profession, approbation
attire: (n, v) array, garb, apparel,
wear; (n) costume, garment, outfit,
clothes; (v) enrobe, clothe, dress up.
ANTONYMS: (v) disrobe, bare,
strip, unclothe; (n) nakedness
attract: (v) charm, beguile, tempt,
enamor, invite, entice, captivate,
draw, arrest, beckon; (adj, v) allure.
ANTONYMS: (v) disgust, repulse,
dismiss, appall, shun, exude
attracted: (adj) paying attention,
concerned, enamored, enthusiastic,
interested, involved, amatory
attracting: (adj) alluring, tempting,
attractive, tractive, winning, taking,
prepossessing, allicient, seductive;
(n) drawing; (v) attrahent
attraction: (n) allure, invitation,
affinity, appeal, charm, allurement,
lure, fascination, bait, draw,
attractiveness. ANTONYMS: (n)
repulsion, revulsion, disgust,
aversion, repellant, drawback
attribute: (adj, n) quality, property;
(n, v) assign; (n) feature, emblem,
characteristic, peculiarity, mark; (v)
credit, impute, accredit
attributing: (n) reference
augmented: (adj) amplified, enlarged,
greater than before, inflated, plus,
more
aunt: (n) uncle, auntie, aunty, father's
younger brother's wife, father's
older brother's wife, mother's sister,
kinswoman, nephew, niece, paternal
aunt, maternal uncle's wife
auspices: (n) auspice, aegis,
patronage, forecast, backing,
security, sponsorship, guidance,
means, custody, agency
authorized: (v) allowed; (adj)
authorised, official, accredited,
competent, lawful, legal, legitimate,
permissible, qualified; (adj, v)
privileged. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unauthorized, illegal, unqualified
avail: (n, v) advantage, assist, aid,
profit, benefit, help; (adj, n) service;
(n) good, assistance, utility; (v) do.
ANTONYMS: (v) useless, hurt,
hinder, harm; (n) inappropriateness
avarice: (n) cupidity, covetousness,
rapacity, avariciousness, avidity,
eagerness, voracity, voraciousness,
stinginess; (adj, n) greediness; (adj)
extortion. ANTONYMS: (n)
philanthropy, benevolence, charity
aversion: (n) antipathy, distaste,
abhorrence, disinclination, dislike,
grudge, aversation, nausea, enmity,
revulsion; (n, v) disgust.
ANTONYMS: (n) attraction, love,
inclination, predilection, desire,
fondness, goodwill
avoided: (adj) unpopular
avoiding: (n) shunning; (adj) fugitive,
antisocial
avowal: (n) declaration, assertion,
affirmation, admission, statement,
recognition, acknowledgement,
announcement, confession,
testimony; (n, v) profession
avowed: (adj) acknowledged,
attested, ostensible, sworn, stated,
confirmed, declared, pretended,
known, authenticated, apparent
awake: (v) wake, awaken, realize,
waken; (adj) alive, alert, attentive,
conscious, keen, intelligent; (adj, v)
broad awake. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unconscious, sleeping, comatose,
sleepy, relaxed; (v) deaden, lull,
sleep
awaken: (v) arouse, wake, rouse, call,
stir, kindle, get up, raise, wake up,
waken, revive. ANTONYMS: (v)
dampen, calm, retire, suppress,
spoil, quench, douse, stifle
awakened: (adj) excited, aroused,
awakens, awoke, interested
awful: (adj) fearful, dreadful, terrible,
abominable, appalling, nasty,
abhorrent, atrocious, bad, horrible,
lousy. ANTONYMS: (adj) excellent,
wonderful, marvelous, great, lovely,
nice, pleasant, beautiful, pleasing,
good, minor

awfulness: (n) terribleness,
horridness, frightfulness,
atrociousness, fearfulness, gravity,
solemnity, ghastliness, horror,
horribleness, terror. ANTONYMS:
(n) insignificance, delight
awkward: (adj) inconvenient, clumsy,
embarrassing, uncomfortable,
ungainly, untoward, crude, inept,
sticky, left-handed, heavy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) graceful, easy,
adroit, manageable, straightforward,
simple, dexterous, rotund,
convenient, helpful, skillful
awkwardness: (n) embarrassment,
stiffness, unwieldiness,
inconvenience, gawkiness,
inelegance, troublesomeness,
ineptitude, ineptness, gaucherie;
(adj, n) delicacy. ANTONYMS: (n)
gracefulness, grace, comfort,
coordination, pride, urbanity, ease,
assurance, liveliness, confidence,
cooperation
awoke: (adj) awakened
backed: (adj) upheld, support,
backed up, coated, lined
backwards: (adv) back, rearward,
rearwards, vice versa, conversely,
aback, abaft; (adj) upside down,
adverse; (adj, adv) topsy-turvy; (v)
fall back
bade: (v) bid, command, bad
ballroom: (n) hall, commercial dance
hall, room, concert room, dance
palace, music hall
balls: (n) guts, family jewels,
intestinal fortitude, nerve, spirit,
tenacity, valor, audacity, prowess
balm: (n) salve, unguent, incense,
perfume, aroma, unction, liniment,
balsam, arnica, lotion, fragrance.
ANTONYMS: (n) irritant, nuisance
banish: (v) dispel, expel, displace,
relegate, oust, expatriate, eject,
dismiss, transport, cast out; (adj, v)
exile. ANTONYMS: (v) keep,
embrace, adopt, invite, include
banishment: (n) expulsion, ostracism,
ouster, proscription, relegation,
ejection, deportation, dismissal,
expatriation; (adj, n) exclusion; (adj)
excommunication
banker: (n) cashier, teller, cambist,
investor, moneyman, bank
employee, capitalist, ditcher,
goldsmith, usurer, moneyer
barbarous: (adj) barbaric, savage,
gothic, brutal, heathen, truculent,
rude, fell, ferocious, fierce,
uncivilized. ANTONYMS: (adj) nice,
cultured, civilized, sophisticated,
Jane Austen
refined, humane
barely: (adv) merely, just, nakedly,
scantily, simply, nudely, baldly,
purely, narrowly; (adj, adv) scarcely,
only. ANTONYMS: (adj) enough,
amply, sufficiently, abundantly;
(adv) much, thoroughly, well, easily,
obviously, clearly, strongly
bargain: (adj, n, v) cheap; (n, v)
covenant, deal; (n) agreement,
treaty, arrangement, buy, chaffer; (v)
exchange, stipulate, agree.
ANTONYM: (adj) inflated
barometer: (n) baroscope, aeroscope,
barograph, aneroid barometer,
standard, aerometer, gauge, norm,
trial balloon, weather station; (v)
glass
baronet: (n) baronetcy, aristocrat,
Bart
bars: (n) grinding media, gymnastics,
parallel bars
baseball: (n) hockey, ball game,
ballock, baseball game, football
bath: (n, v) wash, clean; (v) bathe,
immersion; (n) bathroom, tank, dip,
tub, bathtub, ablution, bate
beads: (n) pearls, chaplet, censer, pax,
patera, host, cross, pyx, reliquary,
rood, thurible
bearer: (n) holder, carrier, messenger,
porter, courier, envoy, traveller,
griever, hamal, lamenter, mourner
bearing: (n, v) demeanor; (n) manner,
direction, deportment, conduct,
attitude, aspect, approach,
appearance, respect, air.
ANTONYMS: (n) insignificance,
irrelevance; (adj) nonbearing
beast: (n) animal, monster, swine,
fiend, creature, scavenger, savage,
critter, animate being, barbarian;
(adj) bear. ANTONYM: (n) man
beating: (n) reverse, defeat,
whipping, thrashing, battery,
flogging, pounding, pulsation,
pulse, rout; (adj) pulsing.
ANTONYMS: (n) victory, win
becomingly: (adj, adv) seemly; (adv)
decorously, fitly, properly, decently,
fittingly, comely, adequately,
befittingly, rightly, worthily
beetle: (v) project, jut, bulge; (adj)
beetling, impend, bestride, mount,
ride, protrusive; (n) mallet; (adj, v)
hang over
befall: (v) bechance, become, happen,
fall, arise, come about, occur, betide,
chance, transpire, pass
beforehand: (adv) previously, ahead,
in advance, in anticipation, first;
(adj, adv) early, aforehand; (adj)
257
advance, already, afore; (n) prior.
ANTONYMS: (adv) afterwards,
afterward, later, late, subsequently
behalf: (n) sake, part, interest,
behoof, defense, lieu, good, stead,
score, service, side
behave: (n, v) conduct, exercise; (v)
bear, deal, deport, operate, perform,
acquit, walk, react, go.
ANTONYMS: (v) misdemean,
malfunction
beheld: (adj) visual
behold: (v) see, view, contemplate,
regard, perceive, observe, look,
consider, discern, descry, watch.
ANTONYMS: (v) Miss, disregard,
ignore, overlook
beholding: (n) fusion, seeing, visual
perception, look
believing: (adj) faith, believe, faithful,
basic cognitive process, gullible,
Catholic, religious, loyal, certain,
Christian, credent
bell: (n, v) chime; (n) gong,
Alexander Graham Bell, ring,
doorbell, handbell, tocsin, alarum,
Alexander Bell, buzz, angelus
belle: (n) beauty, fille, girl, miss,
missy
bells: (n) addition, approval,
matrimony, marriage, approbation,
wedding
belong: (v) appertain, pertain, lie, go,
belong to, attach, dwell, consist,
come, rank, stand. ANTONYMS: (v)
separate, disagree, disassociate,
leave, quit, differ
belonging: (adj) appertaining,
appertinent, apropos, apposite; (n)
household, family, appendage,
appurtenance, intimacy,
commodity, closeness. ANTONYM:
(n) antipathy
beloved: (adj, n) dear, darling,
favorite, pet; (adj) precious, loved,
cherished; (n) love, dearest, honey,
sweetheart. ANTONYMS: (adj)
detested, despised, disliked
bench: (n) banquette, chair,
workbench, court, terrace, bank, bar,
judicatory, Ottoman, board, form
bend: (n, v) bow, turn, arch, arc,
crook, twist, elbow; (adj, n, v) curve;
(v) stoop, crouch; (adj, v) flex.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) square; (v)
align, unbend, leave
benevolence: (n) beneficence,
affection, favor, mercy, compassion,
favour, kindness, benefaction, pity,
kindliness, generosity.
ANTONYMS: (n) malevolence,
meanness, cruelty, misanthropy,
 258
wickedness, nastiness, malice
bent: (adj) curved, arched, deformed,
crooked; (n) propensity, inclination,
fancy, leaning, flair, gift, curvature.
ANTONYMS: (n) weakness,
inability, aversion; (adj)
undetermined, undecided,
uncurved, uncaring, rigid, unbent
besides: (adv) as well, moreover, too,
furthermore, again, as well as,
anyway, additionally; (prep) apart
from, beside; (adj, adv) more
bespoke: (adj) bespoken, custom,
engaged, affianced, commissioned,
customized, made to measure, made
to order, modified, personalized,
specially made
bestow: (v) give, confer, grant,
impart, contribute, donate, apply,
award; (adj, v) accord, allow,
present. ANTONYMS: (v) deprive,
refuse, withhold, retrieve, withdraw
bestowed: (adj) presented, conferred,
awarded, accurate
betray: (v) deceive, bewray, sell,
grass, dupe, reveal, mislead,
disclose, accuse, befool, bamboozle.
ANTONYMS: (v) protect,
undeceive, hide, defend, withhold
beware: (v) look out, caution, be
careful, guard, pay attention, take
care, watch out, mind, keep, care,
careful. ANTONYMS: (v) risk,
disregard, invite
biased: (adj) slanted, partial, unfair,
skewed, coloured, predisposed,
prejudiced, jaundiced, subjective,
colored, bigoted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
neutral, fair, just, impartial,
balanced, innocent, objective,
broadminded
bidding: (n) behest, order, dictate,
charge, bid, request, call, dictation,
direction, fiat; (adj) imperative
bilious: (adj) atrabilious, liverish,
dyspeptic, queasy, irascible,
saturnine, touchy, testy, splenetic,
peppery; (v) jaundiced
biographer: (n) writer, novelist; (v)
fabulist; (adj) autobiographical,
autobiographic
bitter: (adj, v) acrimonious, acrid;
(adj) sharp, acid, malicious, caustic,
virulent, sour, resentful, keen,
acerbic. ANTONYMS: (adj) mild,
charitable, hot, sugary, kind,
wonderful, warm, pleasant, nice,
agreeable, gentle
bitterly: (adv) bitingly, sourly,
fiercely, cruelly, caustically, harshly,
poignantly, piercingly, cuttingly,
rancorously, acrimoniously.
Northanger Abbey
ANTONYMS: (adv) harmoniously,
sweetly, warmly, gladly, agreeably,
kindly, friendly
bitterness: (n) acerbity, animosity,
gall, malice, resentment, enmity,
acridity, acidity, bitter, rancor,
sharpness. ANTONYMS: (n) joy,
happiness, harmony, kindness,
blandness, friendliness, goodwill,
idealism, affection
blame: (v) arraign, chide; (n, v)
reprimand, censure, attack, charge,
reproach, rap, rebuke, fault; (n)
onus. ANTONYMS: (n, v) praise; (v)
absolve, exonerate, commend, clear,
acquit; (n) vindication, exoneration,
honor, absolution, glory
blamed: (adj) goddamned, goddamn,
damned, goddam, infernal,
damnable, ageless, answerable,
beatified, blessed, aeonian
blast: (adj, n, v) discharge, explosion,
burst; (n, v) attack, slam, smash,
boom, blight, roar; (adj, v) blow up;
(v) detonate
blaze: (n, v) flash, glare, flame, mark,
scintillation; (n) fire, light, burning,
inflammation, sheen; (adj, v) burn
bless: (v) consecrate, celebrate,
sanctify, anoint, eulogize, sign,
praise, keep, grant, glorify; (n)
blessing. ANTONYMS: (v) curse,
condemn, disapprove, damn,
disallow, deny
blessing: (n) benediction, approval,
mercy, felicity, benison, benefit,
luck, advantage, boon, bless,
godsend. ANTONYMS: (n) curse,
misfortune, disaster, condemnation,
adversity, desecration, refusal, veto,
disadvantage
blinding: (adj) dazzling, blazing,
amazingly impressive, bisson,
blatant, fulgent, glary; (n) clogging,
blind blocking, blindage
bliss: (n) happiness, joy, ecstasy,
pleasure, paradise, blessedness,
felicity, elation, beatitude, heaven,
blessing. ANTONYMS: (n) misery,
sorrow, agony, grief, anguish,
sadness, suffering, gloom, hell,
dissatisfaction
bloom: (adj, n, v) flower; (v) prosper,
flourish, thrive, burgeon; (adj, v)
blow, fructify; (n) prime, blush,
flush, bud. ANTONYMS: (v) shrivel,
struggle, wane, die, deteriorate,
decrease; (n) pallor, withering
blooming: (adj) rosy, thriving,
flourishing, healthy, prosperous,
ruddy, booming, blossoming,
cherry, verdant, green.
ANTONYMS: (adj) arid, pale
blow: (n) beat, knock, shock, wallop,
gust, jolt; (adj, n, v) gasp, puff; (n, v)
blast, slap; (v) squander.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) calm; (v) save,
conserve, store, stillness, inhale,
come, arrive; (n) luck, comfort,
caress
blush: (n, v) glow, color; (v) redden,
crimson; (n) red, bloom, rosiness,
ruddiness, redness; (adj) bashful;
(adv) blushingly. ANTONYMS: (v)
blanch, pale, blench; (n) paleness
blushing: (adj) rosy, coy, blushful,
flushed, red, shy, bashful,
overmodest, ruddy; (adv)
blushingly, ablush. ANTONYM:
(adj) pale
boast: (v) bluster, brag, blow, crow,
gasconade, show off, rodomontade,
exult; (n, v) vaunt, pride; (n)
arrogance. ANTONYMS: (n)
deprecation; (v) downplay, lack
bold: (adj) adventurous, audacious,
manly, arrogant, intrepid, fearless,
spirited, heroic, daring, courageous,
stalwart. ANTONYMS: (adj) timid,
modest, afraid, meek, shy, light,
courteous, discreet, faint, fearful,
abashed
boldly: (adj, adv) courageously,
valiantly, heroically; (adv)
fearlessly, daringly, bravely,
intrepidly, impudently, audaciously,
shamelessly, brashly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) discreetly, modestly,
nervously, hesitantly, shyly,
fearfully, meekly, submissively,
secretly, respectfully, diffidently
boldness: (n) prowess, face, daring,
valor, nerve, assurance, heroism,
audaciousness, spirit, cheek, valour.
ANTONYMS: (n) cowardice,
shyness, timidity, meekness,
reticence
bolt: (v) bar, gobble, abscond, fasten;
(n) arrow; (adj, n) pin; (n, v) dash,
lock, latch, escape; (adv) bang.
ANTONYMS: (v) nibble, unbolt,
loosen, amble, snack, wait, open,
unfasten, stroll, saunter, unscrew
bond: (n) association, alliance, deed,
agreement, bail, attachment, joint;
(v) bind; (n, v) cement, band, link.
ANTONYMS: (v) unstick, open,
unfasten, loosen, disconnect, clash;
(n) separation, divorce
bonnet: (n) cap, protection, chapeau,
tile, wimple, beret, lid, cowling,
castor, poke bonnet, sunbonnet
bookseller: (n) bookshop, bookstore,
owner, proprietor, publisher

booted: (adj) shod, shoder
bore: (v) dig, tire, pierce, tap, annoy,
perforate; (n, v) bother, plague; (n)
auger, well, gimlet. ANTONYMS:
(v) fascinate, excite, hypnotize,
engage, entertain, stimulate; (n)
charmer, exciter, excitement,
pleasure
borne: (adj) weak, wanting, spoony,
soft, sappy, shallow, little, limited
bosom: (n) heart, interior, boob,
thorax, chest, bust, tit; (n, v)
embrace; (v) cherish, hug; (adj)
intimate. ANTONYMS: (n) outside,
exteriority
bother: (n, v) trouble, torment, worry,
hassle, pain; (adj, n, v) fuss, bore; (v)
vex, annoy, irritate; (n) nuisance.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) delight; (v)
soothe, please, help, aid, comfort,
placate, encourage, defend; (n)
accord, satisfaction
bound: (n, v) leap, jump, border,
bounce, limit, edge, vault, recoil; (n)
boundary, barrier, compass.
ANTONYMS: (v) allow, amble,
crawl, limp, permit; (adj) permitted,
released, unbound, allowed,
unlikely
bounded: (adj) restricted, limited,
delimited, encircled, enclosed,
confined, leap, spring, bordered,
circumscribed, constrained.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unbounded,
unconfined, unlimited, free
bounding: (n) jumping, confinement;
(v) confine, salient; (adj) terminal,
moving, subsultory
bowed: (adj) arched, curved, inclined,
crooked, arciform, arching, arced,
bandy, arcuate, twisted, bended.
ANTONYMS: (adj) straight,
concave, plucked
bragging: (n) brag, swagger, bluff,
bluster, conceit, arrogance; (adj)
arrogant, boastful, big,
overweening, braggy. ANTONYMS:
(adj) modest; (n) timidity
brains: (n) cleverness, intellect,
intelligence, sense, mind, wisdom,
pate, wit, wits, reason; (adj, n) head.
ANTONYM: (n) stupidity
bravo: (v) murderer, slayer, Cain,
matador, sabreur; (n) thug,
liquidator; (adj) bully, hotspur,
enfant perdu, scapegrace
breach: (n, v) break, rupture, fissure,
split; (n) rift, opening, trespass,
crack, infringement; (v) contravene,
violate. ANTONYMS: (n) bridge,
connection, upholding, adherence,
accord, mend; (v) obey, observe,
Jane Austen
seal, uphold, honor
bread: (n) livelihood, bun,
maintenance, cash, currency, loot,
dough, pelf, food, sustenance, kale
breadth: (n) width, spread,
amplitude, wideness, size, length,
latitude, extent, area, broadness,
stretch. ANTONYMS: (n) length,
longitude, emptiness, thinness
breaking: (n) breakage, breach,
violation, infringement,
contravention, smash, rift,
scutching, shift, intermission; (v)
deaden
breathe: (n, v) respire, subsist, imply;
(n) breath, bespeak; (adj, n, v) live;
(v) exhale, exist, emit, rest, be.
ANTONYMS: (v) suffocate, hide,
choke, asphyxiate, drain, die, inhale
breathing: (adj) animate, live, living,
respiratory, alive, above ground; (v)
breathe, respire; (n) respiration,
instant, moment. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inanimate, breathless, dead
breathless: (adj, adv) out of breath;
(adj) panting, inanimate,
breathtaking, winded, choking,
puffing; (v) all agog, aghast; (adj, n)
eager; (n) in hysterics. ANTONYMS:
(adj) dull, expected, boring
breeding: (n) education, upbringing,
nurture, manners, reproduction,
generation, propagation, culture,
fostering, cultivation, multiplication.
ANTONYMS: (n) unsophistication,
vulgarity
breeze: (n) breath, air, gust, gale,
flurry, zephyr, rumor, wind, blow,
bise; (v) move
brickbat: (n) carcass, shell, rocket,
shot, grenade, criticism,
disapproval, indignity, affront,
bullet, derision
brighten: (adj, v) clear up; (v) light,
illuminate, burnish, clear, gild,
glow, perk up, cheer, irradiate,
enliven. ANTONYMS: (v) upset,
sadden, overcast, fade, dim, depress,
blacken, spoil
brightening: (n) blooming, polishing,
limb, illumination, first blush, break
of day
brilliant: (adj, v) splendid, glorious,
illustrious, smart; (adj) sunny,
intelligent, magnificent, luminous,
spectacular, vivid, beautiful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, dim, awful,
dark, unexceptional, typical,
tarnished, grimy, unintelligent,
normal, useless
briskly: (adv) busily, energetically,
vigorously, quickly, freshly,
259
actively, sharply, rapidly, vividly,
brightly, merrily. ANTONYMS:
(adv) seriously, laboriously, civilly,
pleasantly, languorously
brook: (v) endure, abide, stomach,
stand, tolerate, digest, suffer,
support, undergo; (n, v) creek; (n)
stream. ANTONYMS: (v) spurn,
resist, reject, prohibit
brow: (n) peak, brink, brows, height,
summit, forehead, eyebrow, edge,
crown, brim, border. ANTONYM:
(n) trough
brute: (adj) brutal, harsh, gruff,
brutish; (adj, n) animal, savage; (n)
barbarian, fiend, creature, monster;
(adv) beastly. ANTONYMS: (adj)
weak, refined, mild, gentle; (n)
gentleman
buck: (n) dollar, stag, beau, boar,
greenback, exquisite, fop, clam, hart;
(v) charge; (n, v) buck jump.
ANTONYMS: (v) conform,
surrender; (n) female, girl
burn: (adj, v) glow; (n, v) bite, fire,
sunburn; (v) sting, scorch,
incinerate, blaze, flare, ignite,
cremate. ANTONYMS: (v) smother,
give, subdue, help, quench, repay,
stifle, extinguish, wet
burning: (adj) blazing, ablaze,
boiling, afire, flaming, hot; (n)
combustion, firing; (adj, n)
passionate, zealous, glowing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cold, trivial,
cool, out, painless, quenched,
soothing, unimportant, apathetic,
insignificant, unconcerned
burst: (adj, n, v) crack; (adj, v) split,
blow up, explode, splinter, detonate;
(n, v) rupture, blast; (adj, n) flash; (v)
break out, belch. ANTONYMS: (v)
attach, join, connect, fasten, trickle
bustle: (adj, n, v) hurry; (n, v) flurry,
ado, fuss, hustle; (adj, n) stir,
movement; (n) bother, commotion,
disorder; (adj, v) hasten.
ANTONYMS: (n) inactivity,
stillness, idleness; (v) laziness,
relaxation
butler: (n) waiter, pantryman,
attendant, valet de chambre, livery
servant, steward, flunkey, footman,
lackey, manservant, valet
buying: (n) purchasing, buy,
purchase, business, shopping,
import, export, transaction,
ownership, patronage, sale
calculate: (v) estimate, compute, add,
account, appraise, gauge, cipher,
reckon, enumerate, forecast, guess.
ANTONYMS: (v) suppose, doubt,
 260
estimate
calculated: (adj) purposeful,
intentional, intended, conscious,
premeditated, planned, measured,
strategic; (adj, v) studied; (v)
advised, designed. ANTONYMS:
(adj) ingenuous, spontaneous,
casual
calculation: (n) account, analysis,
estimate, forecast, computation,
deliberation, arithmetic, assessment,
projection; (adj, n) discretion; (v)
estimation. ANTONYM: (n)
ingenuousness
calling: (n) business, occupation, call,
avocation, job, trade, career,
employment, walk, pursuit; (n, v)
profession. ANTONYMS: (n)
entertainment, hobby
calm: (adj, n, v) assuage, appease,
lull; (adj, v) cool, pacify, peaceful,
easy, steady; (adj, adv, n, v) still; (n,
v) allay; (v) mollify. ANTONYMS:
(adj) agitated, wild, stormy,
nervous, angry, scared, terrified,
tense; (v) agitate, provoke; (adj, v)
upset
calmly: (adv) stilly, tranquilly, coolly,
serenely, placidly, sedately,
smoothly, peacefully, easily,
undisturbedly, steadily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) anxiously,
hysterically, nervously, agitatedly,
uncontrollably, histrionically,
restlessly, frantically, irritably,
emotionally, tensely
calmness: (n) calm, composure,
quietness, poise, serenity, stillness,
quiet, silence, placidity, peace; (adj,
n) coolness. ANTONYMS: (n)
anxiety, nervousness, restlessness,
panic, fury, unrest, intensity,
discomposure, bustle, annoyance,
noise
camilla: (adj) Ariel, harlequin,
Mercury
candid: (adj) blunt, outspoken,
ingenuous, direct, sincere, open,
forthright, artless, equitable, honest,
guileless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
scheming, tricky, artful, deceitful,
dishonest, guarded, indirect,
insincere, inhibited, disingenuous,
evasive
candle: (n) candela, light, taper,
bougie, CD, candlepower, lamp,
wax light, Standard candle; (v)
examine, illuminate
cant: (n) jargon, lingo, slang,
vernacular, argot; (n, v) bank, tilt,
bias, incline; (adj, n) bevel; (v) list
capability: (n) ability, aptitude,
Northanger Abbey
abilities, potential, capableness, gift,
competence, power, qualification,
faculty, potency. ANTONYMS: (n)
failure, incapability, incompetence,
incapableness, insufficiency,
inexperience
caper: (n, v) skip, bound, frolic, hop,
romp, leap, play, gambol; (n) prank,
joke, antic. ANTONYM: (v) restrain
captive: (n) convict, prisoner of war,
slave, detainee, jailbird, gaolbird;
(adj) confined, imprisoned, rapt,
jailed, amoroso. ANTONYMS: (adj)
free, uninterested, unconfined,
liberated, emancipated,
disillusioned; (n) guard, captor
careless: (adj) forgetful, inattentive,
insouciant, haphazard, cursory,
reckless, lax, unwary, sloppy; (adj,
adv) thoughtless; (adj, v) heedless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cautious,
prudent, meticulous, thoughtful,
diligent, attentive, thorough, wary,
guarded, methodical, strict
carelessly: (adv) incautiously, hastily,
recklessly, heedlessly, casually,
sloppily, imprudently,
inconsiderately, rashly, negligently,
unwarily. ANTONYMS: (adv)
thoroughly, diligently, carefully,
warily, laboriously, thoughtfully,
attentively, daintily, methodically,
discreetly, economically
caricature: (n) burlesque, satire,
cartoon, takeoff; (n, v) lampoon,
ridicule; (v) ape, travesty, take off,
spoof, mimic
caring: (adj) tender, affectionate,
loving, fond, compassionate,
concerned, sympathetic, kind,
solicitous, considerate, obliging.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncaring,
unfeeling, callous, flippant, unkind,
inhumane, hardhearted, unhelpful,
thoughtless, rough, paternal
carriage: (n) attitude, conveyance,
cab, air, walk, position, mien,
shipping; (n, v) transport, behavior,
port
carriages: (n) carriage
carved: (adj) cut, incised, sculptured;
(v) graven, engraved, stamped,
fixed, imprinted. ANTONYM: (adj)
uncarved
carving: (n) sculpture, carve, cut,
statue, engraving, art, image, figure,
etching, woodcut, bust
cast: (n, v) throw, stamp, form, fling,
shape, figure; (v) shed, pitch, chuck;
(n) casting, appearance.
ANTONYMS: (v) refuse, receive,
subtract, reject, take, gather, catch,
retain, keep
catching: (adj) communicable,
infectious, epidemic, gripping,
transferable, zymotic; (n) discovery,
take, playing, uncovering, getting.
ANTONYM: (adj)
noncommunicable
catherine: (n) Catherine of Aragon,
Catherine the great
cattle: (n) stock, cows, neat, bull, beef,
bovine, livestock, ox, kine, cow,
oxen
causeless: (adj) adventitious,
accidental, groundless, uncaused,
reasonless, casual, aimless,
fortuitous, gratuitous,
indeterminate, undetermined
caution: (n) advice, carefulness,
warning, wariness, precaution,
vigilance, prudence, admonition,
commandment; (v) warn, advise.
ANTONYMS: (n) carelessness,
rashness, incaution, honesty,
foolishness, encouragement,
irresponsibility, openness, approval;
(v) dare, approve
cautions: (adj) guardful
cautiously: (adv) guardedly,
prudently, warily, circumspectly,
charily, discreetly, vigilantly,
timidly, attentively, watchfully,
sparingly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
openly, irresponsibly, imprudently,
bravely, recklessly, incautiously,
thoughtlessly, wastefully, tactlessly,
rashly, liberally
cavity: (n) antrum, cave, hole, pocket,
hollow, void, pit, chamber, caries,
depression, hollowness.
ANTONYMS: (n) hump, lump
ceased: (adj) finished
ceasing: (n) stopping, subsidence
cedar: (n) true cedar, pahautea,
kawaka, deodar, cedar tree
celebrated: (adj) renowned, famous,
distinguished, notable, noted,
splendid, well-known, known,
famed, eminent; (adj, n) glorious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) minor,
unexalted, ordinary, obscure,
undistinguished, inglorious,
insignificant
celebration: (n) anniversary, holiday,
fair, solemnization, festival,
commemoration, merrymaking,
feast, party, festivity; (adj, n)
dedication. ANTONYM: (n)
omission
celerity: (n) rapidity, speed, dispatch,
velocity, swiftness, quickness,
expedition, fleetness, alacrity, pace,
promptness. ANTONYMS: (n)

leisureliness, sluggishness
censure: (n, v) accuse, reprimand,
reproach, attack, animadversion,
abuse; (n) accusation,
condemnation; (v) carp, condemn,
berate. ANTONYMS: (v) approve,
commend, allow, endorse, laud,
permit, sanction; (n) approval,
blessing, commendation; (n, v)
compliment
centred: (adj) centralized,
concentrated, focused, focussed,
centralised; (n) carbon, c, hundred,
century, one C
ceremonial: (n) ceremony,
observance, rite, service, liturgy,
formality, etiquette, observation;
(adj) formal, solemn, official.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unstructured,
relaxed, casual
ceremony: (n) courtesy, celebration,
ceremonial, parade, pomp, rite,
ceremonies, manners, custom, ritual,
pageant. ANTONYMS: (n) modesty,
understatement
certainty: (n) assurance, sureness,
certain, trust, confidence, fact,
reliability, surety, security, reality,
certitude. ANTONYMS: (n) doubt,
unpredictability, indecisiveness,
skepticism, unknown, idealism,
vagueness, fantasy, feeling,
hesitation, insecurity
chairs: (n) seats
chaise: (n) shay, carriage, equipage,
rig, coach, daybed, chaise longue,
bed, cabriole chair, chair
challenging: (adj) defiant, difficult,
provocative, challenge, stimulating,
demanding, arduous, hard,
exacting, provoking, interesting.
ANTONYMS: (adj) conciliatory,
undemanding, allied, accepting,
accessible, simple, dull, peaceable,
submissive
chamber: (n) hall, bedchamber,
cavity, cell, council, compartment,
assembly, apartment, ventricle,
dormitory, cubicle
chambers: (n) bureau, consulting
room, countinghouse, apartment,
lodging, suite
chances: (n) probability, odds,
opportunities, possibility, state,
circumstances
changeable: (adj) inconsistent,
erratic, capricious, irregular, mobile,
mutable, slippery, uncertain,
unsettled, unstable, mercurial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) fixed, stable,
unchangeable, consistent,
predictable, regular, dependable,
Jane Austen
immutable, certain, invariable,
lasting
chap: (n) fellow, blighter, guy,
crevice, cranny, crack, lad, man,
scissure, beau, chink
chapel: (n) chantry, worship, shrine,
kirk, temple, house of God, house of
worship, meetinghouse, oratory,
place of worship, tabernacle
chaperone: (v) matronize, entertain,
lead, guard; (n) duenna
chapters: (n) contents
characteristic: (adj, v) typical,
representative; (adj) individual,
distinctive, original, specific; (n)
sign, attribute, character, point; (adj,
n) peculiar. ANTONYMS: (adj)
common, unusual, untypical, rare,
abnormal, typical, atypical
characters: (n) letters, typescript,
typeset, symbols, script, lettering,
inscription, handwriting, font, cast,
writing
charging: (n) filling, feeding, power
drive, decree
charm: (n, v) allure, captivate, appeal,
spell, fascinate, bewitch, conjure;
(adj, v) attract; (n) amulet; (v)
enchant, entrance. ANTONYMS: (n)
ugliness, repulsion, repulsiveness,
awkwardness, hatefulness,
unpleasantness; (v) repulse, offend,
irritate, disgust, bore
charming: (adj) beautiful, lovely,
captivating, winning, attractive,
enchanting, delightful, pleasing,
nice, magic, cute. ANTONYMS:
(adj) repellent, unpleasant,
unappealing, repulsive, charmless,
disgusting, gross, irritating,
offensive, uninteresting, annoying
charmingly: (adv) pleasingly,
prettily, alluringly, attractively,
fascinatingly, pleasantly,
enchantingly, temptingly,
engagingly, sweetly, beautifully.
ANTONYMS: (adv) unpleasantly,
unattractively, horribly, awkwardly
charms: (n) trinkets, jewelry, jewels
chatter: (n, v) babble, gossip, prattle,
gab, cackle, natter; (adj, n, v) jabber;
(adj, v) prate, palaver; (v) blabber,
patter. ANTONYM: (v) drawl
cheap: (adj) tacky, low, stingy, base,
flashy, worthless, sleazy, shabby,
niggardly, mean, economical.
ANTONYMS: (adj) expensive,
costly, tasteful, generous, luxurious,
quality, noble, inflated, precious,
dear, steep
checked: (adj) checkered, chequered,
check, plaid, examine, temperate,
261
tartan, silent, safe, pent-up,
numbered
cheek: (n) audacity, nerve, brass,
boldness, impertinence, face, lip,
mouth, gall, insolence, impudence.
ANTONYMS: (n) respect,
cowardice, timidity, humbleness,
meekness, reticence, seriousness; (v)
praise
cheeks: (n) Gemini, twins, couple,
posterior, pair, deuce, two, duet
cheerful: (adj, v) buoyant; (adj)
breezy, merry, optimistic, pleasant,
glad, blithe, carefree, bright, lively,
happy. ANTONYMS: (adj)
depressed, gloomy, sad, depressing,
grim, hopeless, miserable, morose,
somber, dejected, unwelcoming
cheerfully: (adj, adv) gladly; (adv, v)
happily; (adv) merrily, readily,
brightly, jovially, cheerily, genially,
chirpily, lively, blithely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) bleakly,
dismally, grimly, sullenly,
unhappily, somberly, sadly,
grudgingly, gloomily, dourly,
forlornly
cheerfulness: (n) glee, happiness,
exhilaration, hilarity, mirth,
merriment, gladness, cheer, good
spirits, pleasure, joviality.
ANTONYMS: (n) sadness, grimness,
seriousness, misery, resentment,
uncheerfulness, solemnity, lethargy,
bleakness, gravity, gloominess
cherished: (adj) dear, precious, loved,
treasured, prized, intimate, wanted,
valued, pet, valuable, close.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unremarkable,
hated, distant
chest: (n) bosom, ark, bust, box, chest
of drawers, case, hutch, bureau,
caisson, casket, dresser
chestnut: (adj, n) auburn,
commonplace; (n) chestnut tree,
sweet chestnut, wood, anecdote,
joke, banality; (adj) bay, trite,
castaneous
chickens: (n) Galliformes, order
Galliformes
chiefly: (adv) principally, primarily,
above all, especially, headly, mostly,
largely, primely, predominantly;
(adj, adv) mainly, particularly.
ANTONYM: (adv) partially
childless: (adj) sterile, unfruitful,
issueless, infertile, bare, bereaved,
bleak, unkind, unproductive, orbate
chilled: (adj) frozen, freezing, cool,
refrigerated, icy, inhibited,
restrained, confined, shivering, iced,
stiff
 262
chimney: (n) fireplace, smokestack,
shaft, flue, hearth, vent, lamp
chimney, chimneys, nostril, throat,
weasand
chose: (v) choose, opt, decide; (n)
thing
cipher: (n) zero, nothing, number, nil,
nobody, null; (n, v) figure, cypher,
code; (v) calculate; (adj, n)
nonentity. ANTONYMS: (n) infinity;
(v) encode, decode, code, scramble
circle: (n) association, field, range,
beat, set; (n, v) ring, band, compass,
turn, whirl; (v) encircle
circulating: (v) circulate; (adj) cyclic,
circulative, moving; (n) distribution
circumstance: (n) affair, incident,
matter, event, occasion, chance,
accident, opportunity, adventure,
casualty, fact
circumstanced: (adj) conditioned
civilities: (n) propriety
civility: (n) politeness, courtesy,
comity, attention, propriety,
affability, amenity, cultivation,
complaisance, courteousness,
civilization. ANTONYMS: (n)
rudeness, incivility, coarseness
civilized: (adj) civil, refined, polite,
civilised, cultivated, educated,
courteous, urbane, kind, gentle,
genteel. ANTONYMS: (adj)
uncouth, noncivilized, discourteous,
loutish, rude, inhumane, wild
civilly: (adv) politely, respectfully,
graciously, complaisantly, urbanely,
polishedly, considerately,
domestically, genteelly, obligingly,
refinedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
abruptly, uncivilly
clandestine: (adj) surreptitious,
undercover, underhand,
underground, hidden, stealthy,
underhanded, furtive, covert; (adj,
v) private, privy. ANTONYMS: (adj)
public, forthright, overt,
aboveboard, known, transparent,
blatant
classic: (adj) classical, ancient, typical,
exemplary, ideal, archetypal,
representative, chaste; (adj, n)
model; (n) classics, masterpiece.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncharacteristic,
new, unconventional, worst, poor,
irregular, inferior, abnormal, radical,
minor, tentative
clause: (n) article, paragraph, section,
rider, provision, chapter, member,
prerequisite, stipulation,
requirement; (n, v) passage
clay: (n) soil, remains, adobe, loam,
dust, dirt, mud, bentonite, ashes;
Northanger Abbey
(adj, n) pottery; (adj) earthen
cleanliness: (n) tidiness, neatness,
chastity, wont, trait, hygiene,
sanitation, purity, clarity.
ANTONYMS: (n) dirtiness,
impurity, squalor, uncleanliness,
grime
cleared: (adj) absolved, clean, empty,
exculpated, bleak, innocent, exempt,
vindicated, exonerated, guiltless, let
off. ANTONYMS: (adj) full,
uncleared, guilty
clearness: (n) clarity, brightness,
distinctness, perspicuity, lucidity,
explicitness, sharpness, simplicity,
purity, limpidity, intelligibility.
ANTONYMS: (n) ambiguity,
opacity, dirtiness, vagueness,
unclearness, obscureness,
indistinctness, clutter, haziness,
mustiness
clemency: (n) charity, tenderness,
leniency, compassion, pardon, pity,
benevolence, quarter, grace; (adj, n)
kindness, benignity. ANTONYMS:
(n) blame, cruelty, harshness,
strictness, unkindness,
vindictiveness, mercilessness
clergyman: (n) minister, chaplain,
priest, pastor, churchman, preacher,
parson, rector, dominie, vicar; (adj)
divine. ANTONYMS: (n) layman,
layperson
clever: (adj) capable, acute,
intelligent, able, apt, expert, skillful,
cunning, sharp; (adj, v) brilliant,
smart. ANTONYMS: (adj) clumsy,
unintelligent, dim, dull, inept, thick,
naive, idiotic, moronic, incompetent,
open
cliff: (adj, n) precipice; (n) boulder,
hill, escarpment, promontory, crag,
mountain, bank, face; (adj) wall,
pike
climate: (n) atmosphere, clime,
ambience, latitude, mood, milieu,
weather, environment, zone,
conditions, isobar
cloak: (n, v) veil, mask, camouflage,
wrap, masquerade, screen, pall; (n)
cape; (v) conceal, dissemble, hide.
ANTONYMS: (v) reveal, uncloak,
unmask; (n, v) uncover
clock: (n) chronometer, horologe,
alarm, alarm clock, clepsydra, ticker,
cuckoo clock, clock radio; (n, v)
time, stopwatch; (v) measure
clocks: (n) alfilaria, alfileria,
storksbill, pin clover, redstem
storksbill, pin grass, filaria, filaree
cloister: (n) abbey, priory, monastery,
arcade, friary, piazza, nunnery,
circus, veranda; (v) encircle, insulate
cloisters: (n) walkway, arcade,
churchyard, covered passage,
doorway, pergola, portico
closet: (n) cupboard, cubicle, cell,
latrine, bathroom, wardrobe, water
closet; (adj) clandestine,
confidential, secret, private.
ANTONYM: (adj) open
closing: (n) end, finish, conclusion,
close, ending, shutting, finishing;
(adj) ultimate, last, final, terminal.
ANTONYMS: (adj, n) opening; (adj)
first
clothe: (v) dress, cover, garb, apparel,
clad, vest, arrange, deck, invest,
wrap; (n, v) attire. ANTONYMS: (v)
reveal, strip, uncover
clouds: (n) exhaust, fumes, gas,
smoke, vapors
cloudy: (adj) dull, gloomy, nebulous,
murky, dark, turbid, foggy, muddy,
misty, sunless, vaporous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) clear, bright,
sunny, cloudless
coachman: (n) teamster, cabman,
charioteer, carter, carman, Jehu,
postboy, drayman, wagoner,
postilion; (v) whip
coarse: (adj) vulgar, boorish, rough,
brutal, crude, gross, common,
earthy, blunt, bawdy; (adj, v) harsh.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sophisticated,
refined, smooth, polite, soft, civil,
cultured, delicate, fine, genteel,
gentlemanly
cocoa: (n) hot chocolate, cacao,
brown, coco, foodstuff, burnt
umber, coco palm, beverage; (v) tea,
coffee
coffin: (n) casket, sarcophagus, chest,
cask, hearse, urn, carriage,
automobile, catafalque; (v) to drive a
nail in one's coffin, bury
coincidence: (n) chance, accident,
conformity, conjunction,
coexistence, consistency, unison,
correspondence, concurrence,
appulse; (v) coincide. ANTONYM:
(n) plan
coldly: (adv) frigidly, icily, coolly,
indifferently, frostily, distantly,
gelidly, reservedly, bleakly,
wintrily, frozenly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) warmly, affectionately,
sympathetically, sensitively, kindly,
cheerfully, emotionally
coldness: (n) chilliness, coolness,
indifference, distance, apathy,
iciness, reserve, frost, frigidity,
unconcern; (adj, n) cold.
ANTONYMS: (n) friendliness,

sympathy, sensitivity, hotness, heat,
responsiveness, concern, brightness,
kindness
collect: (v) gather, amass,
accumulate, pick, aggregate,
congregate, acquire, harvest, accrue,
pick up, cull. ANTONYMS: (v)
distribute, scatter, spread, lose, give,
divide, dispense, disband,
compensate, need, dispatch
collected: (adj) calm, accumulated,
amassed, tranquil, sober, assembled,
cool, poised, unflappable, peaceful;
(adj, v) composed. ANTONYMS:
(adj) nervous, worried, upset,
uncollected, flustered,
scatterbrained, anxious, excitable
collecting: (n) compilation,
accumulation, collection, collation,
assemblage, aggregation, pickup,
philately, numismatics; (adj)
gathering, philatelic
coloured: (adj) colorful, biased, black,
partial, painted, dyed, unfair, blue,
hued, color, artificial
colouring: (n) coloration, painting,
colour, coloring, color, tincture, tint,
hue, colouration, dyeing, exterior
condition
combine: (v) associate, blend, fuse,
affiliate, attach, piece, aggregate,
unite, incorporate; (n, v) league; (n)
cartel. ANTONYMS: (v) detach,
disconnect, divide, subtract,
disband, undo
comedy: (n) play, humor, drollery,
show, clowning, drama, wittiness,
slapstick, jesting, interlude, hilarity.
ANTONYMS: (n) melodrama,
seriousness, solemnity
comer: (n) newcomer, arriver,
traveler, traveller, contender,
competitor, competition, visitor,
whiz kid, Young Turk; (adj) fresh
comfort: (n, v) ease, allay, support,
aid, alleviate; (n) consolation, relief,
amenity, assistance; (adj, n, v)
assuage; (v) cheer. ANTONYMS: (n)
discomfort, aggravation, agony; (v)
alarm, annoy, frighten, afflict,
aggravate, bother, burden,
disappoint
comfortable: (adj, v) easy, snug; (adj)
pleased, pleasing, prosperous,
agreeable, pleasurable, congenial,
rich, enjoyable, homely.
ANTONYMS: (adj) poor, tense,
formal, unpleasant, unhappy,
unaccustomed, intimidating,
difficult, anxious, broke, destitute
comfortably: (adv) easily, pleasantly,
cosily, conveniently, easy, snugly,
Jane Austen
richly, advantageously, leisurely,
well, wealthily. ANTONYMS: (adv)
uncomfortably, awkwardly,
unpleasantly
comforting: (adj) soothing, consoling,
consolatory, satisfying, gratifying,
encouraging, restful, placatory,
tranquil, appeasing; (n) relief.
ANTONYMS: (adj) hostile,
discomforting, disconcerting,
distressing, disturbing,
overwhelming, surprising,
troublesome, irritating, tense,
upsetting
comfortless: (adj) dreary, desolate,
bleak, uncomfortable, inconsolable,
gloomy, lonely; (adj, v) disconsolate,
forlorn; (v) joyless, sick at heart
comforts: (n) amenities, bread and
butter, convenience, conveniences
command: (n, v) order, charge, call,
control, decree; (n) instruction,
bidding, direction, behest; (v) direct,
commission. ANTONYMS: (v) obey,
follow, contradict, countermand,
revoke, recall, oppose; (n) beg,
plead, plea
commanded: (adj) lawful
commanding: (adj) imperative,
imperious, peremptory, bossy,
imposing, ascendant, compelling,
magnificent; (adj, n) grand,
impressive; (adv) commandingly.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inferior,
unassertive, indecisive,
unimpressive, insignificant,
subservient
commendation: (n, v) acclaim,
applause, praise; (n) approval,
citation, approbation, tribute, credit,
plaudit, acclamation, admiration.
ANTONYMS: (n) disapproval,
criticism, censure, demotion
commerce: (n, v) trade, barter; (n)
business, exchange, connection,
dealings, intercourse, association,
conversation, communication; (v)
affair
commodious: (adj) capacious, wide,
roomy, spacious, comfortable,
voluminous, extensive, useful, large;
(adj, v) convenient, easy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) small,
uncomfortable, tight,
incommodious, confined, squeezed
commonly: (adv) ordinarily, usually,
generally, customarily, normally,
habitually, regularly, plebeianly,
currently, popularly, publicly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) unusually,
uncommonly, seldom, narrowly,
tastefully, specifically
263
commonplace: (adj, v) trite,
hackneyed; (adj) banal, ordinary,
humdrum, common, average, plain,
mundane, dull; (n) platitude.
ANTONYMS: (adj) extraordinary,
unusual, exceptional, infrequent,
rare, romantic, uncommon, weird;
(n) deepness, profundity,
profoundness
communicate: (v) express, impart,
advertise, advise, carry, convey,
transmit, commune, apprise; (adj, v)
announce, intimate. ANTONYMS:
(v) excommunicate, conceal,
suppress
communicating: (n) communication,
intercommunication, suasion,
expression, transmission,
examination, intercourse,
dramaturgy; (v) communicate; (adj)
communicant, dramaturgic
communications: (n) connections,
transportation, communication
studies, telecommunications.
ANTONYM: (n) secret
communicative: (adj) communicable,
chatty, communicatory, expansive,
expressive, clear, frank, fluent,
companionable, conversational,
open. ANTONYMS: (adj)
uninformative, reserved, reticent,
closed, taciturn, impassive,
restrained, inarticulate
companion: (adj, n) associate; (n)
colleague, buddy, mate, peer, chum,
partner, fellow, comrade, assistant,
brother. ANTONYMS: (n) foe,
stranger, adversary
companions: (n) circle, entourage,
people
companionship: (n) company,
society, fellowship, camaraderie,
partnership, friendship, fraternity,
amity, coexistence, brotherhood,
communion. ANTONYMS: (n)
animosity, enmity, solitude
comparative: (adj) qualified,
proportionate, illustrative,
approximate, near. ANTONYMS:
(adj) absolute, unlike, far, unequal
comparatively: (adv) rather,
somewhat, reasonably, quite,
approximately, some, pretty, fairly,
to some extent, to a certain extent,
moderately. ANTONYM: (adv)
absolutely
compare: (adj, v) liken; (v) confront,
equate, to compare, associate,
contrast, correlate, equalize,
resemble, equal; (n, v) comparison.
ANTONYMS: (v) imbalance,
contrast
 264
comparing: (n) collation, contrast,
comparison, analogy, collating,
comparability
comparison: (n) collation, likeness,
compare, resemblance,
correspondence, metaphor,
comparing, similarity, contrast,
parallel; (n, prep) connection.
ANTONYMS: (n) difference,
contrast
compartment: (n) cell, division, cabin,
cubicle, separation, cubbyhole,
booth, cockpit, cab, bay; (v) partition
compassion: (adj, n) clemency,
kindness; (n) mercy, charity,
sympathy, commiseration, remorse,
tenderness, forgiveness, feeling,
grace. ANTONYMS: (n)
indifference, disregard, unconcern,
severity, nastiness, harshness,
incomprehension, malevolence,
coldness, roughness, inhumanity
compassionately: (adv) kindly,
humanely, mercifully, pityingly,
benevolently, graciously, tenderly,
clemently, caringly, humanitarianly,
indulgently. ANTONYMS: (adv)
severely, unkindly, malevolently,
meanly, roughly, inhumanely
complacency: (n) contentment,
conceit, satisfaction, self-satisfaction,
comfort, entire satisfaction, peace of
mind, gratification; (adj) amiability,
soft tongue, mansuetude
complacent: (adj) self-satisfied,
contented, smug, satisfied, gracious,
accommodating, comfortable,
placid, proud, arrogant, self-
righteous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
dissatisfied, discontented, insecure,
modest, troubled, uneasy,
unsatisfied, concerned, anxious
complacently: (adv) contently,
conceitedly, self-satisfiedly,
graciously, arrogantly, satisfiedly,
contentedly, virtuously,
sanctimoniously
complain: (v) bemoan, protest,
whine, squawk, bewail, beef,
grudge, accuse, carp, plain,
complaint. ANTONYMS: (v) praise,
applaud, cheer, recommend, rejoice,
laud, approve, agree, accept
complaisance: (adj, n) affability,
civility; (n) courtesy, deference,
respect, compliancy, agreeableness,
submission, amenity, politeness;
(adj) gallantry
completing: (adj) complementary,
complemental, final, unessential,
definitive, consummative; (n)
finishing, carrying out,
Northanger Abbey
implementation
completion: (n) accomplishment,
achievement, consummation,
attainment, finish, performance,
conclusion, closing, fulfillment,
ending, complement. ANTONYMS:
(n) beginning, abandonment
complexion: (n, v) tint; (n) cast,
character, appearance, look, hue,
aspect, flush, glow, dye, fashion
compliance: (n) observance,
approval, consent, acquiescence,
obedience, complaisance,
accordance, deference, assent,
submission, compliancy.
ANTONYMS: (n) disobedience,
stubbornness, nonconformity,
resistance, refusal, dissent,
disagreement, noncompliance,
defiance, reluctance, rigidity
compliment: (n, v) praise, honor; (v)
laud, flattery, applaud, greet,
adulation, congratulate, belaud; (n)
eulogy, tribute. ANTONYMS: (n)
criticism, reproach, disparagement;
(n, v) slander, libel; (v) criticize,
denounce, disparage, denigrate,
complain, belittle
complimentary: (adj, adv) free,
gratis, without charge, at no cost;
(adj) gratuitous, adulatory,
flattering, costless, approving, on
the house; (v) commendatory.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disparaging,
offensive, disapproving, critical,
uncomplimentary, derogatory,
denouncing, negative, costly,
scornful, unflattering
compliments: (n) respects,
commendation, wish, greetings,
salutation, respect, applause,
flattery, acclamation, regards,
approbation
compose: (v) build, compile, write,
weave; (adj, v) appease, tranquilize,
allay, lull; (n, v) calm, constitute,
settle. ANTONYMS: (v) destroy,
ruin, unsettle, annihilate,
discompose, demolish, disturb,
fluster
composition: (n) texture,
construction, constitution, alloy,
amalgam, composing, compost,
compound, compromise, harmony,
combination
composure: (n) calmness, serenity,
poise, calm, equanimity, temper,
aplomb, tranquillity, peace,
temperament, disposition.
ANTONYMS: (n) panic,
discomposure, anger, nervousness,
perturbation, anxiety, agitation,
turbulence, awkwardness
comprehend: (v) grasp, catch, see,
comprise, appreciate, feel, sense,
apperceive, read; (adj, v)
understand; (n, v) embrace.
ANTONYMS: (v) mistake,
misapprehend, exclude,
misunderstand, misconceive
comprehended: (adj) understood,
apprehended
comprehending: (adj) intelligent,
general, observant, sympathetic,
brotherly, conversant
comprehension: (n) knowledge,
inclusion, conception,
understanding, intelligence, grasp,
wit, capacity, familiarity,
discernment, uptake. ANTONYMS:
(n) incomprehension, ignorance
comprehensive: (adj) broad,
inclusive, extensive, full, large,
detailed, thorough, total, exhaustive,
universal, wide. ANTONYMS: (adj)
partial, restricted, limited, sketchy,
minor, selective, local,
incomprehensive, incomplete,
careless, exclusive
compression: (n) compaction,
pressure, contraction, consolidation,
concentration, compressing,
squeezing, concretion, compactness,
data compression, constriction.
ANTONYM: (n) looseness
compromise: (n) arrangement,
settlement, concession,
accommodation, understanding,
adjustment, deal, appeasement; (n,
v) bargain; (v) compound; (adj, v)
make a compromise. ANTONYMS:
(n) disagreement, contention,
confrontation, difference; (v) save,
quarrel, protect, enhance, differ,
support, contest
conceal: (v) hide, disguise, bury,
screen, cloak, smother, shield,
suppress, mask, obscure; (n, v) veil.
ANTONYMS: (v) reveal, show,
expose, divulge, clarify, uncover,
disclose, tell, admit, spotlight, flaunt
concealed: (adj) covert, clandestine,
blind, occult, secret, mysterious,
obscure, buried, invisible, secreted,
surreptitious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unconcealed, available, overt, open,
divulged, Shown, revealed,
disclosed, uncovered, noticeable,
mainstream
concealing: (n) covering,
concealment, burial, stealing,
stealth, screening, burying,
screenings, activity; (adj)
suppressive

concealment: (n) suppression,
confidentiality, concealing, secrecy,
screen, disguise, hiding, privacy,
camouflage, blind, covering.
ANTONYMS: (n) discovery,
disclosure, exposure, expression,
openness, uncovering, revelation
conceit: (n) pretension, vanity, self-
esteem, pride, assumption, egotism,
fancy, haughtiness, conception,
caprice, quip. ANTONYMS: (n)
humility, timidity, selflessness,
humbleness, reserve
conceited: (adj) arrogant, cocky, vain,
boastful, proud, smug, affected,
assuming, egotistical, haughty,
pompous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
modest, insecure, meek, selfless,
unassuming
conceive: (v) think, imagine,
comprehend, design, apprehend,
realize, discover, cogitate,
appreciate, invent, catch.
ANTONYMS: (v) destroy, doubt,
misunderstand, question, ruin
conceiving: (n) fantasy, daydream;
(adj) imaginant, original
conception: (n) concept, idea, view,
thought, creation, mind, design,
imagination, impression,
understanding, fancy. ANTONYMS:
(n) termination, finish, ending,
concrete, abortion, ignorance,
destruction
concerning: (adj, prep) regarding,
with regard to, with reference to, in
relation to; (prep) respecting, as
regards, of, touching, relating to;
(adj) as to, relevant
concerns: (n) dealings, affairs
concert: (n) agreement, tune,
consonance, performance, recital,
concordance, harmony, concord,
unison; (v) contrive, arrange.
ANTONYMS: (n) discord,
disharmony, disunity
conciliatory: (adj) complaisant,
pacific, mollifying, propitiatory,
friendly, appeasing, conciliating,
compromising, pacificatory,
assuaging, quiet. ANTONYMS: (adj)
provocative, challenging, hostile,
aggressive, stubborn, bellicose,
belligerent, fighting, antagonizing,
uncompromising, antagonistic
conclude: (n, v) complete; (v) finish,
gather, end, settle, resolve,
terminate, determine, accomplish,
cease, assume. ANTONYMS: (v)
start, begin, commence, open,
unsettle, prolong, wait, hesitate,
introduce, delay, postpone
Jane Austen
concluded: (adj, adv) finished, done,
completed, ended; (adj) over, closed,
terminated, accomplished, all over,
consummate, set
concluding: (adj) last, terminal,
ultimate, closing, definitive,
conclusive, latest; (n) ending, dying,
finishing, reasoning. ANTONYMS:
(adj) opening, former, first
condemnation: (n) animadversion,
anathema, conviction, blame,
rebuke, judgment, disapprobation,
deprecation, disapproval; (n, v)
doom; (v) condemn. ANTONYMS:
(n) praise, absolution, approbation,
confirmation, commendation,
defense, support
conducive: (n) advantageous,
favorable; (adj) instrumental,
helpful, contributory, tending,
subservient, profitable, auspicious,
beneficial; (v) working towards.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unconducive,
hindering, deleterious, counter,
adverse
conduct: (v) bring, direct, carry,
show; (n, v) act, administration,
manage, administer, carriage,
bearing; (adj, v) acquit.
ANTONYMS: (v) mismanage, leave,
follow
conducted: (adj) directed, guided
conductor: (n, v) guide, guard; (n)
chief, director, driver, chauffeur,
bandmaster, collector, commander,
pilot, ringleader. ANTONYMS: (n)
insulator, nonconductor
confess: (adj, v) own, allow, admit,
avow; (v) concede, profess,
recognize, divulge, disclose, reveal,
receive. ANTONYMS: (v) suppress,
hide, dispute, conceal, repress,
harbor
confessed: (adj) known
confession: (n) admission,
acknowledgment, recognition,
acknowledgement, concession,
divulgence, disclosure, shrift,
penance, profession, admission of
guilt. ANTONYMS: (n) disavowal,
refutation
confidante: (n) comrade, intimate,
camarade, companion, compeer,
familiar, lady's maid, guest,
confrere, soul mate, associate.
ANTONYMS: (n) enemy, foe, rival
confident: (adj) bold, brave, secure,
sanguine, audacious, forward,
fearless; (adj, v) certain, positive,
sure; (adj, n) hopeful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) insecure, timid, pessimistic,
frightened, anxious, unsure,
265
hesitant, unintelligent, doubtful,
diffident, bland
confidential: (adj) secret, classified,
private, intimate, privileged,
clandestine, furtive, thick, inner,
esoteric, confident. ANTONYMS:
(adj) open, familiar, known,
external, accessible, official,
unrestricted
confine: (n, v) bound, border, limit;
(v) bind, restrain, circumscribe, tie,
incarcerate, hold; (n) boundary,
bounds. ANTONYMS: (v) release,
free, liberate, broaden
confined: (adj) limited, cramped,
imprisoned, bounded, enclosed,
restricted, narrow, constrained,
strict; (adj, v) close, invalided.
ANTONYMS: (adj) liberated,
invasive, roomy, unconfined,
unlimited, open, spacious, general
confinement: (n, v) childbirth,
delivery; (n) detention, custody,
restraint, internment, prison, labor,
containment, incarceration, arrest.
ANTONYMS: (n) release, death,
liberation
confining: (adj) restricting, limiting,
narrow, confined, oppressive,
stringent, constrictive, restrictive,
closemouthed; (v) confine; (n)
contraction
confirm: (v) corroborate, verify,
approve, validate, bear out, prove,
clinch, assert, demonstrate,
authenticate; (adj, v) establish.
ANTONYMS: (v) contradict, deny,
weaken, cancel, void, veto,
undermine, repudiate, question,
open, negate
confirmation: (n) ratification,
approval, corroboration, testimony,
sanction, demonstration, agreement,
authentication, check, endorsement,
evidence. ANTONYMS: (n)
opposite, question, repudiation,
retraction, withdrawal,
condemnation, denial
confirming: (adj) affirmative,
confirmatory, corroborative,
collateral, verifying, confirmative,
corroboratory, positive,
substantiating, substantiative,
validating
conformity: (n) agreement,
compliance, concord, conformance,
accordance, coincidence,
concordance, observance,
conformation, conformism, keeping.
ANTONYMS: (n) nonconformity,
disagreement, incongruity,
uniqueness, rebellion,
 266
nonconformance, looseness,
difference, noncompliance,
infidelity, divergence
confounded: (adj) bemused,
accursed, execrable, baffled, cursed,
befuddled, confused, puzzled,
aghast, perplexed; (adj, v) abashed
confused: (adj) abashed, baffled,
befuddled, bemused, dizzy, chaotic,
confounded, deranged, incoherent,
disjointed, indistinct. ANTONYMS:
(adj) enlightened, orderly, alert,
clearheaded, organized, oriented,
precise, systematic, ordered,
unimpressed, methodical
confusion: (n) commotion, chaos,
disarray, bedlam, pandemonium,
disorder, disturbance, distraction,
clutter, tumult, agitation.
ANTONYMS: (n) clarity,
understanding, tidiness,
systematization, enlightenment,
peace, organization, lucidity,
neatness, space, calm
congratulate: (v) compliment,
felicitate, preen, pride, celebrate,
applaud, joy, salute, commemorate,
approve; (n) congratulation.
ANTONYMS: (v) commiserate, slur,
disparage, belittle, condemn, boo
conjecture: (n) supposition,
speculation, assumption, surmise,
hypothesis; (v) suppose, believe,
anticipate, assume, speculate; (n, v)
estimate. ANTONYMS: (n)
certainty; (v) demonstrate, know,
learn, prove
conjectured: (adj) supposed,
opinionative
connected: (adj, v) related; (adj)
attached, allied, affiliated, coherent,
linked, committed, conjoint,
combined, relevant, consecutive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unrelated,
separate, unimportant, disjoined,
unaffiliated, disconnected,
unattached, irrelevant
connection: (n) communication,
concatenation, attachment, joint,
bearing, affiliation, association, knot,
conjunction, alliance, link.
ANTONYMS: (n) breach, enemy,
dissociation, disjunction,
unconnectedness, foe, detachment,
rival, interruption, clash, difference
connections: (n) contacts,
communication, influence,
communications, links, transactions,
quinze, put, network, inside track,
dealings
connive: (v) scheme, intrigue, plot,
contrive, collude, blink, wink,
Northanger Abbey
overlook, acquiesce, plan, design
conscience: (n) moral sense,
Conscience money, sense of right
and wrong, scruple, intention,
tender conscience, small voice,
principles, morals, morality, inward
monitor. ANTONYM: (n)
indifference
conscientious: (adj) scrupulous,
painstaking, honest, thorough,
meticulous, dutiful, close,
principled, strict; (adj, v) ethical,
moral. ANTONYMS: (adj) sloppy,
unconscientious, immoral,
irresponsible, unscrupulous,
conscienceless, corrupt, dishonest,
inexact, slack, slipshod
conscious: (adj) alive, premeditated,
mindful, deliberate, cognizant,
calculated, intended, discerning,
self-conscious, studied, voluntary.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unaware,
ignorant, unintentional, dead,
accidental, inanimate, spontaneous,
subconscious, unplanned,
inadvertent, oblivious
consciousness: (n) feeling, sense,
conscience, cognizance, mind,
notion, knowledge, sensibility, feel,
Consciousness of kind, self.
ANTONYMS: (n) ignorance,
oblivion, certainty, numbness
consent: (adj, n, v) accord; (n, v)
acquiescence, agreement; (v) concur,
approve, agree, acquiesce, accept;
(n) consensus, approval; (adj, v)
allow. ANTONYMS: (v) refuse,
reject, protest, object, differ, oppose;
(n, v) veto; (n) refusal, opposition,
dissent, disagreement
consenting: (adj) agreeable, yielding,
submissive, consentant, compliant,
affirmative, accepting; (v)
complying, chosen
consequence: (n) effect, outcome,
import, result, importance, product,
account, concern, event, aftermath;
(n, v) weight. ANTONYMS: (n)
cause, inconsequence, insignificance,
antecedent, unimportance, triviality,
source, meaninglessness
consequent: (adj) following, ensuing,
resultant, sequent, resulting,
successive, succeeding; (n) sequel,
outcome, upshot; (adj, v) attendant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) original,
preceding
consequential: (adj) ensuing,
eventful, bumptious, significant,
weighty, imperious, following, high,
consequent, considerable,
supercilious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
insignificant, unimportant, original,
trivial, uneventful, optional
consequently: (adv) therefore,
subsequently, as a result, then,
sequentially, followingly, so,
naturally, in consequence, hence;
(conj) ergo
considering: (conj, prep) because,
bearing in mind; (conj) as, since;
(adv) whereas, enough; (v) consider;
(n) consideration, thought,
deliberation; (prep) in view of
consist: (n, v) be; (adj, v) lie; (v)
belong, fit, comprise, lie in, reside,
exist, make up; (adj, n) abide; (n)
agree
consistent: (adj) uniform, logical,
compatible, agreeable, congruous,
regular, consonant, conformable,
unchanging, concurrent; (adj, v)
constant. ANTONYMS: (adj) erratic,
contradictory, illogical,
unpredictable, unreliable,
incompatible, incongruous,
opposing, irregular, indecisive,
inconstant
consistently: (adv) uniformly,
solidly, logically, persistently,
constantly, always, regularly,
consonantly, homogeneously,
accordantly, customarily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) erratically,
unusually, unsystematically,
unevenly, illogically, carelessly,
unreliably
consolation: (n) comfort, relief, balm,
succor, ease, cheer, solacement,
encouragement, sympathy,
alleviation, express sympathy.
ANTONYMS: (n) grief, sorrow,
distress, discouragement,
aggravation
console: (v) cheer, soothe, quiet,
relieve, reassure, encourage; (n, v)
solace; (n) cabinet, allay, control
console, control panel.
ANTONYMS: (v) hurt, discourage,
grieve, sadden, distress, dispirit,
dishearten, upset
consoling: (adj) consolatory,
cheering, encouraging, grateful,
reassuring, soothing, calming; (n)
encouragement. ANTONYM: (adj)
upsetting
conspicuous: (adj) apparent, blatant,
visible, manifest, obvious, marked,
glaring, blazing, flagrant, famous;
(adj, v) salient. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unobtrusive, unremarkable,
unnoticeable, concealed, hidden,
indistinct, invisible, secret,
unimportant, unseen, doubtful

constantly: (adv) continually, firmly,
incessantly, eternally, steadily,
endlessly, unremittingly,
ceaselessly, steadfastly; (adj, adv)
always, forever. ANTONYMS: (adv)
inconsistently, intermittently,
acutely, erratically, infrequently
constitution: (n) code, makeup,
temperament, organization, build,
foundation, structure, law, charter,
character, formation
constitutional: (adj) essential,
inherent, intrinsic, legal, organic,
constituent, inborn, inbuilt, innate,
integral; (n, v) walk. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unconstitutional, learned,
improper, illegal, contracted,
acquired
constrained: (adj) forced, bound, stiff,
strained, awkward, compelled,
limited, affected, stilted, rigid,
unnatural. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unrestricted, liberated, natural, open
constructed: (adj) made, formed,
synthetic
consult: (v) consider, negotiate,
deliberate, advise, refer, discuss,
ask, reason, look up, canvass; (n, v)
talk. ANTONYMS: (v) ignore,
bypass
consultation: (n) interview,
conference, negotiation, counsel,
talk, discussion, audience,
advisement, council, deliberation,
meeting
consumed: (adj) exhausted, finished,
used up, worn, depleted, obsessed,
possessed, lost, tired, immersed,
gone
consummate: (adj, v) perfect; (n, v)
conclude, crown; (v) accomplish,
achieve, execute; (adj) accomplished,
absolute, profound, matchless,
masterful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inadequate, mediocre, incomplete,
deficient, amateurish, untrained,
abysmal, inept; (v) start, initiate,
begin
contained: (adj) implicit, unspoken,
unexpressed, latent, understood,
numbered, inside, confined to a
small area, being within, limited to a
small area. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unrestrained, generalized, pervasive
containing: (adj) including,
comprehensive
contemplated: (adj) intended, willful
contemplation: (n) consideration,
reflection, thought, attention,
cogitation, musing, introspection,
speculation, animus, deliberation;
(n, v) study
Jane Austen
contempt: (n, v) scorn; (v) despise; (n)
disrespect, derision, mockery,
disregard, ridicule, shame, slight,
reproach, discourtesy. ANTONYMS:
(n) approval, admiration, regard,
honor, esteem
contemptible: (adj) abject, mean,
base, pitiful, little, worthless,
unworthy, miserable, ignoble,
abominable, shameful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) estimable,
admired, deserving, worthy,
honorable, respectable, respectful,
noble, generous, commendable,
good
contemptuous: (adj) scornful,
disdainful, insulting, arrogant,
proud, haughty, derisive, cynical,
sarcastic, disrespectful; (adj, v)
supercilious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
approving, complimentary,
deferential, humble, polite,
respected, admiring
contend: (v) wrestle, compete,
conflict, combat, argue, war, clash,
altercate, struggle, contest; (n, v)
allege. ANTONYMS: (v) retreat,
harmonize, abandon, deny, cede,
agree, surrender, desert
contented: (adj) content, happy,
comfortable, quiet, cheerful, smug,
complacent, satisfied, easy, proud,
delighted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
discontented, unhappy, depressed,
unsatisfied, sad, anxious
contentedly: (adv) gladly, satisfiedly,
contently, gratifiedly, pleasedly,
cheerfully, joyfully, smugly, easily,
complacently, placidly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) crossly,
awkwardly, unhappily,
discontentedly, sadly
contents: (n) substance, content,
matter, inside, subject matter, list,
volume, synopsis, conspectus, cargo,
catalogue
contest: (v) compete, contend; (n)
bout, competition, contention; (n, v)
combat, conflict, fight, dispute,
altercation, struggle. ANTONYMS:
(n) tranquility, quiet, peace, calm,
cooperation; (v) surrender, agree,
acquiesce, accede, favor, prove
continual: (adj, adv) constant; (adj)
ceaseless, incessant, endless,
continuous, frequent, everlasting,
uninterrupted, perpetual,
unrelenting, perennial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sporadic,
temporary, occasional, finite,
inconstant, infrequent, ending,
ceasing, halting, rare, acute
267
continually: (adv) perpetually,
ceaselessly, incessantly, endlessly,
unceasingly, continuously,
persistently, eternally, steadily,
frequently; (adj, adv) always.
ANTONYMS: (adv) acutely,
infrequently, spasmodically,
sporadically
continuance: (n) duration, abidance,
existence, endurance, protraction,
adjournment, resumption,
prolongation, time, standing,
perseverance. ANTONYMS: (n)
discontinuation, destruction
continuing: (adj) constant, lasting,
abiding, ongoing, serial, persistent,
enduring, permanent, durable,
chronic, steady. ANTONYMS: (adj)
rapid, spasmodic, occasional,
fleeting
contracted: (adj) insular, contract,
constricted, tight, bound, close,
narrow-minded, confined, brief; (v)
shrunk; (adj, v) selfish. ANTONYM:
(adj) expanded
contradict: (v) deny, oppose, belie,
conflict, confute, controvert,
contravene, disprove, refute,
invalidate, impugn. ANTONYMS:
(v) agree, match, correspond,
approve, corroborate, prove,
support, reinforce
contradiction: (n) antithesis, denial,
repugnance, clash, disproof,
contrast, opposite, disagreement,
paradox, inconsistency, reverse.
ANTONYMS: (n) correspondence,
confirmation, consistency,
reinforcement, concord
contrary: (adj, n) contradictory,
reverse; (adj) adverse, conflicting,
unfavorable, perverse, cross,
disobedient, alien, different,
obstinate. ANTONYMS: (adj)
similar, harmonious, helpful,
obliging, compatible, complaisant,
concordant, parallel, agreeable,
cooperative, favorable
contribute: (v) bring, bestow,
administer, aid, impart, supply,
provide, afford, endow, lead; (adj, v)
tend. ANTONYMS: (v) hurt, harm,
detract, counteract, minus, neglect,
subtract, withhold, refrain, leave,
refuse
contributed: (adj) collatitious, unpaid
contriver: (n) inventor, schemer,
deviser, plotter, human, soul,
someone, somebody, person,
individual, mortal
convenience: (n) contrivance,
accommodation, opportunity,
 268
utility, occasion, fitness, comfort,
leisure, appliance, availability; (adj)
convenient. ANTONYMS: (n)
uselessness, distance, hardship,
unsuitability, clumsiness,
remoteness
convenient: (adj) comfortable,
commodious, handy, appropriate,
expedient, timely, fit, useful, nearby,
opportune; (adj, n) advantageous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unwieldy, fixed,
useless, distant, troublesome,
unsuited, remote, unsuitable,
unadaptable, unuseful,
inappropriate
convent: (n, v) abbey, cloister; (n)
monastery, friary, priory, nunnery,
community, retreat
convey: (v) communicate, channel,
bring, conduct, transfer, fetch,
express, transmit, bear, transport,
take. ANTONYMS: (v) keep,
maintain, withhold, retain, refrain,
hold, absorb, receive
conveyed: (v) borne, sent
conveying: (n) conveyance, delivery,
conveyancing, conveyance of title,
transference, transmission, convey,
transmit, assigning, transfer,
delegation
convicted: (adj) condemned, guilty,
doomed, manifest, confiscated,
confiscate, appropriated, apparent,
censured; (v) convict
conviction: (n) belief, confidence,
certainty, condemnation,
persuasion, faith, trust, certitude,
firmness, doctrine, determination.
ANTONYMS: (n) acquittal, doubt,
release, absolution, disbelief,
justification, insecurity, distrust
convince: (v) persuade, convert,
sway, reassure, prevail on, induce,
entice, argue, convict, win over; (adj,
v) satisfy. ANTONYMS: (v)
discourage, repel
convinced: (adj, v) sure, positive,
confident, firm; (v) cocksure,
persuaded, satisfied, assured, bold;
(adj) clear, definite. ANTONYMS:
(adj) doubtful, unconvinced,
uncertain, cynical
cool: (adj, v) chill, assuage, soothe;
(adj) chilly, cold, collected,
composed, fine, aloof; (v) quench;
(n) poise. ANTONYMS: (v) heat;
(adj) hot, agitated, excited, friendly,
feverish, enthusiastic, tepid,
temperate, bad, upset
cooperate: (v) assist, concur, co-
operate, join, unite, help, interact,
join forces, participate, harmonize,
Northanger Abbey
agree. ANTONYMS: (v) confront,
impede, oppose, prevent,
undermine
cope: (v) contend, make do, combat,
struggle, surmount, do, deal, get by,
get along, grapple; (n) coping.
ANTONYMS: (v) mismanage,
crumble
coppice: (n) copse, brush, brake,
underwood, thicket, wood, spinney,
underbrush, undergrowth, grove,
canebrake
coquette: (n) vamp, jilt, minx,
woman; (v) coquet, dally, romance,
chat up, puritan, speak, prude
cordial: (adj) genial, warm, affable,
amiable, friendly, genuine, ardent,
unaffected, gracious, honest; (n)
liqueur. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unfriendly, stern, cold, cool,
disagreeable, aloof, reserved,
distant, rude, uncordial, unpleasant
corporal: (adj) bodily, carnal,
physical, animal, somatic, bodied,
collective, embodied; (adv) fleshly;
(n) noncom, sergeant. ANTONYMS:
(adj) mental, intangible, cerebral
corporation: (n) company, concern,
business, belly, organization, firm,
corp, partnership, body, institution,
club
correctly: (adv) rightly, justly,
precisely, properly, strictly,
accurately, appropriately, aright,
right, punctually, nicely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) wrongly,
wrong, improperly, inappropriately,
unlawfully, unduly, irresponsibly,
falsely, badly, vaguely, inaccurately
correspondence: (n) accord,
connection, agreement,
communication, coincidence,
concord, affinity, parallelism,
parallel, similarity, symmetry.
ANTONYMS: (n) dissimilarity,
asymmetry, disagreement,
incongruity, divergence, imbalance,
contrast, clash
corresponding: (adj, v) same; (adj)
similar, equal, comparable,
commensurate, consonant, like,
analogous, equivalent, matching,
alike. ANTONYMS: (adj) dissimilar,
unlike, against, counter, differing,
mismatched, opposite, unbalanced,
uneven, disproportionate
corroborated: (adj) corroborate,
substantiated, verified
costliness: (n) expensiveness,
sumptuosity, preciousness
costly: (adj) dear, precious, valuable,
pricey, high, luxurious, sumptuous,
extravagant, rich, invaluable,
beloved. ANTONYMS: (adj)
worthless, inexpensive, painless,
economical, harmless, helpful,
reasonable, aiding, meager
cotillion: (n) cotillon, ball
cottage: (n) cabin, bungalow, crib,
hut, villa, lodge, shanty, chalet,
country house, house, cot
cotton: (n) absorbent cotton, yarn,
thread, cotton cloth, cotton plant,
cotton wool, upland cotton, cord,
string, fiber; (v) agree
couch: (n) bed, sofa, settee, divan;
(adj, v) lie; (v) express, put, frame,
lower, repose; (adj) recline
counsel: (v) advise, consult,
admonish, confer, warn; (n, v)
caution, advocate; (n) barrister,
advisement, consultation,
admonition. ANTONYMS: (v)
betray, trick, deceive, conceal,
oppose; (n) warning
countenance: (n) aspect, expression,
brow, complexion; (n, v) face,
sanction, support, favor; (v) allow,
tolerate, uphold. ANTONYMS: (v)
reject, oppose, discourage,
disapprove, prohibit
counterbalance: (v) compensate,
counteract, neutralize, countervail,
cover, counterweigh; (n, v)
counterpoise; (n) counterweight,
equilibrium, poise, equilibration.
ANTONYMS: (v) unbalance,
overbalance
counterpane: (n) bedspread, coverlet,
bedcover, blanket, spread, bed
covering, bed cover, tarpaulin,
drugget, rug, sheet
counterpart: (n) twin, duplicate,
companion, complement, double,
equivalent, parallel, copy, mate,
pendant, replica. ANTONYM: (n)
opposite
counterpoise: (n) balance,
equilibration, poise, equilibrium,
equipoise; (n, v) counterweight; (v)
offset, counteract, compensate,
countervail; (adj) ballast
countess: (n) count, noblewoman,
peeress, noble
countless: (adj) innumerable,
multitudinous, many, endless,
myriad, measureless, uncounted,
legion, untold, infinite, incalculable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) finite, limited,
numbered, counted, countable,
small
courage: (n) audacity, fortitude,
boldness, nerve, spirit, backbone,
valor, heroism, gallantry, mettle,

chivalry. ANTONYMS: (n)
cowardice, faintheartedness,
weakness, wimpiness, yellowness
courageously: (adv) intrepidly,
valiantly, boldly, daringly,
fearlessly, gallantly, heroically,
hardily, dauntlessly, audaciously,
stoutheartedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
timidly, execrably, fearfully,
nervously
courteously: (adv) graciously, civilly,
considerately, decorously, decently,
gallantly, obligingly, urbanely,
suavely, thoughtfully, kindly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) coarsely,
uncooperatively, disrespectfully,
impolitely
courtesy: (adj, n) civility,
complaisance; (n) propriety,
chivalry, comity, politeness,
gallantry, decency, attention,
breeding, etiquette. ANTONYMS:
(n) rudeness, discourtesy,
unkindness, informality,
impoliteness, disservice,
brusqueness, incivility, vulgarity,
crudeness, neglect
courting: (n) wooing, courtship,
bundling, appeal, attraction, case,
causa, cause, flirtation, suit
cousin: (n) nephew, cousins, friend,
cousinship, relation, akin, relative,
full cousin, companion
cowardly: (adj, adv) dastardly,
scared, shrinking; (adj) timid, afraid,
craven, gutless, sneaky,
fainthearted, faint; (adv) recreantly.
ANTONYMS: (adj, adv) brave,
daring, bold, courageous; (adj)
intrepid, fearless, strong,
determined; (adv) dauntless, gutsy,
unafraid
coxcomb: (n) cockscomb, fop, beau,
dandy, exquisite, dude, blood, buck,
comb, crest, sheik
cradle: (n) cot, birthplace, nursery,
berth, crib, nest, hammock, bassinet,
origin; (v) hold, groundwork
cramp: (v) restrict, constrict, confine,
bind, limit, hamper; (n, v) spasm,
pinch; (n) crick, pain, constraint.
ANTONYMS: (v) allow, permit,
liberate; (n) release
craving: (n) appetite, addiction,
appetence, eagerness, hankering,
yen, hunger; (n, v) desire,
appetency; (adj, n) longing; (adj)
eager. ANTONYMS: (n) disgust,
hatred, distaste, repulsion, aversion,
apathy, disinclination; (adj)
unconcerned, disinterested
creating: (v) create; (n) making
Jane Austen
creature: (n) being, brute, animal,
tool, individual, person, body,
entity, human, puppet, somebody
creep: (v) grovel, sneak, steal, fawn,
lurk, truckle, cringe; (n) creeping,
crawling, toady, sycophant.
ANTONYMS: (v) race, dash, hasten,
hurry, speed, fly
creeping: (n) creep, crawl,
locomotion, spreading; (v) lentor;
(adj) reptile, slow, reptant,
reptatory, serpiginous, moving
crescent: (n) circus, carve, arch,
arcade, bow, peristyle, lunule; (adj)
semilunar, falcate; (adj, n) convex,
concave. ANTONYMS: (adj)
uncoiled, straight, unbent, unbowed
cricket: (n) orthopteran, orthopteron,
tennis, lawn tennis, grasshopper;
(adj) equitable
critique: (n) criticism, commentary,
critical review, notice, judgment,
analysis, critic, report, article,
literary criticism, reexamination.
ANTONYM: (n) compliment
croaking: (adj) hollow, raucous,
sepulchral, dry, cacophonic, harsh,
guttural, gruff, croaky,
cacophonous, husky
crossed: (adj) crossbred, mixed,
hybrid, interbred, decussated,
intercrossed; (v) matted,
disconcerted dashed, unhinged,
frustrated
crossing: (n) transit, ford,
intersection, hybridization,
crossbreeding, passage, voyage,
mating, crossway, crosswalk, cruise
crowded: (adj) compact, congested,
full, packed, busy, dense, populous,
jammed, cramped, tight; (adj, n)
thronged. ANTONYMS: (adj)
sparse, deserted, uncrowded, loose
cruel: (adj, v) hard, harsh, sharp,
severe; (adj) barbarous, unkind,
brutal, bloody, bitter, savage,
atrocious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
merciful, gentle, sympathetic,
humane, liberal, compassionate,
charitable, friendly, caring,
considerate, libertarian
cruelty: (n) brutality, cruelness,
oppression, barbarity, ferociousness,
tyranny, violence, atrocity, ferocity,
mercilessness, harshness.
ANTONYMS: (n) compassion,
gentleness, friendliness, humanity,
benevolence, sensitivity, liberty,
decency
curate: (n) rector, clergyman,
minister, chaplain, pastor,
Stipendiary curate, priest, vicar,
269
incumbent, reverend, canon
curiosity: (n) curiousness, rarity,
interest, curio, oddity, prying,
nosiness, peculiarity, novelty,
marvel; (adj, n) prodigy.
ANTONYMS: (n) emotionlessness,
indifference, disinterest
curious: (adj) odd, unusual,
abnormal, strange, peculiar,
interested, quizzical, quaint, queer,
inquiring, inquisitive. ANTONYMS:
(adj) incurious, ordinary, apathetic,
uninterested, unconcerned, typical,
indifferent, everyday, disinterested,
conventional, common
curiously: (adv) inquisitively,
peculiarly, unusually, strangely,
nosily, pryingly, queerly, funnily,
weirdly; (adj, adv) singularly,
particularly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
ordinarily, typically
curl: (n, v) crimp, loop, kink, roll,
wave; (adj, v) bow; (adj, n) lock,
tress; (v) crinkle, fold; (adj) crisp.
ANTONYMS: (v) align, straighten,
uncurl, unwind
curricle: (n) phaeton, chariot, mail
phaeton, coach, wagonette, cart,
break
curse: (n, v) blight, plague; (n)
anathema, blasphemy, malediction,
denunciation; (adj, v) beshrew; (v)
swear, ban, damn, vituperate.
ANTONYMS: (n) blessing,
benediction, making; (v)
communicate
cursed: (adj) damned, doomed,
execrable, cussed, wretched,
unlucky, accursed, blamed, blasted,
confounded; (v) accurst.
ANTONYMS: (adj) commendable,
honorable, nice, sweet, kine
curtain: (n, v) cover; (n) barrier,
drapery, blind, screen, mantle,
mask, shade, pall, shroud; (v) hide
curtains: (n) passing, demise, finish,
decease, tragedy, termination,
calamity, cataclysm; (adj) last,
ultimate, terminal
curtsy: (n, v) bob, curtsey; (adj, n, v)
courtesy, kowtow; (v) nod, kneel,
bow submission, recognize; (n)
obeisance; (adj) salaam, kotow
custom: (n) habit, convention, usage,
practice, consuetude, fashion,
method, mores; (n, v) use, accustom;
(adj) bespoke. ANTONYMS: (n) fad,
innovation, phenomenon, rage,
rarity
cutting: (adj) biting, keen, caustic,
bitter, acrimonious, incisive, raw;
(adj, n) acute; (n) cut, slip; (adj, v)
 270
satirical. ANTONYMS: (adj) blunt,
complimentary, flattering, kind,
pleasant, hot, consoling; (n)
extension, freedom, expansion,
addition
dagger: (n) bodkin, sword, blade,
obelisk, knife, stiletto, dirk, cutlass,
grapheme, saber, skean
damp: (adj) moist, muggy, clammy,
cool, dank; (v) check, chill, deaden,
break; (n) moisture, dampness.
ANTONYMS: (n) dryness; (adj)
parched, arid, dried, fresh, hard
dance: (v) caper, bop, to dance,
cavort, play, skip, to show courage,
step; (n, v) hop, jump, shake
dancing: (n) choreography,
Terpsichore, saltation, break
dancing, ceremonial dance,
galloping, hoofing, Pavan; (adj)
morrice; (adv) adance; (v) saltant
dare: (n, v) venture; (v) defy, brave,
hazard, confront, risk, resist, make
bold; (n) adventure, daring,
defiance. ANTONYMS: (v) avoid,
flee, pass, refrain, retreat, obey
darkness: (n) dark, shade, shadow,
blindness, gloom, blackness,
duskiness, murk, cloud, blackout,
dimness. ANTONYMS: (n)
brightness, lightness, glow,
comprehension, knowledge, day,
clearness
darling: (adj, n) beloved, pet, favorite,
sweet; (adj) costly, cute, pretty; (adj,
v) precious; (n) love, deary, angel.
ANTONYMS: (n) foe, rival
davis: (n) Miles Davis, John Davys,
John Davis, Jefferson Davis, Dwight
Filley Davis, Dwight Davis, Davys,
Bette Davis, Miles Dewey Davis Jr
daylight: (n) dawn, daybreak, light,
morning, sunrise, clearance, sunup,
daytime, broad daylight, first light,
afternoon. ANTONYMS: (n) night,
sunset, dusk, dark, sundown,
twilight, darkness, nightfall
dearest: (n) dear, darling, love,
honey, lover, sweetheart, loved one,
baby; (adj) precious, intimate, sweet
dearly: (adv) affectionately,
preciously, darlingly, sweetly, petly,
expensively, belovedly, intimately,
highly, heartfeltly, lovely
deathlike: (adj) deadly, deathly,
ghastly, dead, cadaverous,
thanatoid, ghostly, pale; (v) awful,
soft, solemn
debasement: (n) corruption,
degradation, adulteration,
deterioration, degeneracy,
depravity, humiliation,
Northanger Abbey
degeneration, animalization,
bastardisation; (adj, n) abjection.
ANTONYM: (n) glorification
decayed: (adj) spoiled, corrupt,
dilapidated, rank, rusty, rotting,
decaying, rotted, putrid; (adj, v)
wasted; (v) stale. ANTONYMS: (adj)
matured, restored, strengthened
decaying: (adj) rotten, decayed,
rotting, stale, decadent, stinking,
decomposed, smelly, shabby, seedy;
(n) fading. ANTONYM: (adj)
pristine
decease: (v) go, die, perish, pass, pass
away, exit, expire; (n) demise,
passing, departure, expiration.
ANTONYMS: (n) nascency; (v)
survive
deceased: (adj, n) departed; (n) dead
person, cadaver, decedent; (adj)
defunct, asleep, passed away,
passed on, extinct, lifeless, late.
ANTONYMS: (adj) living, awake,
animated
deceive: (v) cheat, circumvent,
bamboozle, pretend, hoax, fool,
cozen, trick, beguile; (n, v) dupe; (n)
fraud. ANTONYMS: (v) guide,
inform, undeceive, protect
deceived: (adj) mistaken, misguided
decency: (n) dignity, modesty,
decorum, kindness, morality,
courtesy, correctness, goodness,
virtue, respectability, propriety.
ANTONYMS: (n) indecency,
offensiveness, corruption,
immorality, wickedness,
unsuitability, unkindness, rudeness,
impropriety, badness, nastiness
decent: (adj) adequate, appropriate,
becoming, decorous, sufficient,
honest, acceptable, modest, seemly,
comely; (adj, adv) right.
ANTONYMS: (adj) immoral,
inappropriate, disreputable,
indecent, unsuitable, inadequate,
filthy, undressed, unkind, smutty,
selfish
deception: (n, v) cheat; (n) illusion,
trick, pretense, delusion, betrayal,
fake, flam, bluff, gammon, cheating.
ANTONYMS: (n) honesty,
candidness, sincerity, openness,
correction, integrity, genuine,
truthfulness
decidedly: (adv) clearly, positively,
definitely, absolutely, emphatically,
decisively, resolutely, firmly,
markedly, surely, determinedly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) uncertainly,
equivocally, slightly, vaguely
decipher: (v) interpret, explain, solve,
decode, translate, disentangle,
resolve, construe, read, decrypt,
discover. ANTONYMS: (v) encode,
code, encipher, scramble, confuse
decisive: (adj) conclusive, crucial,
critical, decided, important, final,
authoritative; (adj, v) positive,
definite, categorical, unqualified.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncertain, weak,
unsure, roundabout, questionable,
indefinite, unconvincing,
inconsequential, inconclusive,
hesitant, insignificant
declaration: (n) affirmation,
assertion, expression,
pronouncement, statement,
allegation, enunciation,
acknowledgment, predication; (n, v)
claim, avowal. ANTONYMS: (n)
denial, disavowal, retraction,
request
declare: (v) advertise, assert, allege,
attest, aver, admit, acknowledge,
proclaim, avow; (n, v) affirm, say.
ANTONYMS: (v) conceal, revoke,
suppress, retract, repress, disclaim,
withhold, request, refute, block
declared: (adj) stated, apparent, state,
public, professed, proclaimed,
explicit, ostensible, expressed,
confirmed, alleged
declined: (adj) less
decree: (n, v) command, award, rule,
act, will, dictate; (v) decide, enact,
ordain; (n) edict, decision
deduction: (n) allowance, discount,
decrease, abatement, rebate,
subtraction, corollary, decrement,
induction, implication, illation.
ANTONYMS: (n) addition, credit,
inclusion
deeply: (adv) strongly, heavily,
intensely, deep, thickly, highly,
soundly, greatly, gravely, extremely,
richly. ANTONYMS: (adv) slightly,
mildly, unemotionally, fitfully,
moderately, thinly, hardly, barely,
lightly
defective: (adj) bad, faulty, imperfect,
broken, lacking, incomplete,
unsound, vicious, inaccurate, rotten,
wanting. ANTONYMS: (adj) sound,
flawless, unbroken, adequate, intact,
capable, dependable, fine
defend: (n, v) guard, shield,
advocate; (v) justify, protect, assert,
support, maintain, champion,
apologize, shelter. ANTONYMS: (v)
prosecute, abandon, endanger,
surrender, renounce, oppose,
forsake, assault, contradict, destroy,
expose

defended: (adj) shielded, secured,
watched over, secure, sacred
deference: (n) homage, respect,
compliance, admiration, allegiance,
reverence, obedience, submission,
compliancy, duty, complaisance.
ANTONYMS: (n) contempt,
opposition, rebellion, resistance,
disobedience
deferred: (adj) put off, delayed,
belated, late, later than usual.
ANTONYMS: (adj) hurried,
hastened, expedited, advanced,
early
defiance: (n) challenge, opposition,
rebellion, insubordination,
rebelliousness, disobedience,
resistance, contempt,
intractableness, mutiny,
contradiction. ANTONYMS: (n)
acceptance, surrender, deference,
conformance, submission,
acquiescence, cooperation, loyalty,
meekness, support, agreement
deficiency: (adj, n) defect, blemish,
imperfection; (n) dearth, lack,
failing, deficit, shortcoming,
inadequacy, absence; (n, v) want.
ANTONYMS: (n) excess, perfection,
provision, enough, adequacy,
supply, strength, virtue, surplus,
gain, glut
definable: (adj) finite
defunct: (adj) deceased, inanimate,
late, extinct, departed, lifeless; (n)
reliquiae, dust, earth, mortal
remains, relics. ANTONYMS: (adj)
existing, thriving, surviving,
operating, alive, current
defy: (n, v) dare; (v) brave, resist,
ignore, confront, revolt, oppose,
withstand, disobey, contradict; (n)
defiance. ANTONYMS: (v) obey,
acquiesce, surrender, yield, comply,
accept
degrading: (adj) shameful, debasing,
derogatory, humiliating,
dishonorable, ignominious,
disgraceful, corrupting, vile,
scandalous; (n) infra dignitatem.
ANTONYMS: (adj) humane,
reputable
dejected: (adj) sad, depressed, low,
downhearted, gloomy, down,
unhappy, spiritless, sorrowful,
miserable, melancholy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) elated, happy,
euphoric, joyous, encouraged,
positive, enthusiastic, hopeful
dejectedly: (adv) despondently,
dispiritedly, gloomily, glumly,
downcastly, dismally,
Jane Austen
downheartedly, depressedly,
disheartenedly, melancholy, lowly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully,
enthusiastically
dejection: (n) discouragement,
depression, sadness, despair,
sorrow, woe, grief, melancholy,
blues, desolation, despondency.
ANTONYMS: (n) cheerfulness,
ecstasy, encouragement,
hopefulness, joy, cheer
delay: (adj, v) defer, linger; (n, v)
arrest, wait, check, stay; (n)
deferment, interruption; (v)
postpone, reserve, adjourn.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) rush; (n)
decisiveness, promptness; (v)
advance, hurry, begin, hasten, go,
expedite, speed, prompt
delayed: (adj) belated, tardy,
protracted, deferred, slow, retarded,
held up, backward, back, prolonged;
(adv) behind. ANTONYMS: (adj)
early, expedited, prompt
delicacy: (adj, n) weakness, fragility,
tidbit; (n) finesse, daintiness,
delicate, elegance, sensitivity,
luxury, treat, airiness. ANTONYMS:
(n) sturdiness, toughness, durability,
frankness, inelegance, ruggedness,
vulgarity, tactlessness, insensitivity,
inaccuracy, clumsiness
delicate: (adj) accurate, tender,
dainty, refined, breakable, fragile,
beautiful, brittle, soft, nice, frail.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inelegant,
robust, heavy, sturdy, tough,
careless, inaccurate, rough, well,
substantial, unscrupulous
delight: (n) joy, pleasure, amusement,
rejoicing, gladness; (v) ravish,
amuse, please, captivate, transport,
enrapture. ANTONYMS: (n) misery,
dismay, dissatisfaction, sadness,
nuisance, discontent; (v) depress,
displease, sadden, irk; (n, v) bore
delighted: (adj) glad, cheerful,
blissful, jubilant, happy, overjoyed,
joyful, captivated, pleasant; (adj, v)
pleased, elated. ANTONYMS: (adj)
shocked, unhappy, sorrowful,
depressed, melancholy, miserable,
desolate, sorry, sad, down
delightful: (adj) delicious, delectable,
charming, pleasing, grateful,
blissful, amiable, adorable, lovely,
nice, gorgeous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unpleasant, unwelcome, hateful,
miserable, unhappy, unappealing,
horrific, horrible, disagreeable,
depressing, annoying
delightfully: (adv) pleasantly,
271
enchantingly, exquisitely, gladly,
charmingly, finely, sweetly,
deliciously, beautifully, merrily;
(adv, v) happily. ANTONYMS:
(adv) unattractively, horribly,
disagreeably
delighting: (adj) satisfactory,
attractive
delights: (n) delices
delineation: (n) portrayal,
description, picture, definition,
drawing, design, outline, diagram,
plan, sketch, illustration.
ANTONYM: (n) unity
delivery: (n, v) birth, address; (n)
consignment, discharge, rescue,
surrender, distribution, elocution,
issue, communication, deliverance.
ANTONYMS: (n) dispatch,
collection, holding, keeping, capture
delusion: (n) hallucination,
deception, cheat, chimera,
misunderstanding, mirage, trick,
fallacy, error, aberration, falsehood.
ANTONYMS: (n) comprehension,
fact, truth
demanded: (adj) urgent, popular,
requisitory
demanding: (adj) severe, difficult,
trying, finicky, strenuous, hard,
tough, particular, arduous,
challenging, exigent. ANTONYMS:
(adj) easy, halfhearted, reasonable,
unchallenging, trivial, easygoing,
effortless, soothing, sketchy, simple,
relaxing
denial: (adv, n) negation; (n)
abnegation, repulse, renunciation,
no, contradiction, abjuration,
rejection, negative, refusal; (v) deny.
ANTONYMS: (n) acceptance,
declaration, affirmation, confession,
admission, agreement, provision,
prosecution, approval, permission,
affirmative
deny: (v) controvert, rebuff,
contradict, disavow, gainsay, reject,
oppose, refuse, disown, abnegate,
renounce. ANTONYMS: (v) affirm,
claim, acknowledge, declare,
maintain, agree, spoil, accept,
accede, allow, argue
departed: (adj) dead, bygone, late,
former, bypast, defunct, past, left;
(adj, v) gone, extinct; (n) decedent.
ANTONYMS: (adj) remaining, alive
departure: (n, v) decease, demise; (n)
exit, leave, deviation, divergence,
depart, parting, aberration, passing,
takeoff. ANTONYMS: (n)
appearance, conformity, greeting,
ingress, influx, homecoming,
 272
regularity, entrance, birth, coming,
advance
depend: (adj, v) hang; (v) dangle,
count, rely, stay, reckon, confide,
suspend, calculate, attend, pivot.
ANTONYM: (v) distrust
dependence: (n) belief, confidence,
addiction, dependance, faith,
dependency, credence, hope,
subordination, trust; (adj)
contingency. ANTONYMS: (n)
abstinence, distrust
deprived: (adj) bereft, poor, destitute,
depressed, needy, broke, bankrupt,
denuded, humble, indigent,
insolvent. ANTONYMS: (adj) rich,
exalted, salubrious
derogatory: (adj) derogative,
disparaging, abusive, insulting,
slanderous, pejorative, degrading,
critical, contemptuous, detracting;
(adj, v) detractory. ANTONYMS:
(adj) flattering, positive,
complimentary, fulsome, praising,
appreciative, approving, favorable
descend: (v) settle, condescend,
down, drop, deign, subside, go
down, dismount, derive, get off,
come down. ANTONYMS: (v)
ascend, climb, float, scale, increase,
level, mount
descent: (adj, n) ancestry; (n) decline,
birth, fall, declivity, declination,
declension, drop, pedigree, blood,
derivation. ANTONYMS: (n)
improvement, rise, hike, upgrade,
elevation, boost, ascension, gradient
describing: (n) telling, unfolding,
relating, recounting, recitation
descriptions: (n) images
desert: (adj, n, v) waste; (v) escape,
forsake, relinquish, ditch, defect,
leave; (adj, v) desolate; (adj, n)
worth, merit; (adj) barren.
ANTONYMS: (v) stay, support,
remain, inhabit, assist, aid, help,
keep; (adj) cultivated, productive,
fertile
deserted: (adj) desert, solitary, empty,
lonely, isolated, forsaken, lonesome,
desolate, bleak, vacant; (adj, v)
forlorn. ANTONYMS: (adj)
occupied, packed, crowded,
mobbed, populated, populous,
overcrowded
deserved: (v) merited, richly
deserved; (adj) appropriate, due,
fitting, just, earned, suitable,
rightful, adequate, required
deserving: (adj) meritorious,
admirable, creditable,
commendable, laudable, fit, good,
Northanger Abbey
deserved, condign; (v) deserve,
worthy of. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unworthy, undeserving,
unimpressive
designedly: (adj, adv) advisedly,
knowingly; (adv) purposely,
intentionally, premeditatedly,
wilfully, willfully, on purpose,
studiedly, by design; (adj) wittingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) innocently,
unconsciously, unwittingly,
impulsively
desirable: (adj) eligible, suitable,
fitting, worthy, expedient,
appropriate, alluring, charming,
covetable, good, fascinating.
ANTONYMS: (adj) repulsive, bad,
detrimental, disadvantageous,
disgusting, repugnant, repellant,
unattractive, unenviable, unwanted,
useless
desired: (adj) coveted, desirable,
favorite, wanted, welcome, needed,
beloved, required, most wanted;
(adj, v) chosen; (v) consenting
desires: (n) requirements, needs
desiring: (adj) envious, insatiable,
desirous, eager; (adv) fleshly
desirous: (adj) wistful, avid,
ambitious, greedy, longing, eager,
hungry, covetous, envious, agog;
(adj, v) willing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
undesirous, reluctant, undesiring,
unconcerned
despair: (n) disappointment,
desolation, dejection, melancholy,
gloom, desperation, depression,
dismay, discouragement,
pessimism, sorrow. ANTONYMS:
(n) happiness, hopefulness,
expectation, joy, cheer, cheerfulness,
resilience, elation, joyfulness
desperate: (adj) despairing, dire,
critical, abject, dangerous, in
despair, grave, awful, despondent,
drastic; (adj, v) forlorn.
ANTONYMS: (adj) hopeful,
optimistic, rational, promising,
minor, cautious, casual, careful,
trivial, secure, satisfied
despise: (v) disdain, loathe,
depreciate, abhor, dislike, detest,
slight, hate; (n, v) contemn; (n)
contempt, deride. ANTONYMS: (v)
respect, love, adore, appreciate,
cherish, like, praise, accept
despised: (adj) scorned, despicable,
hated, abject, disparaged, mean,
attaching disgrace, unpopular,
unloved, reviled, opprobrious
despondency: (n) despair,
desperation, dejection,
despondence, melancholy, gloom,
sadness, hopelessness, desolation,
anguish, grief. ANTONYMS: (n)
happiness, hopefulness,
cheerfulness, joy, resilience, delight,
cheer
desponding: (adj) despairing,
despondent
destroy: (v) demolish, blight, despoil,
subvert, dismantle, devour, wreck,
devastate; (adj, v) desolate, abolish;
(n, v) murder. ANTONYMS: (v)
preserve, create, make, construct,
protect, repair, restore, uphold,
sustain, submit, revive
destroyed: (adj) ruined, lost, desolate,
shattered, desolated, broken,
depressed, dead, damaged, undone,
fallen. ANTONYMS: (adj)
preserved, living
destroyer: (n) wrecker, ruiner,
destructor, warship, annihilator,
saboteur, extirpator, anarchist,
assassin, bad person, butcher.
ANTONYM: (n) creator
detaching: (adj) peeling, disengaging,
shedding; (n) division
detachment: (n) division,
dissociation, indifference, corps,
rupture, contingent, disjunction,
aloofness, seclusion, rift; (n, v) party.
ANTONYMS: (n) involvement,
attachment, interest, bias, bond,
friendliness, union, affection,
approachability, connection,
warmth
detain: (v) arrest, confine, catch,
capture, apprehend, stay, keep, jail,
imprison, incarcerate, retard.
ANTONYMS: (v) free, liberate, rush
detained: (adj) seized, locked up,
jailed, intransitive, tardy, inside,
caged, captive, behind bars; (n) in
prison, under arrest
detected: (adj) apparent, convicted,
detect
detection: (n) revelation,
demodulation, detecting,
uncovering, unearthing, disclosure,
spotting, spying, sense, recognition,
catching. ANTONYM: (n)
concealment
determination: (n) conclusion,
definition, resolution, decisiveness,
resolve, will, tenacity, appointment,
assessment, constancy; (v) award.
ANTONYMS: (n) weakness,
compliance, indecisiveness,
feebleness, vacillation, irresolution,
cowardice, indetermination,
hesitation, flexibility, rashness
determine: (v) ascertain, define,

appoint, adjudicate, set, specify,
conclude, measure, designate,
assign; (adj, v) resolve.
ANTONYMS: (v) yield, question,
comply, procrastinate, postpone,
overlook, Miss, ignore, hesitate,
disregard, balk
detest: (n, v) hate; (v) abominate,
loathe, despise, execrate, dislike,
nauseate, contemn, dislike intensely;
(n) loathing, abhorrence.
ANTONYMS: (v) adore, like,
cherish, admire
detestable: (adj) hateful, abhorrent,
damnable, odious, offensive,
despicable, execrable, horrible,
infamous; (adj, v) cursed; (adj, adv)
atrocious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
admirable, adorable, sweet,
loveable, lovable, likable, delightful,
cherished, honorable, desirable, nice
detestation: (n) abomination, hatred,
odium, antipathy, aversion,
repulsion, dislike, execration,
loathing, revulsion; (n, v) hate.
ANTONYM: (n) adoration
detesting: (adj) abhorring, detestable,
abhorrent; (n) execration, loathing
devil: (n) fiend, demon, ghost,
monster, Lucifer, Satan, Beelzebub,
deuce, daemon; (v) torment, rag.
ANTONYM: (n) angel
devilish: (adj, v) diabolic, satanic,
infernal, mephistophelian,
demoniacal; (adj) demonic, wicked,
diabolical, terrific; (v) Stygian; (adv)
devilishly. ANTONYMS: (adj)
cherubic, godlike, good, saintly,
virtuous
devoirs: (n) respects, duty
devolve: (v) fall, cede, assign, light,
pass on, pass, deliver, descend, give
up, surrender, come down.
ANTONYM: (v) centralize
dexterity: (n) agility, cleverness,
ability, aptitude, skill, deftness,
expertise; (adj, n) art, cunning; (n, v)
adroitness, address. ANTONYMS:
(n) clumsiness, awkwardness,
ineptitude, inability, uselessness,
inexperience, ineptness, inaccuracy
dialogue: (n, v) talk; (n) colloquy,
conversation, interview,
interlocution, chat, conference,
discussion, dialog, talks,
communication
diamonds: (n) hearts, ice, spades,
sparkler, clubs
dictate: (n, v) command, charge,
order, decree; (n) bidding, behest,
edict; (v) bid, prescribe, rule, ordain.
ANTONYMS: (v) request, ask,
Jane Austen
record; (n, v) obey
diction: (n, v) style; (n) phraseology,
language, phrasing, articulation,
choice of words, locution, parlance,
enunciation, expression, speech
diffidence: (n) reserve, modesty,
shyness, pudency, coyness,
timorousness, doubt, humility,
timidity, uncertainty, constraint.
ANTONYMS: (n) approachability,
arrogance, security, brashness
dignified: (adj) exalted, majestic,
noble, grand, lofty, respectable,
solemn, distinguished, lordly, high;
(adj, v) great. ANTONYMS: (adj)
undignified, foolish, dishonorable,
boisterous, unceremonious,
unseemly, vulgar, poor, lowly,
modest, base
dignity: (n) degree, prestige, glory,
decorum, face, distinction, honor,
majesty, eminence, solemnity; (adj,
n) decency. ANTONYMS: (n)
lowliness, indecency, impropriety,
simplicity, cheerfulness, austerity
digression: (n, v) deviation,
diversion; (n) departure, aside,
excursion, divagation, aberrance,
deflection, deflexion, divergence,
difference. ANTONYMS: (n)
consistency, uniformity, regularity
diligence: (n) assiduity, industry,
attention, application,
assiduousness, concentration,
activity, perseverance, carefulness,
sedulity, industriousness.
ANTONYMS: (n) carelessness,
indolence, feebleness, slackness,
negligence, sloth
dimensions: (n) size, capacity,
volume, magnitude, extent,
measurement, shape, range,
physique, gauge, figure
dimity: (n) cloth
dimly: (adv) obscurely, darkly,
faintly, dully, duskily, vaguely,
shadowily, hazily, gloomily,
somberly; (adj, adv) palely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) clearly,
strongly, distinctly
dimness: (n) darkness, gloom,
shadow, haze, faintness, obscurity,
dusk, dark, cloudiness, duskiness,
gloominess. ANTONYMS: (n) light,
brightness, intelligence, clearness,
strength, clarity
dine: (v) feed, lunch, breakfast,
dining, meal, give, have supper,
take tea, grub, consume, entertain.
ANTONYM: (v) abstain
dining: (n) feeding, eating; (v) eat
dining-room: (n) canteen, restaurant
273
directed: (adj) oriented, manageable,
destined, concentrating, intent,
formal, absorbed, prescript,
focussed; (v) instruct; (adv) under
directing: (adj) guiding, directive,
administrative, determinative,
directional, sovereign, commanding,
controlling; (n) administration,
conducting, conservation
dirt: (n, v) soil, grime; (n) filth, dust,
scandal, garbage, ground, earth,
crap, mire, contamination.
ANTONYMS: (n) cleanness, purity,
luxury, cleanliness, newness
dirty: (adj, v) muddy, dirt; (v)
corrupt, contaminate; (n, v) soil,
defile; (adj) contemptible, bawdy,
contaminated, dingy, impure.
ANTONYMS: (adj) spotless,
hygienic, pure, immaculate,
sanitary, pleasant, sparkling, fair,
wholesome, washed; (v) purify
disadvantage: (n) deprivation,
limitation, loss, inconvenience,
damage, imperfection, detriment,
failing, fault, demerit, losses.
ANTONYMS: (n) benefit, bonus,
value, plus, assistance, gain, help,
aid, strength
disagreeable: (adj) nasty, offensive,
uncomfortable, distasteful,
cantankerous, cross, ungrateful,
abhorrent, horrible, bad, painful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pleasant,
friendly, amiable, inoffensive,
acceptable, desirable, easygoing,
happy, pleasing, sweet, nice
disagreement: (n) discrepancy,
dispute, conflict, contention,
variance, scrap, argument,
difference of opinion, dissension; (n,
v) discord; (adj, n) dissidence.
ANTONYMS: (n) accord, harmony,
consistency, compatibility, treaty,
sameness, pact, consent, concord,
acceptance, unity
disallow: (v) forbid, bar, deny,
prohibit, veto, outlaw, exclude,
proscribe, enjoin, decline,
disapprove. ANTONYMS: (v) allow,
accept, let, pass, approve
disappeared: (adj) lost, missing,
extinct, vanished, left. ANTONYM:
(adj) remaining
disappoint: (v) fail, defeat, balk,
baffle, disenchant, betray,
circumvent, bilk, mock, foil; (n, v)
put out. ANTONYMS: (v) please,
satisfy, encourage, fulfill, succeed,
comfort, inspire
disappointed: (adj) despondent,
disgruntled, regretful, dissatisfied,
 274
depressed, sad, unhappy, frustrated,
disenchanted, dejected, disappoint.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pleased,
satisfied, composed, happy,
triumphant, fulfilled, cheerful,
idealistic
disappointment: (n) anticlimax,
failure, letdown, comedown,
frustration, shame, disillusionment,
annoyance, dismay, setback,
misfortune. ANTONYMS: (n)
satisfaction, boost, happiness,
pleasure, hopefulness, fulfillment,
comfort, idealism, climax, bonus,
gratification
disapprobation: (n) condemnation,
animadversion, displeasure,
discountenance, disapproval, blame,
objection, dissatisfaction, disfavor,
anger, dislike
discern: (v) differentiate, see,
comprehend, detect, distinguish,
make out, perceive, find, note; (n, v)
descry; (adj, v) recognize.
ANTONYMS: (v) Miss, neglect,
disregard, observe, overlook
discerning: (adj) apprehensive,
perceptive, acute, shrewd,
discriminating, discreet, penetrating,
refined, judicious, sharp, conscious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) indiscriminate,
undiscriminating, disregardful,
negligent, overlooking,
undiscerning, unobservant,
unperceptive, insensitive, obtuse,
tasteless
discernment: (n, v) appreciation,
sense, apprehension; (n)
comprehension, discretion, taste,
understanding, insight,
discrimination, perception,
recognition. ANTONYMS: (n)
ignorance, tastelessness,
uncouthness, clumsiness
disclosure: (n) discovery, exposure,
declaration, confession,
announcement, betrayal, display,
divulgence, leak, manifestation,
publication. ANTONYMS: (n)
denial, hiding
discomposed: (adj) disturbed,
perturbed, doubtful, excited,
distraught, uncomfortable, fearful
disconcert: (n, v) discompose,
disappoint; (v) confuse, discomfit,
baffle, derange, abash, throw, upset,
unsettle, distract. ANTONYMS: (v)
comfort, soothe, settle, please,
encourage
disconcerted: (adj) confused,
confounded, bewildered, blank,
embarrassed, disturbed, troubled,
Northanger Abbey
worried, ashamed,
discombobulated, bemused.
ANTONYMS: (adj) composed,
soothed, unabashed, relaxed
discontent: (n) disapproval,
discontentment, disaffection,
displeasure, disappointment,
discontentedness, unrest; (adj)
melancholy, dissatisfied,
disgruntled, discontented.
ANTONYMS: (n) contentment,
pleasure, accord, happiness; (v)
content; (adj, n) happy; (adj)
contented
discouraged: (adj) despondent,
downhearted, downcast,
demoralized, dejected, dispirited,
disheartened, frustrated, crestfallen,
pessimistic, depressed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uplifted,
heartened, cheered, inspired,
cheerful, encouraged, hopeful,
happy, calm, positive, enthusiastic
discourse: (n, v) address, lecture,
sermon, converse, harangue, chat;
(n) talk, colloquy, conversation,
discussion, homily
discourses: (n) talks
discover: (v) discern, disclose,
ascertain, find, perceive, catch,
expose, hear, determine, sense,
detect. ANTONYMS: (v) overlook,
ignore, disregard, confuse, conceal,
lose
discovering: (adj) observant, oracular
discovery: (n) detection, disclosure,
breakthrough, finding, revelation,
catching, revealing, invention, find,
development, exploration
discredit: (n, v) disgrace, dishonor,
degrade, reproach, shame, doubt,
defame, slur; (v) disbelieve, decry,
impeach. ANTONYMS: (n, v) honor;
(v) believe, credit, dignify, praise,
trust, verify, support, laud,
commend, accept
discretion: (n) circumspection,
prudence, delicacy, diplomacy,
calculation, free will, discernment,
discreetness, tact, confidentiality,
choice. ANTONYMS: (n)
tactlessness, rashness, indiscretion,
foolishness, vulgarity, openness,
clumsiness
disdain: (n, v) despise, contemn,
slight, ridicule; (n) contempt,
derision, arrogance, haughtiness,
pride; (v) scoff, disparage.
ANTONYMS: (n) humility,
admiration, reverence, worship,
approval, regard; (v) approve,
admire, praise, accept, participate
disengage: (v) discharge, detach,
extricate, release, disconnect,
enfranchise; (adj, v) disentangle,
clear, disembarrass, free; (adj)
disencumber. ANTONYMS: (v)
fasten, engage, attach, connect,
tighten, obstruct, unite, couple, join,
activate, lock
disengaged: (adj) vacant,
unemployed, disentangled, free,
freed, untrammelled, devoid,
unreserved, detached, liberated,
loosened
disgrace: (adj, n, v) dishonor; (n, v)
discredit, shame, stain, blemish,
blot, slur, reproach; (v) degrade,
debase; (n) degradation.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) respect, esteem,
credit; (v) glorify, dignify, praise; (n)
merit, grace, pride, rise, worthiness
disgraced: (adj) shamed, dishonored,
abashed, ashamed, damaged,
dishonest, humiliated, mortified,
disfigured
disguise: (n, v) cloak, mask, conceal,
masquerade, veil, camouflage, color;
(n) guise, concealment; (v) hide,
dissemble. ANTONYMS: (n)
revelation; (v) unmask, uncover,
show, expose, display, disclose,
clarify, reveal
disgust: (n) antipathy, aversion,
abhorrence, abomination,
detestation, dislike, repugnance; (n,
v) shock, distaste; (v) nauseate,
displease. ANTONYMS: (n, v)
delight; (n) love, attraction, liking,
adoration; (v) attract, allure, charm,
entice, please
disgusting: (adj) abominable,
loathsome, odious, nasty, execrable,
distasteful, disgustful, offensive,
foul, disagreeable, obscene.
ANTONYMS: (adj) attractive,
appealing, delightful, tasty,
pleasing, edible, charming,
appetizing, laudable, lovable, nice
dishabille: (n) morning dress, status,
neglige, bareness; (adj) dirty, nude
disinterested: (adj) indifferent,
detached, fair, unbiased, objective,
neutral, dispassionate, equitable,
evenhanded, uninterested,
impassive. ANTONYMS: (adj)
biased, interested, prejudiced, eager,
passionate, riveted, concerned,
partial, personal
disinterestedness: (n) fairness,
disinterest, nonpartisanship,
detachment, indifference, equity,
aloofness, neutrality, disadvantage,
unfriendliness

disjointed: (adj) disconnected,
confused, split, broken, dislocated,
rambling, unconnected, disordered,
fragmentary, discontinuous,
muddled. ANTONYMS: (adj)
jointed, united, affiliated, attached,
connected, continuous
dislike: (n) disapproval, disaffection,
antipathy, disdain, disfavor,
revulsion; (n, v) hate, disinclination,
aversion, distaste; (v) detest.
ANTONYMS: (n) liking, fondness,
taste, attraction, enjoyment,
preference, longing; (v) like, enjoy,
approve, adore
disliking: (adj) averse, disinclined;
(n) aversion, disfavor,
dissatisfaction, disinclination,
displeasure, distaste
dismay: (adj, n, v) appall; (v) depress,
dishearten, discourage, horrify; (n)
consternation, discouragement; (n,
v) daunt, affright; (adj, n) terror,
dread. ANTONYMS: (n, v) delight;
(v) stimulate, assure, ensure,
encourage, elate; (n) spirit,
satisfaction, mettle, resolution,
assurance
dismiss: (v) cashier, disband, cast,
discard, brush aside, can, bounce,
cast off, cease, dispatch; (n, v) drop.
ANTONYMS: (v) employ, welcome,
signal, remember, recall, mobilize,
maintain, keep, hold, engage,
contract
dismissal: (n) conge, denial,
expulsion, dismission, release,
removal, deposition, acquittal,
rejection, sacking, dissolution.
ANTONYMS: (n) recruitment,
employment, appointment
dismissed: (adj) discharged,
unemployed, clear, convalescent
disobedience: (n) contumacy,
intractableness, rebelliousness,
breach, recalcitrance, rebellion,
refusal, noncompliance, mutiny,
contravention, defiance.
ANTONYMS: (n) compliance,
meekness, conformity, devotion,
order, fulfillment, loyalty
disobliging: (adj) unobliging, harsh,
uncooperative, unwilling, offensive,
not ready to give a hand, awkward,
unhelpful, contrary, disagreeable,
ill-natured. ANTONYMS: (adj)
obliging, agreeable, polite, pleasant,
courteous, mannered, civil, helpful,
cooperative
disorder: (n, v) ailment, disarray,
disease, jumble, muddle; (n) clutter,
disturbance, disarrangement; (v)
Jane Austen
derange, confuse, perturb.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) order; (n)
orderliness, calm, peace, tranquility,
health; (v) organize, align, arrange,
systematize, neaten
dispatch: (n, v) speed, rush; (n)
consignment, expedition, celerity,
quickness; (v) send, accelerate,
deliver, quicken, slay. ANTONYMS:
(n) receiving, receipt, dawdling,
delay, loitering, silence; (v) keep,
start, begin, hold, retain
dispatched: (adj) fulfilled, finished
disperse: (v) dispel, spread, circulate,
break up, disband, scatter, dissipate,
diffuse, dispense, disseminate,
break. ANTONYMS: (v) gather,
collect, converge, centralize, capture,
congregate, garner, concentrate,
swarm, crowd, aggravate
dispersed: (adj) sparse, spread,
distributed, scattered, diffused,
scatter, outspread, disseminated,
split, dissipated, separate
displayed: (adj) extendant, expanded,
splay
displease: (v) annoy, disgust, bother,
anger, vex, affront, offend, rile,
irritate, nark, nettle. ANTONYMS:
(v) please, satisfy, pacify, delight
displeased: (adj) disgruntled,
dissatisfied, angry, annoyed,
unhappy, peeved, irritated,
disgusted, indignant; (v) pained,
afflicted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
contented, satisfied, calm
displeasure: (n) resentment,
discomfort, dissatisfaction, dislike,
discontent, exasperation, disfavor,
annoyance, offense, pique,
disapproval. ANTONYMS: (n)
satisfaction, pleasure, enjoyment,
happiness, delight, contentment,
equanimity, approval
disposal: (n) administration,
organization, distribution, sale,
classification, alienation, giving,
order, direction, adjustment,
dispensation. ANTONYMS: (n)
cumulation, collection, acquisition,
acquirement, accumulation
disposed: (adj) prone, apt, ready,
subject, prepared, liable, game,
inclined, fain, likely, minded.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ailing,
indisposed, unlikely, disinclined,
reluctant, impervious
disposition: (n) attitude, character,
disposal, tendency, predisposition,
inclination, propensity, bias,
arrangement, direction, aptitude
disproportionate: (adj)
275
incommensurate, unequal, uneven,
undue, unsymmetrical, excessive,
lopsided, insufficient, inordinate,
unfair; (v) disproportionated.
ANTONYMS: (adj) equal,
proportionate, commensurate, even,
balanced, fair, moderate,
corresponding
dispute: (adj, n, v) quarrel, debate,
question; (n) conflict, difference; (n,
v) argue, wrangle, row, fight,
squabble; (v) discuss. ANTONYMS:
(n) agreement, understanding,
accord, concord; (v) surrender,
concede, concur, confess, support,
accept
disquisition: (n) dissertation,
memoir, discussion, inquisition,
homily, pandect, sermon, inquiry,
essay, treatise, tract
disregarded: (adj) unnoticed,
neglected, unseen, written off,
wretchless, unvalued, unheeded,
overlooked, lost, irrecoverable; (v)
unregarded
disrespectful: (adj) impertinent,
insolent, impolite, impious,
irreverent, contemptuous,
sacrilegious, audacious, uncivil,
rude, bold. ANTONYMS: (adj)
deferential, gracious, reverent,
courteous, mannered, mannerly,
pious, polite
disrespectfully: (adv) impudently,
insolently, rudely, irreverently,
impertinently, flippantly, impiously,
discourteously, cheekily, uncivilly,
boldly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
deferentially, politely
dissatisfaction: (n) displeasure,
disappointment, dislike,
disaffection, discontent, distaste,
disquiet, disapproval, regret,
discontentment, discontentedness.
ANTONYMS: (n) contentment,
approval, gratification, enjoyment,
idealism, optimism
dissatisfied: (adj) discontent,
disgruntled, disappointed, put out,
displeased, malcontent, grumpy,
annoyed, disaffected; (adj, v)
querulous, complaining.
ANTONYMS: (adj) content,
contented, happy, fulfilled, gratified,
pleased, idealistic
dissenting: (adj) dissident, heretical,
discordant, profane, unorthodox,
uncooperative, skeptical,
sacrilegious, recalcitrant; (v)
disagreeing, disagree. ANTONYMS:
(adj) conformist, cooperative
dissipating: (n) distribution
 276
dissolution: (n) breakup,
decomposition, cancellation,
abolition, analysis, dismissal,
dissipation, death, annulment,
demise, dissociation. ANTONYMS:
(n) inauguration, parsimony,
decency
distant: (adj) remote, aloof, chill,
detached, far, reserved, cool, long,
icy, removed; (adv) afar.
ANTONYMS: (adj) close,
neighboring, adjacent, friendly,
near, nearby, warm, pending,
intimate, involved, alert
distantly: (adv) reservedly, aloofly,
coldly, formally, coolly, frigidly,
standoffishly, farly, removedly,
vaguely, detachedly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) intimately, passionately,
clearly, warmly, nearby, alertly
distaste: (n, v) disgust, aversion,
disinclination; (n) antipathy,
dissatisfaction, repulsion, hatred,
disrelish, revulsion, displeasure,
disfavor. ANTONYMS: (n)
attraction, liking, taste, desire, love
distinct: (adj) different, discrete,
articulate, distinctive, palpable,
definite, apparent, dissimilar,
tangible; (adj, prep) separate; (adj, v)
marked. ANTONYMS: (adj)
indistinct, similar, unclear, vague,
shapeless, inaudible, connected,
general, resembling, associated,
amorphous
distinguish: (v) discriminate,
perceive, know, describe, make out,
discover, descry, behold, identify,
recognize, separate. ANTONYMS:
(v) mistake, confound, ignore, Miss,
unite, demean
distinguished: (adj) dignified,
celebrated, illustrious, renowned,
conspicuous, important, reputable,
great, noble, high, well-known.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ordinary,
insignificant, undignified, Standard,
pedestrian, low, common, coarse,
base, undistinguished, modest
distinguishing: (adj) distinctive,
identifying, typical, discriminating,
specific, distinct, peculiar; (adv)
distinguishingly; (adj, v)
discriminative; (v) distinguish; (n)
hearing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
common, typical
distress: (n, v) pain, torment, trouble,
concern, torture, upset, worry; (n)
anguish, agony; (adj, n) difficulty,
grief. ANTONYMS: (n, v) comfort;
(v) please, soothe, relieve; (n) peace,
encouragement,
Northanger Abbey
straightforwardness, solace,
relieving, relief, prosperity
distressed: (adj) worried, distraught,
anxious, sad, disturbed, downcast,
hurt, distracted, wretched, shocked,
troubled. ANTONYMS: (adj)
composed, content, euphoric,
happy, comforted, glad, joyful,
collected, unconcerned, unaffected
distressing: (adj) sorrowful,
deplorable, pitiful, painful, bad,
depressing, disturbing, sore,
lamentable, hurtful, worrying.
ANTONYMS: (adj) reassuring,
heartwarming, pleasing,
unemotional, soothing, comforting,
comfortable, cheerful, appealing,
happy
distrust: (n, v) mistrust, discredit; (n)
suspicion, misgiving, disbelief,
uncertainty, hesitation; (v) suspect,
disbelieve, question; (adj)
distrustful. ANTONYMS: (n)
confidence, faith, trustingness,
certainty, belief, optimism; (v)
believe, entrust, depend, confide
disturb: (v) trouble, disorder,
disconcert, distress, perturb,
disquiet, distract, discompose,
disrupt, upset, concern.
ANTONYMS: (v) calm, please,
soothe, smooth, order, reassure, sort,
settle, respect, quiet, organize
disturbance: (n, v) commotion,
brawl; (n) disorder, turmoil, upset,
derangement, dislocation,
disruption, tumult, din; (adj, n, v)
trouble. ANTONYMS: (n) stillness,
peace, satisfaction, serenity, respect,
accord
disturbed: (adj, v) concerned; (adj)
anxious, disquieted, upset,
confused, worried, restless,
disordered, unsettled, distressed,
turbulent. ANTONYMS: (adj)
rational, relaxed, calm, sane,
unaffected, unbroken, peaceful,
stable, carefree, unconcerned,
untroubled
divide: (n, v) cut, part, distribute,
share, split; (v) dissociate,
dismember, separate, dispense,
disconnect, detach. ANTONYMS:
(v) unite, join, connect, combine,
multiply, lump, link, keep, hold,
gather, disarrange
divided: (adj) cleft, detached,
distributed, forked, shared,
separated, separate, disjointed,
branched, pronged, disunited
divine: (adj) sacred, wonderful,
blessed, holy, exquisite; (n)
clergyman; (v) guess, conjecture,
augur, anticipate; (adj, n) almighty.
ANTONYMS: (adj) imperfect,
profane, earthly, dreadful, physical,
ugly, secular
divining: (adj) oracular; (n) dowsing
divinity: (n) God, theology,
divineness, immortal, godship,
godhead, spirit, demiurge,
apologetics, demigod; (adj, n) the
Deity. ANTONYM: (n) devil
divisions: (n) contents
doomed: (adj, v) destined, fated,
undone; (adj) condemned, cursed,
unlucky, unfortunate, inevitable,
predetermined, ruined; (n) lost.
ANTONYMS: (adj) auspicious,
delivered, hopeful, redeemed,
revived, saved, successful
doorway: (n) door, entrance, entry,
passage, entryway, way in, access,
driveway, gate, gateway, lobby
dormouse: (v) gnawer, marmot, lerot,
slumberer
dote: (adj, v) drivel; (v) maturate,
fond, doat; (adj) ramble, wander,
rave, trifle
doubling: (n) folding, duplication,
repetition, artifice, twisting, furring,
gemination, plication, reduplication,
duplicity; (v) guile
doubted: (adj) distrusted, suspected
doubtful: (adj) dubious, debatable,
distrustful, questionable, queer,
suspicious, tentative, disputable,
diffident, unsettled, unsure.
ANTONYMS: (adj) trusting,
convinced, reliable, confident,
persuaded, provable, sure, hopeful,
promising, likely, indubitable
doubtingly: (adv) distrustfully,
skeptically, suspiciously, sceptically,
uncertainly, questioningly,
hesitantly, cynically,
apprehensively, incredulously; (adj)
doubting. ANTONYM: (adv)
optimistically
doubts: (adj) doubting
downcast: (adj) depressed, dejected,
dispirited, blue, desolate,
disconsolate, gloomy, low, sad,
downhearted, discouraged.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cheerful,
vivacious, cheery, elated, joyous, up,
positive
downstairs: (adv) beneath, below,
underneath, down the stairs,
downward, infra, at a lower place,
downhill, on a lower floor; (adj)
downstair; (n) floor. ANTONYMS:
(adj, adv) upstairs
doze: (n, v) snooze, sleep, slumber,

drowse, siesta, forty winks, rest; (v)
catnap, nod, coma, nod off.
ANTONYM: (v) wake
dozen: (adj, n) XII; (n) dozens,
boxcars
dozens: (n) scores, dozen, tons, taunt,
stacks, slews, scads, rafts, lots, loads,
lashings
draft: (n, v) draught, outline, design,
sketch, blueprint; (n) bill,
conscription, drawing, bill of
exchange; (v) recruit, compose.
ANTONYMS: (v) release, expel,
destroy
dragoons: (n) cavalry
drank: (v) absorb
drawback: (n) catch, hitch, snag,
shortcoming, defect, detriment,
failing, inconvenience, disability,
hurdle, encumbrance. ANTONYMS:
(n) benefit, bonus, edge, strength
drawer: (n) draftsman, drawers, till,
designer, box car, cartoonist,
commode, engraver, chest, case,
locker
drawers: (n) knickers, pants, tights,
shorts, bloomers, briefs, underwear,
breeches, underpants,
underdrawers, trousers
drawing: (n) draft, delineation,
picture, plan, cartoon, depiction,
draught, draw, draftsmanship,
painting, image
dread: (n, v) apprehension, fear,
panic; (n) anxiety, awe,
consternation, alarm, trepidation,
dismay, foreboding, terror.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pleasing,
welcomed, pleasant; (v) welcome,
want; (n) reassurance, fearlessness,
confidence, security, ease, calm
dreaded: (adj) awful, terrible,
cowardly, causing horror, dire,
direful, desperate, dreadful, fearful,
fearsome; (v) drad
dreadful: (adj) bad, awful, alarming,
atrocious, fearful, terrible,
abominable, appalling, direful,
grisly; (adj, v) dread. ANTONYMS:
(adj) wonderful, great, lovely,
fantastic, marvelous, admirable,
successful, nice, joyous, honorable,
fair
dreadfully: (adj, adv) frightfully,
shockingly; (adv) fearfully,
appallingly, hideously,
horrendously, horribly, atrociously,
ghastly, tremendously, horridly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) pleasantly,
wonderfully, happily, hardly,
superbly, well
dreading: (adj) anxious
Jane Austen
dreamer: (n) romancer, visionary,
daydreamer, woolgatherer, seer,
sleeper, slumberer, illusionist,
logician, philosopher, escapist
dressed: (adj) attired, clad, garbed,
appareled, spruced up, spiffed up,
covered, polished, garmented; (v)
clothed, habited
dressing: (n) bandage, stuffing,
fertilization, binding, bandaging,
scolding, fertilizer, manure,
compress, preparation, farce
dressmaker: (n) needlewoman,
sempstress, seamstress,
garmentworker, shoemaker,
garmentmaker, couturier, tailor,
Ross, mantuamaker, designer
drinking: (n) consumption, ingestion,
intake, potation, drunkenness,
crapulence, boozing, drinkable,
uptake, intemperateness, booze
drinks: (n) refreshments, food and
drink
driven: (v) drive, impel, operate,
propel; (adj) impelled, compulsive,
motivated, involuntary, dynamic,
successful; (n) drove
driving: (adj) energetic, impulsive,
enterprising, pushing, vigorous; (n)
drive, travel, drove, direction,
motoring, push. ANTONYMS: (adj)
lethargic, weak, light
droll: (adj) comical, humorous,
funny, laughable, burlesque,
ludicrous, ridiculous; (adj, n) comic,
witty; (n) buffoon, clown.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dramatic, dull,
grave, tragic, solemn
dropped: (adj) dropping, fallen,
decreased, drop, fall, degraded,
dead, born, abandoned
dropping: (adj) dropped, down,
fatigued, plunging, plummeting,
dipping; (n) sagging, reducing,
sinking, dropping of the launcher
stages, dispatching
drops: (n) tear
drove: (adj, n) flock, swarm, shoal; (n)
horde, crowd, covey, mob, throng,
multitude; (adj) bevy, driven
drown: (v) drench, submerge,
overwhelm, choke, engulf, flood,
swamp, inundate, suffocate,
asphyxiate; (adj, n, v) sink.
ANTONYMS: (v) float, swim,
amplify, dry
druggist: (n) apothecary, chemist,
pharmacy, pharmaceutist,
dispensatory, drug store,
pharmacopolist, pill roller, drugger,
drugster, medical attendant
drunk: (adj) tipsy, wet, tight, blotto,
277
drunken, inebriated; (adj, n)
inebriate; (n) boozer, dipsomaniac,
drunkard, drinker. ANTONYMS:
(adj) straight, clearheaded; (n)
teetotaler
drunken: (adj) boozy, sottish,
intoxicated, tipsy, tight, bibulous,
groggy, intemperate, blotto, canned,
pissed
dryer: (n) drier, tumble dryer, drying
machine, siccative, hairdryer, dried,
drying agent, hair dryer, kiln,
appliance, clothes dryer
dull: (adj) dreary, dense, sluggish,
dismal, slack, torpid; (adj, v) blunt,
stupid; (v) deaden, dampen; (adj, n)
cold. ANTONYMS: (adj) lively,
sharp, stimulating, exciting,
lustrous, interesting, exhilarating,
varied, glossy, glittery, luminous
duly: (adv) rightfully, correctly,
punctually, proper, precisely, well,
ex officio, accordingly, fairly,
appropriately, properly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) improperly,
unsuitable, unlawfully
duodecimo: (adj) twelvemo; (n)
sextodecimo, octodecimo
duplicity: (n) deception, dishonesty,
artifice, craft, deceitfulness, guile,
treachery, betrayal, chicanery, fraud,
trickery. ANTONYMS: (n) loyalty,
sincerity, straightforwardness,
allegiance, truthfulness
duration: (adj, n) length, distance; (n)
continuation, time, standing, period,
continuance, stretch, age,
permanency, span
dust: (v) sprinkle, clean, spray, wipe,
spread; (n) dirt, earth, relics, grit,
remains, soil. ANTONYMS: (n)
newness; (v) dirty
duties: (n) service, occupation, place,
work, vocation, charge, diversion,
activities, avocation, registration fee
dutiful: (adj) duteous, good, faithful,
docile, devoted, deferential,
compliant, loyal, pious, meek,
constant. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unfaithful, undutiful, disrespectful,
irresponsible, negligent, assertive,
impious, irreverent, neglectful,
thoughtful, uncaring
dwell: (adj, v) inhabit; (v) reside,
bide, live, stay, lodge, delay, occupy,
continue, be, settle. ANTONYM: (v)
wander
dwelling: (n) domicile, home,
residence, house, place,
accommodation, address, building,
lodge, habitation; (adj, n) dwell
dwelt: (v) dwell, inhabit
 278
dying: (n) death, demise, decease,
mortality; (adj) vanishing,
moribund, last, final, ultimate,
failing, ebbing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
thriving, well, opening, aborning,
developing, flourishing, growing,
reviving, rejuvenating; (n) birth
eager: (adj) avid, ardent, agog, acute,
zealous, enthusiastic, keen,
ambitious, industrious, studious;
(adj, n) earnest. ANTONYMS: (adj)
indifferent, unconcerned, apathetic,
disinterested, unwilling,
unenthusiastic, lukewarm, patient,
reluctant, listless, bored
eagerly: (adv) zealously, readily,
keenly, fervently, avidly, greedily,
enthusiastically, intently, earnestly,
impatiently, actively. ANTONYMS:
(adv) apathetically, nonchalantly,
grudgingly, patiently, halfheartedly,
reluctantly, unenthusiastically
eagerness: (n, v) desire, aspiration;
(n) enthusiasm, avidity, cupidity,
readiness, passion, keenness,
ambition, fervor, avidness.
ANTONYMS: (n) indifference,
unwillingness, aloofness, disinterest,
lethargy, listlessness, patience,
gloom, reluctance
earliest: (adj) earlier, early, initial,
primordial, matutinal, original,
primitive, aboriginal, chief,
foremost, opening. ANTONYMS:
(adj) latest, subsequent,
contemporary
earned: (adj) deserved, realized, due
earnest: (adj, v) devout; (adj) eager,
solemn, heartfelt, diligent, studious,
sincere, intense, ardent, staid; (n)
guarantee. ANTONYMS: (adj)
flippant, halfhearted, uncertain,
insincere, unimportant, nonchalant,
lethargic, apathetic, unenthusiastic,
indifferent, frivolous
earnestly: (adj, adv) seriously; (adv)
eagerly, intently, zealously,
solemnly, ardently, fervently,
heartily, gravely, warmly,
passionately. ANTONYMS: (adv)
indifferently, insincerely,
unconcernedly, jokingly
earnestness: (n) seriousness,
sincerity, gravity, fervor, devotion,
graveness, staidness, honesty; (adj,
n) ardor, zeal, intentness.
ANTONYMS: (n) slackness,
lightness, carelessness,
frivolousness, cheerfulness,
insincerity, flippancy
ears: (n) antenna
ease: (v) alleviate, assuage, relieve,
Northanger Abbey
allay; (n) convenience, rest, leisure,
relief, satisfaction; (adj, v) facilitate;
(n, v) relax. ANTONYMS: (n)
discomfort, formality,
awkwardness, worry, toil, problem,
pain, maladroitness; (v) aggravate,
worsen, impede
eased: (adj) relieved, mitigated,
cloaked, palliate, disguised
eating: (n) ingestion, intake, feeding,
browsing, banqueting, food,
lunching, supping, pica, repletion;
(v) eat
ebony: (adj, n) sable; (adj) black,
dark, jet, soot, raven, smut, sloe; (n)
jet black, coal black, wood
echo: (n, v) answer, repeat, resound,
rebound, reply; (v) reproduce,
reverberate, imitate; (n)
repercussion, reaction, replication
ecstasy: (n) delight, rapture, joy, bliss,
delirium, happiness, trance,
enthusiasm, exaltation, elation; (n, v)
transport. ANTONYMS: (n)
desolation, gloom,
downheartedness, melancholy,
depression, dejection, anguish,
sadness, despair, agony, bore
ecstatic: (adj) delighted, excited,
rhapsodic, rapt, exultant, blissful,
joyful, elated, happy, transported;
(n, v) thrilling. ANTONYMS: (adj)
depressed, down, unhappy,
dejected, desolate, despairing,
miserable, troubled, sad, calm
edifice: (n) building, structure, house,
hall, fabric, aviary, bagnio,
bathhouse, abattoir, bawdyhouse,
clubhouse
edition: (n) release, print, circulation,
copy, quantity of Stamps issued,
number, issue, adaptation, book,
issuance, variation
effected: (adj) completed, complete,
finished, fulfilled, done, realized,
conventional, constituted,
established
effusion: (n) effluence, eruption,
outpour, efflux, outburst, exudation,
extrusion, exhalation, emanation,
emission, flow
egregious: (adj) rank, glaring,
flagrant, crying, infamous,
outrageous, peculiar, absurd,
eccentric; (v) extravagant; (adj, v)
preposterous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
petty, slight, trivial, measly, little,
minor
elapsed: (adj) gone, forgotten, lapsed,
back, beyond, onwards, over and
done
elasticity: (n) spring, tone, buoyancy,
suppleness, springiness, flexibility,
resiliency, resilience, pliability,
tonicity; (adj) elastic force.
ANTONYMS: (n) stiffness,
inflexibility, rigidity
elated: (adj) joyful, delighted,
jubilant, exultant, gleeful, happy,
triumphant, overjoyed, proud,
ecstatic; (n) buoyant. ANTONYMS:
(adj) dejected, disappointed, sad,
unhappy, miserable, down,
depressed, despairing, blue,
sorrowful, desolate
elation: (n) bliss, excitement, delight,
euphoria, rapture, joy, happiness,
joyousness, high spirits,
exhilaration, exultation.
ANTONYMS: (n) depression,
sorrow, unhappiness, misery,
sadness, despair, agony, dejection,
dislike, desolation
elbow: (n, v) poke, nudge, jolt; (n)
cubitus, elbow joint, angle,
articulation; (v) jostle, push, shove,
crowd
elder: (adj) older, big, adult; (n) dean,
doyen, patriarch, ancient, boss,
elderberry, superior, presbyter.
ANTONYMS: (n) youngster, minor,
child, inferior; (adj) youngest,
younger, little
eldest: (adj) elder, older, oldest,
eigne; (n) offspring, progeny, doyen
elegance: (adj, n) daintiness; (n)
refinement, beauty, chic, grace,
style, flair, courtliness, courtesy,
polish, panache. ANTONYMS: (n)
awkwardness, ugliness, inelegance,
bareness, roughness, scruffiness,
untidiness, rudeness, vulgarity,
tackiness, tastelessness
elegant: (adj) delicate, courtly,
splendid, dainty, beautiful, polite,
refined, dressy, debonair, chic, neat.
ANTONYMS: (adj) scruffy, clumsy,
inelegant, plain, tacky, coarse,
unsophisticated, unrefined, shabby,
crude, vigorous
elevated: (adj) exalted, towering,
noble, lofty, grand, great, majestic,
tall, elated, magnanimous; (adj, v)
steep. ANTONYMS: (adj) base,
lowly, decreased, humble, inferior,
lessened, low, sunken, undignified,
lowered
eleven: (adj, n) xi; (n) eight, squad,
football team, team
eligible: (adj) acceptable, advisable,
fit, due, adequate, desirable,
becoming, proper, able, capable,
admissible. ANTONYMS: (adj)
ineligible, unqualified, disqualified,

unsuitable, unfit, unworthy
eloquence: (n) style, fluency, oratory,
rhetoric, articulateness, expression,
volubility, persuasiveness,
articulacy, facundity, way with
words. ANTONYM: (n)
inarticulateness
embarrassed: (adj) awkward,
abashed, uncomfortable,
disconcerted, bashful, sheepish, shy,
shamefaced, mortified, discomfited,
chagrined. ANTONYMS: (adj)
relaxed, unabashed, natural,
talkative
embarrassing: (adj) cumbersome,
sticky, inconvenient, disconcerting,
difficult, shameful, humiliating,
unpleasant, perplexing, clumsy; (v)
embarrass. ANTONYMS: (adj)
shameless, convenient, honorable,
impressive, reassuring, wonderful
embarrassment: (n) abashment,
difficulty, quandary, discomfiture,
humiliation, bewilderment,
mortification, uneasiness, shame; (n,
v) distress; (adj, n) dilemma.
ANTONYMS: (n) confidence, honor,
pride, shortage
embellishments: (n) trimmings,
arrangements, added extras, fixing,
trappings
embers: (v) cinder, ash, scoriae; (n)
fire, ashes
emblem: (n) flag, type, device,
allegory, character, crest, sign,
badge, figure, ensign, symbol
emboldened: (adj) bold
embrace: (v) comprise, adopt,
comprehend, contain, admit,
espouse, include; (n, v) clasp, hug,
grip, bosom. ANTONYMS: (v)
reject, exclude, spurn, shun,
renounce, release, loose, disbelieve
embraced: (adj) popular
embracing: (n) embrace, hugging,
kissing, taking on, implementation,
espousal, clutches; (adj) twining,
osculant, grasping, close
emigrant: (adj, n) immigrant; (n)
immigration, expatriate, emigree,
migrant, emigre, refugee, migrator;
(adj) foreigner, alien, novus homo.
ANTONYMS: (n) settler, aborigine
eminence: (n) distinction, elevation,
altitude, celebrity, superiority, rank,
excellence, fame, glory, prominence,
status. ANTONYMS: (n)
insignificance, cavity, depression,
unimportance, dip, commonness,
inferiority
emotion: (n) love, feeling, passion,
heart, commotion, mood, pathos,
Jane Austen
excitement, sensibility; (n, v)
sensation; (v) impression.
ANTONYMS: (n) detachment,
coldness, unfeelingness, calmness
emotions: (n) reputation, emotion,
feeling, temperament, personality,
character, disposition, breast, bosom
employ: (v) use, apply, exploit,
consume, wield, hire, engage,
exercise, work, busy, utilize.
ANTONYMS: (v) fire, dismiss, can,
ignore, misuse, sack, underuse; (n)
unemployment
employed: (adj) engaged, working,
occupied, hired, used, made use of,
rapt, affianced, earnest, betrothed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unemployed,
unoccupied, idle
empowered: (adj) authorised,
accredited, entitled, privileged,
sceptered, sceptred
enchanted: (adj) bewitched,
delighted, charmed, fascinated, rapt,
spellbound, blissful, happy,
enamored, possessed; (v) entranced.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disenchanted,
unhappy
enclosed: (adj) surrounded, bounded,
covered, limited, encircled,
enveloped, besieged, closed,
controlled; (v) contain; (adv)
herewith. ANTONYMS: (adj)
exposed, open, pervasive, outdoor
enclosure: (n) appendage, annex,
cage, appendix, addendum, barrier,
enclosing, pen, yard, hedge,
addition
encounter: (n) collision, conflict,
battle, action, confrontation, brush;
(n, v) combat, contest, rencounter;
(v) confront, face. ANTONYMS: (v)
Miss, surrender, evade, avoid, yield;
(n) shunning, avoidance,
withdrawal
encouraged: (adj) optimistic,
confident, enthused, expectant,
inspired, pleased, positive,
stimulated, stirred, moved.
ANTONYM: (adj) pessimistic
encouragement: (n) aid, support,
promotion, backing, incentive,
cheer, consolation, boost, advocacy,
fosterage, assistance. ANTONYMS:
(n) neglect, deflation, disheartening,
disincentive, dissuasion, opposition,
deterrent
encouraging: (adj) cheering, bright,
promising, auspicious, comforting,
rosy, reassuring, favourable,
hortatory, hopeful, heartening.
ANTONYMS: (adj) upsetting,
warning, disappointing,
279
discouraging, negative, disturbing,
hopeless, unhelpful, depressing
endanger: (v) imperil, hazard,
venture, menace, scupper, queer,
peril, jeopardise; (n, v) risk, danger,
expose to danger. ANTONYMS: (v)
protect, shelter, aid, assist, guard,
preserve, help, save, safeguard
endangered: (n) tiger, white
rhinoceros; (adj) risky, vulnerable,
defenseless, at risk, in danger
endear: (adj, v) attract; (adj) attach,
turn the head, seduce, fascinate,
enrapture; (v) enamor, dear,
captivate, indear, bewitch
endearing: (adj) adorable, lovable,
lovely, charming, sweet, attractive,
engaging, pretty, winning, pleasant,
cute. ANTONYMS: (adj) despicable,
repellent, detestable, unpleasant
endeavour: (n) attempt, effort, pains,
trial, try, enterprise, striving,
contribution, braving; (v) exert,
strive
ended: (adj) concluded, finished,
over, done, completed, closed,
through, terminated, consummate,
all over; (adj, v) past
ending: (n) conclusion, end, closure,
close, completion, finish,
termination, dissolution, death; (adj,
n) closing, last. ANTONYMS: (n)
beginning, middle, commencement,
inauguration, kickoff, prelude,
establishment; (adj) first
endless: (adj) constant, perpetual,
interminable, continuous, ceaseless,
eternal, uninterrupted, everlasting,
incessant, vast, unrelenting.
ANTONYMS: (adj) temporary,
restricted, limited, intermittent,
ending, finishing, sporadic, mortal,
inconstant, few, slight
endowed: (adj) gifted, clever, cute,
felicitous, competent, blessed,
artistic, brilliant, ingenious, talented,
qualitied
endowments: (n) beneficence,
accomplishments, advantage
endurance: (adj, n) sufferance; (n)
stamina, tolerance, courage,
permanence, continuance, energy,
fortitude, tenacity, duration,
toughness. ANTONYMS: (n)
weakness, inconsistency,
impatience, frailty, discontinuation,
discontinuance, death
endure: (adj, n, v) continue, support;
(n, v) bear, suffer, stand, be; (v)
accept, undergo, allow, stay,
tolerate. ANTONYMS: (v) perish,
die, break, fall, discontinue,
 280
crumble, end, enjoy, resign, quit,
collapse
enemy: (n) antagonist, opponent, foe,
opposition, competitor, enmity,
assailant, foeman, hostile, besieger;
(adj, n) rival. ANTONYMS: (n) ally,
friend, supporter, benefactor,
defender, fan
engage: (v) contract, book, employ,
retain, absorb, charter, draw, rent;
(n, v) attract, enlist, betroth.
ANTONYMS: (v) disengage, release,
evade, bore, can, discharge,
disconnect, dismiss, eject, terminate,
escape
engaged: (adj) occupied, betrothed,
employed, affianced, engrossed,
reserved, absorbed, working,
pledged, involved, committed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) free, unengaged,
unemployed, uncommitted,
unattached, single, detached, idle
engagement: (n, v) combat, battle,
action, fight, contest; (n) conflict,
commitment, appointment, contract,
duty, date. ANTONYM: (n)
disengagement
engagements: (n) arrangements,
actions, activities, schedule, travels,
movements
engaging: (adj, v) charming, inviting,
prepossessing; (adj) attractive,
interesting, lovable, delightful,
appealing, pleasant, captivating;
(adv) engagingly. ANTONYMS:
(adj) repulsive, loathsome, repellant,
unattractive, undesirable, unlikable,
dull, unpleasant, repellent
engagingly: (adv) fascinatingly,
engaging, interestingly, pleasingly,
appealingly, fetchingly, winsomely,
alluringly, winningly, charmingly,
glamorously
engrossed: (adj) rapt, engaged, intent,
occupied, preoccupied, busy,
fascinated, obsessed, thoughtful,
hooked; (adj, v) immersed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disinterested,
bored, distracted, indifferent,
unconcerned, uninterested,
inattentive, carefree
enhancement: (n) promotion,
improvement, embellishment,
addition, boost, expansion, progress,
increase, augmentation,
complement, decoration.
ANTONYMS: (n) decline, knock,
deterioration
enjoying: (n) relish, enjoyment; (adj)
comfortable, fruitive
enjoyment: (n) delight, appreciation,
gratification, comfort, relish,
Northanger Abbey
satisfaction, happiness, delectation,
gusto, amusement, diversion.
ANTONYMS: (n) dislike,
abhorrence, antipathy, apathy,
aversion, discomfort, displeasure,
dissatisfaction, misery, repulsion,
sorrow
enlighten: (v) advise, edify, educate,
inform, clarify, apprise, instruct,
illuminate, clear, notify; (adj, v)
lighten. ANTONYMS: (v) puzzle,
obfuscate, mystify, confound, cloud,
brutalize, bewilder, muddle
enraged: (adj) angered, furious,
infuriated, irate, mad, livid,
incensed, exasperated, raging,
irritated, boiling
ensured: (adj) certain, constitutional
entering: (n) entry, entrance,
admission, enrollment, penetration,
ingress, registration, encroachment,
entree; (adj, n) incoming; (v) go in
entertain: (v) amuse, delight, bear,
cherish, beguile, admit,
accommodate, harbor, hold, distract;
(n, v) interest. ANTONYMS: (v)
disregard, ignore, banish, forget,
tire, displease
entertained: (adj) diverted, pleased
entertaining: (adj) enjoyable, fun,
funny, diverting, witty, merry,
comical, laughable, convivial,
humorous, droll. ANTONYMS: (adj)
dull, boring, heavy, slow, tiresome,
tiring, unentertaining
entertainment: (n) distraction,
diversion, enjoyment, show,
pleasure, recreation, fun, reception,
pastime; (adj, n) party; (n, v)
regalement. ANTONYMS: (n) job,
boredom, discomfort
entitled: (adj) authorized, qualified,
authorised, eligible, competent,
accredited, titled, privileged,
certified. ANTONYM: (adj)
constrained
entrance: (v) enchant, charm,
captivate, bewitch, enrapture; (n)
access, entry, admittance, threshold,
arrival, door. ANTONYMS: (n)
departure, exit, egress, egression,
exiting, exclusion, retirement; (v)
bore, repel, repulse
entreat: (v) beg, beseech, ask,
implore, pray, adjure, appeal,
request, conjure, crave, bid.
ANTONYMS: (v) demand, reject
entreating: (adj) beseeching,
imploring, suppliant, begging,
supplicant, imploratory, asking
submissively, pleading, piteous
entreaty: (n) plea, prayer, request,
petition, adjuration, supplication,
suit, demand, desire, invocation; (v)
solicitation
entree: (n) admittance, access,
entrance, entry, importation, portal,
gateway, entranceway, doorway; (v)
bill of fare, cuisine. ANTONYM: (n)
rejection
environs: (adj, n) purlieus; (n)
vicinity, confines, outskirts,
environment, entourage, precincts,
scene, surround, surroundings; (adj)
vicinage
envy: (v) begrudge, want; (n)
enviousness, desire, heartburning,
resentment, envies, heartburn,
jealousy, hatred; (adj) jealous.
ANTONYM: (n) generosity
envying: (adj) invidious
epitaph: (n) memorial, lettering,
inscription, commemoration,
epitaphic, legend
equipage: (n) carriage, chariot,
brougham, coach, barouche, rig,
field-equipage, buggy, cab,
cabriolet, chaise
equipped: (adj) equiped, armed,
equipt, furnished, fitted, carrying
weapons, ready, weaponed,
complete, set, standing by.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unequipped,
unfurnished, unprepared
equivalent: (n) counterpart, match;
(adj) comparable, analogous, even,
alike, matching, same, identical, like;
(n, v) consideration. ANTONYMS:
(adj, n) dissimilar; (adj) unlike,
differing, diverse, incompatible,
unequal
erect: (adj) upright, vertical,
straightforward; (v) build, raise,
rear, construct, assemble, lift, put
up, put together. ANTONYMS: (v)
dismantle, wreck, topple, level,
demolish, destroy; (adj) prostrate,
drooping, prone, flaccid, flat
erection: (n, v) building, structure; (n)
assembly, construction, erecting,
architecture, installation, creation,
foundation, framework; (adj)
elevation
errand: (n) chore, mission, job, task,
assignment, embassy, duty, charge,
messenger, communication, work
error: (n) blunder, fault, mistake,
delusion, lapse, oversight, miss,
guilt, crime, defect; (adj, n) wrong.
ANTONYMS: (n) correctness, fact,
accuracy
escaped: (adj) at large, at liberty,
loose, on the loose, runaway, easy,
wild; (n) freer; (v) escaping

escort: (n, v) chaperon, attend,
convoy, guard, guide, conduct, date;
(v) accompany, see; (n) suite,
attendant. ANTONYMS: (v)
abandon, desert, leave, follow
essay: (n, v) endeavor, attempt, try,
assay, offer; (n) article, disquisition,
composition, effort, tentative; (v)
strive
essentially: (adv) fundamentally,
substantially, primarily, principally,
necessarily, inherently, mainly,
importantly, chiefly; (adj, adv)
naturally, intrinsically.
ANTONYMS: (adv) superficially,
insignificantly, slightly
establishment: (n) company,
constitution, institution,
organization, enactment, settlement,
creation, formation, concern,
building, foundation. ANTONYMS:
(n) elimination, destruction,
culmination
esteem: (n) deference, admiration; (n,
v) respect, value, consideration,
account; (v) appreciate, deem, adore,
admire, count. ANTONYMS: (v)
scorn, hate, disdain, insult, despise,
abominate, abhor, dislike, reject; (n)
disesteem, disapproval
estimation: (n) deference,
assessment, calculation,
approximation, appraisal, attention;
(n, v) esteem, consideration, regard,
reputation, credit. ANTONYMS: (n)
calculation, disbelief, doubt
eternity: (n) aeon, afterlife, forever,
perpetuity, timelessness,
endlessness, everlasting, endless
time, everlastingness, everness,
existence. ANTONYMS: (n)
finiteness, impermanence
eventful: (adj) fateful, weighty,
lively, important, momentous,
memorable, notable, hectic,
significant; (n) stirring; (v) full of
incident. ANTONYMS: (adj) dull,
insignificant, ordinary, slow, empty
everyday: (adj, v) ordinary, usual;
(adj) familiar, customary, routine,
accustomed, average, regular,
casual, prosaic, commonplace.
ANTONYMS: (adj) extraordinary,
exquisite, special, rare, exciting,
different, exceptional, occasional,
uncommon, formal, imaginative
everywhere: (adv) everyplace, all
over, far and wide, overall,
somewhere, far and near, about,
where; (adv, pron) anywhere; (adv,
n) anyplace; (adj) throughout.
ANTONYM: (adv) nowhere
Jane Austen
evident: (adj) obvious, distinct,
discernible, clear, manifest,
conspicuous, patent, plain,
noticeable, open, certain.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unnoticed,
obscure, concealed, hidden,
inconspicuous, uncertain, unknown,
imperceptible, disputable,
ambiguous, undetectable
evidently: (adv) clearly, patently,
plainly, obviously, manifestly,
openly, certainly, overtly, markedly,
conspicuously, palpably.
ANTONYMS: (adv) doubtfully,
imperceptibly, obscurely,
questionably, actually, ambiguously,
inconspicuously
evil: (adj) bad, criminal, corrupt,
wicked, destructive, depraved; (adj,
n) ill, detriment; (n) adversity,
disaster, depravity. ANTONYMS:
(n) goodness, righteousness,
morality; (adj) kindhearted,
righteous, benign, moral, pure,
upright, virtuous, sinless
evils: (n) mala
exact: (adj, n) correct; (v) demand,
claim, command, ask; (n, v) require;
(adj, v) close, direct; (adj) precise,
detailed, faithful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) wrong, vague, imprecise,
approximate, inexact, rough,
careless, thoughtless, indeterminate;
(v) tender, give
exaggerated: (adj) extravagant,
theatrical, immoderate, inflated,
overdone, hyperbolic, magnified,
pretentious, overstated, excessive;
(adj, v) hypertrophied.
ANTONYMS: (adj) restrained,
unembellished, minimized
examine: (v) assay, audit, overhaul,
try, consider, control, check, search,
survey, ask, ascertain. ANTONYMS:
(v) reply, skim, glance
examined: (adj) qualified, studied,
considered
examining: (v) examine, investigate;
(adj) investigative, curious,
disquisitive, exploratory, inquiring
exceedingly: (adj, adv) very, highly;
(adv) too, exceptionally, overly,
surpassingly, extraordinarily,
greatly, awfully, terrifically,
eminently. ANTONYMS: (adv)
slightly, hardly, insufficiently,
somewhat
excel: (v) top, surpass, cap, outdo,
pass, eclipse, beat, transcend, lead,
outshine; (adj, v) better.
ANTONYMS: (v) flunk, trail
excellence: (adj, n) worth, eminence,
281
desert; (n) distinction, advantage,
goodness, superiority, virtue,
greatness, predominance; (adj)
mastery. ANTONYMS: (n)
mediocrity, failing, fault, flaw,
unevenness, imperfection, disgrace,
commonness
excess: (n) extravagance, dissipation,
plethora, abundance, exaggeration,
overindulgence, surfeit,
overabundance, overplus; (adj)
extra, unnecessary. ANTONYMS:
(n) lack, restraint, moderation,
shortfall, dearth, temperance, deficit,
insufficiency, justice, scarcity,
abstinence
excessive: (adj) exaggerated, intense,
superfluous, undue, exorbitant,
unreasonable, immoderate,
enormous, profuse, extravagant,
extreme. ANTONYMS: (adj)
moderate, affordable, deficient,
underdone, insignificant,
insufficient, thrifty, skimpy, meager,
basic, small
excessively: (adj, adv) immoderately,
exorbitantly, inordinately; (adv)
extremely, enormously, exceedingly,
very, profusely, overly,
exaggeratedly, intemperately.
ANTONYMS: (adv) justifiably,
moderately, insufficiently
exchanged: (adj) counterchanged,
bartered, substituted
excite: (v) arouse, enliven, disturb,
agitate, awaken, incite, inspire,
rouse, electrify; (n, v) energize; (adj,
v) quicken. ANTONYMS: (v) calm,
pacify, bore, soothe, stifle,
tranquilize, placate, quiet, dampen
excited: (adj, v) animated, ardent;
(adj) ablaze, enthusiastic, emotional,
frantic, warm, heated, delirious,
fervent, passionate. ANTONYMS:
(adj) cool, unexcited, bored,
tranquil, easygoing, disappointed,
despairing, comatose, apathetic,
sedate, composed
exclaim: (v) call out, call, shout, cry
out, ejaculate, clamor, outcry,
scream, shout out, speak, vociferate
exclaiming: (n) deuce, Dickens,
ejaculation, exclaim, devil,
interjection, ecphonesis
exclamation: (n) clamor, ejaculation,
exclaiming, utterance, whoop,
interjection, shout, expletive, deuce,
Dickens, ecphonesis
excluded: (adj) precluded, debarred,
disqualified, contraband, barred,
banned, prohibited, unwelcome, not
allowed, foreign; (adv) apart
 282
exclusively: (adv) entirely, alone,
specially, completely, individually,
selectly, particularly, totally,
especially, wholly; (adj, adv) only.
ANTONYMS: (adv) openly, partly,
partially
excursion: (n) expedition, jaunt,
outing, digression, drive, tour,
airing, voyage, deviation, stroll; (n,
v) journey
excuse: (n, v) pardon, palliate; (v)
absolve, exculpate, condone, acquit,
justify, forgive; (n) alibi, pretext,
evasion. ANTONYMS: (v) blame,
accuse, chide, discipline, include,
reprimand, castigate; (n) accusation
excused: (adj) privileged, immune
exemplification: (n) illustration,
instance, demonstration, exemplar,
sample, explanation, exemplified
copy, epitome, case, definition,
comparison
exempt: (v) absolve, discharge,
dispense, forgive, relieve, justify,
except; (adj, v) free; (adj) immune, at
liberty, released. ANTONYMS: (adj,
v) nonexempt; (adj) liable, taxable,
bound; (v) enforce, blame, include
exerting: (n) push
exertion: (n) application, exercise,
endeavor, attempt, struggle, trouble,
diligence, strain, labor, pull, essay.
ANTONYMS: (n) idleness,
inactivity, inertia, relaxation,
laziness, ease
exhausted: (adj) fatigued, tired,
spent, dry, empty, depleted, jaded,
enervated, faint; (adj, v) gone, weak.
ANTONYMS: (adj) fresh, refreshed,
strong, restored, vigorous,
unexhausted, replenished,
remaining, energized, invigorated,
restocked
exhibiting: (n) advertising; (adj)
exhibitory, ostensive
expectation: (n) expectancy, belief,
hope, possibility, outlook, trust,
confidence, arithmetic mean,
thought, suspense; (n, v) prospect.
ANTONYMS: (n) despair,
hopelessness, discouragement,
distrust
expectations: (n) outlook,
expectation, expectancy, potential
expecting: (adj) pregnant, confident,
with child, heavy, hopeful; (n)
family way
expedient: (adj) fit, advisable,
becoming, desirable, adequate, apt,
convenient, suitable; (n) contrivance,
resource, artifice. ANTONYMS:
(adj) inappropriate, inexpedient,
Northanger Abbey
impractical, futile, detrimental,
inconvenient, foolish
expense: (n) disbursement,
expenditure, price, outlay, amount,
toll, fee, payment, costs; (n, v)
charge, detriment. ANTONYM: (n)
income
expenses: (n) expenditure, expense,
charge, costs, fee, spending,
disbursement, overheads, payment,
outlay, upkeep
expensively: (adv) preciously,
lavishly, extravagantly, highly,
sumptuously, excessively, dear,
luxuriously, richly, extremely,
splendidly. ANTONYM: (adv)
inexpensively
experimental: (adj) tentative, empiric,
scientific, observational, pilot, test,
trial, experiential, probative, try,
experiment. ANTONYMS: (adj)
tried, theoretical, proven, accepted,
established
expert: (adj, n) adept, proficient,
professional; (adj) skillful, adroit,
dexterous, able, experienced, clever,
deft; (n, v) critic. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unskilled, inept, untrained, inferior,
inexperienced, immature,
unschooled; (n) beginner, novice,
tyro, apprentice
expire: (v) end, conclude, decease,
elapse, pass away, depart, run out,
succumb, perish, exhale, exit.
ANTONYMS: (v) inhale, start,
commence, begin, thrive, inspire,
appear, survive
expired: (adj) lapsed, deceased,
invalid, dead, overdue, extinct,
elapsed, out
expiring: (adj) moribund, failing.
ANTONYM: (adj) well
explaining: (n) amplification,
illumination, clearing up, defense
explicit: (adj) clear, unmistakable,
manifest, exact, sharp, lucid,
definite, broad, direct, perspicuous,
emphatic. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unspoken, tacit, understood,
implicit, bland, ambiguous,
confused, indirect, obscure, unclear,
hidden
explore: (v) search, delve, research,
enquire, discover, prospect,
scrutinize, investigate, plumb,
probe, view
exploring: (adj) indagative, emissary,
excursive
expose: (v) endanger, exhibit, betray,
detect, display, air, uncover,
debunk, denude, unfold, divulge.
ANTONYMS: (v) conceal, cover,
enclose, suppress, shield, shelter,
insulate, hide, guard, drape
exposed: (adj) open, defenseless,
uncovered, unprotected, nude,
subject, obvious, naked, bald; (adj,
v) vulnerable, liable. ANTONYMS:
(adj) covered, hidden, safe, guarded,
armed, secluded, sheltered,
sheathed, enclosed, safeguarded,
protected
expressing: (adj) significant; (n)
speech
expressions: (n) vocabulary, terms,
language
expressively: (adv) meaningfully,
eloquently, indicatively, poignantly,
movingly, vividly, suggestively,
emphatically, evocatively, mobilely,
tellingly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unemotionally, inexpressively,
innocently, blandly
expressly: (adv) specially,
particularly, distinctly, specifically,
explicitly, especially, utterly, clearly,
precisely, telly, exactly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) ambiguously,
conditionally, implicitly, indirectly,
vaguely
exquisite: (adj) beautiful, delicate,
excellent, dainty, gorgeous,
admirable, acute, heavenly, choice,
wonderful; (adj, v) delightful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, inferior,
ugly, subdued, rough, poor, coarse,
mild, imperfect, horrible, flawed
extend: (v) enlarge, broaden, widen,
dilate, amplify, augment, go,
continue, spread, draw out; (adj, v)
stretch. ANTONYMS: (v) withdraw,
shorten, narrow, shrink, limit,
contract, curtail, hold, reduce,
abridge, keep
extension: (n) expansion,
enlargement, augmentation,
increase, addition, elongation,
expanse, annex, stretch,
development, circulation.
ANTONYMS: (n) contraction, limit,
abridgment, curtailment, shrinkage,
shortening, flexion, head, reduction
extenuation: (n, v) excuse, apology;
(n) palliation, mitigation,
diminution, justification,
extenuating circumstances,
extenuating excuse, easement,
abatement, alleviation
extinction: (n) destruction,
extermination, end, expiration,
obliteration, expiry, dissolution,
devastation, demise, effacement; (n,
v) cessation. ANTONYMS: (n)
preservation, protection

extinguished: (adj) extinct, out, dead,
quenched, allayed, destroyed; (n)
defunctness, complete annihilation,
experimental extinction,
extermination, extinction
extraordinary: (adj) odd, exceptional,
curious, rare, special, phenomenal,
amazing, astonishing, unusual,
strange, abnormal. ANTONYMS:
(adj) ordinary, normal, everyday,
usual, common, mundane, regular,
undistinguished, unremarkable,
insignificant, natural
extravagance: (n) dissipation, luxury,
excess, profligacy, lavishness,
squandering, recklessness, waste,
prodigality, magnificence,
immoderateness. ANTONYMS: (n)
economy, frugality, parsimony,
prudence, paucity, moderation,
austerity, necessity, bareness
extravagant: (adj) wasteful,
luxurious, prodigal, exaggerated,
profligate, costly, expensive, lavish,
immoderate, profuse, undue.
ANTONYMS: (adj) restrained,
frugal, parsimonious, plain, stingy,
understated, thrifty, reasonable,
moderate, cautious, tasteful
extreme: (adj) deep, excessive,
enormous, supreme, terrible,
uttermost, ultimate, utmost, intense,
immoderate; (n) edge. ANTONYMS:
(adj, n) mild, slight; (adj) middle,
reasonable, near, limited, close,
conventional, ordinary, normal,
insignificant
exultation: (n) jubilation, joy, delight,
ecstasy, elation, rejoicing, revelling,
transport, joyousness, bliss, glee.
ANTONYMS: (n) depression,
desolation, misery, sorrow
exulting: (adj) jubilant, flushed,
triumphant, experiencing triumph,
rejoicing, prideful, elated,
disdainful, triumphal; (v) exult; (n)
joy
fable: (n) legend, fiction, tale, story,
fabrication, fairy tale, lie, myth,
anecdote; (adj, n) apologue, parable.
ANTONYMS: (n) fact, history
facilitate: (v) aid, ease, help, expedite,
mitigate, alleviate, further, advance,
lighten, promote; (n, v) favor.
ANTONYMS: (v) hinder, obstruct,
block, complicate, delay, hamper,
burden, worsen, impede
facing: (n) revetment, face, coating,
lining, veneer, cladding, front,
covering; (prep) against, before;
(adj) fronting
fading: (n) attenuation, bleaching,
Jane Austen
discoloration, disappearance,
evaporation, colour fading, decay;
(adj) disappearing, paling,
weakening, decaying. ANTONYMS:
(adj) thriving, increasing, growing
faggot: (n) fagot, queer, queen, fairy,
pansy, poof, bobbing, log, fascine,
fascicle, wisp
fail: (adj, v) fade, decline, cease; (v)
abort, die, break, bust, want,
disappoint, deteriorate, default.
ANTONYMS: (v) succeed, triumph,
win, thrive, procure, accomplish,
achieve, attain, boom, complete,
continue
failing: (adj, n) deficiency, blemish,
imperfection; (n) fault, shortcoming,
failure, weakness, flaw, inadequacy,
foible; (adj) declining. ANTONYMS:
(adj) thriving, flourishing, well,
strong, growing, healthy; (n)
strength, virtue, specialty,
capability, passing
fainting: (n) swoon, syncope,
deliquium, lipothymy, prostration,
stupor; (adj) lipothymic
fairness: (adj, n) candor, comeliness,
honesty; (n) beauty, justice, candour,
equality, reasonableness, frankness,
veracity, neutrality. ANTONYMS:
(n) unfairness, prejudice, bias,
inequity, partiality, pettiness,
inequality
faithful: (adj, n) accurate, correct,
exact, true; (adj) close, unfailing,
dependable, devoted, sound,
devout; (adj, v) constant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unreliable, false,
inaccurate, unfaithful, unrealistic,
faithless, perfidious, backstabbing,
cheating, inexact, loose
faithfully: (adv) exactly, accurately,
sincerely, staunchly, precisely, truly,
authentically, dutifully, literally,
steadfastly, truely. ANTONYMS:
(adv) unfaithfully, approximately,
falsely, insincerely, carelessly,
inaccurately
fallen: (adj) drop, decline, prostrate,
flat, destroyed, down, lapsed, alight,
degenerate, lose, get. ANTONYMS:
(adj) esteemed, honorable, honored,
lauded, prestigious
falling: (n) descent, fall, downfall,
degradation, depreciation; (adj)
descending, decreasing, declining,
tumbling, ebb, down. ANTONYMS:
(adj) standing, increasing,
burgeoning
false: (adj, n) bastard; (adj, adv)
counterfeit, deceitful; (adj) untrue,
dishonest, erroneous, sham,
283
assumed, artificial, fictitious,
deceptive. ANTONYMS: (adj) real,
genuine, faithful, factual, correct,
natural, truthful, honest, valid, just,
loyal
falsehood: (n) fable, fabrication,
deception, untruth, lie, fib, fiction,
invention, dishonesty; (adj, n)
deceit, falsity. ANTONYMS: (n) fact,
honesty, reality
falsely: (adv) incorrectly,
fraudulently, deceptively,
dishonestly, wrongly, erroneously,
misleadingly, deceitfully,
unfaithfully, spuriously, fictitiously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) honestly,
truthfully, faithfully, authentically,
correctly, naturally, rightly
faltering: (n) falter, pause, vacillation;
(adj) tentative, vacillating, doubtful,
irresolute, hesitant, uncertain,
unsure; (adv) falteringly.
ANTONYMS: (adj) decided, firm,
eloquent, decisive, sure
familiarity: (adj, n) acquaintance; (n)
intimacy, closeness, experience,
casualness, conversancy,
knowledge, conversance,
naturalness, nearness, friendship.
ANTONYMS: (n) unfamiliarity,
formality, abnormality, distance,
animosity
famously: (adv) illustriously, greatly,
prominently, gloriously,
magnificently, wonderfully,
renownedly, eminently, notoriously,
celebratedly, notedly
fancied: (adj) unreal, chimerical,
fictional, fanciful, fictitious,
fabricated, preferred, assumed,
illusory, imagined, ideal
fancies: (n) stock
fancy: (n, v) desire, fantasy, caprice,
dream, wish, daydream; (v)
imagine, consider; (adj, v) conceive;
(n) conception, conceit.
ANTONYMS: (n) reality, certainty,
actuality, conviction; (adj)
unadorned, common; (v) hate,
demonstrate, detest, disapprove, test
fancying: (n) daydream, fantasy
farewell: (int, n) adieu; (n) bye, leave,
valediction, adios, parting, goodbye,
separation, departure, aloha; (int)
bon voyage. ANTONYMS: (n) hello,
salutation, welcome
farther: (adj, adv, prep) beyond; (adj)
additional, more, distant; (adv)
furthermore, besides, abroad, in
addition, too; (adj, prep) outside;
(pron) another. ANTONYMS: (prep)
within; (adv) nearer, closer
 284
farthest: (adj) ultimate, extreme,
farthermost, utmost, uttermost, last,
furthermost, endmost, greatest,
most distant; (adj, adv) remotest.
ANTONYMS: (adv) closest, nearest
fashionable: (adj) popular, current,
classy, trendy, chic, up to date,
stylish, dressy, modern, swanky,
swell. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unpopular, styleless, dated, out,
outmoded, tacky, inclusive, old,
plain
fasten: (adj, v) attach, fix, affix; (v)
connect, bind, tie, tack, pin, stick,
clasp, anchor. ANTONYMS: (v)
detach, undo, unlock, loosen,
release, open, disconnect, untie,
separate, unscrew
fastener: (n) fastening, clip, tie,
buckle, attachment, snap, lock,
closure, bolt, holdfast, catch
faster: (adv) sooner, fleet, swift,
quick, express, earlier
fatal: (adj) deadly, pestilent, lethal,
disastrous, destructive, dangerous,
deathly, fateful, murderous, critical;
(adj, v) mortal. ANTONYMS: (adj)
harmless, nourishing, healthful,
benign, uncritical, mild
fate: (n, v) doom; (n) chance, luck,
fatality, fortune, kismet, allotment,
portion, lot; (v) destine, designate.
ANTONYMS: (n) will, design,
choice, accident, chance
fated: (adj) inevitable, destined,
certain, predestined, damned,
unavoidable, predestinate, cursed,
intended, forthcoming, sure
fatigue: (v) exhaust, tire, weary,
harass, enervate, fag, jade, wear; (n)
exhaustion, weariness, tiredness.
ANTONYMS: (n) energy, liveliness,
vitality, vigor, strength; (v) energize,
renew, rejuvenate, restore,
invigorate
fatigued: (adj) tired, weary, beat,
worn, tired out, jaded, spent, worn
out, done in, fagged, run-down.
ANTONYMS: (adj) refreshed, alert,
lively, energized, energetic
fault: (adj, n, v) deficiency; (n) error,
blot, delinquency, flaw, break,
blunder; (adj, n) failing, blemish; (n,
v) blame, crime. ANTONYMS: (n)
strength, virtue, capability,
innocence, perfection, credit, ease;
(v) praise, absolve
faultless: (adj) blameless, correct,
immaculate, clean, spotless,
innocent, flawless, unblemished,
absolute, infallible, consummate.
ANTONYMS: (adj) blemished,
Northanger Abbey
imperfect, faulty, shameful, soiled,
blameworthy
favour: (n) relief, goodness,
assistance, office, favoritism,
benignity; (v) choose, prefer,
privilege, facilitate, approve
favourable: (adj) convenient,
encouraging, good, auspicious,
useful, benevolent, favorable,
profitable, conducive, opportune,
prosperous
favourably: (adv) advantageously,
well
favoured: (adj) preferred, preferential
favourite: (n) ducky, darling, pet,
deary, dearie, lover, minion, Engle;
(adj) popular, favored, preferred
fearful: (adj, n) afraid; (adj, v)
dreadful, cowardly; (adj) terrible,
apprehensive, awful, timid, anxious,
craven, frightful, eerie.
ANTONYMS: (adj) rational, calm,
confident, bold, unimpressed,
charming, fearless, courageous,
reassuring, unafraid, wonderful
fearfully: (adv) timidly, timorously,
awfully, apprehensively,
horrendously, hideously, anxiously,
appallingly, terribly; (adj, adv)
shockingly, dreadfully.
ANTONYMS: (adv) bravely, calmly,
confidently, wonderfully, rationally,
unconcernedly
fearlessly: (adj, adv) daringly, boldly,
heroically, courageously, valiantly;
(adv) dauntlessly, bravely, gallantly,
undauntedly, audaciously,
unflinchingly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
nervously, cautiously, timidly
fears: (n) worries, uncertainties,
doubts, qualms, misgivings
feathers: (n) plumage, fur, indument,
garment, garb, fine hair, clothing,
dress, apparel, attire, array
feeble: (adj) delicate, decrepit, ailing,
helpless, powerless, poor, mild, lax,
thin; (adj, v) faint, debilitated.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strong, vigorous,
hearty, tough, effective, powerful,
unrelenting, robust, potent,
persuasive, able
feeding: (n) alimentation, eating,
nourishment, grazing, dining,
browsing, feed supply, banqueting,
supplying, ingestion, intake
feelingly: (adv) sensitively,
sympathetically, feeling, deeply
felicity: (n) happiness, bliss,
blessedness, beatitude, luck,
felicitousness, joy, fortune, ecstasy,
enjoyment, appropriateness.
ANTONYM: (n) infelicity
fellow: (adj, n) comrade, associate;
(n) boy, equal, brother, peer, chap,
colleague, compeer, buddy; (adj, n,
v) concomitant. ANTONYMS: (n)
female, woman, girl, foe, enemy,
antagonist, competitor
fellows: (n) fellow, membership,
faculty
fender: (n) wing, cushion, barrier,
mudguard, dashboard, guard,
mudguard seat, cowcatcher,
framework, sheer log, framing
fervent: (adj) ardent, eager, earnest,
enthusiastic, intense, cordial,
passionate, hot, emotional, torrid,
strong. ANTONYMS: (adj)
apathetic, unenthusiastic, cool,
weak, unexcited, dispirited,
dispassionate, flippant, impassive,
lukewarm, mild
fetch: (v) carry, bring, bring in,
convey, draw, elicit, deliver, catch,
get, attract; (adj, n) feint
fever: (n) malaria, delirium, pyrexia,
heat, frenzy, feverishness, febricity,
Bilious typhoid fever, Levant fever,
Hectic infantile fever, Typhoid fever
feverish: (adj) febrile, feverous, fiery,
frenzied, fevered, excited, sick,
fanatical; (adj, v) hot, flushed; (adj,
n) hysterical. ANTONYMS: (adj)
calm, afebrile, collected, composed,
mellow
fickle: (adj, v) erratic, skittish; (adj)
volatile, capricious, mercurial,
mobile, variable, inconsistent,
shifting, giddy, inconstant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) untiring, stable,
unchanging, consistent, constant,
dependable, predictable, placid,
loyal, faithful
fickleness: (n) faithlessness, levity,
volatility, instability, capriciousness,
changeableness, falseness,
flightiness; (n, v) caprice; (v) fancy,
legerete. ANTONYMS: (n) fidelity,
loyalty, predictability
fidelity: (n) constancy, devotion,
faithfulness, adherence, allegiance,
loyalty, faith, dedication, exactness;
(adj, n) honesty, truth.
ANTONYMS: (n) infidelity,
unfaithfulness, disloyalty,
inaccuracy, faithlessness,
dishonesty, unreliability
fiend: (n) monster, devil, fanatic,
brute, deuce, incubus, goblin, ogre,
enthusiast, daemon, addict.
ANTONYM: (n) angel
fifth: (n) interval, twenty percent,
common fraction, fifth part; (adv)
fifthly; (v) decimate

filial: (adj) dutiful
fill: (v) block, clog, stuff, line, charge,
execute, accomplish, complete, brim,
fulfill; (n) crowd. ANTONYMS: (v)
empty, free, deplete, unpack,
unload, notch, deflate, desert
filled: (adj) replete, packed, fraught,
teeming, laden, abundant,
congested, charged, stuffed; (adj,
adv) crowded; (n) fuller.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lacking, clear
filling: (n) filler, weft, contents,
loading, plug, packing, pad,
replenishment, padding, impletion,
stuffing. ANTONYMS: (adj) light,
insufficient
finale: (n) close, end, ending, finish,
finis, termination, catastrophe, last,
epilogue, closing, denouement.
ANTONYMS: (n) start, introduction,
prelude
finer: (adj) superior, advanced,
bigger, higher, more, greater
finery: (n) regalia, clothing, attire,
decoration, dress, pinchbeck,
spangle, trimmings, gimcrack; (adj,
n) tinsel, gewgaw. ANTONYM: (n)
rags
finesse: (n) artifice, diplomacy,
delicacy, refinement, dexterity,
daintiness, ability, skill; (n, v)
maneuver; (adj) intrigue; (v)
circumvent. ANTONYMS: (n)
ignorance, tactlessness, coarseness
finest: (adj, n) elite; (adj) top, select,
excellent, most favorable, most
excellent, most advantageous,
exclusive, classic, best possible; (n)
cream
finger: (v) feel, handle, touch, thumb,
indicate, point; (n) digit, dactyl,
forefinger, pointer; (n, v) hand.
ANTONYM: (v) clear
finishing: (n) completion, close,
accomplishment, conclusion, end,
coating; (adj, n) ending; (adj)
closing, last, final, ultimate.
ANTONYMS: (n) beginning; (adj)
first
fireplace: (n) chimney, fire, hearth,
oven, stove, fire place, fireside,
kitchen, niche, recess, furnace
firmly: (adv) solidly, steadfastly,
securely, resolutely, strongly,
steadily, unwaveringly, stably,
fixedly, robustly, rigidly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) weakly, loosely,
uncertainly, halfheartedly, leniently,
unsteadily, shakily, yielding,
indefinitely, irresolutely, feebly
firmness: (adj, n) constancy; (n)
determination, resolution,
Jane Austen
assurance, consistency, obstinacy,
steadfastness, resolve, confidence,
courage, backbone. ANTONYMS:
(n) softness, instability, vacillation,
unsteadiness, yielding,
irresoluteness, droopiness,
indefiniteness, indecisiveness,
indecision, leniency
fishing: (n) fishery, casting, fishing
job, piscary, piscation, rodding,
halieutics, sport fishing; (v)
coursing, hawking; (adj) halieutic
fitly: (adv) appropriately, properly,
fittingly, decorously, aptly,
befittingly, readily, accommodately,
expediently, suitly, justly
fitted: (adj) capable, efficient,
competent, able, finished, qualified,
trained, primed, outfitted, initiated;
(adj, v) convenient
fixing: (n) fixation, fix, adjustment,
repair, mending, altering,
emasculation, castration, furniture,
fastener, fitting
flatness: (n) dullness, monotony,
plain, flat, tedium, sameness,
insipidness, tediousness, platitude,
smoothing, smooth. ANTONYM: (n)
unevenness
flattered: (adj) pleased
flattering: (adj) ingratiating,
complimentary, courtly, obsequious,
adulatory, fulsome, bland, candied,
smooth, encouraging; (n) flattery.
ANTONYMS: (adj) assertive,
critical, unflattering, unattractive,
wounding, uncomplimentary,
negative; (adv) partially
flattery: (n, v) cajolery; (n) blarney,
compliment, adulation, taffy,
palaver, praise, gloze, sweet talk,
sycophancy, soft soap.
ANTONYMS: (n) insult, offense
flavoured: (adj) seasoned, spiced,
spicy, tasteful, flavorful
flirt: (n, v) coquette; (v) dally, coquet,
toy, romance, trifle, spoon; (n)
dalliance, vamp, tease, flirting
flirtation: (n) flirt, coquetry, flirting,
romp, trifling, tease, play, frolic,
gambol, amour, gallantry
flirting: (n) flirtation, dalliance, flirt,
coquetry, flirtingly, dawdling,
coquette, toying, caper, frivolity
florid: (adj) flamboyant, fancy,
flowery, aureate, flashy, fresh,
figurative, gorgeous; (adj, v) ornate,
gaudy; (adj, n) ruddy. ANTONYMS:
(adj) pale, plain
flower: (n, v) blossom, blow; (v)
effloresce, flourish; (adj, n) prime;
(n) efflorescence, elite, cream,
285
bouquet, floret, florescence.
ANTONYMS: (n) residue; (v) wither
flowing: (adj) fluent, running,
graceful, smooth, fluid, soft, liquid;
(n) current, flux, flow; (adj, v) loose.
ANTONYMS: (adj) secure, ugly,
still, stilted, jerky, harsh, halting
fluency: (n) eloquence, facility,
articulateness, ease, volubility,
skillfulness, liquidity, smoothness,
talkativeness; (adj) fluent, tongue.
ANTONYMS: (n) hesitation,
hesitancy
flushed: (adj, n) red, sanguine; (adj)
feverish, glowing, aroused, aflame,
burning, exultant, exulting; (n)
flush, elated. ANTONYM: (adj) cool
flutter: (adj, n, v) bustle, flurry; (n, v)
beat, palpitate, flap, wave, waver,
quiver; (v) flit, flitter; (n) excitement
foggy: (adj) hazy, misty, brumous,
murky, blurred, bleary, fuzzy,
opaque, thick, indefinite, nebulous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) precise, sunny
folded: (adj) plaited, pleated,
doubled, artful, braided, corrugated,
doubled over, fluted
folding: (n) foldaway, plication,
foldable, bend, crease, bending,
flexure, pleating, collapsable,
collapsible, doubling
folly: (n) fatuity, foolishness, silliness,
tomfoolery, nonsense, stupidity,
craziness, density, freak; (adj, n)
irrationality, trifling. ANTONYM:
(n) sense
fond: (adj) affectionate, caring,
devoted, tender, loving, amorous,
delicate, adoring, doting, ardent,
attached. ANTONYMS: (adj)
aversion, cold, rough
fondness: (n) affection, attachment,
love, taste, regard, appetite,
tenderness, partiality, endearment,
liking, relish. ANTONYMS: (n)
aversion, indifference, neglect,
antipathy, detachment, hatred
fool: (n) blockhead, dunce, clown,
idiot, ass, booby, buffoon; (v)
deceive, bamboozle; (n, v) joke, gull.
ANTONYM: (n) savant
foolish: (adj) childish, fool, crazy,
dumb, daft, fatuous, stupid, unwise,
preposterous, dopey; (adj, n) silly.
ANTONYMS: (adj) wise, sensible,
shrewd, prudent, visionary,
diplomatic, levelheaded, sane,
rational, mature, judicious
foolishly: (adv) idiotically,
ridiculously, stupidly, indiscreetly,
silly, insanely, injudiciously,
preposterously, absurdly,
 286
senselessly; (adj, adv) madly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) sensibly,
solemnly, shrewdly, prudently,
responsibly, judiciously, carefully,
rationally
foolishness: (n) folly, fatuity,
craziness, nonsense, stupidity,
indiscretion, ineptitude, mistake,
fatuousness, irrationality; (adj, n)
silliness. ANTONYMS: (n)
prudence, sense, sensibleness,
understanding, forethought,
responsibility
footing: (n) foothold, base, bottom,
foundation, status, rank, foot,
pedestal, situation, relation, root.
ANTONYM: (n) top
footman: (n) attendant, butler,
follower, flunkey, flunky, varlet,
servitor, valet de chambre, boy,
knave; (n, v) lackey
footsteps: (n) road, footprints, way,
trail, path, track, footpath
forbade: (v) prohibit, to prohibit
forbid: (v) prohibit, ban, disallow,
bar, obstruct, exclude, deny, avert,
frustrate, to prohibit, enjoin.
ANTONYMS: (v) allow, let,
approve, authorize, stand
forbidden: (adj) banned, taboo,
illegal, prohibited, contraband,
illicit, verboten, proscribed,
outlawed, illegitimate; (adj, adv) off-
limits. ANTONYMS: (adj) allowed,
permitted, permissible, legal, open
forcing: (adj) pressing, constraining,
penetrating, compulsatory; (n) push
foreboding: (n) apprehension,
boding, presentiment, fear, anxiety,
premonition, misgiving,
anticipation, sign; (adj) ominous,
sinister. ANTONYMS: (adj)
favorable; (n) calmness, bravery,
equanimity
forehand: (adj) forehanded; (n)
foreleg, forehand stroke, forehand
shot
forehead: (n) brow, front, foreland,
lineament, mut, phiz, physiognomy,
visage, eyebrow, skull; (adv)
foremost
foreseen: (v) foresee, long expected;
(adj) envisioned, foretold,
contingent, concourse, coming,
casual, adventitious, accidental,
predictable
foresight: (n) prevision, forecast,
caution, prospicience, calculation,
prescience, prediction, precaution,
vision, foresightedness; (n, v)
expectation. ANTONYM: (n)
hindsight
Northanger Abbey
forests: (n) country
foretold: (adj) foreseen; (v)
annunciate
forever: (adv) always, eternally,
evermore, everlastingly, continually,
permanently; (adj) eternal,
permanent; (n) eternity; (adj, adv)
interminably, ad infinitum.
ANTONYMS: (adj) occasionally,
never, sporadically; (adv) briefly,
intermittently
forgetting: (v) forget; (adj) oblivious;
(n) disregard
forgive: (v) absolve, excuse, acquit,
remit, pardon, justify, to forgive,
exonerate, overlook, clear, to excuse.
ANTONYMS: (v) condemn, punish,
castigate
forgiven: (v) conciliatory, placable
forgiveness: (n) mercy, condonation,
clemency, kindness, pity, remission,
leniency, absolution, grace,
compassion; (n, v) pardon.
ANTONYMS: (n) condemnation,
cruelty, harshness
forgo: (v) waive, abandon, relinquish,
give up, dispense with, abdicate,
resign, renounce, forswear, forsake,
foreswear
forgotten: (adj) lost, disregarded,
elapsed, past, abandoned, gone,
Gone With the Wind, irrecoverable,
lapsed, disoriented, no more.
ANTONYM: (adj) remembered
forlorn: (adj) hopeless, desolate,
despairing, unhappy, miserable,
deserted, disconsolate, downcast,
cheerless, wretched, abject.
ANTONYMS: (adj) happy, hopeful,
fine
formally: (adv) ceremoniously,
officially, stiffly, solemnly,
regularly, ceremonially, distantly,
primly, precisely, stately,
conventionally. ANTONYMS: (adv)
casually, warmly
formidable: (adj) grim, appalling,
awful, difficult, forbidding, heavy,
dreadful, fearful, uphill, trying,
tough. ANTONYMS: (adj)
insignificant, easy, comforting,
feeble, cheerful
forming: (n) shaping, form, form
turning, organization, construction,
molding, conformation, synthesis;
(v) create, constitute; (adj)
constituent
forth: (adv) away, along, onward,
ahead, before, on, off, on the high
road, on the road, on the way, under
way
fortifying: (adj) fortify, healthy,
hopeful, cold, invigorating,
stimulating, revitalizing, refreshing,
bracing, restorative, brisk
fortitude: (n) bravery, endurance,
grit, pluck, backbone,
determination, tenacity, firmness,
strength; (adj, n) guts, spunk.
ANTONYMS: (n) cowardice, frailty,
impatience
fortnight: (n) two weeks, period,
amount of time
fortunate: (adj) favorable, lucky,
auspicious, advantageous, favored,
happy, prosperous, fortuitous, well,
successful; (adj, n) blessed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unlucky,
disadvantaged, disastrous,
unfavorable, underprivileged,
inauspicious, unenviable,
unsatisfactory
fortunately: (adv) happily,
prosperously, propitiously,
fortuitously, providentially,
successfully, auspiciously,
opportunely, felicitously, blessedly,
advantageously. ANTONYMS:
(adv) disastrously, unluckily,
inauspiciously, negatively
fortune: (n) estate, fate, fluke,
destiny, luck, accident, means,
assets, riches, abundance, doom.
ANTONYM: (n) design
forwards: (adv) ahead, forth,
onwards, onward, before, fore,
forrader, forrad, forrard, on, in
advance. ANTONYMS: (adv) back,
behind
foundation: (n) base, bottom,
creation, institution, foot, principle,
establishment, cause, footing,
fundamental, support.
ANTONYMS: (n) end, successor,
destruction, culmination, effect; (adj)
final
founded: (prep) established, institute;
(v) fusil, cast
fourteen: (adj, n) XIV
fragment: (n) fraction, crumb, morsel,
part, division, rag; (n, v) chip, scrap,
splinter; (v) shiver, crumble.
ANTONYM: (n) chunk
fragmented: (adj) disunited,
disjointed, disconnected, crumbled,
scrappy, fragmentary, split, abrupt,
cut, disordered, divided
fragrance: (n, v) aroma, perfume,
scent, smell; (n) bouquet, odor,
essence, odour, redolence,
sweetness; (adj) fragrant.
ANTONYMS: (n) stink, stench
fraternal: (adj) brotherly, brotherlike,
biovular, sympathetic, kind, hearty,

amicable, unhostile, affectionate,
thick, related. ANTONYM: (adj)
identical
fraught: (v) replete; (adj) pregnant,
laden, frantic, anxious, worried,
distressed, filled, plenary, charged,
distracted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
relaxed, carefree, devoid, calm
fray: (n) conflict, action, fight,
combat, disturbance, fracas, scrap;
(n, v) affray, broil; (v) rub, fret
freeman: (n) freedman, freedwoman,
freewoman
frequent: (adj, v) customary, usual,
ordinary, incessant; (adj) everyday,
many, familiar, continual, habitual;
(v) patronize, haunt. ANTONYMS:
(adj) infrequent, occasional,
intermittent, spasmodic, unusual,
few; (v) shun, boycott, avoid
fret: (n, v) gall, irritate, trouble,
worry; (v) agitate, chafe, rub, fray,
upset, annoy; (n) anxiety
fretted: (adj) latticed, haggard,
magged, latticelike, reticulated,
reticular, interlaced. ANTONYM:
(adj) unfretted
fretting: (adj) irritable, dissatisfied,
peevish; (n) festering, friction,
exulceration
friendship: (n) association,
familiarity, affection,
companionship, friendliness,
intimacy, company, attachment,
relationship; (n, v) amity, concord.
ANTONYMS: (n) hostility,
animosity, antagonism, conflict,
formality, rivalry, hatred,
detachment, distance, isolation
frighten: (v) cow, alarm, daunt,
terrify, appall, scare, affright,
intimidate, terrorize, appal; (n, v)
fright. ANTONYMS: (v) comfort,
reassure, soothe, calm
frightened: (adj) fearful, timid,
startled, terrified, scared, alarmed,
anxious, apprehensive, horrified,
intimidated, restless. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unimpressed, confident, brave,
fearless, reassured
frightening: (adj) awesome, awful,
menacing, alarming, fearsome,
horrific, terrible, creepy, fearful,
dread, formidable. ANTONYMS:
(adj) comfortable, soothing,
pleasant, comforting, approachable,
normal, hospitable
frightful: (adj, v) fearful; (adj)
formidable, awful, fearsome,
appalling, gruesome, horrible,
terrible, dread, frightening, grim.
ANTONYMS: (adj) wonderful,
Jane Austen
calming, soothing, pleasant, lovely,
fair
frivolous: (adj) empty, foolish, dizzy,
petty, idle, light, flighty,
unimportant, flippant, trivial,
superficial. ANTONYMS: (adj)
important, solemn, worthwhile,
vital, weighty, staid, significant,
sensible, responsible, crucial, heavy
frolic: (n, v) sport, romp, gambol,
disport; (v) cavort, lark; (adj, v) frisk;
(n) caper, joy, merriment, prank
frontispiece: (n) front, heading,
frontage, facia, face, groundwork,
endpapers, pediment, proscenium
fruitful: (adj) fertile, copious,
profitable, abundant, plentiful, rich,
fecund, good, fat, productive,
lucrative. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unproductive, barren, infertile,
unfruitful, unprofitable, sterile,
fruitless, destructive
fruitless: (adj, v) abortive; (adj)
barren, useless, empty, futile,
ineffective, idle, pointless, sterile,
bootless, unproductive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) fertile, useful,
effective, satisfying, fruitful,
worthwhile, profitable, successful,
productive, hopeful, meaningful
fruits: (n) revenue
fulfil: (v) complete, finish,
accomplish, do, appease, carry out,
execute, carry through, satisfy,
perform, fill
fullness: (n) completeness, breadth,
entirety, abundance,
comprehensiveness, ampleness,
largeness, repletion, wholeness,
totality, richness. ANTONYMS: (n)
narrowness, incompleteness,
thinness, weakness
fulness: (n) fullness, entirety,
completeness, totality
funeral: (n) entombment, interment,
sepulture, funeral rite, wake, pyre,
observance, funeral sermon, funeral
pile; (adj) sepulchral; (v) bury
funereal: (adj) doleful, dismal,
dreary, somber, gloomy,
melancholy, dolorous, dark,
depressing, lugubrious; (v) burial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cheery, lively,
cheerful
furious: (adj, v) fierce, violent,
vehement, wild, rampant; (adj)
frantic, enraged, ferocious,
boisterous, raging, frenzied.
ANTONYMS: (adj) happy, mild,
gentle, pleased, mellow, quiet, slow
furnished: (adj) fitted, arranged,
privileged, instruct, carrying
287
weapons, equipt, enlightened; (v)
provide, furnish, begone, beset
furniture: (n) fitment, equipment,
appliance, fixture, appointments,
furnishings, goods, dresser, article
of furniture, cabinet; (v) stuff
fury: (n) anger, exasperation, force,
resentment, delirium, furor, frenzy,
indignation, craze; (adj, n) wrath,
ferocity. ANTONYMS: (n)
composure, calmness, mildness,
calm, pleasure, serenity
fuss: (n, v) flurry, bicker, fidget,
hubbub; (adj, n) stir; (n) flap,
commotion, ado, bother,
disturbance; (v) fret. ANTONYM:
(n) peace
gaiety: (n) fun, cheerfulness,
exhilaration, mirth, glee, merriment,
hilarity, happiness, joy, joviality,
jollity. ANTONYMS: (n)
seriousness, misery, sadness
gaily: (adv, v) happily; (adv) gladly,
jovially, joyfully, cheerfully,
mirthfully, joyously, gleefully,
sunnily, blithely, lively.
ANTONYMS: (adv) sadly,
anxiously, dully, despondently
gained: (adj) extrinsic
gaining: (n) acceptance, acquisition,
attainment, capture; (adj) ahead,
fortunate. ANTONYM: (n) loss
gallant: (adj) fearless, brave, daring,
courageous, chivalrous, bold,
manly, heroic, dashing, courteous,
fine. ANTONYMS: (adj) boorish,
rude, selfish
gallantry: (adj, n) prowess, daring,
spirit, fearlessness; (n) heroism,
bravery, valor, courage, chivalry,
courtesy, courageousness.
ANTONYMS: (n) cowardice,
cowardliness, rudeness
gallery: (n) balcony, veranda, drift,
audience, art gallery, circle, picture
gallery, porch, terrace, verandah,
corridor
gardens: (n) garden, grounds, grove,
residences, private grounds,
precincts
gasp: (n, v) pant; (v) puff, blow,
breathe, sigh, heave, wheeze,
breathe heavily, gag; (n) inhalation,
breath
gates: (n) bill Gates
gathered: (adj) deepened,
congregated, accumulated, amassed,
assembled, concentrated,
equanimous, congregate, collective
gaze: (n, v) stare, regard, look,
behold; (v) gape, see, contemplate,
face, pry, view, glance.
 288
ANTONYMS: (v) glance, peek
gazing: (adj) fixed
generality: (n) generalization,
commonness, rule, abstraction,
commonality, balance, thought,
quality, idea, catholicity, bulk.
ANTONYMS: (n) specific,
particularity
generations: (n) generation, family
generosity: (n, v) charity, liberality;
(adj, n) bounty, kindness,
beneficence, favor; (n) benevolence,
bounteousness, chivalry, nobility,
munificence. ANTONYMS: (n)
stinginess, greed, meanness, thrift,
thriftiness, avarice, unfriendliness,
bareness, malevolence, miserliness,
nastiness
generous: (adj) ample, abundant,
copious, benevolent, bountiful, kind,
charitable, flush, fair, liberal; (adj, n)
free. ANTONYMS: (adj) meager,
tightfisted, miserly, measly, mean,
small, ungenerous, avaricious,
greedy, petty, pitiful
genius: (adj, n) capacity, ability,
endowment, faculty, gift, cleverness;
(n) flair, brain, prodigy, bent,
aptitude. ANTONYM: (n) amateur
genteel: (adj) elegant, polite,
cultured, refined, graceful, courtly,
courteous, fashionable, nice, civil,
ladylike. ANTONYMS: (adj)
uncouth, improper, vulgar
gentility: (n) elegance, cultivation,
politeness, decorum, genteelness,
breeding, courtesy, nobility,
aristocracy, propriety; (adj)
urbanity. ANTONYMS: (n)
vulgarity, rudeness
gentle: (adj) easy, friendly, soft, kind,
affable, balmy, mild, feeble,
compassionate; (adj, adv) calm; (adj,
v) tame. ANTONYMS: (adj) harsh,
loud, fierce, caustic, violent, rough,
hardhearted, abrupt, heavy, steep,
sheer
gentlemanlike: (n) genteel, comme il
faut; (adj) urbane, gentle, refined,
courtly, chivalrous
gentlemen: (n) sirs, messieurs
gentlewoman: (n) lady, madam,
dame, woman, noblewoman, doll,
bird, adult female, noble, chick,
ma'am
genuine: (adj, n) authentic, true,
faithful; (adj) unsophisticated,
sincere, candid, hearty, factual,
artless, very, real. ANTONYMS:
(adj) insincere, bogus, fake, affected,
artificial, dishonest, pretend, false,
hypocritical, replica, counterfeit
Northanger Abbey
giant: (adj) gigantic, colossal, jumbo,
gargantuan, elephantine, huge,
immense, large; (n) behemoth,
Goliath, colossus. ANTONYMS:
(adj) tiny, miniature, insignificant,
short; (n) dwarf
gilding: (n) embellishment, ormolu,
plating, beautification, cosmetics,
decoration, enamel, adornment,
prettification, coat, gold plating
gladly: (adv, v) happily; (adv)
gleefully, contentedly, cheerfully,
fain, joyfully, jovially, cheerily,
delightedly, gladsomely, readily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) reluctantly,
unwillingly, sadly, resentfully,
miserably
glance: (n, v) look, peek, flash, peep;
(n) gaze, glimpse, coup d'oeil,
gander; (v) bounce, glint, ricochet.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) study; (n)
examination, perusal; (v) stick, stare
gleam: (n, v) glance, beam, blaze,
shine, glimmer, glow, flash, flicker,
sparkle, glitter; (v) twinkle
glimmer: (adj, n, v) flicker, twinkle;
(n, v) gleam, shimmer, flash,
sparkle, beam, glow, shine; (v) blink;
(n) gleaming
glimpse: (n, v) look, peek; (v) blink,
see, notice, spy, spot, espy; (n) coup
d'oeil, view, peep. ANTONYMS: (n)
scrutiny, observation, perusal; (v)
scrutinize, survey, Miss, study
gloom: (n) desolation, dark, darkness,
blackness, depression, dimness,
dusk, dreariness, despair, dejection;
(n, v) cloud. ANTONYMS: (n)
brightness, happiness, cheerfulness,
glee, ecstasy, joy, optimism, cheer
gloomy: (adj) black, desolate,
dejected, cheerless, depressing,
dismal, downcast, disconsolate,
melancholy, funereal, downhearted.
ANTONYMS: (adj) encouraging,
cheery, cheerful, bright, hopeful,
light, promising, uplifting, joyful,
sunny, clear
glory: (n) celebrity, brightness, honor,
distinction, glorification, eclat,
dignity; (n, v) halo, pride; (v) exult,
boast. ANTONYMS: (v) blasphemy,
lament, profanity; (n) dishonor,
disrepute, ugliness, blame, criticism
gloves: (n) gauntlet, mitten, mittens,
gauntlets, scarf, ornament, handbag,
belt, batting glove, boxing glove,
baseball mitt
glow: (n, v) flush, gleam, shine,
glimmer, glare, color, sparkle, beam;
(v) burn, flare, kindle. ANTONYMS:
(n) wanness, darkness, paleness; (v)
pale, struggle
glowing: (adj, n) enthusiastic, cordial,
passionate; (adj) burning, fervent,
blazing, flaming, fiery, dazzling;
(adj, v) warm; (adj, adv) aglow.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pale, wan,
unhappy, unenthusiastic,
derogatory, dispassionate, unwell
godfather: (n) godchild, supporter,
patron, godparent, godmother,
gangster, executive; (v) christen
goer: (n) migrant, punch, racer, pony,
palfrey, pad, leaver, nag, beast, filly,
Galloway
good-bye: (n) bye, farewell, goodbye,
goodby, vale, adios, cheerio
good-hearted: (adj) benign, good-
natured, kindly, kindhearted
good-looking: (adj) beautiful,
comely, handsome, pretty, fine, fair,
lovely, gorgeous, charming, bonny,
graceful
good-natured: (adj) kindly, friendly,
kind, obliging, gracious, kind-
hearted, genial, good, bland, sweet,
good-tempered
goodness: (adj, n) generosity,
kindness, gentleness; (n) good,
excellence, benefit, virtue, worth,
morality; (adj) favor, beneficence.
ANTONYMS: (n) evil, wickedness,
badness, corruptness, bad,
immorality, corruption
goodwill: (n) friendship, friendliness,
amity, grace, kindness, benevolence,
altruism, readiness, favour,
neighborliness, sympathy.
ANTONYMS: (n) hostility, malice,
opposition, malevolence
gothic: (adj) barbaric, mediaeval,
doggerel, rude, outlandish,
tramontane, unclassical, truculent,
brutal, heathenish, barbarous
gouty: (v) torminous; (adj)
podagrous, podagrical, arthritical;
(n) gout
gown: (n) robe, clothing, cassock,
vestment, wrapper, overclothes,
outerwear, uniform, tunic, clothes;
(v) clothe
grace: (adj, v) adorn; (v) garnish,
deck, embellish, beautify, decorate,
embroider; (adj, n, v) favor; (n)
elegance, beauty; (adj, n) clemency.
ANTONYMS: (n) unseemliness,
awkwardness, disfavor, inelegance,
heaviness, unkindness; (v) deface,
demean
graceful: (adj) beautiful, delicate,
amiable, easy, fine, charming, fair,
airy, becoming, lovely, lithe.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inelegant,

stocky, awkward, vigorous, jerky,
ugly, stilted, heavy, coarse,
strenuous
gracious: (adj) genial, benign, good,
courteous, compassionate, kind,
accommodating, civil; (adj, n)
benevolent, congenial, gentle.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ungracious,
boorish, discourteous, reserved,
rude, abrupt, critical, unkind,
hardhearted, harsh, poor
gradation: (n) degree, scale, ablaut,
progression, graduation, tier, step,
level, shade, form, extent
gradually: (adv) bit by bit, slowly,
inchmeal, progressively,
unhurriedly, moderately, gently,
little by little, increasingly, step by
step; (adj, adv) piecemeal.
ANTONYMS: (adv) abruptly,
midstream, quickly, rapidly,
conspicuously, obviously
grammar: (n) rudiments, syntax,
grammatist, elements, vade mecum,
praxis, punctuation, diction,
wording; (v) initiation; (adj)
grammatical
grandeur: (n) dignity, splendor,
magnitude, brilliance, glory, pomp,
elegance, majesty, magnificence,
grandness; (adj, n) solemnity.
ANTONYMS: (n) modesty,
simplicity
granted: (adj, v) assumed; (adj) fixed,
approved, settled, privileged, legal,
decided, acknowledged, arranged;
(v) disposed; (adv) yes
grated: (v) areolar, streaked; (adj)
barred
grateful: (adj, n) welcome; (adj)
agreeable, appreciative, beholden,
pleasing, pleasant, acceptable,
indebted, obliged, pleasurable; (v)
appreciate. ANTONYMS: (adj)
ungrateful, unwelcome,
unappreciative
gratification: (adj, n) delight; (n, v)
content; (n) enjoyment, pleasure,
satisfaction, fruition, complacency,
joy, luxury, treat, fulfillment.
ANTONYMS: (n) dissatisfaction,
disenchantment, dismay, discontent,
anxiety
gratified: (adj) glad, satisfied,
pleased, delighted, happy, thankful,
grateful, content, complacent,
comfortable, cheerful
gratifying: (adj) agreeable, pleasant,
enjoyable, delightful, pleasurable,
rewarding, welcome, satisfying,
nice; (adj, v) grateful; (v) gratify.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disappointing,
Jane Austen
unwelcome, unrewarding,
frustrating, disagreeable,
heartbreaking, annoying, unpleasant
gratitude: (n) appreciation, thanks,
thank, acknowledgement,
acknowledgment, appreciativeness,
feeling, appreciate, grateful,
thanksgiving, kindness.
ANTONYMS: (n) ingratitude,
ungratefulness
grave: (adj) solemn, serious, critical,
earnest, dangerous, sedate, sad,
grand; (adj, v) severe, acute; (v)
engrave. ANTONYMS: (adj)
frivolous, funny, cheerful, carefree,
slight, nonchalant, trivial, stable,
minor, insignificant, favorable
gravel: (adj, v) nonplus, bother; (v)
bedevil, rag, chevy, flummox,
bewilder, puzzle; (adj) grating; (adj,
n) dirt; (n) grit
gravely: (adv) seriously, soberly,
severely, solemnly, badly, staidly,
momentously, heavily, earnestly,
weightily, grievously. ANTONYMS:
(adv) lightheartedly, mildly,
slightly; (adj) soft
gray: (adj) dull, dim, bleak, gloomy,
pale, grizzled, hoary, leaden, old,
overcast; (n) grizzle. ANTONYMS:
(adj) sunny, cheerful, clear, youthful
greatcoat: (n) coat, topcoat, capote,
chesterfield, surcoat, Ulster
greatly: (adv) badly, enormously,
considerably, extremely, highly,
vastly, immensely, mightily, hugely;
(adj, adv) far, deeply. ANTONYMS:
(adv) mildly, hardly, superficially,
poorly, lightly, insignificantly,
barely, moderately
greedy: (adj) avid, gluttonous,
desirous, grasping, acquisitive,
glutton, piggish, voracious, selfish;
(adj, v) avaricious, covetous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) temperate,
ascetic, unconcerned, abstemious,
moderate
grief: (adj, n, v) affliction; (n) dolor,
anguish, distress, agony, pain,
wound, chagrin, concern; (n, v)
regret; (adj) sore. ANTONYMS: (n)
joy, happiness, comfort, content,
peace
grieved: (adj) sore, sad, sorry,
sorrowful, upset, woeful, pained,
affected, brokenhearted
grievous: (adj) bitter, dolorous,
dreadful, deplorable, sad, tough,
pitiful, atrocious, regrettable,
sorrowful, sorry. ANTONYM: (adj)
successful
grievously: (adv) seriously, heavily,
289
sorrowfully, gravely, severely,
mortally, mournfully, heinously,
weightily; (adj, adv) painfully,
bitterly
groom: (n) equerry, bridegroom,
stableman, hostler; (v) prepare,
dress, arrange, train, coach, tidy,
curry
groping: (adj) fumbling, gropingly,
investigative, incertain, blind,
probing, tentative, uncertain,
unsure, hesitant, exploratory
grossly: (adv) rudely, roughly,
commonly, heavily, bluntly,
disgustingly, shamefully, rankly,
totally, uncouthly, obscenely.
ANTONYM: (adv) appealingly
groundless: (adj) unfounded,
gratuitous, unwarranted, false,
wanton, idle, vain, ungrounded,
unjustifiable, unjustified, unreal.
ANTONYMS: (adj) proven, true,
justified, rational, sound
grove: (n) forest, orchard, thicket,
coppice, wood, gardens, residences,
Holt, bosquet, park, Hurst
grown: (adj) mature, big, growed,
grown-up, developed, ripe,
grownup, fully grown, full-grown,
growth, become. ANTONYM: (adj)
unripe
guard: (n) defense, protection, escort,
bulwark, watchman, custody,
fender; (n, v) care, shield, cover;
(adj, n, v) ward. ANTONYMS: (v)
endanger, expose, neglect, reveal;
(n) attacker
guarded: (adj) wary, careful, chary,
circumspect, cagey, vigilant,
watchful, conditional, discreet,
gingerly, conservative.
ANTONYMS: (adj) frank, careless,
trusting, reckless, open, unwary,
natural
guess: (n, v) surmise, estimate,
forecast; (v) suppose, deem, reckon,
divine, believe, foretell; (n)
assumption, supposition
guessed: (adj) rude, inscrutable
guesswork: (n) guess, conjecture,
theory, supposition, shot, estimate,
speculation, surmise, suspicion,
approximation, assumption.
ANTONYM: (n) fact
guest: (n) caller, visitor, customer,
alien, foreigner, client, invite,
foreign, company, guests,
houseguest
guided: (adj) conducted, directed, led
guileless: (adj) candid, artless,
forthright, sincere, innocent,
ingenuous, honest, pure, simple,
 290
open, straightforward.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dishonest, sly,
evasive
guilt: (n) sin, criminality, fault,
repentance, remorse, offence, guilty,
error, culpability, complicity,
delinquency. ANTONYM: (n)
blamelessness
guns: (n) weapons, weaponry, arms,
arsenal, armaments, artillery
gust: (n) eruption, flurry, blow, blast,
puff, flare, explosion, gale, storm,
breeze; (adj, n) whiff
habit: (n) clothing, practice, dress,
garb, attire, convention, character,
ritual, addiction, clothes; (n, v) use.
ANTONYM: (n) innovation
habitable: (adj) livable, liveable
habits: (n) behavior, decorum,
pratique
habitual: (adj, n) common, frequent,
usual; (adj) chronic, conventional,
confirmed, accustomed, natural,
commonplace, everyday, ordinary.
ANTONYMS: (adj) occasional,
infrequent, mild, irregular,
exceptional, erratic, abnormal,
innovative
habituated: (v) given to, addicted to,
attuned to; (adj, v) used to; (adj)
addicted, wont, trained, inured,
used, inveterate, hardened.
ANTONYM: (adj) untrained
habitude: (n) custom, tendency, trick,
practice, constitution, propensity,
pattern, habitus, form, wont, use
hack: (v) chop, cut down, rip, gash,
mutilate, fell; (adj, v) chop up; (n)
hacker, drudge, nag, incision
haggling: (n) bargaining, wrangle,
wrangling, dustup
half-witted: (adj) imbecile, idiotic,
foolish, weak-minded, simple, half-
baked, dull, retarded, dense
halloo: (n, v) whoop; (v) squall, yell,
shout, call to, incite, roar; (int) hollo,
hello; (n) loo, vociferation
halves: (n) semi, share
handkerchief: (n) hankie, kerchief,
bandanna, cravat, hanky, wipe,
bandana, collar, shawl; (n, v)
napkin; (v) sudary
handle: (n, v) conduct, administer; (v)
feel, wield, deal, treat, touch,
control, manipulate, direct; (n)
clutch. ANTONYMS: (n) blade,
head; (v) mishandle, bungle,
conceal, crumble, avoid
handsome: (adj) fair, beautiful, fine,
generous, charming, comely,
attractive, bountiful, considerable,
bonny, prepossessing. ANTONYMS:
Northanger Abbey
(adj) ugly, unattractive, meager,
ungenerous, measly, plain
handsomely: (adv) liberally, prettily,
magnanimously, bonnily, largely,
lovely, charmingly, finely,
generously, good-lookingly,
smartly. ANTONYM: (adv) poorly
hanging: (n) execution, curtain, arras,
wall hanging; (adj) suspended,
pendent, pendant, pendulous, hung,
pending; (n, v) suspension
hangings: (n) long curtains
happily: (adv) fortunately, joyously,
joyfully, merrily, luckily, gladly,
blissfully, cheerfully, felicitously,
providentially, successfully.
ANTONYMS: (adv) miserably,
unhappily, sadly, unfortunately,
unsuccessfully, reluctantly,
gloomily, discontentedly,
despondently, negatively,
grudgingly
happiness: (n) delight, merriment,
ecstasy, welfare, gladness, luck,
cheerfulness, blessedness, bliss,
felicity, contentment. ANTONYMS:
(n) sadness, despair, grief, misery,
dissatisfaction, seriousness,
dullness, discontent, dejection,
gloominess, displeasure
harassed: (adj) annoyed, pestered,
irritated, bothered, annoy, jittery,
worried, troubled, beleaguered,
obsessed, harried. ANTONYMS:
(adj) calm, carefree
harbour: (n, v) harbor; (v) conceal,
entertain, cherish, contain, bear,
shield; (n) anchorage, pier,
sanctuary, haven
hardened: (adj) hard, callous,
confirmed, tough, indurated,
tempered, unfeeling, inured,
habitual, enured, veteran.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inexperienced,
smooth, unaccustomed,
untempered, feeling, mild
harder: (adj) serious
hare: (n) leporid, cony, puss, doe,
jackrabbit, coney; (adj) antelope,
courser, eagle, gazelle, greyhound
harm: (adj, n, v) damage, hurt; (adj,
n) evil, detriment, injury; (n, v)
abuse, wound, blemish,
disadvantage; (n) bruise; (adj, v)
injure. ANTONYMS: (n, v) benefit,
respect, help; (n) reparation, service;
(v) enable, spoil, protect, defend,
repair
harmless: (adj) safe, benign,
inoffensive, hurtless, innocent,
innoxious, intact, simple; (n) silly;
(adj, n) foolish; (v) weaponless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lethal,
damaging, destructive, poisonous,
toxic, serious, offensive, malicious,
hurtful, noxious, unpleasant
harness: (adj, n) strap, tether; (n, v)
yoke, rein, couple, check; (adj, v)
hitch; (v) wear, equip, limit, use.
ANTONYM: (v) undo
hasp: (n, v) hook; (n) catch, buckle,
fastening, hank; (adj) bolt, screw,
rivet, pin, nail; (v) fasten
haste: (n, v) hurry, dash, dispatch,
rush; (n) celerity, expedition,
rapidity, speed, bustle, hastiness,
quickness. ANTONYMS: (n) delay,
patience, forethought, caution
hasten: (adj, n, v) speed, quicken; (v)
expedite, advance, hurry, hie, dash,
rush; (n, v) further, forward,
dispatch. ANTONYMS: (v) linger,
retard, amble
hastened: (adj) careless
hastening: (n) quickening, speed,
hurrying, speeding up, faster, fast,
stepping up
hastily: (adv) hurriedly, rapidly,
quickly, rashly, promptly, suddenly,
thoughtlessly, impetuously, swiftly,
imprudently, speedily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) carefully,
unhurriedly, industriously, sensibly,
prudently, late, calmly, thoroughly,
patiently, gradually, cautiously
hate: (v) abhor, detest, loathe,
abominate; (n) enmity, abhorrence,
detestation, hatred, animosity,
antipathy, aversion. ANTONYMS:
(n, v) like; (v) adore, cherish,
admire; (n) attraction, liking,
delight, adoration
hated: (adj) despised, disliked, not
liked, reviled, scorned, unloved,
unpopular. ANTONYM: (adj)
precious
hateful: (adj) disgusting, execrable,
nasty, abominable, hideous,
despicable, repulsive, distasteful,
foul; (adj, v) odious, obnoxious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) delightful, kind,
nice, benign, desirable
haughtiness: (n) pride, disdain,
condescension, conceit,
snobbishness, lordliness,
imperiousness, hauteur, contempt,
superiority, arrogant. ANTONYMS:
(n) humility, humbleness
haunches: (n) buttocks
haunted: (adj) ghostly, ghostlike,
phantom, taken up, preoccupied,
possessed, unearthly, magical, mad,
infatuated, concerned
hazarding: (n) exacta, gaming, daily

double; (adj) wagering
hearing: (n) audition, ear, auditory
sense, trial, consultation, reach,
auscultation, inquiry; (n, v) earshot,
sound; (adj, n) audience
heartfelt: (adj) cordial, sincere,
devout, dear, genuine,
wholehearted, frank, deep, honest,
fervent, real. ANTONYMS: (adj)
dishonest, unenthusiastic, impassive
heartily: (adv) cordially, sincerely,
enthusiastically, warmly, strongly,
earnestly, vigorously, ardently,
soundly, devoutly, eagerly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) feebly,
languorously
heart-rending: (adj) heartbreaking,
poignant, pathetic, harrowing,
grievous, dolorous, pitiful, plaintive,
tragic, sad, sorrowful
hearts: (n) Black Maria, spades
hearty: (adj) heartfelt, healthy, genial,
sturdy, cheering, fervent,
wholehearted, lusty, enthusiastic,
convivial; (adj, n) well.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unhealthy, frail,
old, weak, sluggish, unwholesome,
meager
heaven: (n) Eden, firmament, bliss,
Elysium, sky, nirvana, glory, Elysian
Fields, Garden of Eden, utopia; (adj)
celestial. ANTONYM: (n) misery
heavenly: (adj) celestial, blissful,
ethereal, delightful, angelic, blessed,
elysian, holy, unearthly, godlike,
sacred. ANTONYMS: (adj) worldly,
miserable, infernal, hellish,
unappealing, dreadful, turbulent
heavens: (n) firmament, heaven, sky,
welkin, sphere, atmosphere, celestial
sphere, space, skies, area, vault of
heaven
heedless: (adj) careless, reckless,
inattentive, neglectful, negligent,
thoughtless, rash, regardless,
unwary, indifferent; (adj, v) wanton.
ANTONYMS: (adj) heedful,
attentive, mindful, conscientious,
prudent, careful, cautious
height: (n) apex, crest, altitude,
pinnacle, peak, top, culmination,
level, zenith, summit, climax.
ANTONYMS: (n) shortness, nadir,
depth, trough, deepness, base, dip
heir: (n) beneficiary, successor,
offspring, inheritor, heiress,
receiver, progeny, heritor,
descendant, scion, issue.
ANTONYMS: (n) ancestor, donor
heiress: (n) inheritress, inheritrix,
inheritor, heritor, owner, beneficiary
heirs: (n) family, posterity, issue
Jane Austen
helpless: (adj, v) forlorn, destitute,
abandoned; (adj) powerless, weak,
defenseless, disabled, impotent,
feeble, hopeless, unable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strong,
independent, capable, invulnerable,
armed, powerful, impervious
henceforward: (adv) in future, from
now on, from this time on, from this
moment on, after this
hereafter: (adv) thereafter, from now
on, hence, henceforth, hereinafter,
afterwards; (n) afterlife, futurity,
time to come, great beyond, future
life
heretofore: (adv) formerly, as yet,
before, so far, yet, already, until
now, previously, once, hereunto;
(adv, n) hitherto
hermitage: (n) alcove, bower, grotto,
greenhouse, arbor, retreat, cloister,
seclusion, safe house, ivory tower;
(adj) cell
hero: (n) character, protector, leader,
demigod, warrior, protagonist,
combatant, fighter, defender,
bomber; (adj, n) worthy.
ANTONYMS: (n) coward, loser,
villain
heroic: (adj) courageous, brave,
fearless, chivalrous, dauntless,
valiant, grand, intrepid, gallant,
impressive, heroical. ANTONYMS:
(adj) fearful, normal, despicable,
lowly
heroine: (n) woman, persona, brave
woman, role, protagonist, part,
leading lady, heroess, role model,
female lead, character
heroism: (n) bravery, courage, valor,
daring, boldness, chivalry, valiancy,
valour, valiance, courageousness;
(adj, n) prowess. ANTONYMS: (n)
cowardliness, fearfulness
hers: (pron) she, his; (adj) own
hesitation: (n, v) falter, fear; (n)
hesitance, faltering, delay, hesitate,
diffidence, hesitancy, qualm,
reluctance; (v) hesitating.
ANTONYMS: (n) certainty,
resolution, confidence, decisiveness,
enthusiasm, inclination, willingness
heyday: (n) efflorescence, peak,
bloom, blossom, flush, flower,
zenith, prime, exultation, period,
revelling. ANTONYM: (n) nadir
hide: (n, v) cover, disguise, shelter,
veil; (adj, v) obscure; (n) fur, fell,
coat; (v) bury, mask; (adj, n, v)
darken. ANTONYMS: (v) show,
expose, express, divulge, unearth,
amplify, advertise, clarify
291
hideous: (adj) dreadful, frightful,
fearful, ghastly, horrid, ugly,
repulsive, lurid, horrible, grisly,
grim. ANTONYMS: (adj) lovely,
pleasant, beautiful, wonderful
hiding: (n) covering, concealment,
concealing, beating, screening,
thrashing, flogging, rout, burial,
drubbing, ambush
hills: (n) home, dry land, foothills,
earth, ground
hindrance: (n, v) difficulty, obstacle,
block, check, delay; (n) deterrent,
barrier, obstruction, impediment,
inconvenience, disturbance.
ANTONYMS: (n) advantage,
contribution, assistance, success,
boost, incentive, strength
hint: (v) suggest; (adj, n) trace; (n)
suggestion, intimation, inkling, cue,
allusion; (n, v) tip, touch, dash; (adj,
v) intimate. ANTONYM: (n)
overtone
hinted: (adj) veiled, roundabout, not
explicit, implicit, coded, oblique
hitherto: (adv) as yet, yet, so far, up
to now, until now, thus far, before,
hereunto, to date, still, all the same
hoard: (v) amass, gather, collect,
garner; (n, v) cache, store, stock,
heap, bank, stash; (n) accumulation.
ANTONYMS: (v) squander,
disperse, spend, use
hollow: (adj, n) blank; (n) cavity,
depression, cave, dell; (adj) empty,
false; (adj, n, v) concave; (n, v)
excavate, dent, scoop. ANTONYMS:
(adj) convex, sincere, true, full,
meaningful, cramped, valid; (n)
hump, bump, hill, lump
holy: (adj) devout, divine, heavenly,
religious, blessed, hallowed,
spiritual, devotional, pure; (adj, adv)
saintly; (adv) sacredly.
ANTONYMS: (adj) irreligious,
unholy
honest: (adj) fair, genuine, sincere,
good, equitable, artless, heartfelt,
guileless, frank, forthright, faithful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lying,
misleading, guarded, corrupt,
disloyal, unwholesome,
discourteous, disreputable, fictional,
crafty, crooked
honesty: (adj, n) candor, justice,
fidelity, equity; (n) integrity,
fairness, candidness, probity,
frankness, rectitude, faith.
ANTONYMS: (n) dishonesty,
wickedness, treachery, deceit,
deception, deviousness, decadence,
affectation, caution, evasiveness,
 292
injustice
honour: (n) fame, award, dignity,
homage, celebrity, accolade,
reputation; (n, v) honor; (v) respect,
celebrate, dignify. ANTONYMS: (n,
v) dishonor; (v) disrespect
honourable: (adj) estimable,
reverend, venerable, glorious,
honorable, distinguished, above-
board, good, worthy, right, noble
honourably: (adv) uprightly,
worthily, honestly, creditably,
commendably
honoured: (adj) esteemed, respected,
worthy
honours: (n) first, honors, degree,
academic degree
hoop: (n) circle, band, ring, loop,
annulus, round, sphere, wheel,
circlet, halo; (v) encircle
hopeful: (adj) confident, auspicious,
bright, optimistic, sanguine, rosy,
probable, likely, expectant, upbeat;
(n, v) candidate. ANTONYMS: (adj)
desperate, pessimistic, gloomy,
pained, doubtful, bad, unhopeful,
unlikely, unpromising, down
hopeless: (adj) incurable,
despondent, forlorn, disconsolate,
desperate, impossible, useless,
abject, despair, dismal, irreparable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cheerful,
competent, promising, optimistic,
encouraging, helpful, useful,
successful, practical, laudable,
effective
horizon: (n) ambit, reach, purview,
vista, view, perspective, prospect,
skyline, arena, celestial horizon,
amphitheater
horrible: (adj) awful, fearful,
frightful, abominable, grisly,
formidable, dire, ghastly, dreadful,
fearsome; (adj, v) horrid.
ANTONYMS: (adj) wonderful,
lovely, nice, lovable, fair, delightful,
slight, appealing, minor, attractive,
great
horrid: (adj) grisly, ghastly, ugly,
gruesome, grim, fearful, dreadful,
direful, dire, horrible, fearsome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lovely, nice,
appealing, attractive, kind
horror: (n) abomination, abhorrence,
dismay, fear, fright, revulsion,
alarm, repulsion, anxiety; (adj, n)
dread, terror. ANTONYMS: (n)
delight, attraction, proclivity,
bravery, calm, confidence, security
horrors: (adj) pessimism, vapors,
spleen, megrims; (n) delirium
tremens
Northanger Abbey
horseback: (n) hogback, body part
hospitality: (n) entertainment,
generosity, friendliness, cordiality,
welcome, cordial reception,
kindness, amiability, warmth,
solicitously, politely. ANTONYMS:
(n) frostiness, inhospitality
household: (adj, n) house, home;
(adj) domestic; (adj, v) ordinary,
common; (n) folk, stock, clan,
menage; (v) everyday, usual.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unfamiliar,
public
housekeeper: (n) factotum, mistress,
shepherd, householder, housewife,
domestic, cleaning woman,
croupier, domestic help, seneschal,
house servant
hughes: (n) Ted Hughes, Langston
Hughes, Howard Hughes, Charles
Evans Hughes, James Langston
Hughes
humanity: (n) benevolence, mankind,
flesh, human race, human,
humankind; (adj, n) compassion,
charity, kindness, benignity,
gentleness. ANTONYMS: (n)
severity, inhumanity, nastiness,
selfishness
humble: (v) demean, humiliate,
mortify; (n, v) disgrace, debase; (adj,
n, v) abase; (adj) base, lowly,
unassuming, docile, low.
ANTONYMS: (adj) impressive,
arrogant, haughty, imposing,
conceited, pompous, snooty,
overbearing, presumptuous, proud,
exalted
humbled: (adj) humble, humiliated,
crushed, depressed, dispirited,
abased, broken in, abject, ashamed;
(n) humbler; (v) apart
humbling: (adj) humiliating,
demeaning, abject, amazing,
astounding, awesome, breathtaking,
critical, embarrassing; (n)
comedown, debasement
humiliation: (n) degradation,
disgrace, chagrin, abjection,
comedown, indignity,
embarrassment, mortification,
dishonor, discredit; (adj, n) shame.
ANTONYMS: (n) glorification,
aggrandizement, pride, success,
making
humming: (adj) droning, zippy,
reeking, bustling, grunting, stinking;
(n) buzzing, vocalizing, sound,
murmur, growling
humour: (n) fun, wit, witticism, body
fluid, temper, mood, amiability,
drollery, disposition; (adj)
humorous; (v) gratify
hundredth: (n) centesm, common
fraction, one percent, secular
hung: (n) hanging; (v) Heng; (adj)
fatigued, puzzled, decorated
hunger: (n, v) thirst, want, wish, itch;
(n) craving, appetite, eagerness,
famine; (v) crave, ache; (adj) hungry.
ANTONYMS: (n) moderation,
aversion, dislike, apathy
hungry: (adj) eager, avid, famished,
starving, esurient, greedy, ravenous,
desirous, meager, starveling; (v)
starve. ANTONYMS: (adj) full,
satiated, sated, thirsty, unconcerned,
moderate, healthy, disinterested
hunt: (n, v) search; (v) course, follow,
hound, rummage, forage, prey, dog,
go after, persecute; (n) battue.
ANTONYMS: (v) find, precede
hunter: (n) fowler, huntsman,
trapper, Nimrod, seeker, tracker,
falconer, hawker, courser, watch,
ticker
huntsman: (n) fowler, trapper,
hawker, huntress, falconer,
pothunter, jaeger, seeker, tracker,
stalker; (v) sportsman
hurried: (adj) fast, sudden, speedy,
rapid, quick, swift, headlong,
abrupt, cursory, precipitate, prompt.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unhurried,
leisurely, considered, patient,
meticulous, thorough
hurry: (n) haste; (n, v) bustle, hasten,
dispatch, flurry, rush; (v) scurry,
dash, accelerate, expedite, run.
ANTONYMS: (n) slowness,
calmness, patience, unimportance;
(v) dawdle, delay, linger, crawl,
amble; (intj) wait
hurrying: (n) hastening, speed,
quickening, rushing, early,
speeding, speeding up, stepping up,
amphetamine, forward, eager
hurt: (adj, n, v) damage, detriment;
(adj, n) evil; (n, v) wound, pain,
ache, distress; (n) disadvantage,
lesion; (v) afflict; (adj, v) injure.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unhurt,
unaffected, healed; (v) encourage,
please, protect, repair, defend; (n, v)
help; (n) reparation, pleasure
hyacinth: (n) zircon, amethyst, cape
hyacinth, carbuncle, common
hyacinth, hyacine
idiot: (n) dolt, blockhead, dunce,
dimwit, moron, cretin, ass, imbecile,
oaf, changeling, idiocy. ANTONYM:
(n) intellectual
idle: (adj) lazy, indolent, inactive,
free, unfounded, fruitless, baseless,

groundless, frivolous, empty,
disengaged. ANTONYMS: (adj)
active, employed, industrious,
energetic, meaningful, productive,
worthwhile, diligent; (v) change,
run, work
idleness: (n) lethargy, laziness,
torpor, inactivity, idling,
unemployment, sloth, inaction,
inertia, faineance, idlesse.
ANTONYMS: (n) energy, activity,
bustle, liveliness, responsibility
idly: (adj, adv) foolishly; (adv) vainly,
vaguely, listlessly, forgetfully,
distractedly; (adj) thoughtlessly.
ANTONYM: (adv) energetically
ignorance: (n) illiteracy, nescience,
folly, unwisdom, innocence,
denseness, ignorancy, stupidity,
obtuseness, tabula rasa,
unawareness. ANTONYMS: (n)
intelligence, acquaintance, education
ignorant: (adj) unconscious,
unwitting, rude, illiterate,
uneducated, blind, dull, unaware,
uninformed, unlearned, innocent.
ANTONYMS: (adj) conscious,
versed, cultured, educated,
informed, wary, literate, aware,
polite
ill-fated: (adj) hapless, unfortunate,
unhappy, poor, accursed, cursed,
fatal, infelicitous, unchancy,
disastrous, inauspicious
illness: (n, v) ailment, disorder,
distemper; (n) sickness, complaint,
malady, attack, affliction, pain, bug,
trouble. ANTONYMS: (n) wellness,
health
ill-timed: (adj) untimely,
inopportune, undue, inappropriate,
inept, inadmissible,
disadvantageous
illumination: (n) brightness,
illuminance, lighting, light,
explanation, elucidation, edification,
luminousness, luminosity,
illustration; (adj, n) irradiation.
ANTONYMS: (n) education,
knowledge, confusion
imaginable: (adj) conceivable,
possible, thinkable, plausible,
earthly, believable, credible, feasible,
immediate, likely, near.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unimaginable,
implausible
imagination: (n) vision, fancy, image,
dream, conceit, imagery, originality,
invention, resource, reflection,
phantasy
imagined: (adj) fanciful, notional,
unreal, fancied, fictitious,
Jane Austen
nonexistent, unseen, hypothetical,
feigned, dubious, doubtful
imbecility: (n) folly, foolishness,
idiocy, fatuity, weakness, stupidity,
feeblemindedness, lunacy; (adj, n)
debility, feebleness; (adj) infirmity
imitating: (adj) imitative; (n)
emulation, mimicry, forgery, acting
immeasurable: (adj) endless,
immense, infinite, huge, enormous,
illimitable, unmeasurable,
incalculable, inestimable,
innumerable, interminable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) limited, minute,
finite, shallow, slight, negligible,
tiny, few, minor, small
immense: (adj) vast, enormous, great,
gigantic, immeasurable, colossal,
boundless, big, large, giant, infinite.
ANTONYMS: (adj) tiny, small,
insignificant, miniature, slight,
negligible, compact, narrow, short,
minor
immoderately: (adv) exorbitantly,
inordinately, extravagantly,
intemperately, extremely,
unrestrainedly, unduely, unduly,
exaggeratedly, immensely; (adj,
adv) monstrously. ANTONYMS:
(adv) frugally, reasonably
immovable: (adj, v) firm, fixed; (adj)
adamant, steadfast, motionless,
unyielding, unmovable, set,
imperturbable, inflexible; (v) fast.
ANTONYMS: (adj) loose, moving,
mobile, flexible, movable,
acquiescent, temporary, irresolute
impartial: (adj) just, equitable,
disinterested, unprejudiced,
unbiased, dispassionate, even-
handed, candid, even, evenhanded,
detached. ANTONYMS: (adj)
partial, partisan, prejudiced,
subjective, unfair, unjust
impatience: (n) annoyance,
eagerness, anger, intolerance,
restlessness, fidget, nervousness,
fidgetiness, enthusiasm, edginess;
(adj) nonendurance. ANTONYMS:
(n) calmness, endurance, apathy
impatient: (adj) eager, anxious,
petulant, fidgety, vexed, keen, edgy,
quick, avid, irritable, fretful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) patient,
enduring, unenthusiastic, calm,
happy, relaxed, slow
impatiently: (adv) petulantly,
restlessly, keenly, intolerantly,
hastily, avidly, uneasily,
enthusiastically, edgily, fidgetily,
restively. ANTONYMS: (adv)
uncomplainingly, calmly,
293
unenthusiastically, lightly
impediment: (n, v) hindrance, check,
difficulty, delay; (n) bar, hitch,
barrier, obstruction, drawback,
encumbrance, block. ANTONYMS:
(n) benefit, boost, incentive, strength
impelled: (adj) prompted, provoked,
determined, compulsive,
encouraged, goaded, motivated,
bound
impenetrable: (adj) impassable, thick,
incomprehensible, hard, mysterious,
unfathomable, unintelligible,
impervious, opaque, heavy, obscure.
ANTONYMS: (adj) penetrable,
readable, straightforward, apparent,
simple, sparse, vulnerable,
accessible, transparent,
understandable, open
imperfect: (adj) faulty, deficient,
defective, unfinished, incomplete,
poor, flawed, partial, inadequate,
broken, fallible. ANTONYMS: (adj)
perfect, whole, unblemished,
adequate, complete, sound,
boundless, capable, flawless
imperfection: (adj, n) frailty; (n) fault,
blemish, defect, deficiency, flaw,
weakness, disadvantage, vice, foible,
shortcoming. ANTONYMS: (n)
perfection, strength
impertinent: (adj) fresh, pert, saucy,
forward, audacious, brash, brazen,
extraneous, discourteous,
disrespectful, flippant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) respectful,
polite, courteous
impetuous: (adj) boisterous, hasty,
fiery, headlong, heady, hot, brash,
foolhardy, dashing, fierce; (adj, v)
impulsive. ANTONYMS: (adj)
considered, careful, slow, sensible,
patient
implicitly: (adv) unquestioningly,
absolutely, tacitly, virtually,
indirectly, silently, unspokenly,
inherently, obliquely, completely,
unexpressedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
openly, explicitly
implied: (adj) understood, tacit,
indirect, oblique, silent, inferential,
inherent, ulterior, latent, involved,
contained. ANTONYMS: (adj)
direct, explicit, overt
impolitic: (adj) maladroit,
inexpedient, imprudent, unwise,
inadvisable, not politic, ill-advised,
disadvantageous, reckless,
injudicious, indiscreet.
ANTONYMS: (adj) politic, wise,
prudent
import: (n, v) matter, sense, denote;
 294
(n) meaning, effect, connotation,
implication, moment, significance,
value; (v) imply. ANTONYMS: (n,
v) export; (n) insignificance,
inconsequence, triviality
importunate: (adj) annoying, exigent,
pressing, insistent, bothersome,
pestiferous, pestilent, instant,
obdurate, demanding, pleading.
ANTONYM: (adj) feeble
importune: (v) beseech, implore, beg,
entreat, badger, besiege, worry,
annoy, press, pester, tease
impose: (v) dictate, prescribe,
enforce, exact, charge, clamp,
deceive, enjoin, burden, set, lay.
ANTONYM: (v) revoke
imposed: (adj) compulsory,
obligatory
imposing: (adj, n, v) impressive; (adj,
n) noble, commanding, solemn; (adj)
dignified, grandiose, stately,
distinguished, regal, lofty, baronial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unimpressive,
modest, unimposing, weak,
undignified, lowly
impossibility: (n) impossibleness,
option, nonexistence, absurdity,
inability, impracticability,
alternative, choice, contradiction,
contradiction in terms,
doubtfulness. ANTONYMS: (n)
possibility, probability
impress: (n, v) mark, print, stamp; (v)
move, affect, inscribe, instill, touch,
emboss, inculcate; (n) impression
impressed: (adj) touched,
bewildered, amazed, susceptible,
stupefied, stunned, confused,
bemused; (v) imprinted, stamped,
carved. ANTONYM: (adj)
unimpressed
impressions: (n) impersonation,
imitation
imprisonment: (n) captivity,
confinement, incarceration, durance,
detention, arrest, immurement,
internment, duress; (adj, n) bondage;
(v) imprison. ANTONYMS: (n)
release, freedom
improbable: (adj) implausible,
impossible, incredible, unbelievable,
fishy, questionable, inconceivable,
impractical, unthinkable, absurd;
(adj, n) marvelous. ANTONYMS:
(adj) probable, certain, plausible,
truthful, ordinary, on, practical
improper: (adj) false, illicit,
illegitimate, unsuitable, wrong,
indecent, bad, coarse, amiss, faulty;
(adj, v) indecorous. ANTONYMS:
(adj) suitable, fitting, polite,
Northanger Abbey
acceptable, sensitive, moral, correct,
dignified, lawful, clean, honest
impropriety: (n) barbarism,
obscenity, indecorum, error,
rudeness, indelicacy, incorrectness,
solecism, wrongness; (adj)
immorality, inaptitude.
ANTONYMS: (n) decency,
correctness
improved: (adj) enhanced, new,
reformed, finer, enlarged, greater,
greater than before, more, higher,
increased, transformed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inferior, lesser,
unimproved
improving: (adv) recuperating,
getting better; (adj) edifying,
progressive, civilizing, cosmetic,
evincing progress, helpful,
moralistic, advancing; (v) improve
imprudence: (n) carelessness,
indiscretion, folly, improvidence,
hastiness, flippancy, recklessness,
injudiciousness, rashness, haste;
(adj, n) temerity. ANTONYMS: (n)
discretion, forethought, wariness,
wisdom
imprudent: (adj) foolish, foolhardy,
indiscreet, hasty, improvident,
impolitic, heedless, unadvised,
injudicious, unwary, unwise.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sensible,
prudent, cautious, wise, deliberate,
discreet, guarded, judicious,
advisable
impudent: (adj, n) bold, daring; (adj)
disrespectful, audacious,
impertinent, brassy, barefaced,
brazen, insolent, brash, cheeky.
ANTONYMS: (adj) polite, cowardly
inability: (n) disqualification,
insufficiency, incapacity,
incompetence, impotence,
impotency, feebleness, helplessness,
inadequacy, weakness, inaptitude.
ANTONYMS: (n) ability, capability,
power, capacity
inactive: (adj) dead, dull, inert,
dormant, sluggish, slow, passive,
still, stagnant, slack, torpid.
ANTONYMS: (adj) active, lively,
moving, dormant, extinct, working,
energetic, live, diligent, proactive,
creative
inadequate: (adj) faulty, flimsy, poor,
deficient, defective, incompetent,
feeble, imperfect, inappropriate,
short, ineffective. ANTONYMS:
(adj) ample, passable, enough,
strong, competent, reasonable,
acceptable, generous, plentiful,
useful, suitable
inapplicable: (adj) irrelevant, unfit,
unsuitable, inappropriate,
unseemly, unfitting, inapt, inept,
inapposite, inopportune, unsuited.
ANTONYM: (adj) relevant
inattention: (n) neglect, heedlessness,
carelessness, forgetfulness,
negligence, inobservance,
inadvertence, indifference,
oversight, slight, distraction.
ANTONYMS: (n) attention, notice,
caution, concentration
inattentive: (adj) negligent,
neglectful, forgetful, reckless,
careless, unaware, regardless,
inconsiderate, mindless,
inadvertent; (adj, v) remiss.
ANTONYMS: (adj) attentive, alert,
observant, carefree, cautious,
conscientious, considerate, diligent,
prudent
incapable: (adj) impotent,
inadequate, unable, helpless,
powerless, unqualified, inept,
insufficient, inapt, ineffectual, unfit.
ANTONYMS: (adj) able, competent,
strong, powerful, effective
incapacity: (n) inability, impotence,
incapability, disqualification,
inadequacy, disablement,
inefficiency, powerlessness,
insufficiency, incompetency; (adj)
imbecility. ANTONYMS: (n)
capacity, ability, strength
incessant: (adj) endless, continual,
everlasting, eternal, constant,
continuous, perpetual, unremitting,
interminable, persistent; (adj, v)
frequent. ANTONYMS: (adj)
intermittent, occasional, sporadic,
broken, finite
incessantly: (adv) constantly,
endlessly, continually, perpetually,
continuously, unceasingly, eternally,
persistently, unremittingly,
unendingly, steadily. ANTONYMS:
(adv) sporadically, briefly
inch: (n) in, bit, column inch, morsel;
(v) crawl, creep, ease; (adj) tatter,
mite, seed, shive
incivility: (n) disrespect,
impoliteness, discourtesy,
impertinence, insolence, rudeness,
indecorum, boorishness,
unmannerliness, indecency, crudity.
ANTONYMS: (n) civility,
refinement
inclination: (n, v) desire, bent; (n)
fancy, affection, tendency, leaning,
drift, appetite, dip, proclivity, bias.
ANTONYMS: (n) disinclination,
reluctance, aversion, indifference,

unwillingness, antipathy, dislike,
horror
incline: (v) cant, dispose, bend; (n, v)
slope, bias, dip, tilt; (n) ascent,
gradient, grade, inclination.
ANTONYMS: (v) indispose, level;
(n) hollow, descent
inclined: (adj, v) given; (adj) prone,
willing, oblique, apt, predisposed,
ready, minded, likely, liable, bowed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) reluctant,
unwilling, disinclined, horizontal,
unbiased, vertical, impervious
incoherent: (adj) disjointed,
disconnected, delirious, rambling,
confused, disordered, incompatible,
wandering, muddled, inconsistent,
contradictory. ANTONYMS: (adj)
clear, articulate, eloquent,
intelligible, lucid, sound, concise,
consistent
incompatible: (adj) incongruous,
inappropriate, inconsistent,
discrepant, discordant, conflicting,
irreconcilable, clashing; (adj, v)
antagonistic, repugnant, hostile.
ANTONYMS: (adj) consistent,
matching, identical, befitting,
complementary, congenial,
synergistic, friendly
incomprehensibility: (n) illegibility,
impenetrableness, impenetrability,
abstruseness, quality,
incomprehensible, inconceivability,
inexplicability, inscrutability,
opaqueness, mystique. ANTONYM:
(n) clearness
incomprehensible: (adj)
inapprehensible, inscrutable,
inarticulate, abstruse, cryptic,
unfathomable, puzzling, obscure,
inexplicable, inconceivable,
unaccountable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
comprehensible, explicable,
understandable, intelligible, legible,
obvious, straightforward
incomprehensibly: (adv)
unintelligibly, enigmatically,
cryptically, disjointedly,
inarticulately. ANTONYMS: (adv)
coherently, understandably
inconceivable: (adj, v) unbelievable,
hard to believe; (adj) impossible,
implausible, incomprehensible,
unimaginable, unthinkable,
improbable, unintelligible,
inscrutable, fabulous. ANTONYMS:
(adj) conceivable, believable, likely,
understandable, credible
inconsiderable: (adj) inconsequential,
immaterial, small, petty, slight,
negligible, trivial, fractional, minute,
Jane Austen
imperceptible, slender. ANTONYM:
(adj) major
inconsistency: (n) disagreement,
contradiction, incompatibility,
incoherence, incongruity,
discordance, disparity, variance,
repugnance, contradictoriness; (adj,
n) frivolity. ANTONYMS: (n)
steadiness, equality, constancy,
concord, parity, predictability,
reliability
inconsistent: (adj) incoherent,
incompatible, inconsequent,
conflicting, absurd, discrepant,
illogical, erratic; (adj, n)
contradictory, contrary, discordant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) constant,
reliable, ordered, predictable,
corresponding, dependable,
flawless, usual, fixed
inconsolable: (adj) disconsolate,
desolate, forlorn, desperate,
despairing, dejected, heartbroken,
sad, wretched, comfortless; (adj, v)
unconsolable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
hopeful, euphoric, happy
inconstancy: (n) fickleness,
flightiness, uncertainty, falseness,
infidelity, changeableness,
changefulness, variability,
disloyalty, caprice; (adj, n)
mutability. ANTONYMS: (n)
constancy, fidelity
inconstant: (adj) erratic, changeable,
flighty, fickle, variable, faithless,
fitful, giddy, inconsistent, uncertain,
slippery. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unending, loyal, regular
inconvenience: (n, v) trouble,
incommode; (v) discommode,
disoblige, annoy, disturb, disquiet;
(n) disadvantage, difficulty,
nuisance, unsuitableness.
ANTONYMS: (n) expediency,
advantage; (v) help, please
incorrectness: (n) inexactness,
inaccuracy, wrongness,
erroneousness, error, quality,
imprecision, inappropriateness,
inexactitude, improperness,
mistakenness. ANTONYMS: (n)
rightness, suitability, accuracy
incredible: (adj, n) astonishing,
marvelous; (adj, v) inconceivable;
(adj) fabulous, extraordinary,
unbelievable, implausible, fantastic,
unlikely, preposterous, wonderful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) credible,
believable, conceivable,
unspectacular, likely, mundane,
unremarkable, plausible, awful,
sensible, real
295
incredulously: (adv) skeptically,
disbelievingly, distrustfully,
suspiciously, dubiously, doubtfully,
questioningly, uncertainly,
mistrustfully, doubtingly, cynically
incumbent: (adj, v) superimposed;
(n) functionary, official,
householder, occupant, parson,
locum tenens, sojourner; (adj)
compulsory; (v) supernatant,
overlying
indebted: (adj) grateful, appreciative,
thankful, obliged, liable, insolvent,
broke; (prep) beholden, debted; (n)
debtor; (v) owe. ANTONYM: (adj)
ungrateful
indecorum: (n) indecency,
indecorousness, incivility,
improperness, familiarity,
discourtesy, misdeed; (adj)
misbehavior, immorality, scandal,
laxity. ANTONYM: (n) decorum
indescribable: (adj) indefinable,
ineffable, unutterable, vague,
beyond expression, nameless,
inexpressible, nondescript, terrible,
intangible, termless. ANTONYMS:
(adj) explainable, conceivable,
concrete
indian: (n) American Indian, Red
Indian, redskin, India, Amerindian,
Shoshones, Aleut, squaw, sannup,
creeks; (adj, n) Amerind
indifference: (adj, n) coldness,
phlegm; (n) detachment,
impassiveness, disregard, aloofness,
nonchalance, neglect, unconcern,
impassivity, disinterest.
ANTONYMS: (n) fervor, interest,
eagerness, dedication, sympathy,
favorite, compassion, anxiety,
responsiveness, forcefulness, care
indifferent: (adj) apathetic,
impassive, cold, cool, callous, fair,
insensible, unconcerned, careless,
dull, average. ANTONYMS: (adj)
enthusiastic, fervent, keen,
obsessive, energetic, eager,
involved, surprised, exceptional,
concerned, shocked
indignation: (n) anger, resentment,
displeasure, grudge, umbrage, rage,
outrage, exasperation, choler,
dudgeon; (adj, n) wrath.
ANTONYMS: (n) contentment,
pleasure
indignity: (n) dishonor, contumely,
humiliation, contempt, outrage,
disdain, offence, disgrace,
degradation; (n, v) insult, abuse.
ANTONYMS: (n) honor, glory,
pride
 296
indiscriminating: (adj)
undiscriminating, indiscriminate,
not discriminating
indispensable: (adj, v) necessary,
imperative, requisite; (adj)
obligatory, fundamental, required,
mandatory, vital, urgent, absolutely
necessary; (v) needful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dispensable,
nonessential, optional, marginal,
unnecessary, worthless, minor
induce: (v) generate, tempt, cause,
impel, bring, create, draw,
engender, beget, get, infer.
ANTONYMS: (v) prevent, restrain
inducement: (n) enticement,
attraction, cause, incitement,
impulse, temptation, bait, impetus,
occasion, motive, goad.
ANTONYMS: (n) disincentive,
deterrent
indulge: (n, v) gratify, humor; (v)
coddle, cosset, baby, pamper, spoil,
satisfy, please, mollycoddle, cocker.
ANTONYMS: (v) frustrate, deprive,
stifle, neglect, deny, displease, fast
indulged: (adj) pet, privileged,
cherished, admired
indulgence: (adj, n) gratification,
delight; (n) allowance, extravagance,
debauchery, hobby, tolerance,
luxury, enjoyment, leniency,
pardon. ANTONYMS: (n) denial,
virtue, intolerance, uprightness,
necessity, indifference, dismay,
severity
indulgent: (adj) forgiving, gentle,
clement, lenient, soft, kind, gracious,
tolerant, merciful, compassionate;
(adj, v) permissive. ANTONYMS:
(adj) intolerant, unsympathetic,
severe, restrained, harsh,
hardhearted, abstemious,
disapproving
indulging: (n) pampering, excess,
indulgence, orgy, folly, foolery,
gratification
industrious: (adj) diligent, assiduous,
indefatigable, busy, energetic,
hardworking, laborious, tireless,
earnest, keen, enterprising.
ANTONYMS: (adj) indolent, idle,
destructive, weary, careless
ineffectual: (adj) ineffective, futile,
useless, feeble, abortive, powerless,
idle, weak, unable, void, vain.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strong, effectual,
effective, useful, viable, competent,
invulnerable, helpful, decisive
inequality: (n) disparity,
disproportion, difference, injustice,
variance, variation, imbalance,
Northanger Abbey
discrepancy, inequity; (adj) odds; (n,
v) dissimilitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
justice, parity
inevitable: (adj) ineluctable,
unavoidable, inescapable, destined,
fatal, fated, necessary, obvious,
irrevocable, irresistible; (n)
ineluctability. ANTONYMS: (adj)
evitable, avoidable, optional,
preventable, unpredictable,
unlikely; (adv) surprisingly
inevitably: (adv) unavoidably,
necessarily, of necessity, ineluctably,
needs, by necessity, automatically,
surely, certainly, essentially.
ANTONYM: (adv) unnecessarily
inexplicability: (n) inconceivability,
incomprehensibleness,
inexplicableness
inexpressibly: (adv) unspeakably,
indescribably, beyond words
infallibly: (adv) unerringly,
unfailingly, inerrably, assuredly,
certainly, firmly
infamy: (n) dishonor, disrepute,
ignominy, notoriety, shame,
opprobrium, reproach, stain,
discredit, baseness; (adj, n)
pollution. ANTONYMS: (n) fame,
virtue, honor, obscurity, pride
infancy: (n) babyhood, cradle,
beginning, birth, genesis, minority,
early childhood, youth, nonage,
adolescence, early days.
ANTONYM: (n) maturity
infatuation: (adj) devotion,
fascination, enchantment, gross
credulity; (adj, n) passion, fervor,
fanaticism; (n) crush, idolatry, love,
hobby. ANTONYM: (n) indifference
infer: (v) deduce, guess, derive,
conclude, construe, imagine,
conjecture, gather, deduct; (adj, v)
understand, imply
inferior: (adj) secondary, bad,
humble, poor, junior, petty, lesser,
cheap, base, feeble, vulgar.
ANTONYMS: (adj) better, choice,
excellent, premium, adscript,
perfect, higher, quality, senior; (adj,
n) superscript; (n) boss
inferiority: (n) poorness, degeneracy,
subordinacy, minority,
disadvantage, calibre, vulgarity,
quality, subordination, meanness,
deteriority. ANTONYMS: (n)
superiority, advantage, excellence,
preeminence
infinitely: (adv) greatly, vastly,
immensely, immeasurably,
boundlessly, enormously,
unboundedly, hugely, ceaselessly,
unendingly; (adj, adv) incalculably.
ANTONYM: (adv) finitely
inflated: (adj) grandiloquent,
exaggerated, puffy, conceited,
hyperbolic, vain, bloated, swollen,
extravagant, flatulent; (adj, v)
distended. ANTONYMS: (adj)
deflated, humble, cheap, reasonable
influenced: (adj) partial, unfair, acted
upon, convinced, persuaded,
susceptible, unjust, prejudiced.
ANTONYM: (adj) unbiased
inform: (v) acquaint, impart, advise,
enlighten, announce, tell,
familiarize, explain, advertise,
apprise, warn
informed: (adj) cognizant, educated,
conscious, knowledgeable, familiar,
apprised, wise, conversant,
experienced, sensible; (adv) abreast.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uninformed,
unconcerned
informing: (n) briefing, disclosure,
apprisal, warning, revelation,
ratting, presentation, introduction;
(v) inform; (adj) intelligencing,
giving information
informs: (v) inform; (n) informing
ingenuity: (adj, n) ability; (n)
adroitness, ingeniousness, cunning,
imagination, acumen, resource,
originality, skill, wit, inventiveness.
ANTONYM: (n) ineptness
inhabit: (v) reside, abide, occupy,
lodge, settle, people, live, indwell,
be, exist; (n) habit. ANTONYMS: (v)
desert, vacate
inhabitant: (n) denizen, resident,
occupant, citizen, tenant, occupier,
population, native, liver, indweller;
(v) habitant. ANTONYM: (n)
stranger
inhabitants: (n) population, citizens,
populace, folk, country, community,
abode, group, inhabitation, nation,
natives
inhabited: (v) populous, full of
people, arrayed, clothed, dressed,
accustomed, habited; (adj, v)
peopled; (adj) occupied, settled,
housing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unoccupied, uninhabited, business
inherit: (v) heir, come into, get, to
inherit, own, receive, come in for, to
succeed, follow, descend, accede
inheritance: (adj, n) heritage; (n)
heredity, heirloom, birthright,
bequest, legacy, dowry, estate,
appanage, heirship; (v) descent
injunction: (n) dictate, command,
behest, bidding, commandment, fiat,
direction, enjoinment, enjoining,

order, instruction
injured: (adj) hurt, broken, wounded,
affected, damaged, pained,
offended, insulted, defective,
prejudiced; (n) casualty.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uninjured,
unaffected, well
injurious: (adj) evil, harmful, hurtful,
destructive, bad, disadvantageous,
detrimental, adverse, deleterious,
inimical, damaging. ANTONYMS:
(adj) healing, favorable, healthy,
helpful, advantageous, beneficial
injustice: (n) iniquity, wrong,
unfairness, bigotry, wickedness,
prejudice, crime; (adj, n) injury, evil,
harm, damage. ANTONYMS: (n)
fairness, evenhandedness,
reasonableness, goodness, tolerance
inlaid: (adj) decorated
innate: (adj) inherent, congenital,
inbred, indigenous, instinctive,
natural, intrinsic, constitutional,
essential, ingrained; (adj, v) born.
ANTONYMS: (adj) learned,
conditioned, acquired, trained,
spiritual
innocence: (n) blamelessness,
chastity, ignorance, ingenuousness,
purity, gullibility, artlessness,
innocent, simplicity, harmlessness,
guiltlessness. ANTONYMS: (n)
sophistication, experience, fault,
dirtiness, wariness, dishonesty
innocent: (adj) chaste, artless, clear,
ingenuous, innocuous, guileless,
guiltless, ignorant, unsophisticated,
spotless, naive. ANTONYMS: (adj)
culpable, responsible, wicked, wary,
experienced, corrupt, worldly,
unfair, meaningful, offensive, jaded
innocently: (adv) innocuously,
ingenuously, inoffensively, naively,
purely, simplely, artlessly,
unsophisticatedly, blamelessly,
spotlessly, cleanly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) artfully, meaningfully,
indecently, immorally, illicitly,
intentionally, knowingly, unkindly,
suspiciously, offensively,
deliberately
innumerable: (adj) countless,
numberless, incalculable,
multitudinous, infinite, innumerous,
unnumbered, uncounted, myriad,
immeasurable, untold. ANTONYM:
(adj) finite
inquietude: (n) anxiety, disturbance,
unrest, perturbation, disquiet,
restlessness, uneasiness, edginess,
trepidation; (n, v) discomfort,
vexation of spirit
Jane Austen
inquire: (v) demand, ask, explore,
enquire, inspect, research, consult,
pry, request, wonder; (n, v)
question. ANTONYM: (v) answer
inquiries: (n) investigation,
examination, study, enquiries,
enquiry, inquiry, exploration
inquiring: (adj) inquisitive, quizzical,
interested, analytical, probing,
intrusive; (adj, n) questioning; (v)
inquire; (n) enquiry, question,
examination. ANTONYM: (adj)
uninquiring
inquiry: (n, v) search; (n)
investigation, enquiry, query,
hearing, inquest, research,
exploration, trial, question, demand
insensibility: (n) callousness,
hardness, indifference, dullness,
stupidity, stupor, impassiveness,
coma, physical insensibility,
impassivity, trance
insensible: (adj) imperceptible,
numb, unconscious, callous, dull,
unaware, apathetic, impassive,
indiscernible, comatose, impassible.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sensible,
conscious, sensitive, awake, alive,
compassionate, concerned, aware
inseparable: (adj) indissoluble,
inextricable, inherent, indiscerptible,
built-in, indispensable, infrangible,
innate, unseparable; (v) severable,
unseparated. ANTONYMS: (adj)
separable, dividable, isolatable
insight: (n) vision, acumen,
understanding, perception,
penetration, brainwave,
apprehension, acquaintance,
knowledge, idea, foresight.
ANTONYMS: (n) hindsight,
foolishness, ignorance, clumsiness
insignificant: (adj) inconsequential,
inconsiderable, humble, poor,
immaterial, trivial, unimportant,
light, infinitesimal, indifferent,
small. ANTONYMS: (adj)
significant, enormous, major,
important, huge, substantial,
considerable, great, colossal,
valuable, influential
insipid: (adj) tasteless, bland, dull,
watery, flavorless, uninteresting,
vapid, savorless, boring, tame,
humdrum. ANTONYMS: (adj)
exciting, tasty, interesting, flavorful,
spicy, lively, colorful, dark, bright,
inspired, imaginative
insist: (v) affirm, assert, contend,
demand, claim, asseverate, declare,
maintain, urge, importune, press.
ANTONYMS: (v) request, deny
297
insolence: (n) impertinence,
arrogance, audacity, impudence,
effrontery, cheek, assumption, gall,
disrespect, haughtiness, crust.
ANTONYMS: (n) respect,
politeness, meekness, shyness
inspection: (n) check, review,
surveillance, study, scrutiny,
inquiry, survey, exploration, search,
checkup; (n, v) sight
inspired: (adj) ingenious, adopted,
elysian, creative, imaginative,
elected, inventive, unearthly,
brilliant, stimulated, enthusiastic.
ANTONYMS: (adj) bland,
unimaginative, abysmal, mediocre
instance: (n) exemplar, case, time,
illustration, sample, affair, pattern,
chance, cause; (v) exemplify,
illustrate
instances: (v) conceive, abate,
commotion, decline, decrease,
imply, diminution, diminish
instant: (adj, n) present; (adj)
immediate, prompt; (n) flash,
minute, jiffy, point, second; (adj, v)
exigent; (adj, n, v) pressing, urgent.
ANTONYMS: (n) age, eternity; (adj)
considered, delayed, slow
instantaneously: (adv) directly,
instantly, at once, forthwith,
suddenly, promptly, abruptly,
momentarily, outright, right away,
in a flash. ANTONYM: (adv)
eventually
instantly: (adv, n) directly; (adj, adv)
immediately, at once; (adv)
instantaneously, promptly,
forthwith, now, readily, quickly,
momently, momentarily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) later, slowly,
gradually
instigator: (n) firebrand, abettor,
inciter, provoker, troublemaker,
incendiary, aggressor, initiator,
instigant, ringleader, demagogue
instinctive: (adj) inherent, inborn,
automatic, natural, mechanical,
spontaneous, intuitive, unconscious,
gut, reflex; (adj, v) involuntary.
ANTONYMS: (adj) learned, stilted,
deliberate, factual, systematic,
trained, spiritual
instinctively: (adv) involuntarily,
mechanically, spontaneously,
automatically, intuitively,
inherently, automaticly,
unconsciously, impulsively,
unthinkingly, instinctually.
ANTONYMS: (adv) consciously,
objectively
instruct: (v) charge, educate, teach,
 298
advise, enlighten, direct, drill,
inform, command, indoctrinate,
tutor
instruction: (n) charge, direction,
education, guidance, prescription,
guideline, teaching, information,
injunction; (n, v) advice, counsel.
ANTONYM: (n) plea
instructions: (n) direction, injunction,
directions, charge, instruction,
orders, book of instructions, guide,
instruction manual, commission,
directive
instrument: (n) channel, deed, tool,
pawn, apparatus, agency,
document, expedient, appliance,
gear; (n, v) implement
insufferable: (adj, v) intolerable,
abhorrent; (adj) excruciating,
impossible, unbearable,
insupportable, unendurable,
unsufferable, hateful, painful; (v)
nauseous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
manageable, nice, lovable
insult: (n, v) contumely, affront,
abuse, flout, outrage, wound, taunt;
(n) disgrace, indignity, contempt; (v)
cut. ANTONYMS: (n, v)
compliment, praise; (v) flatter,
consecrate; (n) privilege
insupportable: (adj, v) insufferable,
intolerable; (adj) indefensible,
unbearable, excruciating,
unjustifiable, unendurable,
impossible, unsupportable, heavy,
obnoxious. ANTONYM: (adj)
bearable
insupportably: (adv) unspeakably,
unbearably, insufferably, hatefully,
excruciatingly, dreadfully,
disagreeably, unendurably
integrity: (adj, n) honesty, fairness,
candor, honor; (n) probity,
completeness, righteousness, justice,
unity, entireness, fidelity.
ANTONYMS: (n) dishonesty,
wickedness, injustice, division,
decadence, badness, immorality,
corruption
intellectual: (n) intellect, brain,
thinker, scholar; (adj) rational,
mental, cerebral, learned, spiritual;
(adj, n) mind, academic.
ANTONYMS: (adj) nonintellectual,
intuitive, emotional, dim, ignorant,
physical, thick, lowbrow; (n) dunce
intelligence: (n) cleverness, intellect,
news, tidings, understanding,
acumen, mentality, knowledge,
brains, comprehension, brainpower.
ANTONYMS: (n) stupidity,
emotion, slowness, foolishness,
Northanger Abbey
ineptness
intelligent: (adj) intellectual, astute,
sensible, alert, rational, quick-
witted, bright, cunning, gifted,
knowledgeable, brilliant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dim, thick, slow,
stupid, dull, foolish
intelligible: (adj) clear,
understandable, articulate,
luminous, apprehensible, graspable,
simple, lucid, definite, distinct,
perspicuous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
difficult, illegible
intend: (v) destine, design, mean,
aim, determine, denote,
contemplate, plan, purpose,
consider, believe. ANTONYM: (v)
improvise
intense: (adj) acute, deep, brilliant,
fervent, fierce, ardent, burning,
severe, furious, extreme; (adj, v)
vivid. ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, calm,
weak, slight, imperceptible,
superficial, shallow, gentle, dim,
insignificant, relaxed
intent: (n) idea, intention, design,
spirit, meaning, import, goal,
purpose; (adj, n) attentive; (adj)
absorbed, engrossed
intentional: (adj, v) voluntary; (adj)
deliberate, calculated, willful,
knowing, conscious, premeditated,
designed, planned, advised, wilful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) accidental,
unintentional, involuntary,
spontaneous, undesigned,
unconscious, casual
intently: (adv) fixedly, attentively,
seriously, raptly, intensely, closely,
steadily, eagerly, absorbedly, hard,
steadfastly. ANTONYM: (adv)
absently
intercourse: (n) contact, coition,
conversation, communication,
coitus, dealings, converse,
commerce, liaison, congress; (adj, n)
acquaintance
interfere: (n, v) interpose; (v)
intercede, obstruct, disturb, conflict,
impede, hinder, meddle, intervene;
(n) interference; (adj, v) intermeddle
interference: (n) hindrance,
disturbance, handicap, blocking,
intercession, inhibition,
encumbrance, barrier, intervention,
block; (v) interfere. ANTONYMS:
(n) nonintervention, help
interrupted: (adj) discontinuous,
fitful, intermittent, discontinued,
disconnected, unsuccessive,
intervallic, episodic, gaping,
periodic; (prep) interrupt
interval: (n) intermission,
interruption, distance, break,
interlude, hiatus, interim, pause,
period, respite, gap. ANTONYM: (n)
intensification
intervene: (v) intercede, interpose,
meddle, arbitrate, step in, interject,
interlope, pass; (adj, v) mediate,
intermediate; (n) interference.
ANTONYMS: (v) disregard,
provoke
intimacy: (adj, n) familiarity,
acquaintance; (n) closeness,
fellowship, association, friendship,
intercourse, affair, camaraderie,
conversance, confidence.
ANTONYMS: (n) distance, formality
intimate: (adj, adv, v) close; (n, v)
express, imply; (v) hint, indicate,
allude, suggest; (adj) informal,
inner, internal; (adj, v) confidential.
ANTONYMS: (adj) formal, cold,
unfriendly, external, outermost,
public, superficial
intimation: (n) hint, inkling,
implication, insinuation, suggestion,
clue, allusion, indication, cue, notice,
innuendo
intimidate: (adj, v) browbeat; (v)
frighten, bully, discourage, bullyrag,
scare, deter, terrify; (n, v) affright,
alarm, dismay. ANTONYMS: (v)
protect, help, reassure
intolerable: (adj) unbearable,
insupportable, painful, obnoxious,
detestable, inexcusable, deplorable,
undesirable, hard, excruciating,
difficult. ANTONYMS: (adj)
bearable, tolerable, acceptable,
reasonable, nice, understandable,
lovable, excusable, inoffensive,
manageable
intolerably: (adv) excruciatingly,
unbearably, insufferably,
unendurably, insupportably,
unfeasibly, impossibly, horribly,
unpardonably, inexcusably,
unforgivably. ANTONYMS: (adv)
tolerably, excusably, bearably,
acceptably, pleasantly,
understandably
introduce: (v) interject, inject,
advance, infuse, initiate, acquaint,
implant, inaugurate, bring in,
present, enter. ANTONYMS: (v)
end, terminate, remove, export
intruder: (n) trespasser, interloper,
encroacher, raider, invader,
aggressor, go between, gatecrasher,
stalker, boarder; (adj, n) stranger
intrusion: (n) infringement,
encroachment, disturbance,

interruption, inroad, trespass,
invasion, violation, incursion,
disruption, entry
inured: (adj) accustomed, callous,
enured, habituated, casehardened,
confirmed, emotionally hardened,
broken in, given, tough, trained
invent: (v) devise, form, create,
excogitate, concoct, imagine,
contrive; (n, v) forge, fabricate,
design, coin
invention: (n) fabrication, conception,
fiction, imagination, creation,
discovery, device, innovation,
excogitation, artifice; (n, v) forgery.
ANTONYM: (n) truth
inventory: (n) catalogue, index, stock,
catalog, account, enumeration, roll,
schedule, bill, table, inventorying
investigated: (adj) studied
invigorating: (adj) exhilarating, fresh,
tonic, brisk, healthy, wholesome,
cordial, benign, curative, crisp,
fascinating. ANTONYMS: (adj)
soporific, soothing, relaxing, tiring,
dull, debilitating, deadly
invitation: (n) call, bidding,
temptation, lure, asking, request,
attraction, enticement; (v) invite,
solicitation; (n, v) supplication
invited: (adj) welcomer, wanted,
cherished
inviting: (adj) attractive, alluring,
engaging, tempting, enticing,
appealing, magnetic, captivating,
prepossessing, seductive,
appetizing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
offensive, repellent, uninviting,
unappealing, unwelcoming, bleak,
uncomfortable
involuntarily: (adv) unconsciously,
unintentionally, inadvertently,
automatically, forcedly,
mechanically, unthinkingly,
reluctantly, accidentally,
automaticly, unwillingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) voluntarily,
consciously, willingly, purposely
involuntary: (adj) instinctive,
unconscious, unintentional, forced,
mechanical, unthinking, reluctant,
unwilling, compulsory, inadvertent,
accidental. ANTONYMS: (adj)
voluntary, intentional, intended,
willing
irksome: (adj, v) wearisome,
tiresome; (adj) boring, dull,
annoying, tedious, trying,
burdensome, bothersome, irritating,
prosaic. ANTONYMS: (adj)
delightful, pleasant, refreshing,
soothing
Jane Austen
irksomeness: (n) boredom,
tediousness
irresistible: (adj) resistless, invincible,
irrefragable, irrefutable,
overpowering, overwhelming,
impregnable, indomitable,
charming, fascinating; (adj, v)
uncontrollable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
resistible, insignificant, unappealing,
weak
irritable: (adj) fractious, irascible,
edgy, cantankerous, touchy,
petulant, excitable, cross, sensitive,
grumpy, disagreeable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) calm, happy,
cheerful, amiable, patient, pleasant,
stable, courteous; (n) cheeriness
irritated: (adj) annoyed, exasperated,
incensed, enraged, aggravated,
furious, irate, inflamed, sore,
displeased, provoked. ANTONYMS:
(adj) calm, pleased, patient,
contented
irritating: (adj) infuriating,
bothersome, annoying,
exasperating, irksome, irritative,
vexatious, aggravating,
troublesome, irritant; (v) stinging.
ANTONYMS: (adj) soothing,
calming, delightful, pleasant
irritation: (n) exasperation, anger,
annoyance, displeasure, bother,
excitation, temper, excitement,
irritability, vexation, annoying.
ANTONYMS: (n) satisfaction, balm,
calm, calmness, equanimity,
patience
issuing: (n) issuance, supplying,
emanation, consequence,
publication, effect, egress,
emergence, exit; (adj) flowing,
emergent
jackson: (n) Andrew Jackson, capital
of Mississippi, Glenda Jackson,
Helen Maria Fiske Hunt Jackson,
Jesse Louis Jackson, Mahalia
Jackson, Michael Jackson, Michael
Joe Jackson, old hickory, Stonewall
Jackson, Thomas Jackson
jaded: (adj) tired, fatigued, worn,
weary, wearied, fed up, satiate,
worn-out, bored, satiated, sick.
ANTONYMS: (adj) fresh, innocent,
brilliant
jealous: (adj) distrustful, envious,
covetous, suspicious, jealousy,
resentful, invidious, green,
grudging, jaundiced, attentive.
ANTONYM: (adj) trusting
jealousy: (n) suspicion, jealous,
jealousness, envy, envious,
alertness, distrust, contention,
299
competition, scruple, qualm
jest: (n) gag, gibe, quip, game; (n, v)
jape; (v) banter, jeer, deride, gird,
sneer, clown
johnson: (n) Andrew Johnson, LBJ,
Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lyndon
Johnson, president Andrew
Johnson, president Johnson,
president Lyndon Johnson, Samuel
Johnson
joining: (n) connection, junction,
connexion, union, combination,
association, concatenation,
attachment, assembly, fastening;
(adj) connecting
joke: (n, v) banter; (n) hoax, fun,
quip, gag, caper, game, antic, prank,
humor; (v) tease
journal: (adj, n) daybook; (n) book,
periodical, newspaper, magazine,
ephemeris, log, chronicle, record,
annals; (adj) daily
jove: (n) Jovian, Jovinianist,
thunderer
joyful: (adj) gay, glad, elated,
cheerful, gleeful, cheery, delighted,
joyous, jolly, blissful, blithe.
ANTONYMS: (adj) miserable,
sorrowful, unhappy, despairing,
unpleasant, staid, sorry,
disappointed, depressed, heavy
joyfully: (adv) joyously, merrily,
gaily, gleefully, buoyantly, cheerily,
jubilantly, pleasantly, mirthfully;
(adv, v) happily; (adj, adv)
cheerfully. ANTONYMS: (adv)
joylessly, miserably, despondently
joyfulness: (n) joy, exhilaration,
delight, glee, enjoyment, exultation,
happiness, merriment, joyousness,
pleasure, ecstasy. ANTONYMS: (n)
sorrow, misery
judging: (n) judge, judgment, judged,
decision making, assessment,
thought, deciding, prejudgment,
discernment
judgment: (n, v) decision, belief,
discernment, condemnation, sense,
discrimination; (n) determination,
discretion, opinion, assessment,
adjudication. ANTONYMS: (n)
clumsiness, request, tastelessness
judicious: (adj, v) discreet; (adj)
careful, discerning, sensible,
prudent, rational, sagacious, sound,
cautious, reasonable, advisable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stupid, tactless,
indiscriminate, reckless, illogical,
extreme, untimely
judiciously: (adv) prudently,
sagaciously, shrewdly, discreetly,
discerningly, politically, cautiously,
 300
logically, rationally, sensibly,
soundly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
foolishly, injudiciously, unwisely,
illogically, imprudently
justification: (n, v) apology, excuse;
(n) account, reason, defence, cause,
grounds, vindication, basis,
explanation, foundation.
ANTONYM: (n) accusation
justified: (adj) correct, right, proper,
elected, adopted, due, righteous,
sanctified, unearthly, regenerated,
even. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unfounded, unjustified,
unreasonable, wrong, unworthy
justify: (v) explain, exonerate,
vindicate, confirm, absolve, defend,
deserve, apologize, claim, palliate;
(n, v) warrant
justifying: (adj) extenuating,
mitigating; (n) justification, defense
justly: (adv) accurately, fairly,
correctly, honestly, lawfully,
properly, exactly, uprightly,
legitimately, impartially, purely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) wrongly,
unfairly, unjustifiably, unjustly,
unlawfully, sinfully, falsely,
immorally
justness: (adj, n) equity, impartiality,
honesty, uprightness; (n) fairness,
nicety, rightness, rightfulness,
correctness, validity, rectitude
keen: (adj, v) eager, fresh, biting,
brisk, avid; (adj) sharp, intense,
intelligent, enthusiastic, exquisite,
piercing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
indifferent, apathetic,
unenthusiastic, blunt, unwilling,
reluctant, passive, stupid,
unconcerned, lukewarm,
disinterested
kick: (v) grumble, complain; (n)
bitch, beef, thrill, gripe, charge,
excitement; (n, v) recoil, spurn,
protest. ANTONYMS: (v) start; (n)
bore
kind-hearted: (adj) good-natured,
good, kindly, clement, benevolent,
humane, kindhearted,
philanthropic, sympathetic, tolerant,
warm
kindly: (adj) kind, amiable, genial,
charitable; (adv) sympathetically,
benevolently, tenderly; (adj, n)
benign, gentle, sympathetic,
benevolent. ANTONYMS: (adv)
harshly, nastily, callously, cruelly,
sharply, disagreeably, grumpily,
malevolently; (adj) upsetting,
unfeeling, sour
kindness: (n) generosity, clemency,
Northanger Abbey
compassion, grace, good will,
graciousness, humanity, goodness,
affection; (adj, n) courtesy,
gentleness. ANTONYMS: (n)
miserliness, spite, nastiness,
callousness, cruelty, unfriendliness,
maliciousness, thoughtlessness,
sourness, severity, disservice
knees: (n) knee
knocking: (n) sound, bang, beating,
hit, rap, strike, belt, criticism, bash
laboriously: (adv) painstakingly,
toilsomely, toughly, onerously,
arduously, strenuously, heavily,
painfully, stiffly, diligently, hard.
ANTONYMS: (adv) briskly, easily
labouring: (adj) drudging, work,
working, busy, toiling
lace: (v) entwine, interlace, braid,
bind; (adj, v) tie, string; (n) lacing,
ribbon, edging; (n, v) net, rope.
ANTONYMS: (v) untie, untwine,
unpick
laid: (adj) layed, lay, place, placed,
put, situated, arranged, determined,
dictated, hardened, ordered
lament: (v) bemoan, complain,
deplore, grieve, keen, bewail,
mourn; (n) dirge, complaint; (n, v)
wail, moan. ANTONYMS: (n)
celebration, joy; (v) revel, rejoice,
celebrate, applaud, praise,
compliment
lamented: (adj) mourned, bewailed
lamp: (n) light, lantern, beacon,
headlight, flashbulb, flashgun, table
lamp, oil lamp, storm lantern; (n, v)
look; (v) behold
landed: (adj) land, territorial, allodial,
predial
lands: (n) park, estate, kingdom
landscape: (n) sight, vista, scene,
scenery, outlook, view, ground,
lookout, landscape painting,
countryside, perspective
languid: (adj) lazy, dull, indolent,
feeble, lethargic, lackadaisical,
sluggish, faint, torpid, inert,
apathetic. ANTONYMS: (adj) active,
lively, exciting, vigorous
languor: (adj, n) inactivity, inertia,
feebleness; (n) lethargy, fatigue,
infirmity, lassitude, weakness,
indifference, ennui; (adj) atony.
ANTONYM: (n) energy
lank: (adj) gaunt, angular, emaciated,
meager, thin, skinny, spindly, spare,
scrawny; (adj, v) lean, barren
lantern: (n) beacon, light, dormer,
tube, lighting fitting, bedside light,
street light, street lamp, oil lamp,
lime light, lanthorn
lassitude: (n) apathy, exhaustion,
languor, lethargy, inanition,
weariness, inertia, inactivity, ennui,
tiredness, stupor
lastly: (adv) eventually, ultimately,
latterly, in conclusion, last, at last,
terminally, latestly, utmostly,
definitively, concludingly.
ANTONYM: (adv) initially
lately: (adv) tardily, newly, freshly,
belatedly, slowly, latterly, deadly;
(adj, adv) anew, late, afresh; (adj)
recent
latin: (n) romancer, romance
language; (adj) classical, emotional
latterly: (adv) lately, lastly, late,
subsequently, finally, of late, newly,
ultimately, secondly, freshly,
afterward. ANTONYM: (adv)
initially
laugh: (n, v) joke, giggle, chortle,
titter, snicker; (v) smile; (n) jest, gag,
jape, laughter, cackle. ANTONYM:
(v) weep
laughing: (adj) merry, smiling,
laughable, jolly, gay, lighthearted,
frolicsome, playful, pleased, dizzy;
(adv) laughingly. ANTONYM: (adj)
serious
laughingly: (adv) merrily, gaily,
lightheartedly, playfully, dizzily,
giddily, perkily, flippantly,
smilingly, riantly
laughter: (n) amusement, fun,
guffaw, merriment, chortle, chuckle,
mirth, hilarity, giggle, derision,
happiness. ANTONYMS: (n)
sadness, gloom, despair, boredom,
misery, despondency
lavender: (adj) lilac, purple, puce,
light purple, pale purple, indigo,
chromatic; (adj, n) violet, amethyst;
(n) shrub, genus Lavandula
lawful: (adj) legal, just, rightful,
constitutional, true, right, justifiable,
licit, regular; (n, v) allowable; (adj,
v) permissible. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unlawful, prohibited,
unconstitutional
lawn: (n) grassplot, field, green, park,
meadow, grassplat, plot, lea, turfs,
turves, turf
lawyer: (n) counsel, barrister,
attorney, jurist, counsellor,
counselor, conveyancer, ambulance
chaser, adviser, trial lawyer, pleader
laziness: (n) indolence, acedia,
inactivity, inertia, sloth, slowness,
lethargy, inactiveness, faineance,
lassitude, dreaminess. ANTONYMS:
(n) diligence, willingness, vigor,
liveliness, interest

lazy: (adj) indolent, inert, idle,
inactive, shiftless, slothful, faineant,
slow, sluggish; (adj, n) drowsy, dull.
ANTONYMS: (adj) diligent, active,
prompt, vigorous, industrious, keen,
productive
leafless: (adj) bald, bare, aphyllous,
leaveless, hairless. ANTONYM: (adj)
leafy
leaning: (adj, n) bent, disposition,
partiality; (n) propensity, bias,
tendency, incline, lean; (adj) tilted,
canted, inclined. ANTONYMS: (n)
antipathy, dislike; (adj) upright
leant: (adj) inclined
learned: (adj) educated,
knowledgeable, scholarly, academic,
cultured, literary, bookish, lettered;
(adj, v) enlightened, wise, knowing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) innate,
unconditioned, foolish, unlearned
learnt: (adj) learned
lecture: (n, v) discourse, harangue,
reprimand, sermon, rebuke, talk,
censure; (n) speech, oration; (v)
chide, preach. ANTONYMS: (v)
praise; (n) compliment
legends: (n) tradition, mythology,
myths
leisure: (n) idleness, convenience,
vacation, inactivity, rest, repose,
relaxation, recreation, pastime,
opportunity; (adj) idle. ANTONYM:
(n) work
leisurely: (adj) slow, deliberate,
easygoing, leisure, at ease,
unhurried, measured, idle; (adv)
deliberately, slowly, at leisure.
ANTONYMS: (adj) rushed, hurried,
formal, vigorous, speedy, fast; (adv)
formally, quickly
lengthen: (adj, v) elongate; (v)
enlarge, prolong, draw, draw out,
increase, expand, stretch, protract,
continue, drag out. ANTONYMS:
(v) clip, curtail
lengthened: (adj) elongated,
prolonged, long, protracted,
expanded, elongate, longer,
lingering, extensive, stretched out,
lengthy
lenient: (adj) gracious, indulgent,
bland, clement, compassionate,
easygoing, forbearing, forgiving,
easy, kind, soft. ANTONYMS: (adj)
severe, harsh, unforgiving,
impatient, hardhearted
lessen: (v) decrease, abate, fall,
decline, dwindle, assuage, allay,
alleviate; (adj, v) abridge, curtail,
contract. ANTONYMS: (v) increase,
exacerbate, intensify, raise, grow,
Jane Austen
aggravate, accelerate, bolster,
worsen, strengthen, rise
lessened: (adj) diminished, hurt,
lower, mitigated, pointed, tapering,
vitiated, atrophied, short, attenuate,
attenuated
lesson: (n) example, education,
instruction, class, learning, sermon,
recitation, task, study, message; (n,
v) rebuke
lessons: (n) classes, coaching, tuition,
schoolwork, revision, learning,
education, training
letting: (n) lease, rental, let, renting,
hire, leasing, rent, belongings,
permission; (adj) lenient
liberally: (adv) freely, bountifully,
abundantly, munificently, profusely,
copiously, bounteously,
magnanimously, plentifully, largely,
richly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
parsimoniously, carefully, stingily,
meagerly, ungenerously
liberty: (adj, n) freedom, franchise;
(n) license, leave, independence,
autonomy, emancipation, latitude,
permission, scope, release.
ANTONYMS: (n) slavery,
domination, constraint, suppression,
dependence
lighted: (adj) illuminated, lit, light,
ablaze, bright, ignited, burn,
burning, ignite, kindled, lighten
lighter: (n) light, flatboat, igniter,
cigarette lighter, wherry, primer,
scow, kindling, fuze, fuzee,
houseboat
lightly: (adv) slightly, airily, thinly,
easily, gently, light, fairly, weakly,
flimsily, delicately, wantonly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) seriously,
heavily, thickly, sturdily, angrily,
hard, harshly, densely, brightly,
awkwardly
likelihood: (n) chance, odds,
probability, eventuality, expectation,
likeliness, prospect, expectancy,
verisimilitude, appearance, option.
ANTONYM: (n) improbability
likeness: (n) resemblance, copy,
effigy, image, affinity, similarity,
correspondence, facsimile; (adj, n)
figure, form, semblance.
ANTONYMS: (n) difference,
diversity, dissimilarity, unlikeness,
contrast
likes: (n) kind, sort, type
likewise: (adv) besides, in addition,
furthermore, alike, moreover,
further, too, similarly; (adj, adv) as
well, equally; (adj) even
liking: (n, v) inclination; (n) fancy,
301
appetite, taste, fondness,
predilection, affection, partiality,
admiration, approval, appreciation.
ANTONYMS: (n) dislike, aversion,
hatred, indifference, detachment,
dissatisfaction, antipathy
linen: (n) fabric, flax, lingerie, doily,
doyley, doyly, cambric, underwear,
underclothes, hemp; (v) muslin
linger: (v) loiter, delay, dally, hover,
stay, hesitate, hang around,
procrastinate, dawdle, tarry,
saunter. ANTONYMS: (v) hurry,
end, rush, depart, lead
lingering: (adj) long, chronic,
extended, dilatory, protracted,
prolonged, residual, lengthy,
inactive, dull; (n) delay.
ANTONYM: (adj) quick
linked: (adj) allied, related, joined,
coupled, correlated, associated,
united, combined, conjugate,
conjoint, committed. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unrelated, unconnected,
unattached, disparate
liquor: (n) fluid, broth, alcohol,
booze, brew, brandy, arrack, spirits,
schnapps; (n, v) drink; (adj, n) liquid
listening: (v) listen, hear, obey; (n)
auscultation, perception, sensing,
audition, audience, earshot,
auditory modality; (adj) attentive
listlessness: (n) lethargy, apathy,
languor, lassitude, inertia,
disregard, torpidity, torpor, ennui,
boredom, fatigue
literary: (adj) bookish, cultured,
educated, erudite, literate, formal,
literature, writing, scholarly,
knowledgeable, studious
litter: (adj, n) brood, jumble; (n)
bedding, stretcher, waste, refuse,
junk, trash, mess; (n, v) clutter; (adj)
disarray. ANTONYMS: (v) clean; (n)
space
lively: (adj, adv) jolly, sprightly; (adj,
v) active, cheerful; (adj) energetic,
agile, keen, busy, gay, fresh, jovial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lethargic,
listless, inactive, unexciting, lifeless,
awkward, sad, gentle, tired, insipid,
subdued
lobby: (n) foyer, hallway, anteroom,
lounge, entrance hall, vestibule,
aisle, antechamber, corridor,
pressure group, entry. ANTONYM:
(n) exit
lock: (n, v) bar, hug; (v) close, latch,
fasten, engage, hold; (adj, n) hair; (n)
curl, padlock, hook. ANTONYMS:
(v) open, undo, disengage, flex; (n)
key; (adv) partially, partly
 302
locking: (n) lockup, bolting,
interlocking, engagement,
cordoning off, closing off, binding,
guarding
locks: (n) hair, tresses, head of hair
lodge: (n, v) cabin, place, house; (adj,
v) live, dwell, reside, inhabit; (n)
cottage; (v) quarter, accommodate,
fix. ANTONYMS: (v) dislodge, evict
lodged: (adj) wedged, stuck fast,
stuck, jammed
lodgings: (n) digs, accommodation,
domiciliation, lodging, billet,
housing, quarters, residence, pad,
living quarters, launchpad
lofty: (adj, v) high, elevated; (adj)
exalted, eminent, arrogant, grand,
tall, haughty, great, distinguished,
majestic. ANTONYMS: (adj) short,
lowly, base, modest, deferential,
humble
loins: (n) waist, body part, haunch,
lends, pubic region, area, pubes
loiter: (v) dawdle, dally, tarry, hang
around, prowl; (adj, v) loaf, delay,
lounge, hesitate; (adv, v) lag; (n, v)
saunter. ANTONYMS: (v) leave,
lead
loitering: (n) delay, dalliance; (adj)
slow, dilatory, delaying, inactive,
truant, trifling, tardy; (v) loiter;
(adv) loiteringly
lonely: (adj) deserted, lone, dreary,
solitary, forsaken, desert; (adj, n)
isolated, alone; (adv) lonesomely,
solely, solitarily. ANTONYMS: (adj)
sheltered, populous, cheerful,
nearby; (n) foe
longing: (n, v) desire, aspiration; (adj)
eager, wistful, nostalgic; (n)
nostalgia, wish, hankering, urge,
appetite; (adj, n) yearning.
ANTONYMS: (n) apathy,
disinclination; (adj) satisfied,
unconcerned
losing: (v) lose; (n) loss; (adv)
losingly, behind; (adj) unbeneficial.
ANTONYM: (adj) lucrative
loud: (adj) flashy, garish, gaudy,
blatant, brassy, boisterous, high,
jazzy, brazen, piercing; (adj, adv)
forte. ANTONYMS: (adj) tasteful,
gentle, quiet, subtle, subdued, low,
muted, weak, tranquil, thin; (adv)
softly
loved: (adj) beloved, pet, cherished,
precious, liked, adored, respected,
treasured, esteemed, valued; (n)
darling. ANTONYM: (adj) hated
lover: (n) dear, darling, fan, devotee,
beau, buff, love, admirer, beloved,
amorist, man
Northanger Abbey
loving: (adj) fond, devoted, amorous,
kind, friendly, ardent, attached,
admiring, gentle, fatherly; (adj, v)
tender. ANTONYMS: (adj) cold,
uncaring, malicious, cruel, unloving,
rough, paternal, indifferent, distant,
disapproving, callous
lowering: (adj) heavy, dismal,
gloomy, threatening, dark, glum,
murky; (n) fall, drop, cut, decline
lucidly: (adv) plainly, limpidly,
pellucidly, sanely, transparently,
perspicuously, shiningly,
articulately, resplendently,
luminously, translucently.
ANTONYMS: (adv) obscurely,
unconvincingly, incoherently,
vaguely, illogically
luck: (n) fortune, fate, accident,
destiny, hazard, lot, advantage,
providence, portion, happiness; (n,
v) chance. ANTONYM: (n) design
luckily: (adv) happily, prosperously,
auspiciously, fortuitously,
successfully, providentially,
propitiously, opportunely,
advantageously, felicitously, as luck
would have it. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unluckily, inauspiciously
lute: (n) harp, glue, solder, luting,
gum, mortar, plaster, stucco, paste,
size, wafer
luxuriant: (adj, n) lush; (adj)
abundant, lavish, exuberant, dense,
thick, fertile, flourishing, fecund,
opulent, profuse. ANTONYMS:
(adj) barren, meager, unhealthy,
arid, withering, sparse, shabby,
unadorned
luxury: (n) comfort, luxuriousness,
extravagance, opulence, wealth;
(adj, n) delicacy, gratification,
elegance; (adj) luxurious, deluxe,
indulgence. ANTONYMS: (n)
paucity, necessity, poverty, filth,
discomfort, bareness, shabbiness;
(adj) basic, inferior, cheap, Spartan
lying-in: (n) childbirth,
accouchement, parturition; (v)
delivery
machinations: (n) intrigues
madam: (n) dame, lady, ma'am,
gentlewoman, missis, Mrs, brothel
keeper, madames, signora, female,
bawd
magdalen: (n) Mary Magdalen,
sinner, Magdalene, prodigal son,
repentant, penitent, evildoer
magnificence: (adj, n) splendor,
brilliancy, gorgeousness; (n) glory,
pomp, brilliance, grandness,
greatness, dignity, majesty, loftiness.
ANTONYMS: (n) paucity, modesty,
shabbiness, poverty, austerity,
unattractiveness
magnificent: (adj) imposing, brilliant,
splendid, grandiose, superb,
elegant; (adj, n) grand, excellent,
gorgeous, illustrious, glorious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) awful,
ridiculous, unimpressive, humble,
inglorious, modest, meager,
unattractive, boring, unexceptional,
humdrum
magnified: (adj) enlarged, inflated,
enlarge, hyperbolic, hypertrophied,
increased, overblown, overstated,
puffed up, made larger
mahogany: (n) brown, kalantas,
hardtack, tree, wood, table,
mahogany tree, cedar mahogany,
mahogany wood
maid: (n) damsel, chambermaid, lass,
lassie, girl, domestic, amah, virgin,
maiden, housemaid, handmaid
maintained: (adj) kept up, preserved,
repaired, serviced, serviceable, safe,
fixed
malady: (n, v) illness, ailment,
indisposition, distemper; (adj, n, v)
disorder; (adj, n) complaint,
infirmity; (n) sickness, condition,
trouble, ill
malevolent: (adj) malicious, malign,
hateful, bitter, malefic, nasty,
spiteful, vicious, virulent, baleful,
unkind. ANTONYMS: (adj) kind,
merciful, loving, good, benign
malicious: (adj) evil, vicious,
venomous, spiteful, unkind, cruel,
poisonous, mean, mischievous,
pernicious, nasty. ANTONYMS:
(adj) kind, harmless, kindhearted,
loving, unmalicious, compassionate,
good, merciful, pleasant, provoked
mamma: (n) breast, mother, ma,
knocker, boob, mum, mammy,
mom, momma, mommy, mummy
manners: (n) conduct, etiquette,
propriety, behavior, deportment,
manner, courtesy, custom, decorum,
good manners, usage. ANTONYM:
(n) vulgarity
manufacture: (v) construct, frame,
fabricate, produce, build, contrive,
invent; (n) formation, construction,
production, fabrication.
ANTONYMS: (v) consume, destroy
manuscript: (n, v) writing; (n) book,
handwriting, record, copy, text,
document, Ms, holograph,
transcript, palimpsest
marble: (n) taw, marver, leopard,
heart of stone, granite, cheetah,

marbling; (adj, n) stone; (v) foolscap;
(adj) flint, quartz
mare: (n) Maria, Money makes the
mare go, broodmare, doe, hen, bitch,
horse, region, part, jennet, roe
maria: (n) Calophyllum longifolium,
tree, part, region, female horse
marketplace: (n) bazaar, market-
place, grocery, bazar, forum, agora,
mart, grocery store, marketplaces,
market place, marts
marquis: (n) lord, marquisate, noble,
margrave, nobleman, Donald Robert
perry marquis, don marquis, Markis
marriages: (n) marriage, matrimony
marry: (n, v) wed, espouse; (v) get
married, link, conjoin, wive, splice,
tie, unite, couple; (n) marriage.
ANTONYMS: (v) divorce, separate,
split
marrying: (adj) married
massy: (adj) bulky, ample,
voluminous, heavy, considerable,
weighty, ponderous, compacted, in
mass, beamy
matched: (adj) fitting,
complementary, equal, fitted,
duplicate, conformable, level,
suitable, competitive, coordinated,
corresponding. ANTONYM: (adj)
wrong
materially: (adv) physically,
substantially, corporeally,
significantly, really, essentially,
corporally, vitally, solidly,
momentously, fundamentally
maternal: (adj) parental, paternal,
parent, motherlike, mother, loving,
enatic, agnatic, ancestral, enate,
fraternal. ANTONYMS: (adj)
paternal, filial
matrimony: (n) wedding, union,
marriage ceremony, nuptials,
endogamy, bigamy, intermixture,
alloyage, exogamy, intermarriage;
(n, v) wedlock
matter-of-fact: (adj) prosaic, practical,
dry, commonplace, common,
normal, ordinary, regular,
pragmatic, trivial, realistic
mature: (adj, v) ripe, ripen; (v)
develop, age, mellow, season; (adj)
complete, old, experienced, adult,
perfect. ANTONYMS: (adj) childish,
naive, young, unripe, sophomoric,
unfledged, green, unclear,
irresponsible, incomplete; (v)
growing
meadow: (n) hayfield, lea, mead,
grassland, plain, lawn, sward,
grazing land, greensward,
pasturage, paddock
Jane Austen
meantime: (adv) meanwhile, in the
meantime, simultaneously; (n)
interval, interlude, while, at times,
whiles, mean, instrument
measured: (adj) careful, moderate,
calculated, temperate, reasonable,
regular, rhythmic, metrical, sober,
rhythmical, leisurely. ANTONYMS:
(adj) rushed, unmeasured, fast,
hurried, rapid, rash, thoughtless
meat: (n) food, gist, essence, core,
kernel, heart, substance, marrow,
crux, matter, beef
meditate: (n, v) muse; (v)
contemplate, consider, cogitate,
reflect, speculate, wonder, ruminate,
ponder, think, bethink
meditations: (n) contemplation,
consideration, cogitation
meekly: (adv) humbly, submissively,
tamely, compliantly, obediently,
docilely, peacefully, lowly,
modestly, placidly, kindly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) haughtily,
harshly, wildly, arrogantly,
assertively, brashly
meetly: (adv) fitly, properly, suitly,
becomingly, meet, appropriately,
seemly, congruously, rightly,
decorously, goodly
melancholy: (adj, v) dreary; (adj, n)
gloom, melancholic; (adj) depressed,
dejected, dismal, gloomy, doleful;
(n, v) low spirits; (n) gloominess,
depression. ANTONYMS: (n)
happiness, cheerfulness,
hopefulness, optimism; (adj) happy,
bright, cheery, satisfied
melt: (v) dissolve, deliquesce, vanish,
coalesce, relent, meld, fade, defrost;
(adj, v) run, liquefy; (n, v) thaw.
ANTONYMS: (v) freeze, solidify,
cool, set
melted: (adj) molten, fluid, liquified,
dissolved, liquefied, baked, fluent,
touched, limpid, sorry, flowing
memento: (n) keepsake, token,
souvenir, relic, remembrance,
remembrancer, trophy, monument,
reminiscence, trace; (v) memorabilia
memoirs: (n) reminiscences, memoir,
autobiography, essay, biography,
annals, chronicle, account, diary, life
story, memento Mori
memorials: (n) memoir
memories: (n) recollections,
reminiscences, nostalgia, memento
Mori
mending: (n) fix, repair, fixing,
maintenance, restoration,
reparation, improvement, darning,
mend, amendment, correction
303
merchant: (n) trader, seller,
businessman, shopkeeper, vendor,
retailer, merchandiser, storekeeper,
broker, grocer; (n, v) chapman.
ANTONYM: (n) buyer
mercy: (n) kindness, compassion,
pity, favor, leniency, pardon,
forgiveness, grace, charity,
humanity; (n, v) quarter.
ANTONYMS: (n) cruelty, harshness,
unkindness, severity, mercilessness,
ruthlessness, impatience,
inhumanity
mere: (adj, n) entire; (adj) bare,
simple, pure; (n) loch, tarn,
boundary, absolute; (n, v)
downright; (adv) merely; (adj, v)
clear
merit: (n, v) deserve; (adj, n)
excellence, worth, desert; (n) virtue,
credit, significance, value, goodness,
quality; (v) rate. ANTONYMS: (n)
demerit, disgrace, fault,
insignificance, mediocrity,
commonness
merits: (n) qualities
merriment: (n) fun, amusement,
cheerfulness, hilarity, glee, jollity,
frolic, gaiety, happiness, festivity;
(adj, n) mirth. ANTONYMS: (n)
misery, gloom, seriousness,
despondency, boredom
messenger: (n, v) herald; (n)
harbinger, runner, emissary, bearer,
ambassador, precursor, courier,
carrier, apostle, errand
middling: (adj) indifferent, average,
mediocre, medium, intermediate,
common, passable, standard; (adv)
fairly, passably; (adj, adv) clean.
ANTONYMS: (adj) excellent; (adv)
unreasonably
midland: (adj) upcountry,
continental, earthy, riparian,
internal, inner, coastal, located
inward
midnight: (n) dark, noon, hour
mild: (adj, n) kindly, gracious; (adj)
easy, lenient, benign, docile,
humble, clement, sweet, balmy,
delicate. ANTONYMS: (adj)
extreme, pungent, spicy, sharp,
severe, scathing, incisive, hot,
powerful, great, passionate
mildness: (adj, n) gentleness,
kindness, benignity, compassion,
goodness; (n) lenity, mercy,
meekness, leniency, lenience,
tenderness. ANTONYMS: (n)
roughness, pungency
mile: (n) MI, nautical mile, land mile,
knot, Swedish mile, international
 304
nautical mile, Admiralty mile, air
mile, geographical mile, Roman
mile; (v) furlong
milestone: (n) landmark, event,
marker, breakthrough, happening,
age, juncture, occasion, incident;
(adj) milliary
millinery: (n) hat shop, store, shop,
turban, toque, tailoring, man
millinery, lid, hat, frippery, foppery
millions: (n) billions, jillions, trillions,
large indefinite amount, zillions,
myriad, large indefinite quantity
milton: (v) accomplish, achieve,
effect, execute, Keble, Macaulay; (n)
English poet
minded: (prep) inclined; (adj, prep)
disposed; (adj) willing, apt, ready,
prone, orientated, favorable,
oriented, prepared, partial
mingled: (adj) miscellaneous,
complex, indiscriminate,
heterogeneous, medley, confused,
eclectic, motley, different; (v)
blended, blent
minutely: (adv) precisely, in detail,
closely, tinily, smally,
insignificantly, infinitesimally,
diminutively, nicely, exactly,
microscopically
minuteness: (n) diminutiveness,
smallness, attention to detail,
petiteness, tininess, weeness
mirror: (v) imitate, reflect, reproduce,
represent; (n, v) copy, echo; (n)
looking glass, looking-glass; (adj, n)
standard, pattern, model
misapprehension: (n) delusion,
mistake, misunderstanding, fallacy,
misconception, misinterpretation,
fault, misconstruction, misreading,
illusion, false impression.
ANTONYM: (n) fact
mischance: (n) calamity, mishap,
disaster, accident, ill luck, bad luck,
misfortune, adversity, affliction,
luck, chance
mischief: (adj, n) evil, hurt, harm; (n)
damage, ill, detriment,
disadvantage, devilry, caper,
devilment, maleficence.
ANTONYMS: (n) obedience,
beneficence, help
mischievous: (adj) bad, injurious,
detrimental, naughty, deleterious,
impish, harmful, playful, maleficent,
arch; (adj, v) hurtful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) harmless, serious
mischievousness: (n) roguery,
impishness, badness, blaze, deviltry,
rascality, devilry, devilment,
prankishness, balefulness,
Northanger Abbey
wickedness. ANTONYM: (n)
seriousness
misconduct: (n) misdeed, crime,
wrongdoing, wrong, fault,
misdemeanor, malpractice; (adj, v)
mismanage; (v) mishandle,
misbehave; (n, v) sin
miserable: (adj, v) forlorn, wretched,
unhappy; (adj) mean, low, abject,
deplorable, downcast, bad, desolate;
(adj, adv) meager. ANTONYMS:
(adj) happy, generous, cheerful,
cheery, bright, fortunate, hopeful,
jubilant, luxurious, overjoyed,
heavenly
miserably: (adv) pathetically,
patheticly, pitiably, unhappily,
sorrowfully, pessimistically,
tragically; (adj, adv) piteously,
grievously, woefully; (adj)
miserable. ANTONYMS: (adv)
happily, hopefully, brightly,
affluently, enthusiastically,
fortunately, profusely, contentedly
miserly: (adj) mean, close,
parsimonious, closefisted, grasping,
mingy, tight, measly, penurious;
(adj, adv) niggardly; (adv)
ungenerous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
extravagant, graceful
misery: (adj, n) grief; (n, v) distress;
(n) affliction, agony, anguish, woe,
hardship, evil, ill, infelicity,
suffering. ANTONYMS: (n) joy,
ecstasy, cheerfulness, fun,
hopefulness, peace, contentment,
pleasure, wealth, sport, cheer
misfortune: (n) accident, hardship,
misadventure, disaster, calamity,
mischance, catastrophe, mishap, bad
luck, misery, affliction.
ANTONYMS: (n) joy, bonus,
opportunity, privilege, success,
happiness
misgive: (v) dread, anticipate, doubt,
have a foreboding, have a
premonition, have a presentiment,
have a scary feeling, have
misgivings, have a feeling
misinformed: (adj) ignorant
mislaid: (adj) misplaced, absent,
disordered, gone astray, not there,
missing, lost temporarily.
ANTONYM: (adj) found
mislead: (v) betray, deceive, cheat,
beguile, misinform, fool, con, lie,
lead astray, hoodwink, trick
misled: (adj) fooled, undirected, false,
bewildered, confused, erroneous,
mistaken, misleading, misdirected,
led astray, incorrect
misplaced: (v) misjoined,
mismatched; (adj) mislaid, inept,
inappropriate, disordered, gone
astray, lost temporarily, misguided,
missing, not there. ANTONYM:
(adj) found
misrepresentation: (n) deceit, falsity,
falsification, false statement,
misstatement, falsehood, forgery,
lie, exaggeration, fraudulence,
deception. ANTONYM: (n)
correction
missed: (adj) lost, irretrievable,
incomprehensible, bemused,
confounded, befuddled, baffled,
disoriented, helpless, at sea,
bewildered
mistake: (n, v) miss, blunder, err,
slip; (n) failure, error,
misconception, misapprehension,
defect, demerit; (v) misapprehend.
ANTONYMS: (v) appreciate,
distinguish, interpret
mistaken: (adj) wrong, erroneous,
false, misguided, inaccurate,
fallacious, untrue, misleading,
confused, improper, error.
ANTONYMS: (adj) accurate, wise,
right
mistress: (n) dame, concubine,
madame, inamorata, lady, lover,
fancy woman, doxy, girl, kept
woman, missis
misunderstanding: (n)
misapprehension, disagreement,
misconception, misinterpretation,
error, misconstruction, dispute,
quarrel, mistaking; (n, v) dissension,
difference. ANTONYMS: (n)
harmony, fact, agreement,
understanding
misunderstood: (adj) mistreated,
confused
mitchell: (n) Margaret Mitchell, Billy
Mitchell, John Mitchell, Reginald
Joseph Mitchell, Arthur Mitchell,
Margaret Munnerlyn Mitchell,
William Mitchell, Maria Mitchell
mixed: (adj) miscellaneous,
composite, assorted, heterogeneous,
medley, integrated, impure,
amalgamated, motley, diverse; (adj,
v) mingled. ANTONYMS: (adj)
homogeneous, pure, insular,
uniform, limited
mixture: (n) mix, alloy, concoction,
hodgepodge, blend, jumble, medley,
assortment, miscellany,
combination, commixture.
ANTONYMS: (n) agitation,
uniformity, likeness
moans: (adj) moaning
mockery: (n) gibe, jeer, irony, farce,

charade, derision, parody, mock,
scorn, imitation, burlesque.
ANTONYM: (n) approval
mode: (n) means, method, form, way,
style, custom, condition, guise; (n, v)
manner, fashion, wise
moderate: (adj, v) temperate, calm;
(adj) abstemious, mild, middling; (v)
mitigate, lessen, allay, diminish,
curb; (adv, v) check. ANTONYMS:
(v) increase, intensify; (adj)
immoderate, radical, unrestrained,
speculative, strong, unreasonable,
great, intemperate, massive
moderation: (n) abstinence,
abstemiousness, moderateness,
abatement, measure, alleviation,
sobriety, patience, restraint,
soberness, easing. ANTONYMS: (n)
intemperance, overindulgence,
excess, increase, immoderation,
strength, extremism, indulgence,
impatience, harshness, abandon
modest: (adj) humble, lowly,
moderate, gentle, low, meek, chaste,
decent, unassuming; (adj, n) bashful,
diffident. ANTONYMS: (adj)
pretentious, arrogant, spectacular,
conceited, showy, proud, pompous,
elaborate, grand, conspicuous,
ostentatious
modestly: (adv) unassumingly,
demurely, humbly, reservedly,
retiringly, unpretentiously,
diffidently, soberly, timidly, meekly,
moderately. ANTONYMS: (adv)
ostentatiously, arrogantly,
immodestly, elaborately, boldly,
radically, proudly, brashly,
boastfully, brazenly, excessively
modesty: (n) reserve, bashfulness,
humility, diffidence, humbleness,
demureness, coyness, gentleness,
continence; (adj, n) decency,
honesty. ANTONYMS: (n)
arrogance, immodesty, spectacle,
flamboyance, abandon,
bigheadedness, pretension,
decadence, boldness
momentary: (adj) brief, fugitive,
transient, short, instantaneous,
ephemeral, passing, momentaneous,
temporary, impermanent, temporal.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lasting, lengthy,
long
monastic: (adj) monachal, cloistral,
monasterial, monastical, monkish,
cloistered, clerical; (n) monk,
brother, friar, benedict
monk: (n) monastic, hermit, priest,
conventual, Buddhist, brother,
cenobite, monkly, friar, abbot,
Jane Austen
monkey
monstrous: (adj) huge, atrocious,
heinous, monster, immense,
gigantic, grievous, ugly, flagitious,
dreadful; (adj, v) grotesque.
ANTONYMS: (adj) tiny, minute,
beautiful, good, small, lovely,
attractive
monument: (n) headstone, cenotaph,
tombstone, tablet, shrine, slab,
gravestone, landmark, statue; (adj,
n) column; (n, v) record
mood: (adj, n) humor, frame of mind;
(n) atmosphere, climate, disposition,
attitude, air, feeling, mode, temper,
temperament
moon: (adj) lunar; (n) month,
moonshine, satellite, moonlight,
luck, lunar month, GHURRY, epoch,
orb of night; (v) daydream
moonlight: (adj, n) moonshine; (n)
moonbeam, moonglade, occupation,
lunation, lunar month, labor; (n, v)
work; (v) pilfer, do work; (adj)
moonshiny
morrow: (n) morning, future, mean
solar day, day
mortals: (n) people
mortification: (n) chagrin,
embarrassment, shame, gangrene,
disappointment, disgrace,
corruption, necrosis, degradation;
(adj, n) vexation; (adj) grievance
mortified: (adj) humiliated,
embarrassed, abashed, gangrenous,
sheepish, chagrined, feeling shame,
feeling guilty, guilty, hangdog,
humbled. ANTONYM: (adj)
unabashed
mortifying: (adj) embarrassing,
demeaning, humbling, undignified,
off, awkward, unpleasant; (v)
annoying, aggravating, irritating,
stinging. ANTONYM: (adj)
dignified
mostly: (adv) generally, chiefly, for
the most part, ordinarily, in general,
above all, mainly, primarily,
principally, more often than not, by
and large. ANTONYM: (adv)
partially
motionless: (adj) inactive, inert,
immobile, stationary, fixed,
unmoving, quiescent, dead, torpid;
(adj, adv) calm, at rest.
ANTONYMS: (adj) mobile, active,
alive, flowing
motive: (n, v) cause; (n) account,
incentive, impulse, inducement,
motif, motivation, incitement,
reason, subject; (v) aim.
ANTONYM: (n) disincentive
305
moulding: (n, v) molding; (n) mold,
modeling, mould, cast, modelling,
bandelette, clay sculpture,
cheoplasty, beadwork, beading
mount: (n, v) rise, climb, frame; (v)
board, arise, advance, jump,
increase; (n) hill, mountain; (adj, v)
ride. ANTONYMS: (v) drop,
decrease, wane, dismount; (n)
valley, hollow
mountains: (n) plenty, mountain
range, mountain chain
mounted: (adj) equestrian, mounting,
mounts, set, firm, affixed, decorated.
ANTONYM: (adj) unmounted
mournfully: (adv) sadly, sorrowfully,
glumly, woefully, unhappily,
plaintively, grievously, funereally,
dejectedly, dolorously, poignantly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully,
joyfully
muff: (n, v) blunder, mollycoddle,
slip; (v) bungle, botch, miss, flub,
muck up, bobble, fail, spoil
mull: (v) muse, meditate, ponder,
think, ruminate, reflect, cogitate,
speculate; (n) cape, headland,
foreland
multiplicity: (n) diversity,
abundance, plurality, much,
multeity, manifoldness, lot,
profusion, number, multitude,
array. ANTONYMS: (n) uniformity,
likeness
multitude: (n) flock, horde, crowd,
host, throng, concourse, mob,
masses, mass, herd, swarm.
ANTONYM: (n) trickle
murderer: (n) assassin, cutthroat,
killer, manslayer, murderess,
executioner, thug, liquidator; (v)
butcher; (n, v) slayer, terrorist
murmur: (n, v) grumble, mumble,
hum, whisper, mutter, whine,
babble, drone; (v) complain, bubble,
breathe
murray: (n) sir James Murray, sir
James Augustus Murray, sir James
Augustus Henry Murray, Murray
river, James Murray, James
Augustus Murray, James Augustus
Henry Murray, George Gilbert Aime
murphy; (v) Baedeker, Bradshaw
muslin: (v) linen, cloth; (n)
mousseline, organdy, cambric,
crash, fabric, nainsook, organdie
mutton: (n) lamb, em, mouton, mut,
sheep, pork, red meat, white meat,
beef, area unit; (v) pilot bread
mutual: (adj) common, communal,
joint, bilateral, collective, public,
united, concerted, shared, alternate;
 306
(adv) mutually. ANTONYMS: (adj)
individual, unilateral, private,
solitary
mysterious: (adj) inscrutable,
incomprehensible, deep, eerie,
inexplicable, obscure, abstruse, dark,
cryptic, secret, arcane. ANTONYMS:
(adj) known, apparent, normal,
open, explicable, facile, obvious,
simple, legible, familiar, transparent
mysteriously: (adv) enigmatically,
strangely, obscurely, secretly,
uncannily, mystically, darkly,
puzzlingly, weirdly, abstrusely,
occultly. ANTONYM: (adv)
normally
mysteriousness: (n) mystique,
profundity, strangeness, peculiarity,
enigma, obscurity, darkness,
difficulty, inscrutability, complexity.
ANTONYMS: (n) normality,
simplicity
mystery: (n) arcanum, enigma,
mysteriousness, secrecy, puzzle,
craft, perplexity, poser,
inscrutability, whodunit; (adj, n)
secret. ANTONYMS: (n)
explanation, openness
nail: (n, v) arrest, capture; (v) catch,
collar, apprehend, hook, strike, hit,
fasten, nab; (adj, n) pin.
ANTONYMS: (v) unfasten, detach
named: (adj, v) called; (adj)
nominative, nominal, chosen,
appointed, nominated, designated,
titled, specified; (v) benempt,
ycleped
nameless: (adj) unknown, unnamed,
unidentified, unsung,
undistinguished, unspecified,
inexpressible, strange, indescribable,
obscure, unspeakable. ANTONYM:
(adj) famous
naming: (n) appointment,
identification, denomination,
appellation, nomination, indication,
delegacy, assignment, mention; (adj,
n) appellative; (adj) designating
narrowly: (adv) closely, barely,
hardly, strictly, slenderly, tightly,
smally, contractly, slimly, precisely,
nearly. ANTONYMS: (adv) broadly,
inaccurately
narrow-minded: (adj) narrow, petty,
bigoted, provincial, stuffy, fanatical,
dogmatic, selfish, sectarian, rabid,
conventional
nasty: (adj) dirty, foul, filthy,
disgusting, awful, mean, repulsive,
raw, hurtful, coarse; (adj, n)
obnoxious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
agreeable, pleasant, nice, charitable,
Northanger Abbey
lovely, delightful, friendly, tasty,
charming, safe, respectful
native: (adj, n) aboriginal, natural;
(adj) inherent, inborn, innate,
congenital, inbred, indigenous,
domestic; (n) autochthon, aborigine.
ANTONYMS: (n) stranger, migrant,
foreigner; (adj) foreign, learned,
acquired, nonnative, overseas,
adopted; (adj, n) immigrant,
imported
nearer: (adj) adjacent, narre, hither;
(adv) more rapidly, sooner, quicker,
nigher, NER, faster, earlier, Neer
nearest: (adj) proximate, immediate,
close, near, next, adjoining, intimate,
direct, adjacent; (adj, adv) nighest;
(adv) fore. ANTONYM: (adj) distant
neat: (adj) elegant, tidy, clear, natty,
graceful, dainty, pretty, clever, pure,
straight, nifty. ANTONYMS: (adj)
messy, scruffy, unkempt, clumsy,
disordered, disorderly, diluted,
large, lax, impulsive, loose
neatly: (adv) sprucely, tidily, cleanly,
adroitly, precisely, smartly,
tastefully, gracefully, properly,
nattily; (adj, adv) dexterously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) messily,
shabbily, untidily, clumsily, loosely,
inelegantly, awkwardly
neatness: (n) trimness, dexterity,
orderliness, tidiness, spruceness,
cleanliness, precision, compactness,
purity, cleanness, elegance.
ANTONYMS: (n) untidiness,
largeness, clumsiness, disorder,
inelegance, clutter, chaos, messiness
necessaries: (n) necessary,
necessaries of life, necessity, must
necessitous: (adj) indigent, destitute,
necessary, poor, impoverished,
penniless, meagre, indispensable,
poverty-stricken; (adj, n) pinched;
(n) straitened
necessity: (n) demand, need, lack,
exigency, essential, compulsion,
emergency, distress, must,
constraint, necessary. ANTONYMS:
(n) inessential, treat, unimportance,
luxury
necromancer: (n) conjuror, enchanter,
conjurer, magus, wizard, sorcerer,
diviner, exorciser, exorcist, occultist,
witch
needful: (adj) necessary, essential,
indispensable, required, needed,
mandatory, exigent, needy; (adj, v)
requisite; (n) necessity, almighty
dollar
needle: (v) irritate, goad, sting, rile,
gall, aggravate, nag; (n) injection,
pointer, awl, plunger
needless: (adj, v) unnecessary,
superfluous; (adj) futile,
dispensable, bootless, excessive,
preventable, meaningless, pointless,
wanton, unavailing. ANTONYMS:
(adj) essential, worthwhile,
inevitable, justifiable
needlework: (n) stitchery, sewing,
needlecraft, stitching, knitwork,
crochet, crocheting, knit, knitting,
fancywork, creation
neglect: (n, v) disregard, slight,
default; (v) ignore, fail, overlook,
miss, forget, drop; (n) carelessness,
omission. ANTONYMS: (n)
development, surveillance, caution,
affection, cherish; (v) do, protect,
complete, remember, heed; (n, v)
care
neglected: (adj) dilapidated,
disregarded, ignored, deserted,
derelict, forsaken, obsolete,
antiquated, antique, shabby,
unnoticed. ANTONYM: (adj)
salubrious
negligence: (n) carelessness,
disregard, dereliction, inattention,
indifference, delinquency,
heedlessness, neglectfulness, laches,
inattentiveness, laxity.
ANTONYMS: (n) attention,
diligence, vigilance, caution,
carefulness, concern, exactness,
thoughtfulness, regard, decency,
concentration
negligent: (adj) neglectful, heedless,
forgetful, reckless, inattentive,
inadvertent, indifferent, slow, lax,
untidy; (adj, v) remiss.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strict, diligent,
conscientious, careful, dutiful,
prompt, prudent, responsible,
sensible, cautious
neighbour: (adj) neighboring,
neighbouring, neighborly, adjacent,
contiguous; (v) abut, populate,
adjoin, butt on, butt against; (n)
neighbourhood
neighbourhood: (n) neighborhood,
adjacency, locality, near, nearness,
proximity, place, community, street,
vicinity, nearby
neighbouring: (adj) adjoining,
contiguous, vicinal, abutting; (v)
adjoin
neighbours: (n) neighborhood
nerves: (n) nervousness, jitters,
jumpiness, jitteriness, restlessness,
tension, strain, screaming meemies,
apprehension, edginess, extreme
nervousness. ANTONYM: (n) calm

netting: (n) mesh, gauze, network,
web, lattice, cheesecloth, meshwork,
plexus, grid, lace; (v) tissue
never-ceasing: (adj) immortal
newest: (adj) last, up-to-the-minute,
up-to-date, novel, fresh, hot, lowest,
concluding, fashionable, stylish,
final
newly: (adv) freshly, recently, lately,
new, late, novelly, unusedly, anew,
fresh; (adj, adv) afresh; (adj) recent
newspapers: (n) press, papers, the
media, journalists, reporters
nice-looking: (adj) neat, attractive,
handsome
niggardly: (adj) mean, stingy,
closefisted, parsimonious, grudging,
close, near, skimpy, miserable,
penurious; (adj, v) avaricious.
ANTONYM: (adj) graceful
nightly: (adv) every night, by night;
(n) night; (adj) nocturnal.
ANTONYM: (adj) daily
nights: (adj) nightly; (n) night
nimbly: (adv) adroitly, alertly,
lightly, energetically, cleverly,
hastily, deftly, rapidly, readily; (adj)
dexterously; (adj, adv) neatly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) lethargically,
heavily, awkwardly
noble: (adj, n) grand, glorious,
patrician; (adj) imposing,
impressive, elevated, majestic,
generous, high; (adj, v) dignified,
great. ANTONYMS: (adj) shameful,
humble, dishonorable, lowly,
lowborn, disgraceful, unimpressive,
ignoble, modest, petty; (n) lady
nobleness: (n) dignity, generosity,
magnanimity, nobility, greatness,
grandeur, stateliness, civil honors,
goodness, glory, glorify
noisy: (adj) boisterous, loud,
vociferous, clamorous, turbulent,
tumultuous, strident, blatant, shrill,
rowdy, vocal. ANTONYMS: (adj)
silent, peaceful, tranquil, calm,
noiseless, soft, restrained, placid,
orderly, gentle
nominal: (adj) formal, token,
minimal, minimum, nominative,
negligible, imperceptible,
inconsiderable, symbolic; (v)
cognominal, orismological.
ANTONYMS: (adj) significant,
substantial, great, actual
nonsense: (n) bosh, absurdity,
humbug, balderdash, foolishness,
drivel, folderol, baloney, falderal,
jargon, claptrap. ANTONYMS: (n)
sense, wisdom, substance, fact
noon: (n) high noon, noonday,
Jane Austen
noontide, afternoon, hour,
dinnertime, crest, twelve noon; (adj)
meridian, meridional; (adj, n)
culmination
noticing: (n) observation, look; (adj)
conscious
notion: (n) belief, idea, impression,
fancy, image, imagination, opinion,
conception, concept; (adj, n, v)
judgment; (n, v) caprice.
ANTONYMS: (n) trust, certainty,
fact, reality
notions: (n) belief, thinking, thought,
sundries, opinion, concept, ideas,
ribbon, philosophy, odds and ends;
(adj) irrational
nourish: (v) foster, keep, bring up,
nurture, sustain, aliment, cherish,
feed, maintain, cultivate; (n, v)
cradle. ANTONYMS: (v) starve, sap
novel: (adj) fresh, curious, modern,
unprecedented, different, original,
newfangled, recent, strange; (n)
fiction, romance. ANTONYMS: (adj)
traditional, hackneyed, stale,
unoriginal, familiar
novelist: (n) author, Balzac, lewis; (v)
biographer, fabulist; (adj) Balzacian,
Hugoesque, Goethean
novelty: (adj) news; (n) freshness,
mutation, newness, trinket,
curiosity, originality, oddity, bauble;
(n, v) change, difference
nowadays: (adv) currently, presently,
at present, at the moment,
immediately; (adv, n) today; (adj, n)
present; (n) moment, modern times,
these days, nonce. ANTONYMS:
(adv) formerly, then
nowhere: (n) obscurity, limbo; (adv)
not anywhere, nowhither, without,
not anywhither; (adj) tiresome,
vapid, uninteresting, tasteless,
prosaic
numerous: (adj) many, frequent,
abundant, multiple, multitudinous,
copious, plentiful, innumerable,
populous, great, much.
ANTONYMS: (adj) rare, occasional,
scarce
nursing: (n) attention, tending, care,
breast feeding, treatment, nurture,
suckling, nurse, feeding, treat,
rearing
oaks: (n) beech family, Castanopsis,
Nothofagus, Lithocarpus, genus
Quercus, Genera Castanea, family
Fagaceae, Fagus, Fagaceae,
chestnuts
obey: (v) comply, listen, keep, fulfill,
hear, conform, abide by, serve,
comply with; (n, v) mind, heed.
307
ANTONYMS: (v) disobey, defy,
break, transgress, infringe,
challenge, deny
objection: (n) dissent, complaint,
grievance, exception, gripe,
disagreement, outcry, difficulty,
expostulation, disapproval,
criticism. ANTONYMS: (n)
approval, agreement, praise,
acceptance
objectionable: (adj) distasteful,
offensive, nasty, exceptionable,
undesirable, disagreeable,
unwelcome, disgusting,
unacceptable, repugnant, obnoxious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) agreeable,
desirable, acceptable, inoffensive
obligation: (n) debt, bond, duty,
liability, commitment, charge,
burden, responsibility, onus,
necessity, requirement.
ANTONYMS: (n) option, persuasion
oblige: (v) coerce, force, drive,
constrain, make, bind,
accommodate, obligate, necessitate,
enforce, impel. ANTONYMS: (v)
displease, request, hinder
obliged: (adj) grateful, thankful,
appreciative, forced, accountable,
compelled; (adj, v) bound, under
obligation; (adj, prep) indebted; (v)
oblige, binding. ANTONYM: (adj)
ungrateful
obliging: (adj, v) complaisant,
courteous; (adj) amiable, affable,
gentle, kind, good, benign, pleasant,
gracious, compliant. ANTONYMS:
(adj) uncooperative, unkind,
contrary, reticent
observance: (n) ceremony,
commemoration, observation, rite,
fulfillment, obedience, manner,
compliance, discharge, conformity,
custom. ANTONYMS: (n) breaking,
disobedience, disregard,
nonobservance, inattention,
omission
observation: (adj, n) observance; (n)
remark, comment, attention,
contemplation, perception,
conception; (n, v) inspection, notice,
note, consideration. ANTONYMS:
(n) disregard, omission, neglect
observations: (n) commentary,
remarks, explanation, comments
observe: (n, v) comment, notice, note;
(v) commemorate, mind, guard,
mention, mark, see, discover; (int, v)
look. ANTONYMS: (v) feel,
disregard, break, overlook, disobey,
disrespect, Miss, violate
observed: (adj) ascertained,
 308
empirical, discovered, viewed,
experimental, experiential,
determined, visual, disclosed
observer: (n) bystander, spectator,
witness, viewer, watcher,
eyewitness, onlooker, commentator,
student, spotter, finder.
ANTONYM: (n) participant
observing: (adj) observant, mindful,
watchful, commemorative,
conscious, observative, perceptive,
thoughtful; (n) investigation
obsolete: (adj) dead, archaic, ancient,
antique, outdated, extinct, old-
fashioned, disused, outmoded,
dated, old. ANTONYMS: (adj)
current, contemporary, modern,
trendy, new
obstacle: (n, v) hindrance, difficulty,
block, check, interruption, delay; (n)
drawback, barrier, hitch,
obstruction, bar. ANTONYMS: (n)
asset, aid, advantage, boost,
incentive
obstinate: (adj) obdurate, inflexible,
intractable, determined, inveterate,
disobedient, willful, stubborn,
contrary, wayward, dogged.
ANTONYMS: (adj) flexible,
amenable, irresolute, cooperative,
easygoing, docile, biddable,
agreeable, accommodating,
malleable, gentle
occasional: (adj) accidental, irregular,
incidental, infrequent, episodic,
intermittent, fortuitous,
adventitious, contingent, rare, odd.
ANTONYMS: (adj) frequent,
recurrent, addicted, regular,
common, continuous
occasionally: (adv) now and then,
from time to time, accidentally,
every so often, now and again,
sometimes, irregularly,
uncommonly, casually, every now
and then, fortuitously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) regularly,
usually, often, recurrently,
constantly
occupation: (n) occupancy, business,
craft, calling, job, place, vocation,
career, function, line; (n, v) affair.
ANTONYM: (n) surrender
occupied: (adj) busy, engaged,
employed, diligent, active,
absorbed, engrossed, working,
industrious, affianced, betrothed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) empty, vacant,
uninhabited, available, free, idle,
liberated, unoccupied
occupy: (v) have, engross, get,
invade, employ, possess, inhabit,
Northanger Abbey
absorb; (n, v) engage, entertain; (adj,
v) fill. ANTONYMS: (v) abandon,
bore, quit, surrender, vacate, desert,
remove
occurrence: (n) case, event, occasion,
accident, instance, circumstance,
happening, contingency, affair, fact;
(n, v) incident
occurring: (adj) going on
octagon: (n) hexagon, oxygon,
decagon, pentagon, polygon
odds: (n) likelihood, probability,
possibility, chance, advantage,
likeliness, chances, disparity,
prospect; (v) dissension; (adj) odd.
ANTONYM: (n) unlikelihood
odious: (adj, v) hateful, obnoxious;
(adj) detestable, hideous, nasty,
execrable, disgusting, abhorrent,
abominable, heinous, forbidding.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pleasant,
delightful, agreeable, lovable, nice
offence: (n) insult, injury, guilt, error,
delinquency, fault, misdeed,
infraction, infringement, attack,
offense
offend: (v) irritate, affront, insult,
contravene, injure, disgust, infringe,
displease, abuse, wound, anger.
ANTONYMS: (v) please, delight,
praise, attract
offended: (adj) angry, affronted,
aggrieved, pained, wronged,
annoyed, insulted, shocked, vexed,
resentful, injured. ANTONYMS:
(adj) indifferent, proud,
unconcerned
offending: (adj) opprobrious,
criminal, aberrant, guilty,
delinquent, antisocial, scurrilous,
errant
offering: (n, v) gift, grant; (n)
oblation, contribution, donation,
presentation, offer, present,
endowment, gratuity, bestowal
oiled: (adj) intoxicated, oily.
ANTONYM: (adj) unoiled
oldest: (n) elder, doyen; (adj) older
old-fashioned: (adj) obsolete,
antiquated, archaic, outmoded,
outdated, ancient, old, musty, corny,
behind the times, superannuated
omitted: (adj) absent, forgotten,
misplaced, wanting, not there,
away, gone astray, lost, mislaid,
gone
oneself: (n) herself, himself,
themselves, personal, private,
selfness, self, yourself, me, person,
own
openly: (adv) frankly, publicly,
clearly, candidly, directly,
straightforwardly, evidently,
publically, plainly, outspokenly;
(adj, adv) manifestly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) furtively, secretively,
clandestinely, mysteriously,
ambiguously, reticently, covertly,
discreetly, affectedly, craftily,
deceitfully
oppose: (v) contest, contend, resist,
contradict, controvert, contravene,
counteract, fight, counter, disagree,
dissent. ANTONYMS: (v) advocate,
agree, back, advise, promote, accept,
submit, encourage, correspond,
approve, favor
opposing: (adj) conflicting,
antagonistic, opponent, contrary,
adverse, hostile, antithetical, anti,
contradictory, rival; (prep) against.
ANTONYMS: (adj) compatible,
consistent, allied, accepting
oppress: (v) press, harass, afflict,
burden, pinch, depress, encumber,
repress, crush; (adj, v) wrong; (adj)
aggrieve. ANTONYMS: (v) alleviate,
liberate
orchard: (n) park, garden, plantation,
arboretum, avenue, pinetum,
shrubbery, woodlet, parterre,
pinery, copse
orchestra: (n) symphony, minstrelsy,
seats, seating, parquet, pop group,
ensemble, rock band, chamber
orchestra, orchestre, orchester
ordered: (adj) regular, arranged,
methodical, trim, orderly, lawful,
logical, consistent, coherent,
commanded, organized.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disordered,
disarranged, inconsistent
oriel: (n) recess, corner, cove, crypt,
niche, nook, bay, Oriol, pigeonhole,
stall, coign
origin: (n, v) lineage; (n) birth,
beginning, descent, base, source,
well, commencement, extraction,
derivation, foundation.
ANTONYMS: (n) demise,
conclusion, culmination, effect
originality: (n) novelty, imagination,
ingenuity, initiative, freshness,
newness, invention, creativity,
heterodoxy, innovation; (adj, n)
individuality. ANTONYMS: (n)
normality, unoriginality
ornament: (n) decoration, adornment,
embellishment, decor; (v) beautify,
decorate, deck, embellish, adorn; (n,
v) garnish, dress. ANTONYM: (v)
strip
ornamental: (adj) fancy, florid,
cosmetic, extravagant, elaborate,

showy, enhancing, delicate,
beautifying; (n) decoration,
adornment. ANTONYMS: (adj)
plain, unadorned
ornaments: (n) stuff, trim,
ornamentation, equipments, dress,
disposition, custom, curios,
condition, clothing, gaudery
orphan: (n) waif, caterpillar, nymph,
nympha, cocoon, Aurelia, tyke,
staddle, youngster, shaver; (adj)
orphaned
outer: (adj) exterior, outward,
outside, extrinsic, outdoor, outlying,
peripheral, surface, utter,
extraneous, outmost. ANTONYMS:
(adj) internal, inner, interior,
inward, inside
outset: (n) opening, beginning, onset,
commencement, origin, birth,
inception, start, threshold, offset,
first. ANTONYM: (n) middle
overcome: (v) crush, subdue, beat,
vanquish, overpower, master,
defeat, hurdle, get over, overwhelm;
(adj) beaten. ANTONYMS: (v) fail,
lose, comfort, protect, resist,
surrender, capitulate; (adj)
unimpressed
overdrawn: (adj) sweeping
overflowing: (adj) full, copious,
exuberant, flooding, bountiful,
generous, brimming, profuse; (n, v)
flood, inundation, deluge.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sparse, scarce
overhear: (v) catch, eavesdrop, listen,
overheard, understand, fold up,
befool, fascinate, entrance, enchant,
enamour
overlooked: (adj) ignored, neglected,
unobserved, unnoted, unmarked
overpowered: (adj) beaten,
conquered, inundated, engulfed,
flooded, routed, vanquished,
subdued, subjugated, overflowing,
mild
overpowering: (adj) overwhelming,
oppressive, resistless, compelling,
intense, heavy, strong, onerous,
devastating, uncontrollable,
depressing. ANTONYMS: (adj)
light, subtle, imperceptible,
insignificant, shallow, weak, faint,
bland
overset: (v) overturn, reverse, upset,
invert, destroy, tip; (adj, v)
overthrow, overpower; (adj)
overmaster, overcome, overmatch
overtake: (v) catch, attain, catch up
with, exceed, overpower, overcome,
go by, gain, devastate, outstrip, beat
overthrow: (adj, n, v) defeat, rout; (n)
Jane Austen
fall, downfall, destruction; (n, v)
overpower, ruin, overturn; (adj, v)
overcome; (v) bring down,
demolish. ANTONYMS: (v) install,
validate, lose, appoint; (n) victory,
beginning
overtook: (v) overtake
overture: (n, v) offer, advance; (n)
prelude, approach, introduction,
preface, opening, presentation,
feeler, bid, motion. ANTONYMS:
(n) finale, conclusion, postscript
overturn: (n, v) capsize, upset,
overset; (v) knock over, subvert,
destroy, annul, bring down, reverse,
topple, overrule. ANTONYMS: (v)
right, assist, accept, submit
owing: (adj) due, unpaid, unsettled,
outstanding, overdue, owed,
payable, undischarged, indebted,
fulfilling obligation, lawful.
ANTONYM: (adj) settled
owned: (v) owed, ought; (adj) own,
proprietary; (n) aught
owning: (n) admission, avowal,
confession, courteous recognition,
acknowledgment
pace: (n, v) walk, gait, rate, march,
stride, footstep; (n) speed, tempo,
rapidity, tread, celerity
pacing: (n) accelerando, andante,
allegro, allegretto, pace, walk,
tempo, musical time, maneuvering
alongside another vessel, cardiac
pacing
packing: (n) boxing, package, gasket,
bundling, fill, pad, pack,
envelopment, wadding, wrap,
backpacking
padlock: (n) bolt, bar, holdfast, rail,
rivet, wall, security device, deadbolt,
combination lock, closure; (v) secure
pained: (adj) offended, aggrieved,
distressed, displeased, sore, grieved,
miserable, injured, wounded,
worried, upset. ANTONYM: (adj)
unaffected
painful: (adj) hard, difficult, sharp,
harrowing, grievous, afflictive, bad,
irritating; (adj, v) distressing, harsh,
bitter. ANTONYMS: (adj) content,
heartwarming, soothing,
comfortable, bearable, agreeable,
effortless, dull, slight, wonderful,
happy
pains: (n) nisus, labor, trouble, effort,
exertion, labour, pain, care, struggle,
attempt, strain
painted: (adj) colored, dyed,
coloured, motley, stained, tinted,
variegated, particoloured,
delineated, graphic; (v) depaint.
309
ANTONYM: (adj) unpainted
painting: (n) portrait, likeness,
colouring, depiction, icon,
illumination, image, design, coat,
drawing, house painting
palate: (n) gusto, savour, flavour,
gustation, liking, tooth, taste, relish,
roof of the mouth, smack, fancy
pale: (adj) faint, wan, dull, weak,
light, bloodless, pallid; (adj, v) dim;
(n) boundary, confine; (v) blanch.
ANTONYMS: (adj) strong, rosy,
brown, well, glowing, vivid,
healthy, clear, colorful; (v) redden,
darken
paleness: (adj, n) pallor; (n)
pallidness, wanness, whiteness,
achromasia, blondness, lividity,
luridness, lividness, fairness, pale.
ANTONYM: (n) strength
pane: (n) window pane, paneling,
pane of glass, panelling,
windowpane, window-pane, board,
square, sheet of glass, leaf, box
panegyric: (n, v) encomium, praise,
commendation, applause; (adj, n)
encomiastic; (v) laud, laudation;
(adj) panegyrical; (n) kudos, paean,
eloge
pang: (n) pain, torture, ache, agony,
twinge, affliction, sting, stab,
distress, ailment, cramp
pangs: (n) anguish, compunction,
contrition, distress
papa: (n) father, pa, daddy, Dada,
sire, pappa, pop, old man,
paterfamilias, cardinal, high priest
parade: (v) flaunt, exhibit,
demonstrate, strut, swagger; (n, v)
march, show, array; (n) ostentation,
pageant, ceremony
parcels: (n) post, correspondence,
baggage, appurtenances, letters
pardon: (v) excuse, condone, forgive,
acquit, spare; (n) amnesty,
forgiveness, grace; (adj, v) justify,
exonerate, exculpate. ANTONYMS:
(n, v) blame; (v) punish, castigate,
condemn, convict; (n) intolerance
pardonable: (adj, v) defensible; (adj)
forgivable, justifiable, venial,
remissible, allowed, not heinous,
understandable, veniable,
explicable. ANTONYM: (adj)
unpardonable
parent: (n, v) father; (n) mother,
begetter, ancestor, origin, genitor,
source; (v) foster, rear, nurture,
bring up
parental: (adj) paternal, motherly,
parent, enatic, enate, agnatic, agnate.
ANTONYM: (adj) filial
 310
parish: (n) community, congregation,
county, region, province, township,
borough, church, grazing land, area,
arrondissement
parlour: (n) living room, parlor,
sitting room, front room,
livingroom, room to meet guests,
parlours, parlors, salon, reception
room, room
parry: (v) evade, dodge, fend off,
avoid, deflect, duck, hedge, block,
circumvent, elude; (n, v) counter
parsonage: (n) vicarage, rectory,
residence, habitation, glebe house,
glebe, dwelling house, dwelling,
domicile, deanery, church house
parted: (adj) divided, separate,
distributed, separated, divisible,
disunited, compounder, compound,
dividable
partial: (adj) imperfect, fragmentary,
unfair, sectional, inequitable, biased,
part, one-sided, unequal, fractional,
halfway. ANTONYMS: (adj)
complete, impartial, total, absolute,
comprehensive, unbiased, fair,
finished, just, whole, balanced
partiality: (n) favor, fondness,
leaning, fancy, favour, predilection,
liking, prejudice, favoritism, bias,
affection. ANTONYMS: (n)
impartiality, fairness, indifference,
horror, antipathy
particulars: (n) specification, data,
nicety, minutiae, terms,
consideration, workings, fine points,
ins and outs
parting: (n) adieu, division, leave,
departure, disunion, goodbye,
leaving, segregation, dying, rupture;
(adj) valedictory. ANTONYMS: (n)
joining, meeting, connection,
Reunion
partners: (n) associates, team
partnership: (n) company, alliance,
association, copartnership, business,
firm, participation, fellowship,
fraternity, confederation,
companionship
passing: (adj) transient, ephemeral,
momentary, cursory, brief; (n)
overtaking, departure, expiration,
decease, passage, death.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lasting,
thorough, intended, lengthy, long;
(n) birth, failing
passion: (n) affection, fire, fervor,
love, feeling, anger, enthusiasm,
heat, craving, desire; (n, v) ardor.
ANTONYMS: (n) apathy, hate,
serenity, meekness, hatred, doubt,
dislike, calmness, moderation
Northanger Abbey
passport: (n) permit, instrument,
protection, identification, warrant,
safeguard, method, means, license,
device, key
pastry: (n) cookie, dough, cake,
pandowdy, dowdy, pie, pastries,
strudel, confection, confectionery,
tuck
pathos: (v) emotion, inspiration,
impression, affection; (n) poignancy,
pity, ruth, commiseration, grief,
poignance, sympathy
patience: (n) endurance, fortitude,
longanimity, equanimity, tolerance,
resignation, restraint, composure,
sufferance; (n, v) moderation,
calmness. ANTONYMS: (n)
impatience, eagerness, intolerance,
annoyance
patron: (n) backer, advocate, friend,
defender, customer, client, helper,
sponsor, benefactor, frequenter,
supporter. ANTONYM: (n)
detractor
pause: (n, v) halt, interruption,
adjournment, delay, respite, stop;
(adj, n, v) rest; (n) intermission, gap;
(adj, v) discontinue; (v) hesitate.
ANTONYMS: (n) decisiveness,
continuation, start; (v) proceed
paved: (adj) cobbled
pavement: (n) walk, paving, path,
pathway, road surface, pave,
sidewalk, floor, curbside, trottoir,
earth
paying: (adj, v) profitable; (adj) paid,
lucrative, salaried, stipendiary,
good, beneficial; (v) advantageous,
remunerative; (n) payment,
defrayment
peaceably: (adv) quietly, peacefully,
patiently, noiselessly
pearls: (n) beads, jewelry, jewellery
peculiar: (adj) particular, odd,
exceptional, different, extraordinary,
curious, eccentric, characteristic,
anomalous, abnormal, distinctive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) normal, typical,
common, universal, explicable,
conventional
peculiarly: (adj, adv) particularly,
curiously, unusually, uncommonly,
singularly; (adv) especially, oddly,
strangely, specifically, weirdly,
specially. ANTONYMS: (adv)
typically, ordinarily, slightly
pecuniary: (adj) financial, fiscal,
commercial, economic, nummulary,
sumptuary, numismatical, pecunial,
crumenal
peerage: (n) aristocracy, baronage,
nobility, peerdom, gentry, noblesse
pelisse: (n) pall, mantlet Mantua,
mantle, cloak, wrapper, shawl
pencil: (n) beam, Pleiades, gleam,
light, group, cluster; (v) brush,
draw, design, paint, limn draw
penetrate: (v) bore, imbue, fathom,
infiltrate, pierce, permeate, cut,
filter, interpenetrate, get through,
enter
penetrating: (adj) astute, sharp,
cutting, discerning, incisive,
piercing, perceptive, discriminating,
trenchant; (adj, v) biting, acute.
ANTONYMS: (adj) mild, soft,
mellow, low, gentle, dull, dense
penetration: (n, v) intelligence,
discernment, discrimination,
judgment; (adj, n) acumen; (n)
incursion, acuteness, entrance,
interpenetration, invasion,
breakthrough. ANTONYM: (n)
foolishness
penned: (adj) fenced in, confined,
captive, in captivity, jailed,
imprisoned, enclosed
penny: (n) change, coin, centime,
copper, groat, subunit, money, mite,
doit, small change, denomination
pensive: (adj) contemplative,
meditative, musing, wistful,
dreamy, melancholy, abstracted,
broody, reflective, moody; (adj, v)
sad. ANTONYMS: (adj) shallow,
satisfied, carefree
perceivable: (adj) discernible, visible,
appreciable, observable,
comprehensible, apparent,
graspable, intelligible,
apprehensible, cognizable, obvious
perceive: (v) comprehend,
apprehend, discover, see, grasp,
find, know, observe, sense,
appreciate; (adj, v) discern.
ANTONYMS: (v) Miss, observe,
ignore
perceived: (adj) sensed, apparent,
supposed, professed, ostensible
perceiving: (n) feeling, sensing,
hearing, looking at, recognition,
thought, vision, lipreading; (adj)
conscious, percipient, reasonable
perfecting: (n) development,
reiteration
perfection: (n) maturity, ideal,
consummation, paragon,
completeness, finish, completion,
crown, flawlessness, development,
ne plus ultra. ANTONYMS: (n)
imperfection, fault, abandonment,
ugliness, deterioration
perform: (v) execute, fulfill,
accomplish, do, achieve, complete,

carry out, behave, make, play,
appear. ANTONYMS: (v) omit,
rehearse, malfunction, stop
performed: (adj, v) done, finished;
(adj) fulfilled
performing: (n) impersonation,
byplay, enactment, hamming,
business, implementation,
executing, performance, activity; (v)
perform, execute
periods: (n) period
permanently: (adv) lastingly,
continuously, constantly, stably,
steadfastly, everlastingly, for good,
abidingly, enduringly, persistently;
(adj, adv) forever. ANTONYMS:
(adv) briefly, flimsily
permission: (n, v) allowance; (n)
consent, license, permit, authority,
leave, licence, liberty, approval,
sanction, assent. ANTONYMS: (n)
refusal, ban, veto, intolerance,
exclusion
permit: (adj, n, v) give, allow,
consent; (adj, v) grant; (n, v) license,
leave; (v) admit, let, bear; (n) licence,
permission. ANTONYMS: (n, v)
ban; (v) prevent, prohibit, stop,
refuse, veto, outlaw, disagree, debar,
bar; (n) prohibition
permitted: (adj) allowed, permissible,
allowable, admissible, lawful, free,
approved, legitimate, legal,
legalized, venial. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unlawful, constrained
permitting: (adj) lenient, permitted
perpetually: (adv) eternally,
everlastingly, always, incessantly,
continually, endlessly, permanently,
unceasingly, ceaselessly, ever; (adj,
adv) forever. ANTONYMS: (adv)
erratically, sporadically
perplexity: (n) confusion, dilemma,
bewilderment, maze, labyrinth,
embarrassment, quandary,
complication, enigma; (adj, n)
difficulty, distress. ANTONYM: (n)
understanding
persevere: (v) persist, continue,
endure, abide, go on, hang on, hold
on, follow, keep, remain, pursue.
ANTONYMS: (v) surrender, stop,
quit
persons: (n) folk, public, society,
world
persuade: (v) convince, coax, assure,
allure, entice, influence, induce,
cajole, argue, exhort, lure.
ANTONYMS: (v) discourage,
dissuade, deter, restrain, force
persuaded: (adj) sure, satisfied, easily
affected, impressible, positive,
Jane Austen
delicate, sensible, intelligent, certain,
in no doubt, definite. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unsure, uncertain
persuasion: (n) belief, opinion, faith,
inducement, creed, idea,
exhortation, enticement, view,
sentiment; (adj, n) conviction.
ANTONYMS: (n) force, punishment,
dissuasion
perturbation: (n) commotion,
agitation, fuss, emotion, excitement,
confusion, dislocation,
discomposure, interruption; (adj, n,
v) trepidation; (adj, n) flutter
perusal: (n) examination, scrutiny,
study, survey, inspection, poring
over, studying, literary scholarship,
perusing, lection, look
peruse: (v) examine, look through,
inspect, study, leaf, flip, flick, learn,
review, to read, browse.
ANTONYM: (v) skim
perverse: (adj) fractious, obstinate,
obdurate, bad, corrupt, headstrong,
disobedient, intractable, willful,
sinister, wayward. ANTONYMS:
(adj) wholesome, obliging,
agreeable, accommodating,
malleable, good
perverseness: (n) perversity,
cussedness, unruliness, wilfulness,
willfulness, contumacy, obliquity,
degeneracy, depravity, deliberate
unruliness, crotchetiness
petty: (adj) insignificant, trivial, little,
frivolous, paltry, puny, negligible,
light, mean, minute, exiguous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) important,
serious, generous, profound,
significant, expansive, crucial,
considerable, broadminded,
enormous
phaeton: (n) coach, tourer,
automobile, chariot, holidaymaker,
car, machine, auto, touring car,
motorcar
philosophic: (v) platonic, staid,
stayed, stoical; (adj) thoughtful,
rational, patient, learned, ideologic,
ideological. ANTONYM: (adj)
nonphilosophical
philosophy: (n) ethics, logic, theory,
ideology, literalism, monism,
metaphysics, etiology, esthetics,
axiology; (adj, n) stoicism
physician: (n) doctor, medico, doc,
medic, quack, surgeon, leech,
houseman, MD, allergist, intern
pianoforte: (n) grand piano,
pianissimo, percussive instrument,
mechanical piano, percussion
instrument
311
pictured: (adj) envisioned, portrayed,
graphic, delineate, delineated,
impictured, unreal, visualised,
visualized, impressed
picturesque: (adj, v) pictorial; (adj)
beautiful, striking, colorful, idyllic,
scenic, vivid, quaint, lovely,
romantic, colourful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) drab, dull, ugly, unattractive,
modern
pillow: (v) rest, breathe, lie, not
move; (adj) wadding; (n) throw
pillow, Wanger, bed pillow, feather
bed, long pillow, padding
pine: (v) languish, long, ache, droop,
flag, crave, fade; (n) fir; (n, v) yearn,
sink; (adj) peak
pinery: (n) pine-stove, parterre,
arboretum, avenue, pinetum,
orchard, plantation, shrubbery
pinned: (adj) fastened, engaged,
helpless, stapled, intended; (adv)
under
pitch: (n, v) fling, cast, degree, dip,
tilt, lurch, toss, throw, slant; (v)
chuck, hurl
pitiable: (adj) forlorn, abject, pathetic,
miserable, pitiful, wretched,
lamentable, poor, squalid; (adj, v)
deplorable, mournful. ANTONYMS:
(adj) privileged, strong
pitiful: (adj, n) abject; (adj) pathetic,
lamentable, piteous, contemptible,
miserable, distressing, mean,
wretched, poor, sad. ANTONYMS:
(adj) generous, heartwarming,
admirable, cheerful, fine, happy,
impressive
pitiless: (adj) merciless, brutal, harsh,
cruel, ruthless, implacable,
remorseless, inexorable, inhuman,
heartless, hard. ANTONYMS: (adj)
merciful, charitable, soft,
compassionate, warmhearted,
sympathetic, flexible, caring,
tolerant
pity: (n, v) compassion, ruth; (n)
mercy, commiseration, condolence,
sympathy, clemency, remorse; (v)
sympathize, compassionate, feel
sorry for. ANTONYMS: (n) blame,
cruelty, indifference, harshness, joy
placid: (adj) calm, composed,
easygoing, equable, gentle, quiet,
pacific, tranquil, cool, peaceable;
(adj, v) peaceful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
rough, energetic, stormy, frenetic,
excitable, agitated, unstable,
bothered, harsh, boisterous
placidly: (adv) coolly, calmly,
tranquilly, peacefully, stilly, quietly,
composedly, silently, meekly,
 312
impassively, collectedly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) agitatedly,
boisterously
placing: (n) placement, arrangement,
disposition, installation, allocation,
ordering, disposal, borrowing,
composition
plague: (v) molest, harass, afflict,
hassle, annoy, badger, pester,
disturb, beleaguer; (n, v) worry; (adj,
n, v) bother. ANTONYM: (v)
comfort
plagued: (adj) overrun, inundated,
snowed under, beleaguered,
weighed down, obsessed, besieged,
beset, overwhelmed
plain: (adj) ordinary,
comprehensible, intelligible,
apparent, manifest, obvious, clear,
simple; (adj, n) flat, homely, humble.
ANTONYMS: (adj) elaborate,
unclear, multicolored, mottled,
ornate, concealed, attractive,
confused, fussy, obscure, patterned
plainly: (adv) evidently, manifestly,
clearly, distinctly, openly, obviously,
patently, overtly, definitely; (adj,
adv) frankly, honestly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) imperceptibly,
vaguely, obscurely, figuratively,
unclearly, politely, incoherently,
implicitly, finely, ambiguously,
covertly
plausibility: (n) credibility,
possibility, probability,
admissibility, believability,
credibleness, fair appearance,
plausibleness, presumption,
reasonableness; (adj, n)
verisimilitude
playful: (adj) frisky, humorous,
kittenish, mischievous, skittish,
impish, naughty, merry,
lighthearted, frivolous, frolicsome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) serious,
lethargic, solemn, staid, subdued,
heavy
plea: (n) defense, answer, apology,
pretext, appeal, defence, petition,
claim, allegation, adjuration, call.
ANTONYMS: (n) instruction,
accusation, response
pleasant: (adj) jolly, amiable,
agreeable, acceptable, nice,
charming, kindly, facetious, joyful,
pretty; (adj, v) pleasing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) disgusting,
horrible, repugnant, nasty,
gruesome, unwelcome, harsh,
shocking, disagreeable, foul, terrible
pleasantly: (adv) pleasingly, nicely,
cheerily, enjoyably, agreeably,
Northanger Abbey
delightfully, sunnily, genially,
gratifyingly, kindly; (adv, v)
happily. ANTONYMS: (adv)
disagreeably, offensively, awfully,
discordantly, dreadfully,
shockingly, unkindly, irritably,
harshly, curtly, nastily
pleasantry: (n) joke, wit, jocularity,
jest, fancy, waggery, drollery, esprit,
banter, sport, jocosity
pleased: (adj) contented, glad,
delighted, content, joyful, thankful,
gratified, appreciative, overjoyed,
cheerful; (adj, v) elated.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unhappy,
annoyed, angry, worried, ashamed,
disappointed, frustrated, sad,
unsatisfied, ungrateful,
uncomplimentary
pleasing: (adj, n) acceptable; (adj)
amiable, lovable, amusing,
attractive, gratifying, lovely,
pleasant, charming, delightful,
inviting. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unpleasant, unwelcome, infuriating,
disappointing, straight, hurtful,
maddening, displeasing, discordant,
harsh, frustrating
pleasures: (n) pleasure
pledged: (adj, v) affianced; (adj)
betrothed, busy, bound, occupied,
bespoken, promised, sworn,
responsible, intermeshed,
guaranteed
plumpness: (n) embonpoint, obesity,
roundness, fatness, fleshiness,
chubbiness, portliness, fullness,
rotundity, stoutness, globularness.
ANTONYM: (n) thinness
plunge: (n, v) drop, dive, fall, jump;
(v) douse, duck, submerge, crash,
dunk, plummet; (adj, v) immerse.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) rise; (v) hesitate;
(n) improvement
pocket: (v) take, appropriate, steal,
lift, catch; (n, v) sack, pouch; (n)
cavity, hole, hollow; (adj) digest.
ANTONYM: (v) return
pocketbook: (n) bag, handbag,
notebook, wallet, notecase, reticule,
billfold, jotter, finances, pocket
book, paperback
poetry: (n) verse, poesy, song, rhyme,
style, poetics, epos, poems, stanza,
doggerel, tuneful Nine
pointedly: (adv) penetratingly,
poignantly, piquantly, markedly;
(adj) particularly, by design,
peculiarly, on purpose, notably,
knowingly, designedly
pointing: (n) punctuation, indication,
scoring
poison: (adj, v) contaminate, taint; (n,
v) envenom, drug, empoison; (adj)
toxic, poisonous; (v) defile,
intoxicate; (n) bane, venom.
ANTONYMS: (n) cure; (v) clean
polite: (adj) cultured, gentle, courtly,
civil, refined, proper, genteel, kind,
attentive, friendly, complaisant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) rude,
discourteous, boorish, improper,
abusive, common, authoritative,
disobedient, uncivilized, uncivil,
curt
politely: (adv) kindly, civilly,
respectfully, properly, graciously,
urbanely, elegantly, gallantly,
genteelly, refinedly, considerately.
ANTONYMS: (adv) rudely,
brusquely, discourteously,
disrespectfully, uncooperatively,
disagreeably
politeness: (n) civility, courteousness,
courtliness, manners, decorum,
gentility, good manners, niceness,
refinement, gallantry, decency.
ANTONYMS: (n) vulgarity,
rudeness, incivility, neglect
pondering: (adj) pensive, musing,
meditative, contemplative,
thoughtful, reflective; (n)
consideration, deliberation,
cogitation, reflection, lucubration
ponderous: (adj) heavy, grave,
onerous, burdensome, massive,
unwieldy, bulky, stodgy, hard,
tedious, dull. ANTONYMS: (adj)
elegant, graceful, lively, brisk,
manageable
pope: (n) Holy Father, priest, Vicar of
Christ, cardinal, high priest, ruffe,
papa, Gregory; (adj) church, gospel,
Gregorian
populous: (adj) multitudinous,
crowded, densely populated,
multiple, thick, inhabited,
numerous, manifold, multiplied;
(adj, v) teeming; (v) closely packed.
ANTONYM: (adj) uninhabited
porch: (n) lobby, hall, vestibule,
veranda, door, entrance, deck,
gallery, portico, balcony, inlet
portion: (n, v) division, lot, allot,
dividend, divide; (n) piece, parcel,
fragment, component, section; (adj,
n) constituent. ANTONYM: (n)
whole
portrait: (n) effigy, image, likeness,
icon, delineation, depiction, figure,
portraiture, picture, photograph,
painting
portray: (v) picture, depict, describe,
delineate, draw, illustrate,

impersonate, characterize, interpret,
play, limn
portrayed: (adj) pictured, delineated,
delineate, envisioned, graphic; (adv)
deceitful, counterfeit coin,
hypocritical, false, counterfeit
positively: (adv) absolutely,
definitely, decidedly, unequivocally,
expressly, emphatically,
categorically, clearly, confidently;
(adv, int) surely; (adj, adv) really.
ANTONYMS: (adv) disapprovingly,
pessimistically, uncertainly,
doubtfully, inauspiciously, ill
possess: (adj, v) own; (v) hold, wield,
occupy, bear, keep, enjoy, contain,
retain, to have, maintain.
ANTONYMS: (v) lack, remove
possessed: (adj) mad, obsessed,
frantic, hysterical, furious, fanatical,
infatuated, insane; (v) ought, owed,
behoove. ANTONYM: (adj)
uninterested
possession: (n) occupation,
ownership, keeping, goods,
substance, tenure, property, grasp,
estate, domain; (n, v) acquisition.
ANTONYMS: (n) vacancy, sale
possessions: (n) means, belongings,
assets, goods, property, effects,
wealth, gear, things, possession,
riches
postpone: (v) defer, delay, adjourn,
procrastinate, put off, suspend, hold
over, remit, shelve; (adj, v) retard,
waive. ANTONYMS: (v) advance,
continue
poultice: (n, v) plaster; (v) foment,
stupe; (adj) pap, jam, curd, dough;
(n) epithem, liniment, pepastic,
sinapism
poured: (adj) concrete
poverty: (n, v) lack, destitution,
penury, need, indigence, want; (adj,
n) distress; (n) pauperism,
impoverishment, squalor,
deprivation. ANTONYMS: (n)
wealth, riches, affluence, smartness,
luxury, prosperity, fertility, surplus
praise: (v) approve, extol, flatter,
celebrate, glorify; (n, v) commend,
compliment, honor, glory, acclaim;
(n) applause. ANTONYMS: (n)
criticism, disparagement; (v)
reprimand, disparage, reproach,
scold, belittle, rebuke, chastise,
denigrate, sully
pray: (v) beg, implore, entreat, crave,
invite, plead, beseech, appeal,
importune, adjure, invoke.
ANTONYM: (v) reject
precincts: (n) entourage, arena,
Jane Austen
outskirts, neighbourhood, walk,
neighborhood, proximity,
surroundings, vicinity, limitations,
suburbs
precious: (adj, n) beloved; (adj)
valuable, costly, cherished,
invaluable, expensive, golden,
choice, inestimable, exquisite; (n)
darling. ANTONYMS: (adj) cheap,
hated, shabby
precision: (n) accuracy, correctness,
exactness, accurateness, preciseness,
fidelity, nicety, delicacy, truth,
exactitude; (adj) precise.
ANTONYMS: (n) vagueness,
inaccuracy, ambiguity, imprecision,
clumsiness, impreciseness, neglect,
messiness, incorrectness, faintness,
carelessness
prediction: (n) foresight, forecasting,
forecast, prophecy, vaticination,
augury, anticipation,
announcement, oracle,
prognostication, foretelling
preface: (n, v) prelude, preamble,
proem; (n) beginning, introduction,
preliminary, exordium, overture; (v)
introduce, precede, premise.
ANTONYMS: (n) addendum,
conclusion, postscript
prefer: (v) pick, elevate, like, elect,
opt, advance, favor, want, select,
promote, favour. ANTONYMS: (v)
reject, refuse
preferences: (n) preferred shares,
preference shares
preferment: (n) advancement,
elevation, priority, preference,
consecration, induction, institution,
ordination, holy orders, translation;
(n, v) promotion. ANTONYM: (n)
demotion
preferred: (adj) favorite, chosen, pet,
select, favourite, selected, choice,
preferable, singled out, favoured,
golden
prelude: (n) preliminary, preface,
introduction, beginning, overture,
preamble, foreword, inception,
opening, proem, prolusion.
ANTONYMS: (n) postscript,
conclusion, ending
prematurely: (adv) early,
inopportunely, hastily, precipitately,
unripely, previously, rashly,
immaturely, precociously,
forwardly, beforehand
premises: (n) precinct, terms, lemma,
facts, station, starting point,
principle, building, residence,
house, postulate
preparation: (n) concoction,
313
provision, training, readiness,
practice, homework, formulation,
planning, prep, instruction, drill
prepare: (n, v) arrange, form, plan,
make; (v) dress, set, lay, devise,
groom, equip; (adj, v) coach.
ANTONYM: (v) perform
preparing: (n) preparation,
manufacturing; (v) brewing,
prepare; (adj) preliminary,
forthcoming, coming
prepossessing: (adj) engaging,
winning, handsome, appealing,
lovely, captivating, charming, nice,
graceful, winsome; (v) inviting
presentiment: (n) premonition,
hunch, apprehension, feeling,
foreboding, anticipation, intuition,
boding, suspicion; (v) augury; (n, v)
omen
presenting: (adj) featuring
presently: (adv) instantly, directly,
currently, before long, shortly, soon,
now, at present, readily, just,
actually. ANTONYMS: (adv) later,
now, formerly
preserve: (v) maintain, keep, save,
guard, hold, defend, uphold, keep
up; (n) jam, jelly, conserves.
ANTONYMS: (v) neglect,
discontinue, damage, lose, attack,
endanger, use, end
preserved: (adj) kept, conserved,
whole, pickled, condite, safe.
ANTONYM: (adj) fresh
preserving: (n) conservation,
preservation, protection,
conservancy, embalmment, fixation;
(adj) saving, frugal, economical,
protective, thrifty
pressed: (adj) compact, urgent,
printed, pressing, press, stamped,
pushed, impelled, incited, bound,
driven
pressing: (adj, v) exigent,
importunate, important; (adj)
imperative, immediate, imperious,
instant, critical, insistent; (n)
dishing, press. ANTONYM: (adj)
mild
presumed: (adj) supposed, reputed,
putative, understood, alleged,
probable, theoretical
presumption: (n) effrontery,
confidence, assurance, premise,
arrogance, guess, conjecture,
surmise, insolence, impertinence,
belief. ANTONYM: (n) respect
pretence: (n) deceit, pretext,
dissimulation, pretense, affectation,
falsehood, deception, hypocrisy,
bluff, appearance, pretension
 314
pretend: (adv, v) assume; (adj, v)
sham, counterfeit, fake, play; (v)
dissimulate, dissemble, make
believe, imagine, affect, act.
ANTONYMS: (adj, v) real; (adj)
genuine, natural, sincere
pretended: (adj, v) sham, mock,
counterfeit, pseudo, spurious; (adj)
assumed, fake, feigned, fictitious,
bogus, affected
pretending: (n, v) pretense; (n)
affectation, appearance, acting,
pretence, mannerism, dissembling,
pretension, deception, deceit; (adv)
pretendingly
pretension: (n) ostentation, pretence,
affectation, pretense, claim,
assertion, title, pretentiousness,
feint, pride, requirement.
ANTONYMS: (n) modesty,
humility, honesty
pretensions: (n) airs, affected
manner, mannerism
prettily: (adv) beautifully,
charmingly, pleasantly,
handsomely, finely, neatly,
gracefully, picturesquely, elegantly,
delightfully, pleasingly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) unattractively,
unpleasantly
prevail: (n, v) triumph, control,
govern; (v) dominate, overcome,
outweigh, obtain, persist, carry,
vanquish; (adj) preponderate.
ANTONYM: (v) lose
prevailing: (adj) prevalent, rife,
dominant, common, current,
overriding, popular, general,
influential, epidemic, powerful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) insignificant,
rare, unusual
prevented: (adj) disallowed, barred,
banned. ANTONYM: (adj)
legitimate
prevention: (n) avoidance, bar,
preclusion, impediment, protection,
deterrence, exclusion, debarment,
obstacle, interference, prohibition.
ANTONYMS: (n) incitement,
permission, help
pride: (n) arrogance, conceit, egotism,
vanity, lordliness, assumption,
insolence, disdain, hauteur; (n, v)
boast; (v) plume. ANTONYMS: (n)
modesty, sorrow, dregs, disgrace,
shame, baseness
principal: (adj, n) chief, master,
cardinal, primary, leading, capital,
prime, main; (adj) grand; (n)
manager, leader. ANTONYMS: (adj)
secondary, subordinate, peripheral,
trivial, marginal, side
Northanger Abbey
prior: (adj) preceding, former,
foregoing, previous, earlier, anterior,
past, preliminary, antecedent,
advance; (n) abbot. ANTONYMS:
(adj) later, following
privacy: (n) secrecy, confidentiality,
darkness, retreat, privateness,
concealment, loneliness, shelter,
solitude, retirement, isolation.
ANTONYM: (n) company
privileged: (adj) exclusive,
confidential, inside, free, favored,
inner, vested, advantaged; (adj, v)
sanctioned; (n) prerogative; (v)
warranted. ANTONYMS: (adj)
underprivileged, poor, deprived,
public, harsh, Standard
privy: (adj) confidential, covert,
personal, clandestine, ulterior,
occult, latent, secret; (n) outhouse,
lavatory, loo
prized: (adj) beloved, precious, dear,
cherished, appreciated, treasured,
esteemed, valuable, highly
regarded, favorite, priceless.
ANTONYM: (adj) hated
probability: (n) likelihood, chance,
possibility, likeliness, opportunity,
expectation, eventuality, prospect,
expectancy, contingency; (adj, n)
odds. ANTONYM: (n) improbability
probable: (adj) likely, plausible,
possible, potential, presumable,
feasible, hopeful, convincing,
believable, to be expected, specious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) improbable,
implausible, unbelievable
proceed: (v) move, advance,
originate, ensue, flow, issue, arise,
emanate; (adj, v) pass, run, extend.
ANTONYMS: (v) discontinue,
recede, regress, return, retreat
proceeded: (v) proceed, yode
proceeding: (n) matter, transaction,
affair, procedure, lawsuit,
proceedings; (v) deed, act; (n, v)
measure; (adv, n) happening; (adj,
adv, v) going on
proclaimed: (adj) announced,
indictive, declared publicly
procure: (v) get, obtain, buy, earn,
win, gain, have, purchase, induce,
derive, find. ANTONYM: (v) give
prodigious: (adj) gigantic, enormous,
huge, phenomenal, portentous,
stupendous, exceptional, colossal,
immense, gargantuan; (adj, v)
monstrous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unexceptional, normal, average,
tiny, weak
productive: (adj, v) fruitful; (adj)
fertile, plentiful, generative, helpful,
fat, copious, lucrative, inventive,
constructive, original. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unproductive, barren,
unprofitable, consumptive,
destructive, fruitless, idle, infertile,
unimaginative, indolent, negative
professing: (n) avowal, profession,
community
profession: (n) employment,
declaration, occupation, affirmation,
calling, career, vocation, job,
position, assertion, assurance.
ANTONYM: (n) denial
proficiency: (n) ability, expertise,
capability, dexterity, competence,
efficiency, knowledge, expertness,
skill, facility, craft. ANTONYMS: (n)
inability, inexperience
profile: (n) contour, outline, form,
shape, silhouette, figure, soil profile,
line, section, cast of countenance,
ambit
profligacy: (n) debauchery,
dissipation, licentiousness,
prodigality, dissolution, depravity,
debauch, corruption, improvidence,
dissoluteness, vice. ANTONYMS:
(n) economy, decency, parsimony
profusion: (n) opulence, abundance,
prodigality, plenty, excess,
cornucopia, plenitude, profuseness,
copiousness, exuberance; (adj)
amplitude. ANTONYMS: (n)
insufficiency, scarcity
projected: (adj) proposed, jutting,
planned, deliberate, protruding,
protrusive, sticking, sticking out,
likely, anticipated, expected
promise: (n, v) covenant, guarantee,
contract, vow, bargain; (v) augur,
assure; (n) engagement, assurance,
plight, word
promised: (adj) pledged, affianced,
betrothed, busy, devoted, employed,
greatly interested, intended,
involved; (v) benempt, named
promising: (adj) auspicious, bright,
favorable, propitious, encouraging,
favourable, hopeful, promise,
budding, optimistic, probable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) hopeless,
inauspicious, threatening,
unfavorable, unlikely, depressing
promote: (adv, v) further, forward;
(v) help, encourage, aid, push,
prefer, develop, foster, advertise,
assist. ANTONYMS: (v) demote,
prevent, downgrade, impede,
obstruct, oppose, restrain, thwart,
buy, hinder, neglect
promoting: (n) promotion,
advertising; (adj) cultural, featuring

promotion: (n) advancement,
advance, advertising, boost, hype,
encouragement, preferment,
progress, cultivation, advertisement,
exaltation. ANTONYMS: (n) neglect,
downgrade, relegation, hindrance
prompt: (adj) agile, quick, nimble,
punctual, expeditious; (v) actuate,
incite, inspire, move, instigate; (adj,
v) fleet. ANTONYMS: (adj) late,
uncertain; (v) discourage, hinder,
halt
prompted: (adj) impelled, driven,
encouraged, provoked, pressed; (n)
contumely, abuse, discussions,
dictated, insult, invective
pronounce: (v) articulate, declare,
affirm, say, assert, express, vocalize,
proclaim; (n, v) allege; (adj, v)
deliver, utter. ANTONYM: (v)
mumble
pronounced: (adj) clear, emphatic,
distinct, prominent, notable,
obvious, salient, evident, definite,
bold, palpable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
faint, inconspicuous, indefinite,
loose, slight, small
proof: (n) confirmation, probation,
authentication, sign, substantiation,
evidence, verification, validation,
argument, experiment, indication.
ANTONYM: (n) contradiction
propensity: (n) proclivity, leaning,
disposition, bias, bent, aptitude,
aptness, proneness, predisposition,
predilection, penchant. ANTONYM:
(n) inability
propose: (v) bid, nominate, design,
plan, proffer, move, intend, mean,
aim, suggest; (n, v) advance.
ANTONYMS: (v) reject, improvise,
oppose
proprietor: (n) possessor, manager,
landlord, holder, host, keeper,
master, employer, patron,
proprietress, proprietary
propriety: (adj, n) decency, modesty,
correctness, aptitude; (n) decorum,
fitness, etiquette, civility, grace,
politeness, manners. ANTONYMS:
(n) impropriety, rudeness,
unsuitableness, indecorum,
decadence, tactlessness, corruption,
vulgarity, indecency
prospect: (n) outlook, expectancy,
lookout, aspect, anticipation, hope,
possibility, perspective, probability,
panorama, picture
protest: (n) demonstration, objection,
complaint, challenge, question; (v)
assert, object, complain,
remonstrate, demur; (n, v) moan.
Jane Austen
ANTONYMS: (n, v) support, praise;
(n) approval, acceptance; (v)
approve, agree
protesting: (adj) disinclined,
opposed; (n) clamor
proud: (adj) lofty, disdainful,
haughty, exalted, egotistical, gallant,
pompous, lordly, majestic,
overbearing; (adj, v) dignified.
ANTONYMS: (adj) humble, modest,
ashamed, embarrassed, sorrowful,
disappointed, miserable
proudly: (adv) haughtily, arrogantly,
superciliously, boastfully, vainly,
splendidly, stately, loftily, snootily,
disdainfully, conceitedly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) humbly,
modestly
proverb: (n) adage, byword,
aphorism, dictum, saying, axiom,
parable, motto, expression; (n, v)
maxim, saw
proviso: (n) provision, reservation,
clause, requirement, limitation,
rider, restriction, stipulation, terms,
preparation, exception
provoke: (n, v) excite; (v) defy,
offend, enrage, anger, irritate,
arouse, kindle, inflame, invite, get.
ANTONYMS: (v) please, soothe,
mollify, deter, inhibit, dampen,
arbitrate, allay, defuse, discourage,
douse
provoked: (adj, prep) exasperated,
inflamed; (adj) irritated, aggravated,
infuriated, indignant, irate, huffy,
hot, excited; (adv) up in arms.
ANTONYMS: (adj) calm, gratuitous,
pleased
provoking: (adj) provocative,
annoying, aggravating, galling,
maddening, vexatious, agitative,
tempting, agitating; (adj, v)
irritating, insulting. ANTONYMS:
(adj) conciliatory, courteous,
satisfying
prudence: (n) foresight, economy,
frugality, caution, care, forethought,
providence, circumspection,
judgment, deliberation; (adj, n)
wisdom. ANTONYMS: (n)
imprudence, profligacy, generosity,
hindsight, recklessness,
extravagance
publication: (n) issue, book,
proclamation, newspaper,
periodical, journal, promulgation,
volume, disclosure, declaration,
magazine
publish: (adj, v) disclose, announce,
communicate; (v) proclaim, divulge,
issue, circulate, notify, broadcast,
315
print, advertise
publisher: (n) newspaper, paper,
bookseller, newspaper publisher,
magazine, press, editor, papers,
press Lord, professional, firm
pulling: (n) pull, drawing, traction,
haulage, actuation, clout,
deracination, draughts, extirpation;
(adj) attracting, tractive
punctual: (adj) accurate, exact,
punctilious, prompt, timely,
definite, rigorous, precise, nice,
mathematical; (adj, v) regular.
ANTONYMS: (adj) early,
unpunctual, slow
punctuality: (n) accuracy, precision,
nicety, exactitude, truth, fidelity,
exactness, promptitude, steadiness;
(adj) rigor, mathematical precision.
ANTONYM: (n) tardiness
punctuation: (n) comma, praxis,
hyphen, apostrophe, parenthesis,
ampersand, colon, grammar,
accidence, diagonal, stop
puppy: (n) pup, cub, youth, doggy,
whelp, younker, dog, brat, child,
youngster, frankfurter
purchase: (v) obtain, get, procure,
bribe; (n) acquisition, leverage,
bargain, acquirement, grip, buying;
(n, v) contract. ANTONYMS: (v)
sell, lose; (n) loss, sale
purchased: (adj) boughten, not
homemade; (prep) bribed
pure: (adj) absolute, natural, faultless,
innocent, immaculate, perfect, good,
clean; (adj, n) chaste, genuine; (adj,
v) mere. ANTONYMS: (adj)
contaminated, dishonored, diluted,
tainted, wicked, practical, polluted,
flawed, marred, unsaturated,
unchaste
purity: (n) holiness, cleanness,
cleanliness, virtue, honor,
perfection, pureness, sanctity,
chastity, elegance; (adj, n) clearness.
ANTONYMS: (n) coarseness,
impurity, contamination, clutter,
dirtiness, corruption, mustiness
purple: (adj) violet, lilac, imperial,
regal, royal; (adj, n) empurpled; (v)
empurple; (n) magenta, purpleness,
ermine, pall
purse: (n) bag, pouch, money,
handbag, sac, currency, pocketbook,
pelf; (v) wrinkle, pucker, crease
pursued: (n) hunted person
pursuit: (n) quest, hunt, search,
persecution, chase, career, interest,
job, business, performance,
employment
purvey: (v) cater, furnish, provide,
 316
victual, supply, find, store, render,
accommodate, deliver, get
push: (n, v) press, thrust, impel, jolt,
force, jab, nudge, crowd, prod, poke;
(v) jostle. ANTONYMS: (v) drag,
haul, unpack, inhibit, leave, oppose,
prevent, restrain, understate, calm;
(n) apathy
puts: (n) stocks, securities, preferred
stock, common stock, bonds
puzzle: (adj, v) perplex, confuse,
embarrass; (n) enigma, riddle,
mystery, maze; (n, v) nonplus; (v)
confound, mystify, baffle.
ANTONYMS: (v) clarify, placate,
explain; (n) explanation
puzzled: (adj) bewildered, confused,
baffled, nonplussed, doubtful,
bemused, at a loss, curious,
mystified, nonplused, dazed.
ANTONYM: (adj) clear
quadrangle: (n) courtyard, court,
tetragon, quadrilateral, square,
parallelogram, quadruplet, inner
court, rectangle, patio, yard
qualified: (adj) competent, capable,
eligible, efficient, proficient, fit,
conditional, able, clever, expert,
certified. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unofficial, total, definite,
unreserved, immature, amateur,
inept, inexperienced, unrestricted,
absolute, ineligible
quarrel: (adj, n, v) dispute; (n, v)
fight, feud, brawl, row, altercation,
argue, conflict, squabble; (n)
dissension, difference.
ANTONYMS: (n) agreement,
reconciliation, acceptance, concord,
consensus; (v) agree
quarrelsome: (adj) argumentative,
belligerent, combative,
cantankerous, aggressive,
disputatious, ugly, currish,
termagant; (adj, n) contentious; (adj,
v) fretful. ANTONYMS: (adj)
agreeable, peaceful, amiable
quarters: (n) abode, domicile,
lodging, residence, quarter,
diggings, pad, digs, lodgings,
accommodation, barracks
queer: (adj) fantastic, odd, eccentric,
funny, curious, gay, peculiar,
strange, quaint, fishy, outlandish.
ANTONYMS: (adj) conventional,
normal, well
quell: (adj, v) appease, pacify, calm;
(v) overpower, crush, allay, put
down, suppress, conquer, defeat,
quash. ANTONYMS: (v) prompt,
submit, resist, aggravate, incite
quest: (n) pursuit, investigation,
Northanger Abbey
exploration, chase, research, inquest;
(n, v) probe, hunt, inquiry,
examination; (v) call for
questioner: (n) inquirer, interrogator,
enquirer, interviewer, querist,
investigator, examiner, asker,
doubter, talker, speaker
quickening: (n) hurrying, hastening,
speedup; (v) hasten, lively, flowing,
having life, ignited, laving; (adj)
bracing, moving
quickness: (n) celerity, expedition,
promptness, alacrity, agility, speed,
dispatch, dexterity, fleetness, hurry,
readiness. ANTONYMS: (n)
awkwardness, delay, ineptness
quietness: (n) quiet, serenity, calm,
calmness, peacefulness, repose,
hush, composure, quietude, silence,
stillness. ANTONYMS: (n) volume,
disturbance, loudness, bustle,
wildness, turbulence, noise, turmoil,
brashness, boldness, movement
quit: (adj, n, v) leave; (v) go, drop,
break, cease, give up, depart, end,
discontinue; (adj, v) discharge; (n, v)
part. ANTONYMS: (v) stay, occupy,
enter, maintain, start, come, arrive
quitting: (n) departure, resignation
quivering: (adj, n) trembling, tremor,
quaking, trepidation; (n) palpitation,
quiver, vibration; (adj) flutter,
quavering, shivering, tremulous.
ANTONYM: (adj) steady
quiz: (v) interrogate, examine,
question, chaff, inquire, joke,
enquire, grill; (n, v) test; (n)
examination, exam. ANTONYM: (v)
answer
quota: (n, v) share, ration; (n)
proportion, contingent, allowance,
measure, quantity, ratio, slice, norm,
allotment
racing: (n) overspeed, horse racing,
boat racing, athletics, camel racing,
greyhound racing; (v) contend; (adj)
fast
rage: (adj, n, v) fume, bluster; (adj, n)
wrath, indignation, frenzy, mania;
(n) passion, anger, craze,
exasperation; (n, v) storm.
ANTONYMS: (n) gentleness,
composure, calm, equanimity,
pleasure, serenity
raillery: (n) mockery, joke, irony,
quiz, persiflage, derision, ridicule,
pleasantry, tease, jest, badinage
raining: (adj) rainy, showery, drizzly;
(n) woe. ANTONYM: (adj) dry
rains: (n) wet
rainy: (adj) moist, pluvial, damp,
pluvious, stormy, juicy, dirty,
soppy, raining, drizzly; (adj, v)
showery. ANTONYM: (adj) pleasant
raising: (n) bringing up, nurture,
elevation, lift, raise, culture, heave,
ascent, ascension, upbringing,
rearing
rambling: (adj) disjointed,
incoherent, desultory, discursive,
erratic, excursive, meandering,
diffuse, loose, errant; (adj, n)
wandering. ANTONYMS: (adj)
coherent, abrupt, conclusive, pithy,
taciturn, compact
ramparts: (n) rampart, fortification
random: (adj) accidental, aimless,
patchy, irregular, fortuitous,
arbitrary, casual, indiscriminate,
incidental; (n) chance, accident.
ANTONYMS: (adj) systematic,
nonrandom, regular, predictable,
ordered, logical, exact, discerning,
methodical, organized, deliberate
rang: (n) rung
rank: (n, v) range, order, place,
position, grade, class, line, file; (v)
arrange, classify; (n) gradation.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sparse, pleasant,
clean
ranked: (adj) stratified, hierarchal,
graveled, hierarchical, bedded,
hierarchic
rapid: (adj, v) fast, swift, prompt,
fleet; (adj) speedy, agile, hasty,
cursory, expeditious, sudden; (adv)
quickly. ANTONYMS: (adj) slow,
gradual, considered, leisurely,
thorough, lengthy, protracted,
sluggish
rapidity: (n) expedition, quickness,
promptness, dispatch, celerity,
haste, velocity, pace, fleetness,
promptitude, speed. ANTONYM:
(n) tardiness
rapt: (adj) engrossed, intent, ecstatic,
preoccupied, spellbound, captive,
enthralled, attentive, fixed,
enwrapped; (v) engrossed in.
ANTONYMS: (adj) detached,
inattentive, uninterested, bored
rapture: (n) joy, bliss, delight,
happiness, exaltation, elation,
exultation, enchantment; (adj, n)
enthusiasm; (n, v) transport; (adj, n,
v) passion. ANTONYMS: (n)
indifference, boredom, misery,
gloom, agony, hell, despair
rapturous: (adj) overjoyed,
enraptured, rapt, delighted,
rhapsodic, blissful; (adj, v)
ravishing; (v) ardent, passionate,
fond, erotic. ANTONYM: (adj)
down

rational: (adj, n) reasonable, just; (adj)
intelligent, sane, judicious, logical,
mental, sound, sober, wise,
practical. ANTONYMS: (adj)
illogical, anxious, biased, untenable,
unreasonable, unrealistic,
unconvincing, physical, intuitive,
foolish, delirious
rationally: (adv) logically, sanely,
judiciously, wisely, coherently,
sagaciously, lucidly, justly,
reasonably, sensibly, practically.
ANTONYMS: (adv) irrationally,
illogically, emotionally, foolishly,
unconvincingly, unreasonably
rattle: (n, v) jingle, jangle, clatter; (n)
click, clang, clack; (v) bang, confuse,
shake, patter, disconcert
rays: (n) light, sunlight, Selachii,
dogfishes, elasmobranch,
Elasmobranchii, emission, daylight,
sunshine, selachian, subclass
Elasmobranchii
reaching: (n) reach, arrival, coming,
accomplishment, outreach, advent,
achievement, grasp, arriver, getting;
(adj) suspicious
readable: (adj) legible, interesting,
decipherable, easy, graceful, clean,
entertaining, tripping, plain,
flowing, percipient. ANTONYMS:
(adj) illegible, indecipherable,
unreadable
reader: (n) professor, lector,
proofreader, subscriber, reviewer,
bookworm, printer, preacher,
compositor, schoolbook, scholar
readily: (adv) easily, lightly, freely,
quickly, immediately, instantly,
willingly, soon, eagerly; (adj, adv)
handily, smoothly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) grudgingly, eventually,
reluctantly, unenthusiastically
realization: (n) accomplishment,
awareness, fulfillment,
implementation, comprehension,
realisation, fruition, actualization,
completion, grasp, performance.
ANTONYMS: (n) failure,
unconsciousness, abandonment,
ignorance
reappearance: (n) emersion,
recurrence, repetition, resurrection,
homecoming, reanimation,
comeback, egress, restoration,
revival, reproduction
reasonableness: (n) rationality,
reason, equity, justice, fairness,
moderation, sanity, likelihood,
common sense, modestness,
moderateness. ANTONYMS: (n)
unreasonableness, excessiveness
Jane Austen
reasonably: (adv) fairly, rather, quite,
passably, pretty, justly, somewhat,
sensibly, rationally, enough, fair.
ANTONYMS: (adv) extremely,
dangerously, illogically, irrationally,
wrongly, extravagantly, foolishly,
implausibly, intolerably,
unsatisfactorily, unfairly
reasoned: (adj) coherent, rational,
sound, logical, valid, reasonable,
carefully considered, intelligent,
heavy, healthy, good. ANTONYM:
(adj) confused
reasoning: (n) argumentation,
deduction, ratiocination, illation,
logic, argument, abstract thought,
sense, judgment, thought; (adj)
rational
reassure: (n, v) encourage; (v)
guarantee, calm, comfort, console,
hearten, assuage, quieten, soothe,
promise; (n) cheer. ANTONYMS: (v)
worry, unsettle, terrify, alarm,
undermine, upset
recall: (adj, v) reverse; (v) revoke,
rescind, recognize, recollect,
remember, repeal, countermand; (n)
memory, anamnesis; (n, v) return.
ANTONYMS: (v) issue, dissolve
receding: (n) disappearance, fadeout,
recession, niche; (adj) moving back,
low, hairless, balding, going out,
recessive, retiring
receiving: (n) getting, reception,
acceptance, taking, adoption,
recipiency; (v) receive; (adj)
received, accepting, admitting,
recipient. ANTONYM: (n) rejection
recess: (n) niche, pause, intermission,
holiday, nook, vacation, hollow,
alcove, interval, interruption; (n, v)
break. ANTONYM: (n) continuation
recognized: (adj) accepted, noted,
recognised, established, illustrious,
distinguished, standard, known,
notorious; (adj, v) received; (v)
ascertained. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unofficial, concealed, dubious,
informal
recollect: (v) recall, remember,
recognize, call to mind, remind,
mind, think, call up, reminisce,
refresh, retrieve. ANTONYM: (v)
forget
recollecting: (n) recollection
recollection: (n, v) mind; (n)
reminiscence, recall, anamnesis,
remembrance, recognition,
memento, memorial,
commemoration, memoir, retrospect
recommend: (v) advocate, advise,
counsel, commend, offer, suggest,
317
move, praise, urge, endorse,
promote. ANTONYMS: (v) oppose,
reject
recommendation: (n) commendation,
suggestion, advice, counsel,
advocacy, reference, approval,
proposal, admonition, endorsement,
character
recommended: (adj) registered,
advisable, favored, not compulsory,
optional, required
recommending: (adj)
recommendatory, commendatory
reconcile: (adj, v) conciliate, accord,
harmonize; (v) accommodate,
pacify, placate, mediate, adjust,
harmonise, make up, propitiate.
ANTONYMS: (v) alienate, estrange,
provoke, quarrel, segregate, worsen
reconciliation: (n, v) concord, peace,
harmony; (n) adjustment,
agreement, rapprochement,
pacification, reconcilement,
conciliation, appeasement,
mediation. ANTONYMS: (n)
incitement, war
recourse: (n, v) appeal, haunt; (n)
refuge, expedient, resource,
assistance, alternative, dependence,
haven, asylum, request
recover: (v) reclaim, get back,
recuperate, retrieve, regain, pick up,
get well, restore, heal, convalesce,
mend. ANTONYMS: (v) lose, die,
decline, aggravate, abandon,
worsen, scatter
recovered: (adj) cured, retrieved,
well, well again, healthier, aged,
improved, whole, better, corned.
ANTONYM: (adj) worse
recovering: (v) recover, regain,
restore; (adj) better; (n)
rehabilitation, recovery, rescue,
relaxation; (adv) getting better, on
the road to recovery, improving
recovery: (n) resurrection,
convalescence, rescue, reclamation,
retrieval, improvement, cure,
deliverance, recuperation, revival,
healing. ANTONYMS: (n) loss,
return, slump, deterioration,
disappearance, downfall
rectify: (v) amend, improve, better,
adjust, refine, reform, mend, emend,
remedy, redress; (adj, v) straighten
recurrence: (n) return, repetition,
frequency, reversion, comeback,
relapse, reiteration, reappearance,
throwback, recrudescence, atavism
recurring: (adj) frequent, intermittent,
cyclic, periodic, periodical, repeated,
repetitive, customary, accustomed,
 318
memorable, chronic. ANTONYMS:
(adj) irregular, intermittent,
spasmodic, unusual, rare, occasional
refined: (adj) delicate, cultured,
graceful, polite, gentle, urbane,
courteous, courtly, cultivated; (adj,
n) polished, pure. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unrefined, raw, uncouth,
rough, careless, crude, brute,
boorish, plain, lowly, inelegant
refinement: (n) culture, cultivation,
purification, gentility, polish, finish,
civilization, nicety, courtesy, grace;
(adj, n) elegance. ANTONYMS: (n)
vulgarity, adulteration, tackiness,
uncouthness, tastelessness,
inelegance, coarseness, clumsiness,
awkwardness, crudeness
reflect: (v) deliberate, ponder,
cogitate, muse, consider, meditate,
contemplate, think, mull over, mull,
mirror. ANTONYM: (v) ignore
reflected: (adj) reflecting,
reverberant, reflectent
reflecting: (adv) reflectingly; (adj)
reflective, thoughtful, calculating,
reflected, shiny, shimmering,
reflectent; (n) mirroring, reflection,
reflexion
reflection: (n) contemplation,
thought, deliberation, meditation,
musing, cogitation, idea, notion,
introspection; (n, v) observation,
reflexion. ANTONYMS: (n)
impulsiveness, confirmation
reformation: (n) correction,
amendment, improvement, redress,
reclamation, rectification,
conversion, innovation, repair,
renewal, reassembly
refrain: (v) desist, cease, fast, avoid,
leave off, withhold, stop, spare; (adj,
v) forbear; (n) chorus, hold.
ANTONYMS: (v) participate, act,
consume, persist
refreshment: (n) bite, drink,
recreation, collation, repose, relief,
rest, entertainment, treat; (v)
invigoration; (n, v) regalement
refusal: (n) denial, declination,
negative, rebuff, rejection, no,
prohibition, ban, repulse, negation,
exclusion. ANTONYMS: (n)
permission, acceptance, compliance,
approval, disposition, inclination,
affirmative, affirmation
refuse: (v) deny, reject, decline,
disallow, rebuff, turn down; (adj, n)
waste, trash; (n) offal, litter; (n, v)
dross. ANTONYMS: (v) allow,
receive, permit, offer, dedicate,
approve, agree, admit, choose, pass,
Northanger Abbey
affirm
refused: (adj) forbidden, refuse,
prohibited, hence
refusing: (adj) negative, dismissive,
denying, recusative, noncompliant
regain: (v) retrieve, recoup,
recuperate, reclaim, recapture,
redeem, get, discover, feel, recall, get
back
regard: (n, v) respect, esteem,
attention, heed, concern, note; (adj,
n, v) notice; (v) estimate, believe;
(adj, v) attend; (n) deference.
ANTONYMS: (n) neglect, disesteem,
inattentiveness, disdain,
detachment, infamy; (v) ignore,
scorn, disregard
regarding: (prep) about, as regards,
for, on, towards, apropos; (adj, prep)
with regard to, with reference to;
(adj) as to, in regard to, in relation to
regardless: (adj) inattentive, heedless,
thoughtless, reckless, mindless,
indifferent, negligent, neglectful;
(adv) irregardless, irrespective, no
matter
regards: (v) regard, esteem, respect,
consideration, honor, motive; (adj)
abord, devoir; (n) greeting, relation,
duty
regiment: (n) corps, battalion, legion,
host, brigade, division, multitude,
cohort; (v) control, organize,
regulate
regret: (n, v) grieve, sorrow; (v)
bewail, lament, mourn, bemoan,
deplore; (n) remorse, penitence,
compunction, contrition.
ANTONYMS: (v) welcome, praise;
(n) idealism, shamelessness, joy,
satisfaction
regularly: (adv) usually, often,
normally, generally, steadily,
customarily, routinely, evenly,
frequently, always, habitually.
ANTONYMS: (adv) inconsistently,
constantly, rarely, erratically,
seldom, irregularly, rapidly,
intermittently, unevenly, unreliably,
exceptionally
reins: (n) bridle, Reins of a vault,
reins of government, wheel,
gearshift, joystick, pedals, potency,
power, powerfulness
rejected: (n) rejection; (v) crossed in
love, forsaken; (adj) jilted, reprobate,
refused, refuse, disallowed,
abandoned, devastated, devastate
rejection: (n) dismissal, repulse,
denial, refusal, rebuff,
abandonment, renunciation,
exception, disavowal, negation,
repudiation. ANTONYMS: (n)
approval, recognition,
amalgamation, belief, receipt,
welcome, permission, agreement
rejoice: (v) cheer, gladden, triumph,
revel, jubilate, gratify, gloat, please;
(n, v) delight, glory, joy.
ANTONYMS: (v) lament, mourn,
complain
rekindling: (n) restitution
relapse: (n, v) regress, decline, fall;
(n) recidivism, recurrence,
regression, deterioration; (v)
backslide, revert, recur, deteriorate.
ANTONYMS: (v) improve, recover,
progress; (n) improvement,
recovery, regeneration
relate: (v) recount, narrate, link,
associate, tell, appertain, apply,
detail, describe, recite, refer.
ANTONYMS: (v) dissociate,
conceal, conflict, contrast,
disconnect, separate
relating: (prep) concerning,
connecting, involving, linking,
between; (n) comparison, fellow
feeling, telling, practice; (adj) like,
germane
relation: (n) narration, recital,
association, affinity, description,
rehearsal, kin, relative; (n, v)
account, report, regard
relator: (n) storyteller, raconteur,
speaker, penny dreadful, informer,
dime novel, teller of tales, reporter
relax: (adj, v) loose, debilitate,
weaken; (v) abate, lounge, unbend,
give, melt, remit, relieve; (adj, n, v)
relent. ANTONYMS: (v) tense,
compress, strain, stiffen, increase,
fluster, bend, agitate, impose
relaxation: (n) diversion, amusement,
pastime, entertainment, rest,
recreation, leisure, comfort, quiet,
remission, respite. ANTONYMS: (n)
anxiety, rigidity, work, increase,
agitation
released: (adj) loose, liberated,
discharged, exempt, open, unbound,
release, emancipated, gratuitous,
free cells; (n) freer. ANTONYM:
(adj) imprisoned
reliance: (n) credit, faith, trust,
dependence, belief, credence,
conviction, hope, assurance,
dependency, expectation.
ANTONYM: (n) distrust
relieve: (n, v) ease, assuage, mitigate,
alleviate, allay, calm, redress; (v)
free, help, console, excuse.
ANTONYMS: (v) burden,
aggravate, exacerbate, harbor,

enforce, include, upset, depress
relieved: (adj) alleviated, thankful,
mitigated, prominent, pleased,
joyful, fresh, delighted, comfortable,
cheerful, happy. ANTONYM: (adj)
worried
relinquished: (adj) forsaken,
deserted, derelict, unoccupied,
given, surrendered
relish: (n, v) enjoy, fancy, love; (n)
gusto, liking, palate, enthusiasm,
enjoyment; (adj, n) flavor; (v) bask,
like. ANTONYM: (n) apathy
reluctance: (n) aversion, hesitation,
indisposition, distaste, disgust,
dislike, opposition, unwillingness,
repugnance, diffidence, scruple.
ANTONYMS: (n) readiness,
disposition, keenness, willingness,
enthusiasm
reluctantly: (adv) loathly, aversely,
grudgingly, backwardly, hesitantly,
reluctant, slowly, unenthusiastically,
indisposedly, lothly, charily.
ANTONYMS: (adv) freely,
wholeheartedly
rely: (v) depend, count, lean, believe,
bank, confide, entrust, reckon, trust,
swear; (n, v) rest
relying: (adj) dependent
remainder: (n) excess, leftover,
overplus, end, residue, oddment,
balance, rest, surplus; (adj, n)
remnant; (adv) after
remark: (n, v) comment, notice, note,
mention, regard, mind; (adj, n, v)
observe; (v) perceive, mark, discern;
(n) observation
remarkable: (adj) notable, odd,
noteworthy, exceptional,
distinguished, conspicuous,
phenomenal, famous, illustrious,
curious; (adj, n) memorable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) insignificant,
unremarkable, commonplace, usual,
average, unimpressive, normal,
inconspicuous, dreadful, dire, awful
remarkably: (adj, adv) outstandingly,
markedly, conspicuously,
particularly, prominently; (adv)
signally, uncommonly, surprisingly,
extremely, wonderfully, curiously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) normally,
slightly, poorly, unexceptionally
remarks: (n) commentary,
explanation
remembering: (n) recollection, recall,
memory, identification, recognition,
remember, association, connection,
connexion, reminiscence,
remembrance
remembrance: (n, v) recollection,
Jane Austen
mind; (n) commemoration,
memorial, recall, relic, monument,
keepsake, reminiscence, recognition;
(adj, n) memento
remind: (v) recollect, prompt, recall,
commemorate, call up, memorialize,
hint, jog, inform, think; (n, v) mind
remiss: (adj) neglectful, careless,
inattentive, delinquent, lazy, lax,
derelict, heedless, backward, slow,
laggard. ANTONYMS: (adj, v)
diligent; (v) careful, painstaking;
(adj) prompt
remissness: (n) laxity, negligence,
laxness, carelessness, heedlessness,
inadvertence, inattention, disregard,
thoughtlessness, disesteem; (adj)
idleness
remnant: (n) end, relic, remains,
residue, fragment, leftover, survival,
trace, oddment, balance, stub
remonstrance: (n) protest,
expostulation, objection, dissuasion,
censure, remonstration,
reprehension, admonition,
monstrance, mediation, dehortation
remorse: (n) penitence, contrition,
repentance, regret, guilt, penance,
sorrow, grief, qualm, ruefulness,
compassion. ANTONYM: (n)
shamelessness
remote: (adj) aloof, inaccessible,
outside, detached, faint, alien,
unapproachable, secluded, far,
foreign, isolated. ANTONYMS: (adj)
near, nearby, accessible, likely,
strong, neighboring, central, close,
friendly, relevant, approachable
removal: (n) transfer, expulsion,
elimination, dismissal, exclusion,
shift, remove, ablation, move,
withdrawal, abatement.
ANTONYMS: (n) insertion,
addition, provision, arrival, return,
inclusion
removing: (adj) departing
render: (v) interpret, explain, give,
offer, furnish, pay, construe, return,
provide, impart, translate
rendering: (n) interpretation,
translation, rendition, reading,
representation, version, interpreting,
depiction, execution, construction,
explanation
renewed: (adj) changed, born again,
new, fresh, redintegrate,
rehabilitated, transformed,
regenerate, reformed, Renate
rent: (n, v) breach, fissure, lease, let;
(adj, n) cleft; (n) crevice, tear, crack,
break; (v) charter, engage
repair: (n, v) redress, mend, correct,
319
cure, overhaul, fix; (v) patch, restore,
doctor, renovate, compensate.
ANTONYMS: (v) injure, arrive,
wreck, worsen; (n) breaking,
wrecking
repaired: (adj) reconditioned,
maintained, mended, fastened,
serviced, intent, frozen, flat,
serviceable
repast: (n) feast, food, banquet,
dinner, lunch, refection, collation,
luncheon, spread, potluck, eating
repeat: (v) copy, recapitulate,
reduplicate, reiterate, rehearse,
return, say, double, renew, iterate,
duplicate
repeated: (adj) continual, recurrent,
frequent, persistent, repeat, double,
habitual, chronic, again, common,
continuous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
temporary, rare, unique, alternate,
unusual, spasmodic
repeatedly: (adv) often, recurrently,
again, time and again, commonly,
again and again, successively,
regularly, repetitively, habitually,
continually. ANTONYMS: (adv)
intermittently, never,
simultaneously, spasmodically,
rarely, manually, infrequently
repeating: (n) repeat, iteration,
renewal, repetition, redundancy,
copying, reduplication; (adj)
repetitious, iterating, iterative,
repetitive
repent: (v) deplore, bewail, rue,
mourn, lament, atone, sorry,
bemoan, feel remorse, grieve, be
sorry
repentance: (n) contrition, penance,
remorse, regret, compunction,
sorrow, guilt, contriteness, grief,
attrition, atonement. ANTONYMS:
(n) shamelessness, brazenness
repetition: (n) gemination,
reiteration, recurrence, replication,
iteration, return, repeating, renewal,
duplication, rehearsal,
reduplication. ANTONYM: (n)
disappearance
repining: (n) regret, plaintive,
lamenting, mourning, grief,
mournful; (v) taking on; (adj)
regretful
repose: (n, v) recline, peace, lie, calm;
(n) composure, ease, quiet, leisure,
recreation, relaxation; (v) lay.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) work; (n)
activity, panic, agitation
reposing: (adj) calm, asleep
representation: (n) performance,
presentation, picture, depiction,
 320
effigy, portrait, diagram, model,
likeness, description, illustration
represented: (adj) delineate, depicted,
representing, drawn, painted,
pictured, diagrammatic
repress: (v) inhibit, crush, quash,
control, suppress, put down, bridle,
keep down, subdue, restrain,
reduce. ANTONYMS: (v) declare,
liberate, incite
reproach: (n, v) blame, rebuke,
charge, abuse, disgrace, reprimand,
invective; (v) accuse, chide,
condemn; (n) condemnation.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) praise; (v)
commend, approve; (n) compliment,
commendation, approval
reproof: (n, v) reprimand, censure,
rebuke, lecture; (n) reproach,
admonition, reprehension, blame,
condemnation, objurgation,
castigation
reputation: (n) name, prestige,
distinction, face, celebrity, credit,
character; (n, v) honor, esteem,
report; (adj, n) renown.
ANTONYMS: (n) infamy, dishonor,
obscurity
reputed: (adj) supposed, renowned,
famous, conjectural, assumed,
famed, eminent, prominent, alleged,
well-known, distinguished.
ANTONYM: (adj) known
requisites: (n) provisos, rudiments,
conditions, fundamentals,
necessities, nuts and bolts, terms,
stipulations, prerequisites, basics
resemblance: (n) affinity, parallel,
similarity, comparison,
correspondence, likeness,
conformity, appearance, analogy,
semblance, resemble. ANTONYMS:
(n) dissimilarity, contrast
resent: (v) resentful, envy, grudge,
begrudge, embittered, angry, abhor,
take offense, take umbrage, take
exception, loathe. ANTONYMS: (v)
welcome, wish, accept
resentful: (adj) angry, indignant,
malicious, resent, embittered,
rancorous, envious, jealous,
offended, hurt, mad. ANTONYMS:
(adj) resigned, unresentful, willing,
sweet, pleased
resentment: (n) grudge, displeasure,
indignation, anger, ill will, rancor,
umbrage, rage, envy, grievance,
passion. ANTONYMS: (n)
friendliness, happiness,
contentment, calm
reserve: (adj, v) save; (n) reservation,
backup, modesty, bank; (adj, n)
Northanger Abbey
substitute; (v) keep back, maintain,
book, withhold, appropriate.
ANTONYMS: (n) warmth,
friendliness, informality,
approachability, arrogance,
boldness, brashness; (v) show, use;
(adj) active
residence: (n) home, house, dwelling,
lodging, accommodation, domicile,
occupancy, place, mansion,
habitation, manse. ANTONYM: (n)
vacancy
resigned: (adj) patient, acquiescent,
yielding, pessimistic, abject, passive,
forbearing, obedient; (adj, v)
subdued; (v) bowed down, content.
ANTONYMS: (adj) resentful,
optimistic, intolerant
resist: (n, v) oppose, confront; (v)
rebel, defy, revolt, endure, reject,
protest, refuse, impede, fight back.
ANTONYMS: (v) surrender, yield,
assent, agree, suppress, favor,
accept, attract, obey, welcome
resistance: (n) endurance, impedance,
hindrance, friction, obstacle,
immunity, insubordination,
defiance, renitency; (v) rebellion; (n,
v) interference. ANTONYMS: (n)
obedience, agreement,
susceptibility, acceptance,
receptivity, frailty, friendliness,
vulnerability, defeatism, attack,
softness
resistless: (adj) overpowering,
overwhelming, unquenchable,
unconquerable, supine, invincible,
inextinguishable, indomitable,
inactive, impregnable; (v) avoidless.
ANTONYM: (adj) resistible
resolute: (adj, n) constant, firm, fixed,
steady; (adj, v) determined; (adj)
inflexible, brave, adamant, dogged,
unbending, courageous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) weak, uncertain,
uncommitted, timid, fickle, feeble,
indecisive, flexible, flippant,
hesitant, undecided
resolutely: (adv) determinedly,
decidedly, steadfastly, decisively,
unfalteringly, boldly, steadily,
stubbornly, definitely, resolvedly,
unwaveringly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
irresolutely, indecisively,
uncertainly, feebly, hesitantly,
aimlessly
resolution: (n) determination,
purpose, firmness, conclusion,
answer, solution, resolve,
decomposition, resoluteness,
perseverance, settlement.
ANTONYMS: (n) problem,
feebleness, indecision,
irresoluteness, irresolution,
weakness, indifference
resolve: (n, v) purpose; (v) determine,
solve, decide, dissolve, decompose,
settle; (n) determination, firmness,
decision, resolution. ANTONYMS:
(n) weakness, irresoluteness,
vacillation, cowardice, flexibility,
indecisiveness, indifference; (v)
aggravate, complicate, exacerbate,
waver
resolved: (adj, v) resolute, firm,
certain; (adj) fixed, definite, set,
decided, conclusive, intent, solved,
positive. ANTONYMS: (adj)
undecided, flexible, irresolute,
unconfirmed, uncertain
resolving: (n) factoring, resolve,
settlement, solving, solution,
factorization, diagonalization,
declaration, firmness, resoluteness;
(v) solve
respectable: (adj) considerable,
decorous, fair, estimable, decent,
honorable, good, proper, creditable,
passable, honest. ANTONYMS: (adj)
bad, small, sordid, scruffy,
inadequate, unrespectable, paltry,
discourteous, inappropriate, sinful,
unacceptable
respectably: (adv) creditably,
decently, honorably, properly,
appropriately, admirably,
commendably, decorously, fitly,
justly, becomingly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) indecently, disreputably,
dishonorably
respected: (adj) illustrious,
respectable, honored, appreciated,
dear, revered, valued, redoubtable,
celebrated, glorious, famous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ordinary,
unreliable, weak
respectful: (adj) deferential,
mannerly, dutiful, courteous,
attentive, obedient, reverential,
regardful, reverent, polite, humble.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cheeky,
impudent, insolent, rude,
contemptuous, disobedient,
scornful, nasty, sneering, irreverent,
impolite
respecting: (prep) about, regarding,
apropos, as regards, pertaining to;
(adj) relative, not absolute,
pertaining, referring, loving
respective: (adj) individual, proper,
relative, several, appropriate,
peculiar, singular, corresponding,
private, personal, regardful
respects: (adj) abord, welcome; (n)

compliments, greeting, compliment,
baisemains, devoir, duty
restless: (adj) fidgety, uneasy,
impatient, restive, agitated, fretful,
turbulent, feverish; (adj, n) nervous,
apprehensive; (adj, v) unquiet.
ANTONYMS: (adj) relaxed,
peaceful, lethargic, unbroken, still,
contented
restlessly: (adv) fidgetily,
apprehensively, agitatedly, fretfully,
unquietly, sleeplessly, nervously,
restively, edgily, anxiously,
disturbedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
peacefully, unconcernedly
restore: (adj, v) repair, refresh; (v)
mend, reinstate, renew, renovate,
rejuvenate, replace, repay, fix,
rehabilitate. ANTONYMS: (v) break,
oust, neglect, confiscate, disrupt,
move, kill, remove, worsen
restored: (adj) new, healthy,
comfortable, convalescent
restoring: (n) reinstatement,
restoration; (adj) grateful, refective,
comforting, refreshing
restrain: (adj, v) confine; (v) control,
rein, hold, curb, bind, contain,
prevent, limit, repress; (n, v) check.
ANTONYMS: (v) encourage,
promote, unleash, impel, release,
intensify, increase, free, extend,
express, support
restrained: (adj) reserved, quiet,
modest, temperate, discreet, limited,
reasonable, subdued, unemotional,
reticent, guarded. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unrestrained, open, flashy,
immoral, ostentatious, wild, loud,
theatrical, outgoing, extravagant,
emotional
restraining: (adj) binding, astringent,
warning, abstemious, continuous,
moderate, not interrupted,
obligatory, opposing; (n) arrest,
penning
restraint: (n) bridle, reserve,
moderation, modesty, constraint,
control, restriction, curb; (n, v)
hindrance, check, limit.
ANTONYMS: (n) excess, abandon,
incentive, decadence, freedom,
unrestraint, depravity,
disorderliness, indulgence,
expression, incitement
resulting: (adj) consequent, ensuing,
sequent, consequential, following,
subsequent, forthcoming, eventual,
ensuant, secondary. ANTONYM:
(adj) original
retained: (adj) maintained, reserved,
durable, haunting, lasting, not shed,
Jane Austen
permanent, persistent, relentless,
repaired, aeonian
retire: (v) resign, retreat, withdraw,
leave, abdicate, ebb, depart, turn in,
fall back, hit the hay, go to bed.
ANTONYMS: (v) remain, enter
retired: (adj) obscure, secluded,
sequestered, solitary, emeritus,
secret, lonely, withdrawn,
superannuated, close; (adj, v) covert
retirement: (n) resignation,
departure, privacy, retire, secrecy,
withdrawal, seclusion, recession,
solitude, abdication, cancellation
retiring: (adj) humble, diffident,
bashful, reserved, unassuming,
unobtrusive, timid, coy, shy,
sheepish, meek. ANTONYMS: (adj)
assertive, bold, outgoing, forward,
incoming, arrogant, brash, sociable
retract: (v) abjure, rescind, cancel,
renounce, repudiate, forswear,
repeal, recoil, reverse, revoke, recall.
ANTONYMS: (v) maintain, validate,
enact
retracted: (adj) broken
retraction: (n) cancellation,
recantation, annulment, withdrawal,
abjuration, recall, rescission,
retractation, backdown, abolition;
(v) repudiation. ANTONYM: (n)
confirmation
retreat: (v) retire, withdraw, depart;
(n) refuge, departure, asylum, den,
lair, retirement; (n, v) resort, return.
ANTONYMS: (n) raid,
development, extension, arrival,
company; (v) progress, remain
retreated: (adj) withdrawn, people
retreating: (n) flight; (adj) moving
back
returning: (adj) regressive, return,
reversive, recurrent, coming back,
ebbing, flowing back, new, newly
appointed, newly elected, next.
ANTONYMS: (adj) outgoing,
unique, occasional
revenge: (n) retribution, vengeance,
reprisal, retaliation, repayment,
grudge, punishment; (v) retaliate,
repay, requite, vindicate
reverential: (adj, v) deferential; (adj)
reverent, dutiful, solemn, pious,
devotional, devout, obedient, godly,
religious; (v) decorous. ANTONYM:
(adj) irreverent
reverie: (n) dream, fantasy, air castle,
brown study, revery, trance,
abstraction, castle in Spain, castle in
the air; (adj) preoccupation,
distraction. ANTONYM: (n) reality
reverse: (adj, v) repeal, rescind,
321
annul, nullify, invert; (adj, n)
converse, contrary; (v) revoke,
countermand, overturn; (adj, n, v)
rear. ANTONYMS: (n) success,
victory, obverse, recto; (v) accept,
uphold, validate, reinforce, proceed;
(adj) forward, parallel
reversed: (adj) converse, inverse,
reverse, upside-down, overturned,
opposite, contrary, reversal, upside
down, upturned, on its head
reversing: (n) overturning,
renversement, cancellation
reverted: (adj) inverse
reverting: (n) reversion, relapse,
relapsing, recidivism, lapse,
backsliding, lapsing, regress,
reversal; (adj) returning, reversive
revived: (adj) fresh, refreshed,
animated, revitalized, alive,
invigorated, new
revolving: (adj) turning, rotating,
vertiginous, rotary, gyratory,
wheeling, rotative, rotatory,
rotational; (n) revolution; (v) revolve
reward: (n, v) recompense, return,
compensation, guerdon, wage,
meed, prize, bribe; (v) repay,
requite; (n) payment. ANTONYMS:
(n) penalty, sentence; (v) dishonor,
penalize
rewarded: (v) crowned, honored,
excessive, consummated; (adj)
salaried, pleased, paid, happy,
satisfied, remunerated, content.
ANTONYM: (adj) frustrated
rhine: (n) Joseph Banks Rhine, Rhein
rhodomontade: (n) braggadocio,
bravado, rodomontade
rhubarb: (n) pieplant, veggie, quarrel,
dispute, wrangle; (adj, n) brawl,
fracas, riot, uproar, tumult; (adj)
rumpus
ribbon: (n) band, riband, tape, strip,
shred, decoration, medal, ribband,
thread, fascia, belt
ribbons: (n) cavesson, hackamore,
jaquima, lines, streamer, streamers,
ticker tape, paper chain, decoration,
decorations, bunting
richly: (adv) wealthily, copiously,
opulently, lavishly, abundantly,
sumptuously, affluently, profusely,
amply, plentifully, fully.
ANTONYMS: (adv) meagerly,
poorly, simply, barely
rickety: (adj) unstable, wobbly,
decrepit, dilapidated, insecure,
ramshackle, rachitic, flimsy,
precarious, cranky, wonky.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stable, sturdy,
firm, secure
 322
ride: (n, v) outing; (adj, v) bestride;
(n) run, lift, jaunt; (v) mount, bait,
float, rag, tease, harass
ridiculous: (adj) foolish,
preposterous, funny, laughable,
ludicrous, inane, nonsensical,
comical, farcical, amusing, comic.
ANTONYMS: (adj) reasonable,
inspiring, ordinary, sensitive,
acceptable, generous, normal,
possible, impressive, sane,
worthwhile
riding: (n) ride, horseback riding,
travel, hundred, tithing, soke,
travelling, manege, athletics; (v)
horsemanship; (adj) awheel
right-hand: (adj) righthand, right,
dextral, essential
rightly: (adv) correctly, rightfully,
properly, accurately, appropriately,
exactly, fitly, straightly, fairly, really;
(adv, v) adequately. ANTONYMS:
(adv) wrongly, inappropriately,
incorrectly, immorally, unjustly,
partially, sinfully, unfairly, falsely
rigours: (n) rigour, inclementness,
inclemency
rings: (n) ornaments, necklaces,
jewels, costume jewelry, charms,
bracelets
riot: (n, v) revolt, mutiny; (adj, n)
disturbance, tumult, hubbub; (n)
insurrection, sedition, commotion,
disorder, rebellion; (v) rebel
rising: (n) revolt, rebellion, mutiny,
ascent, ascension, climb, rise,
outbreak, insurrection; (adj)
climbing, uphill. ANTONYMS: (adj)
plummeting, plunging, decreasing,
falling, setting, downward, content;
(n) fall
rival: (n) competitor, enemy, foe,
contestant; (adj, n, v) emulate; (n, v)
match, contest, corrival; (adj, v)
competitive; (v) compete, contend.
ANTONYMS: (adj) allied; (n)
partner, friend, supporter
roads: (n) anchorage, anchorage
ground, communications,
infrastructure, port, road and rail
network, transportation
robbed: (adj) plundered, rubato,
fleeced, borrowed, bereft
robe: (n, v) dress, array, vest, garb,
apparel; (v) clothe, attire, rig; (n)
gown, cloak, garment
robinson: (n) jack Roosevelt
Robinson, James Harvey Robinson,
Lennox Robinson, Ray Robinson, sir
Robert Robinson, walker smith,
Esme Stuart Lennox Robinson,
Robert Robinson, Edwin Arlington
Northanger Abbey
Robinson, Jackie Robinson, Edward
Goldenberg Robinson
rocks: (n) sunken rocks, family
jewels, coral reef
rocky: (adj) unstable, rough, shaky,
craggy, stony, flinty, wobbly,
difficult, unsteady, rugged,
obdurate. ANTONYMS: (adj) flat,
flexible, solid, stable, easy, firm
roll: (n, v) list, wheel, curl, turn; (v)
reel, enfold, revolve, wind; (n)
revolution, register; (adj, n, v) twist.
ANTONYM: (v) unwind
rolled: (adj) rolling, furled, involute,
scroll, coiled, resonant, trilled,
reverberative, reverberating,
resounding, spiral
rolling: (n) peal, curling, wheeling,
rolling movement, finish rolling,
pealing, crimping; (adj) resounding,
rolled, tumbling, resonating
romance: (n) love affair, fiction, story,
figment, intrigue, affair, tale, vagary;
(v) flirt, court, exaggerate
romantic: (adj) amorous, impractical,
fanciful, quixotic, unrealistic,
utopian, loving, amatory, fictitious;
(adj, n) visionary, romanticist.
ANTONYMS: (n) realist, classicist;
(adj) commonplace, graphic,
unromantic, unsentimental,
unhappy, prosaic, disapproving,
cool, realistic
roomy: (adj, n) capacious; (adj) broad,
extensive, large, commodious,
ample, voluminous, expansive, big,
rangy, comprehensive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) small, narrow,
airless, tiny, tight
roused: (adj) excited, awake,
susceptible, emotional, elated,
interested
rubbed: (adj) polished, refined, terse,
attrite, marked, accomplished,
fretten
rude: (adj, n) rough, impudent,
coarse, abrupt, bold; (adj) blunt,
discourteous, impolite, brutal,
crude, mean. ANTONYMS: (adj)
polite, refined, courteous,
chivalrous, civil, proper, decent,
exact, clean, gentle, inoffensive
rudeness: (n) disrespect, audacity,
insolence, impudence, discourtesy,
incivility, effrontery, bad manners,
impoliteness, impropriety,
primitiveness. ANTONYMS: (n)
civility, refinement, propriety,
courteousness, courtesy, decency,
respect, diplomacy, praise,
thoughtfulness, gentleness
rudiments: (n) grammar,
fundamentals, elements, alphabet,
abecedary, primer, vade mecum,
bedrock, element, fundamental
principle, rudiment
ruffle: (n, v) crinkle, ruff, crumple,
wrinkle, fold; (v) agitate,
discompose, fret; (adj, n)
perturbation; (n) flounce, frill.
ANTONYMS: (v) smooth, calm
ruin: (n) devastation, desolation; (adj,
n) downfall; (v) break, consume,
demolish, destroy; (n, v) doom,
ravage, destruction, damage.
ANTONYMS: (v) conserve, enhance,
save, restore, improve; (n, v) respect;
(n) making, success, triumph, rise,
preservation
ruined: (adj, v) lost; (adj) dilapidated,
desolate, broke, broken, bankrupt,
finished, devastated, desolated,
insolvent, spoiled. ANTONYMS:
(adj) solvent, pure, rich, whole
ruining: (n) ruin, laying waste,
devastation, wrecking, razing,
damage, collapse, desolation,
destruction, dilapidation; (adj)
deleterious
ruins: (n) debris, wreck, remains,
remainder, carcass, wreckage, relics,
rubbish, shell, remnants, hulk
runs: (n) Aztec two-step, sickness,
Montezuma's revenge
rushed: (adj) hurried, rush,
precipitate, rapid, unexpected,
hassled, immediate, instant,
instantaneous, quick, speedy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unhurried, slow,
considered, gradual
sacrifice: (n, v) oblation, forfeit; (v)
offer, immolate, offer up, give, give
up, relinquish; (n) immolation, loss,
forfeiture
sadly: (adv) pitifully, dolefully,
unfortunately, mournfully,
sorrowfully, woefully, dejectedly,
pathetically, wretchedly, forlornly;
(adj, adv) seriously. ANTONYMS:
(adv) cheerfully, contentedly,
gladly, joyfully, fortunately, luckily,
enthusiastically
sadness: (n, v) melancholy,
despondency; (adj, n) grief, distress;
(n) misery, sorrow, desolation,
regret, gloom, mourning, affliction.
ANTONYMS: (n) joy, amusement,
cheerfulness, laughter, contentment,
comfort, cheer, hopefulness
safely: (adv) surely, safe, certainly,
cautiously, soundly, strongly, sure,
steadily, harmlessly, unharmedly,
unhurtly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
harmfully, hazardously, loosely

sagacity: (n, v) discernment,
judgment, penetration; (n)
judiciousness, sense, prudence,
gumption, acumen, perspicacity;
(adj, n) discretion, wisdom.
ANTONYM: (n) foolishness
sake: (n, v) interest, reason, motive,
ground; (v) advantage, cause; (n)
object, account, design, purpose,
saki
salisbury: (n) Fort Salisbury , capital
of Zimbabwe, Harare
sallow: (adj) pasty, pallid, bloodless,
sickly, wan, ashen, fair, white,
tawny, sandy; (n) osier.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dark, glowing
sally: (n) foray, quip, sortie, crack,
joke, wisecrack, coupe de main,
attack, onset, jaunt, excursion
sameness: (n) equality, resemblance,
monotony, similarity, identicalness,
parity, unvariedness, oneness,
likeness, dullness, tedium.
ANTONYMS: (n) variety, variation,
uniqueness, inconsistency, contrast,
variability
sampler: (n) sampling element,
pattern, specimen, soil sampler,
tastetester, taster, observation
station, fancywork, sampling device,
sampling station
sanction: (n, v) warrant, countenance,
assent, consent, license; (v) approve,
okay, authorize; (n) endorsement,
permission, authority. ANTONYMS:
(v) forbid, prohibit, disapprove,
reject, outlaw, debar; (n, v) ban,
veto; (n) reward, prohibition, refusal
sanctioned: (adj) approved,
legitimate, authorized, canonical,
official, legal, accepted, canonic,
orthodox; (v) allowed; (adj, v)
privileged
sang: (n) panax quinquefolius, sing,
herb, herbaceous plant
sanguine: (adj) hopeful, optimistic,
bloody, rubicund, confident,
crimson, cheerful, buoyant,
sanguineous; (adj, n) red, florid.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pessimistic,
gloomy, doubtful
sash: (n) girdle, cincture, band,
cummerbund, baldric, framing,
waistband, framework, frame, fillet,
fascia
satin: (adj) glossy, sleek, velvet,
down, silky, silklike, silken, satiny,
velure; (n) cloth, fabric
satire: (n) sarcasm, lampoon,
mockery, parody, ridicule,
caricature, burlesque, quip, spoof,
derision; (v) squib
Jane Austen
satisfaction: (n, v) pleasure,
gratification, contentment, content;
(n) enjoyment, joy, complacency,
amends, reparation, redress,
recompense. ANTONYMS: (n)
displeasure, discontent, aggravation,
sorrow, dismay, anxiety
satisfactory: (adj) adequate,
competent, sufficient, good,
acceptable, ample, fair, tolerable,
decent, presentable, plenty.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inadequate,
unacceptable, poor, appalling,
disagreeable, bad, intolerable
satisfied: (adj) happy, content, full,
pleased, confident, complacent,
persuaded, fulfilled; (adj, v) certain,
sure; (v) convinced. ANTONYMS:
(adj) frustrated, anxious,
disgruntled, hungry, insistent,
pensive, unsure, dissatisfied,
ashamed
satisfy: (v) please, persuade, meet,
satiate, indulge, sate, appease; (adj,
v) content, fill, suffice, do.
ANTONYMS: (v) intensify,
displease, disappoint, disgruntle,
frustrate
saunter: (n, v) ramble, amble, walk,
wander, promenade, hike; (adv, v)
loiter, linger, lag; (v) roam, meander
saved: (adj) protected, economized,
rescued, blessed
saving: (adj, n) frugal, economical;
(adj) thrifty, save; (n) economy,
conservation, salvation, rescue,
preservation, cut, retrenchment.
ANTONYMS: (n) extravagance,
expenditure; (adj) spendthrift
scandalous: (adj) infamous,
disgraceful, ignominious,
outrageous, opprobrious, shocking,
disreputable, disgusting,
dishonorable; (adj, v) base, foul.
ANTONYMS: (adj) proper, seemly,
honorable, appealing,
complimentary, reputable,
admirable
scarce: (adj) rare, insufficient,
deficient, infrequent, uncommon,
scant, scanty, few, sparse; (adv) just,
barely. ANTONYMS: (adj) plentiful,
common, adequate, strong, usual,
extensive
scarcely: (adv) narrowly, rarely,
hardly, just, scarce, uncommonly,
insufficiently, scantily, scantly, only
just, seldom. ANTONYMS: (adv)
easily, liberally
scare: (adj, n, v) panic; (adj, n) dread;
(v) intimidate, daunt, frighten,
appall, horrify; (adj, v) dismay, awe;
323
(n, v) fright; (adj) consternation.
ANTONYMS: (v) comfort, soothe,
encourage; (n) reassurance, bravery
scattered: (adj) dissipated, thin,
disordered, disconnected, confused,
sparse, sporadic, distributed, rare,
diffuse; (v) disperse
scheming: (adj) designing, artful,
crafty, wily, tricky, sly, shrewd,
devious, astute, intriguing; (adj, n)
cunning. ANTONYMS: (adj) honest,
ingenuous, straightforward, open,
straight, guileless; (n)
ingenuousness
scholar: (n) learner, academic,
student, pundit, apprentice,
intellectual, brain, exhibitioner,
academician, professor, disciple.
ANTONYM: (n) teacher
schoolfellow: (n) classmate, class
fellow, bookmate, acquaintance,
condisciple, friend, school chum,
school friend, school pal
scold: (v) reprimand, chide, berate,
rebuke, abuse, lecture, reproach,
rail, grouch; (n, v) nag; (adj, n)
shrew. ANTONYMS: (v) praise,
compliment, approve
scolding: (n) rebuke, lecture,
castigation, admonition, reproof,
objurgation, chiding, dressing,
jobation, scold, rating. ANTONYMS:
(n) compliment, approval
score: (n, v) count, notch, scratch,
line, cut, tally, scotch; (n) bill,
groove, debt; (v) get
scores: (n) lots, flock, oodles, scads,
slews, multitude, crowd, many,
legion, lot, army
scorned: (adj) detested, hated, abject,
neglected, contemptuous,
despicable, insolent, undesirable,
unloved, unpopular, mean
scotch: (v) queer, bilk, thwart, chock,
cross, foil, frustrate, notch, nick;
(adj) Scots, economical
scrape: (n, v) scratch, graze, score,
mark; (v) rub, pare, rake, grate,
chafe, abrade; (n) abrasion
scruple: (adj, v) hesitate, demur,
pause; (n) hesitation, qualm,
misgiving, distrust, objection; (n, v)
mistrust; (v) falter, question
scrupulous: (adj) careful, punctilious,
exact, conscientious, particular,
painstaking, accurate, prudent,
meticulous, rigorous, cautious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) sloppy,
unscrupulous, slapdash, relaxed,
guilty, deceitful
scud: (v) race, scoot, rush, rack, dash,
run, navigate, flash, flit; (n)
 324
scudding, shower
scullery: (n) basement, kitchen, room,
offices
seated: (adj) sat, sedentary
second-hand: (adj) hand-me-down,
derivative, imitative, secondary
secondly: (adv) secondarily, second,
latterly, subordinately, duplicately,
inferiorly, forwardly, additionally,
furtherly, in the second place,
subsequently
secret: (adj, v) mysterious, hidden,
covert, secluded, confidential; (adj)
concealed, furtive, occult, obscure;
(adj, n) privacy, secrecy.
ANTONYMS: (adj, n) known,
public; (adj) open, overt, apparent,
unrestricted, external, visible,
outermost, transparent, blatant
secreted: (adj) hidden, unseen, out of
sight
secretly: (adv) privately,
confidentially, quietly, stealthily,
surreptitiously, furtively, in secret,
darkly, secretively, clandestinely,
occultly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
publicly, deliberately, brazenly
secured: (adj) secure, protected, firm,
locked, fast, bonded, bolted, barred,
latched, securer, obtained
securely: (adv) surely, safely, closely,
solidly, steadily, assuredly, strongly,
tightly, fixly, setly, stably.
ANTONYM: (adv) insecurely
sedate: (adj, v) calm, serious, quiet,
demure; (adj) staid, composed,
solemn, sober, earnest, cool, heavy.
ANTONYMS: (v) stimulate; (adj)
wild, frenetic, bold, boisterous,
frivolous
sedentary: (adj) lazy, sluggish,
motionless, stationary, domestic; (v)
untraveled. ANTONYM: (adj)
mobile
seeking: (n) hunt, pursuit, hunting,
effort, pursuance; (adj) searching,
zetetic; (prep) looking for
seeming: (adj) ostensible, superficial,
illusory, outward, probable,
deceptive, specious; (adj, n)
appearance, semblance; (n) aspect,
show. ANTONYMS: (adj) actual,
deep, inner
seize: (v) catch, capture, grab, arrest,
clutch, get, apprehend, receive,
annex, clasp; (n, v) grapple.
ANTONYMS: (v) baulk, relinquish,
restore, surrender, give, remove
seized: (adj) confiscate, appropriated,
condemned, apprehended, grasped,
taken, held, seised, detained,
obtained, arraught
Northanger Abbey
seizing: (v) seize; (n) seizure,
clutches, prehension, taking,
apprehension, capture, infection;
(adj) catching, galling, controlling
seizure: (n) arrest, confiscation,
capture, seizing, apprehension,
appropriation, attachment,
convulsion, detention; (adj, n)
attack, assumption. ANTONYMS:
(n) release, restoration, surrender
seldom: (adj) scarce, rare, few,
infrequent; (adv) occasionally,
infrequently, uncommonly, hardly,
scarcely, not often, once in a blue
moon. ANTONYMS: (adv) often,
seldom
selecting: (n) picking, option; (v)
choose; (adj) selective, electoral,
elective, eclectic
self: (n) ego, person, me, individual,
being; (pron) myself, herself, itself;
(adj) same; (v) own; (adv) personally
self-assured: (adj) confident,
presumptuous, assured, complacent,
sure, assertive, composed, sanguine,
secure, authoritative
self-condemnation: (n) regret,
penitence, guilt
self-evident: (adj) axiomatic, obvious,
apparent, demonstrable,
perspicuous, proverbial,
unquestionable
selfish: (adj) mean, greedy,
mercenary, egotistical, egotistic,
egoistic, self-interested, stingy,
egocentric, self-centered, covetous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) selfless,
altruistic, generous, altruism,
considerate, philanthropic,
thoughtful, constructive, concerned,
abstemious, kind
self-satisfaction: (n) boast, pride
semicircular: (adj) curved,
semicircled, crescentic, crescent
sending: (n) forwarding, dispatch,
transmission, transmittal, send,
despatch, mailing, transport,
dispatching, dispatchment,
conveyance
sensation: (n, v) feeling, impression,
sense; (v) affection; (n) emotion, feel,
perception, wonder, sensibility,
sensitivity, thrill. ANTONYMS: (n)
deadness, flop, dud, calm, failure
sensations: (n) feelings, vibrations,
ambiance
senses: (adj) sober senses, sound
mind; (n) reason, mind, conception,
consciousness, judgment, faculties,
mother wit, right mind, sanity
sensibility: (adj, n, v) feeling, notion;
(n, v) sensation, appreciation, sense;
(n) emotion, sensitivity,
consciousness, perceptivity,
awareness; (adj, n) sentiment.
ANTONYM: (n) insensitivity
sensible: (adj) aware, sagacious,
prudent, rational, judicious,
perceptible, sane, wise, intelligent,
appreciable, sage. ANTONYMS:
(adj) ludicrous, crazy, unreasonable,
stupid, silly, ridiculous, reckless,
idiotic, outrageous, imprudent, mad
sentiment: (n) emotion, mind, notion,
feeling, persuasion, opinion,
judgment, sense, judgement,
attitude, impression
sentimental: (adj) maudlin, mushy,
romantic, tender, soft, mawkish,
schmaltzy, sappy, schmalzy,
bathetic, slushy. ANTONYMS: (adj)
hardhearted, cool
sentiments: (n) breast
separated: (adj, prep) separate,
isolated, disjoined, distinct; (adj,
adv) apart; (adj) detached, divided,
disjointed, free, disjunct, discrete.
ANTONYMS: (adj) attached,
connected
separately: (adv) individually, apart,
discretely, one by one, severally,
asunder, aside, distinctly, abstractly,
singly, separatedly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) simultaneously, collectively
separating: (v) parting, partible; (n)
division, separation, severance,
unscrambling, unraveling, removal;
(adj) separated, disjoining,
graduating
separation: (n) disjunction,
detachment, disunion, seclusion,
disconnection, rift, isolation,
divorce, parting, departure; (n, v)
division. ANTONYMS: (n)
unification, closeness, marriage,
union, unity, connection, bond,
integration, synthesis, inclusion,
meeting
serenity: (n) quiet, peace, calm,
quietness, equanimity, calmness,
quietude, repose; (adj, n)
composure, tranquility, placidity.
ANTONYMS: (n) anxiety, uproar,
chaos, anger, panic, bustle,
disturbance, impatience, turbulence,
turmoil
servant: (n) manservant, domestic,
lackey, maid, employee, flunkey,
retainer, boy, footman, flunky,
menial. ANTONYMS: (n) master,
mistress
servants: (n) staff, suite
serviceable: (adj) practical, helpful,
handy, profitable, beneficial,

effective, useful, convenient,
efficient, operative, practicable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) impractical,
unusable, unserviceable, useless,
flimsy, worthless
servile: (adj) abject, obsequious, base,
fawning, ignoble, sordid,
subservient, cringing, slavish; (adj,
n) mean, low. ANTONYMS: (adj)
bossy, assertive
settle: (adj, n, v) fix, establish,
confirm; (n, v) place, set; (v) resolve,
clarify, pay, regulate, adjudicate,
agree. ANTONYMS: (v) float,
wander, prolong, owe, bungle,
open, provoke, rise, weaken,
worsen, complicate
settled: (adj) definite, set, firm,
permanent, certain, calm,
established, decided, formed,
defined, finished. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unsettled, exciting, temporary
seventeen: (n) large integer
seventy: (n) large integer
severely: (adv) seriously, gravely,
badly, sternly, harshly, hardly,
strictly, rigidly, violently, sharply,
strongly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
leniently, gently, elaborately,
lightheartedly, slightly, mildly,
compassionately, tenderly, warmly,
superficially, modestly
severity: (n) rigor, austerity,
harshness, roughness, intensity,
inclemency, asperity, gravity,
hardness, tyranny, violence.
ANTONYMS: (n) leniency,
pleasantness, flexibility, clemency,
softness, insignificance, warmth,
lenience, brightness
shabbiness: (n) seediness,
raggedness, decrepitude, fragility,
weakness, inelegance, ruin, decay,
collapse, disrepair. ANTONYMS:
(n) opulence, strength, decency,
elegance
shabby: (adj) poor, abject, mean,
mangy, low, sorry, decrepit, worn,
sordid, ragged; (adj, v) frayed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) pristine, elegant,
opulent, honorable, decent, new,
neat, comfortable, tasteful, strong,
respectful
shades: (n) shade, sunglasses, dark
glasses, shadow, glasses, blind,
awning, roller blind, eyeglasses
shadow: (n) ghost, darkness,
apparition, follower, gloom,
reflection; (n, v) eclipse, trace, tail,
hint; (v) follow. ANTONYMS: (v)
brighten, lead; (n) brightness, pallor
shake: (n, v) jolt, beat, jar, quiver,
Jane Austen
wave; (v) agitate, excite, disturb;
(adv, v) brandish; (adj, v) quake,
totter. ANTONYMS: (v) soothe,
steady
shakespeare: (n) the bard, William
Shakspere, William Shakespeare
shallow: (adj) superficial, low,
cursory, petty, little, sketchy, flimsy,
frivolous, simple, surface,
perfunctory. ANTONYMS: (adj)
bottomless, profound, intense,
pensive, serious, inner, weighty
shame: (n, v) disgrace, dishonor,
discredit, humiliate, degrade,
chagrin; (n) humiliation, modesty,
scandal, insult; (v) abash.
ANTONYMS: (n) pride,
glorification, making, worthiness;
(v) acknowledge, glorify, respect,
dignify
shaped: (adj) formed, fashioned,
shapen, made, created, beaten,
educated, featured, having features,
built, constructed
shapeless: (adj) amorphous,
misshapen, unformed, unstructured,
nebulous, inchoate, unshapely,
indistinct, uncrystallized,
embryonic, vague. ANTONYMS:
(adj) distinct, defined, tailored
sharing: (n) communion,
dispensation, allotment, generosity,
apportionment, pooling, allocation,
division, show and tell, sharing out;
(adj) sexual
sheets: (n) rain, bed linen
shelf: (n) ledge, rack, bank, flat,
projection, bookshelf, shelves,
board, frame, shallows; (adj, n)
shallow
shelter: (n, v) guard, refuge, harbor,
protect, shield; (adj, n, v) screen; (n)
protection, asylum, sanctuary,
security, hut. ANTONYMS: (n)
danger, exposure; (v) endanger
sheltered: (adj) secure, comfortable,
screened, safe, secluded, cozy, snug,
covered, shaded; (adj, v) private; (v)
covert. ANTONYMS: (adj)
vulnerable, sunny, exposed, public,
harsh, bleak
shift: (n, v) change, exchange, turn,
interchange, quibble, switch, move;
(v) remove, budge, convert, alter.
ANTONYMS: (v) restore, leave,
straighten; (n) preservation, stillness
shining: (adj, v) brilliant; (adj)
lustrous, radiant, glossy, luminous,
glorious, glowing; (adj, n) lucid,
resplendent, clear; (v) shine.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, pale,
blemished
325
shivering: (adj) quivering, shaking,
trembling, shaky, quaking,
tremulous, shuddering, chilled; (n)
chill, cold, shiver. ANTONYM: (adj)
composed
shocked: (adj) dismayed, aghast,
amazed, surprised, stunned,
distressed, afraid, speechless,
appalled, bewildered,
dumbfounded. ANTONYMS: (adj)
delighted, indifferent, unaffected
shocking: (adj) frightful, shameful,
formidable, ghastly, horrible,
hideous, disgraceful, disgusting,
scandalous; (adj, v) offensive,
abominable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
admirable, delightful, pleasing,
lovely, comforting, honorable,
wonderful, bland, inoffensive,
decent, excellent
shoes: (n) footwear, shoe, place,
position, situation, post, plaza,
property, lieu, home, blank space
shooting: (v) shoot, hunting,
coursing; (n) gunfire, killing,
gunshot, shot, murder; (adj) sharp,
acute, piercing
shorter: (adj) smaller, inferior
shortly: (adv) presently, curtly,
before long, soon, concisely,
brusquely, abruptly, tersely,
succinctly; (adj, adv) immediately,
summarily. ANTONYMS: (adv)
politely, pleasantly, verbosely, later
shortness: (n) lack, abruptness,
brusqueness, curtness, briefness,
shortage, conciseness, gruffness,
curtailment, short, shortcoming.
ANTONYMS: (n) tallness, height,
longness, wordiness, courtesy
showery: (adj) wet, pluvial, pluvious,
drizzly, drizzling, raining; (v)
streamy
shrewdness: (n) craftiness,
perspicacity, astuteness, gumption,
ingenuity, foxiness, craft, cunning,
cleverness, sharpness, sagacity.
ANTONYMS: (n) stupidity,
ingenuousness, ineptness
shrink: (adj, v) recoil; (n, v) flinch,
wince; (v) contract, shorten, lessen,
diminish, cower, reduce, quail,
decrease. ANTONYMS: (v) increase,
enlarge, grow, stretch, swell, bloom,
rise, inflate
shrub: (n) bush, scrub, heath,
greasewood, gorse, gooseberry,
goldenbush, frangipanni, hawthorn,
fuchsia, furze
shut: (v) seal, bar, fasten, obstruct,
lock, exclude; (adj) closed, cut; (n)
shutting, end, finish. ANTONYMS:
 326
(v) admit, undo
shutter: (n, v) close, shade; (n)
curtain, shut, blind, window,
skylight, deadlight, lid, louver,
jalousie
shutting: (n) closing, conclusion, end,
closure, ending, finish, mop up,
culmination, closedown; (adj)
confining, claudent. ANTONYM: (n)
opening
shyness: (n) diffidence, modesty,
bashfulness, humility, shame,
timidity, coyness, pudency,
timorousness, backwardness,
timidness. ANTONYMS: (n)
sociability, brashness, confidence,
urbanity, arrogance
sick: (adj) ill, queasy, poorly, ailing,
weary, diseased, sickly, morbid;
(adj, v) indisposed, unwell; (adj, n)
invalid. ANTONYMS: (adj) healthy,
fond, wholesome
siding: (n) weatherboard,
weatherboarding, railroad siding,
clapboard, shunt, turnout, switch,
railway, building material,
falsehood, spur
sigh: (n, v) groan, suspire, murmur;
(v) breathe, languish, pine; (n)
breath, wail, whimper, whine,
suspiration
signet: (n) sigil, completion, key,
ratification, signature, imprint,
talisman, mark, cachet, stamp, arms
signify: (n, v) intend, mark; (adj, n, v)
import; (v) imply, indicate, denote,
point, stand for, express, intimate,
matter
silenced: (adj) mute, muffled,
disabled
silent: (adj, adv) motionless; (adj)
dumb, tacit, mute, noiseless,
reserved, placid, reticent, mum,
taciturn, hush. ANTONYMS: (adj)
spoken, talkative, loud, explicit,
open, live, forthcoming, verbal,
audible, talking, moving
silently: (adv) mutely, stilly, quietly,
noiselessly, soundlessly, taciturnly,
wordlessly, secretly, speechlessly,
placidly, tacitly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
loudly, audibly, openly, brazenly
silk: (adj) silky, down, silken, velure,
velvet; (n) silks, satin, cloth, animal
fiber, fabric, dental floss
silly: (adj) ridiculous, absurd,
childish, fatuous, irrational,
frivolous, idiotic, preposterous,
unreasonable; (adj, n) fool; (n)
imbecile. ANTONYMS: (adj)
mature, wise, rational, clever,
advisable, profound, reasonable,
Northanger Abbey
responsible, significant
silver: (n) money, gold, bullion,
precious Metals; (adj) silvery,
argent, white, silvern, gray, neutral
tint; (v) plate
similarity: (n) parallelism, likeness,
kinship, parallel, identity,
conformity, parity, semblance,
sameness, affinity, comparison.
ANTONYMS: (n) difference,
contrast, disparity, isolation
simile: (n) figure of speech, analogy,
comparison, compare, resemblance,
likeness, similarity, allegory,
similitude, parable; (adj) metalepsis
simpering: (adj) mincing, affected,
smirk, prudish, nice
simpleton: (n) fool, blockhead, dolt,
dunce, numskull, ninny,
nincompoop, booby, sap, dummy,
dullard
simplicity: (n) plainness, simpleness,
easiness, ease, clarity, austerity,
gullibility, severity, artlessness,
ignorance; (adj, n) inexperience.
ANTONYMS: (n) difficulty,
complexity, ambiguity,
magnificence, sophistication,
dishonesty, clutter, warmth
sincere: (adj, v) earnest, devout; (adj)
genuine, faithful, heartfelt, honest,
serious, open, artless, candid; (adj,
n) cordial. ANTONYMS: (adj)
insincere, dishonest, guarded,
flippant, affected, disingenuous,
hypocritical, cunning, unfaithful,
unenthusiastic, unbelievable
sincerely: (adv) candidly, honestly,
really, genuinely, heartily, openly,
earnestly, simply, truly, seriously,
unreservedly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
dishonestly, affectedly, flippantly,
jokingly, untruthfully,
unenthusiastically, pretentiously,
mildly
sincerity: (adj, n) candor, honesty,
integrity, probity, faithfulness; (n)
earnestness, heartiness,
genuineness, candour, frankness,
cordiality. ANTONYMS: (n)
dishonesty, hypocrisy, flippancy,
frivolity, affectedness, caution,
reticence, deceit, doubt
sing: (v) hymn, hum, chirp, drone,
intone, vocalize, pipe, carol, snitch;
(n, v) twitter, squeak
singly: (adv) one by one, separately,
independently, severally, solely,
respectively; (adj, adv) alone, only,
merely; (adj) single, particularly.
ANTONYM: (adv) multiply
singular: (adj, n) extraordinary; (adj)
odd, individual, particular, peculiar,
phenomenal, rare, queer, single,
quaint, exceptional. ANTONYMS:
(adj) ordinary, normal, together,
usual, customary
singularly: (adv) peculiarly,
uniquely, unusually, curiously,
rarely, uncommonly, oddly, solely,
exceptionally, individually; (adj,
adv) remarkably
sink: (n, v) sag, dip; (v) decline, fall,
set, descend, drop, fell, subside,
settle; (adj, n, v) droop.
ANTONYMS: (v) rise, float,
improve, increase, recover, drift,
ascend, raise
sinking: (n) sinkage, settling, fall,
descent, foundering, depression,
immersion, submersion,
submergence; (v) decrease, decline.
ANTONYM: (adj) rising
sister-in-law: (n) the wife of one's
elder brother
sisterly: (adj) sororal, fatherly,
motherly, sisterlike. ANTONYM:
(adj) brotherly
sisters: (n) sistren
situations: (n) circumstance
sixteen: (n) large integer
sixth: (n) common fraction, interval,
musical interval, simple fraction
skeleton: (n) carcass, frame,
framework, bones, anatomy,
scaffold, body, cadaver, chassis,
corpse; (n, v) outline
sketch: (n, v) plan, outline, draft,
scheme, picture, project; (n)
drawing, cartoon, plot; (v) paint,
draw
skies: (n) heavens, firmament,
expanse
skill: (n) artifice, capacity, capability,
knack, ability, faculty, finesse,
cleverness, expertise; (adj, n) craft,
cunning. ANTONYMS: (n)
clumsiness, incompetence,
uselessness, stupidity, ineptness,
tactlessness, inexperience,
ignorance, inaccuracy, delay,
drawback
skinner: (n) trickster, swindler,
currier, furrier, cheat, cheater, crook,
fake, humbug, sharper, faker
skulker: (n) malingerer, lurcher,
skulk, coward, shirker, role player,
sham, shammer, faker, pseud,
pretender
slaves: (n) helotry, bondsmen
sleeper: (n) railroad tie, crosstie, tie,
noctambulist, baggage car,
slumberer, dreamer, Pullman car,
freight car, parlor car, express car

sleeping: (adj) asleep, inactive, latent,
sleepy, vegetive, vegetative; (n)
dormancy, noctambulism,
quiescence, quiescency, short sleep.
ANTONYMS: (adj) active; (n)
waking
sleepless: (adj) insomniac, lidless,
vigilant, wakeful, awake, watchful,
disturbed, alert, unquiet, uneasy,
restive
sleeplessness: (n) wakefulness,
restlessness, nerves, insomnolence,
disquietude, unrest; (v) vigil.
ANTONYM: (n) sleepiness
sleeve: (n) arm, liner, cover, cuff,
wristband, collar, socket, skin,
sheath; (v) plexus, skein
sliding: (n) skating, shifting; (adj)
gliding, down, downhill, slippery,
labent, descending, downward; (v)
to slide
slight: (adj, adv) light; (adj) thin,
flimsy, slender, fragile, petty, little;
(adv, n, v) neglect; (n, v) insult,
scorn; (v) ignore. ANTONYMS: (adj)
considerable, major, obvious,
thickset, severe, wide, fat, intense,
heavy, likely; (v) acknowledge
slighted: (adj) hurt, injured, insulted,
heedless, careless, not regarded,
offended, regardless, upset
slightest: (adj) minimal, first, smallest
amount
slighting: (adj) belittling,
deprecating, deprecative,
deprecatory, depreciatory,
pejorative, derogatory, offensive,
invidious, abusive; (n) disregard.
ANTONYM: (adj) polite
slightingly: (adv) negligently,
slightly, lightly
slope: (n, v) pitch, slant, dip, tilt; (v)
cant, lean; (n) declivity, acclivity,
hill, gradient; (adj, n) inclination.
ANTONYMS: (v) level; (n) descent,
hollow, ascent
slumber: (n, v) rest, doze, snooze,
nap, drowse, repose, catnap; (v) be
asleep, kip, take a nap; (n) siesta
smallest: (adj) least, minimal, littlest,
lowest, last, first, negligible, smallest
number of, bottom, littler.
ANTONYM: (adj) maximum
smallness: (n) diminutiveness,
minuteness, slightness, puniness,
insignificance, scantiness, delicacy,
scantness, narrowness; (adj)
meagerness, slenderness.
ANTONYM: (n) tallness
smart: (adj, n) sharp, quick, bright; (n,
v) pain; (adj) shrewd, crafty, sly,
dapper, prompt, astute, intelligent.
Jane Austen
ANTONYMS: (adj) stupid, scruffy,
unkempt, dim, shabby, slow, naive,
unfashionable, unstylish,
unintelligent, thick
smiling: (adv) smilingly; (adj) bright,
cheerful, jolly, joyful, of good cheer,
twinkly, fair, sunny; (n) grinning,
grin. ANTONYMS: (adj) sad,
gloomy
smirk: (n, v) simper, grin, grimace,
beam; (v) leer, snicker, laugh; (adj)
affected, smirky; (n) expression,
grinning
smoke: (n) fumes, cigarette, cigar,
smog, fog; (n, v) reek, fumigate,
puff; (v) exhale, cure; (adj) tobacco
smooth: (adj, v) quiet, level, facilitate;
(adj) calm, oily, facile, fluent,
flowing, flat, fluid, graceful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) rough, uneven,
wrinkled, peeling, jerky, ridged,
flaking, abrasive, coarse, prickly; (v)
wrinkle
snugly: (adv) cozily, cosily,
comfortably, closely, tightly,
pleasantly, compactly, neatly,
conveniently, homely, trimly
sober: (adj, v) grave, sedate; (adj)
sane, earnest, quiet, solemn,
moderate, modest, serene, dull,
somber. ANTONYMS: (adj)
intoxicated, unrestrained, drunk,
playful, sensational, emotional,
cheerful, frivolous, funny, muddled,
delirious
sobriety: (n) temperance, seriousness,
soberness, graveness, abstinence,
earnestness, composure, sedateness,
staidness; (adj, n) gravity; (adj)
rationality. ANTONYMS: (n) excess,
drunkenness, flippancy
socket: (n) cavity, receptacle, outlet,
alveolus, hole, pit, dent, sleeve,
hollow, pocket, depression
softened: (adj) diffused, muffled,
muted, quiet, slow, touched,
sluggish, soften, pultaceous,
subdued, low-key
softening: (adj) emollient, salving,
relaxing; (v) soften; (adj, n) soothing;
(n) maceration, mitigation,
easement, mollification,
inteneration, encouragement
softly: (adv) quietly, mildly, lightly,
tenderly, delicately, gently, soft,
quiet, silently, kindly, slowly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) hoarsely,
roughly, loudly, clearly, harshly,
forte, severely, strongly, heavily,
convincingly, brightly
sole: (n) bottom, flounder, base; (adj)
single, singular, one, exclusive,
327
individual, only, alone, solitary.
ANTONYM: (adj) common
solely: (adj, adv) exclusively, merely,
only, alone, barely; (adv) just, but,
entirely, wholly, purely, completely
solemn: (adj, n, v) serious; (adj, v)
sober, important, sedate, devout,
formal, demure; (adj) heavy,
dignified, sacred; (adj, n) earnest.
ANTONYMS: (adj) frivolous,
cheerful, unceremonious, funny,
playful, flippant, relaxed
solemnity: (n) seriousness, sobriety,
earnestness, formality, ceremony,
impressiveness, austerity,
sedateness, display, pomp,
grandeur. ANTONYMS: (n) humor,
levity, cheerfulness, understatement
solemnly: (adv) earnestly, gravely,
majestically, stately, sternly, staidly,
thoughtfully, soberly, formally,
ceremoniously, importantly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) cheerfully,
flippantly
solicit: (v) crave, request, petition,
ask, pray, importune, require, apply,
implore, demand; (adj, v) court
solicited: (adj) requested
solicitous: (adj) eager, attentive,
apprehensive, careful, anxious,
jealous, considerate, avid,
thoughtful, fervent; (n) desirous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) uncaring, serene,
thoughtless
solicitude: (n) care, consideration,
anxiety, thought, apprehension,
regard, attention, fear, disquietude,
heed, fret. ANTONYMS: (n)
negligence, serenity,
thoughtlessness
solitariness: (n) loneliness, solitude,
aloneness, isolation, lonesomeness,
destitution, friendlessness,
disposition, gloominess,
reclusiveness, ruin
solitary: (adj) forlorn, only, alone,
single, lonely, lone, sole,
unaccompanied, isolated; (adj, n)
recluse; (n) hermit. ANTONYMS:
(adj) sociable, combined, common,
outgoing
solitude: (n) desolation, loneliness,
seclusion, privacy, aloneness,
isolation, retirement, lonesomeness,
retreat, desert, solitariness.
ANTONYMS: (n) companionship,
closeness
sombre: (adj) dismal, dreary, dark,
shadowy, mournful, morose,
murky, gloomy, sober, dull, glum
song: (adj, v) lay; (n, v) ditty, chant;
(n) air, strain, cry, warble, canto,
 328
poem; (v) sing; (adj) ballad
sooner: (adj, adv) rather, earlier,
before, preferably, instead; (adv)
first, before now, faster, previously,
beforehand; (adj) prior
soothed: (adj) composed
soothing: (adj) calming, soft, smooth,
pacifying, quiet, restful, bland, calm,
assuasive; (adj, n) softening; (n)
alleviation. ANTONYMS: (adj)
upsetting, disturbing, hostile, scary,
worrying, stimulating, exasperating,
annoying, invigorating, painful,
intimidating
sorrow: (n, v) regret, lament, grieve;
(v) mourn; (n) mourning, heartache,
repentance, remorse; (adj, n)
sadness, misery; (adj, n, v) distress.
ANTONYMS: (n) joy, delight,
happiness, peace, hopefulness,
cheerfulness, shamelessness, calm,
content; (v) rejoice
sorrowing: (adj) sorrowful, grieving,
mournful, distressed, bereft,
bereaved, unhappy, lamenting,
regretful, sad; (n) cry. ANTONYM:
(adj) joyful
sought: (adj) required, quest, seeking,
popular
soul: (n) creature, human, person,
personification, ghost, individual,
mind, essence, life, self; (adj, n)
heart. ANTONYMS: (n) surface,
body
soup: (v) pottage, potage, drink,
liquor; (n) juice, gumbo,
mulligatawny, borscht, bortsch,
borsht; (adj) emulsion
spacious: (adj) broad, extensive,
large, wide, ample, commodious,
vast, capacious, comprehensive,
open, great. ANTONYMS: (adj)
cramped, narrow, airless,
overcrowded
spaciousness: (n) capaciousness,
largeness, commodiousness,
airiness, extent, spacious, wideness,
bigness, space, seating capacity,
length
spare: (adj, v) free, reserve, save, thin;
(adj) slender, slight, additional, lean;
(adj, n) extra, excess; (v) exempt.
ANTONYMS: (n) shortfall, original;
(adj) principal, fat, basic, abundant,
stout; (v) need, include
sparkling: (adj, v) effervescent; (adj)
bright, brilliant, radiant, glittery,
bubbly, glittering, scintillating,
shining, scintillant; (n) sparkle.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dull, dirty,
lifeless, lethargic
specimen: (n) exemplar, instance,
Northanger Abbey
example, copy, pattern, person,
representative, individual, model,
illustration, type
speck: (adj, n) point, atom, particle;
(n) blot, flaw, smudge, blotch,
blemish, grain, mote, dot.
ANTONYM: (n) lot
spectator: (n) eyewitness, observer,
onlooker, witness, audience,
beholder, viewer, watcher,
spectators, looker, ogler.
ANTONYM: (n) player
speculation: (n) guess, venture,
reflection, meditation, guesswork,
gamble, supposition, theory,
surmise, adventure, conjecture.
ANTONYM: (n) fact
speechless: (adj) silent, mute, dumb,
dumbfounded, voiceless, quiet,
tongueless, tacit, noiseless, mum,
wordless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
loquacious, eloquent, talkative
speedily: (adj, adv) quickly, quick,
immediately; (adv) rapidly,
promptly, hastily, swiftly, fast,
apace, hurriedly, fleetly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) later, eventually
speedy: (adj, v) rapid, prompt, fleet,
swift; (adj) fast, agile, ready,
immediate, cursory, hurried, brisk.
ANTONYMS: (adj) leisurely,
plodding
spell: (n) magic, fascination, bout,
conjuration, period, incantation,
sorcery, enchantment, turn, span,
bewitchment. ANTONYM: (n)
alertness
spelling: (n) misspelling, spell,
orthograph
spending: (n) expense, outlay,
disbursement, outgo, expenses,
disbursal, outgoings, expenditures,
use, expending, pay. ANTONYMS:
(n) income, conservation
spinner: (n) spinster, spider, rocker
bottom, old maid, shaper, thread
maker, maker, bait, antenna mount,
decoy, disc
spire: (n) pinnacle, minaret, top; (adj,
n) steeple; (v) coil, hover; (adj)
tower, column, obelisk, pillar,
monument
spirits: (n) alcohol, booze, humor,
frame of mind, liqueur, strong
drink, hard drink; (adj) cheer,
geniality, good humor; (v) wine
spite: (n) malice, grudge, hatred,
malevolence, rancour, venom,
rancor, maliciousness, ill will,
animosity; (n, v) pique.
ANTONYMS: (v) please; (n)
benevolence, goodwill, love,
affection, harmony
splashed: (adj) dabbled, bespattered,
besplashed, spattered, marked,
unclean, dirty, splattered,
distributed, showy, dotted
splendid: (adj, n, v) illustrious,
glorious; (adj) gorgeous, beautiful,
royal, gallant, proud; (adj, n)
magnificent, noble, grand; (adj, v)
brilliant. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unimpressive, modest, humble,
ordinary, undistinguished, meager,
awful, dire, lowly, inglorious,
shabby
splendour: (n) pomp, magnificence,
lustre, splendor, luster, brilliancy,
resplendence, luxury, grandeur,
grandness, brilliance
spoil: (n, v) ruin; (v) rot, corrupt, mar,
deface, sack; (adj, v) impair,
damage, injure, harm, indulge.
ANTONYMS: (v) improve,
conserve, enliven, help, abuse,
beautify, deny, neglect, correct,
respect, clean
spoilt: (adj) spoiled, blighted, be
stunted, destroyed, unsound,
corrupt, disordered, reproduced
fraudulently, defective, defiled, big
spoken: (adj) verbal, expressed,
speaking, speak, unwritten, vocal,
voiced, talk, said, informal,
conversational. ANTONYMS: (adj)
written, unspoken, tacit, formal,
silent
sportive: (adj) frolicsome, jocund,
gay, jolly, cheerful, lively, merry,
rollicking, mirthful, vivacious, blithe
spotless: (adj) faultless, clean,
innocent, pure, guiltless, flawless,
chaste, perfect, impeccable,
unblemished, stainless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) dirty, messy,
blemished, filthy, soiled, shameful,
tainted, guilty, blameworthy,
impure, imperfect
spotted: (adj) mottled, speckled,
dappled, piebald, blotchy, dotted,
flyblown, multicolored, stained,
spotty, flecked. ANTONYM: (adj)
uniform
springing: (v) jumping, climbing,
bounding, furious, conspicuous,
prominent, ascending, projecting
outwardly; (n) growth, suspension,
emanation
spurning: (n) disbelief, renunciation
squeeze: (n, v) hug, pinch, embrace,
nip; (adj, v) compress, force; (adj, n,
v) press; (v) extort, cram, crush, jam.
ANTONYMS: (v) expand, extend
squeezed: (adj) cramped

squire: (n, v) escort; (n) landlord,
gallant, attendant, beau, gentleman,
esquire, landowner, landholder,
armiger; (v) attend
staircase: (n) stair, ladder, flight,
steps, flight of steps, stairs,
backstairs, escalator,
companionway, way, entrance
stairs: (n) stair, ladder, staircase,
stairway, flight of steps, flight, steps,
flight of stairs, escalator,
companionway, backstairs
stake: (n, v) risk, chance, venture, bet,
wager, post, pole, gamble, support;
(n) interest, shaft
stamp: (n, v) print, imprint, mark,
seal, brand, impress, cast, punch,
shape; (v) trample; (n) impression
stands: (n) bleachers, stood,
grandstand, standing, stop, covered
stand, standpoint, stall, sales booth,
reviewing stand, rack
staring: (adj) conspicuous, garish,
agaze, vivid, noisy, showy, fixed,
opened, glassy; (adv) staringly
startle: (n, v) start, jump; (v) frighten,
scare, astonish, shock, astound,
amaze, shake, threaten, electrify.
ANTONYM: (v) soothe
startled: (adj) dumbfounded,
dismayed, distressed, aghast,
frightened, astonished, amazed,
terrified, afraid, shocked, astounded
stated: (adj) set, declared, explicit,
regular, certain, established, settled,
avowed, alleged, definite; (adv)
given
stating: (n) reference
stayed: (v) staid, serious, philosophic,
sedate, platonic, stoical; (n) stays;
(adj) late
staying: (n) stays, arrest; (adj)
continual, old, left
stays: (n) bodice, stay, girdle, panty
girdle, stayed, staying, foundation,
corselette, sash, slip, corselet
steadily: (adv) constantly, stably,
regularly, fixedly, strongly,
continually, steadfastly, uniformly,
tightly, calmly, determinedly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) unsteadily,
nervously, loosely, weakly, rapidly,
suddenly, excitedly, haphazardly,
inconsistently, unevenly
steadiness: (adj, n) stability, firmness,
steadfastness; (n) regularity,
equilibrium, consistency, resolution,
permanence, persistence, sureness;
(adj) stableness. ANTONYMS: (n)
unsteadiness, instability,
unreliability
steady: (adj, v) steadfast, even,
Jane Austen
secure, resolute, regular, calm,
sedate; (adj, adv) stable; (adj)
constant, continual, fixed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) shaky, wobbly,
intermittent, unreliable, irregular,
fluctuating, inconsistent,
unbalanced, unstable, unfaithful;
(adv) unsteadily
steal: (v) purloin, abstract, sneak,
filch, pinch, creep, misappropriate,
rob, pilfer; (n) bargain; (n, v) snatch
steep: (adj, v) immerse, soak; (v)
douse, dip, imbue, saturate; (adj,
adv) excessive; (adj, n) abrupt; (adj)
sheer, outrageous, exorbitant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) gradual,
undulating, inexpensive, flat,
lenient, reasonable, cheap; (v) dip
stepped: (v) advanced, gone, stopen
stepping: (n) steps
sterne: (n) Laurence Sterne
steward: (n) flight attendant, waiter,
keeper, warden, attendant, curator,
caretaker, administrator, janitor,
chamberlain, stewardess
stick: (adj, v) adhere, cohere; (n, v)
stab, paste, staff; (v) cling, attach, fix,
bind, affix; (n) bar. ANTONYMS: (v)
detach, open, undo
stimulant: (n) incentive, excitant,
goad, spur, impetus, stimulus, fillip,
stimulation, tonic; (adj) stimulative,
stimulating. ANTONYMS: (n)
deterrent, sedative
sting: (n, v) bite, hurt, con, pain; (v)
prick, itch, irritate, prickle, goad,
provoke, smart. ANTONYMS: (v)
calm; (n) honesty
stings: (adj) stung
stipulation: (n) condition, provision,
covenant, proviso, compact,
promise, requirement, clause,
restriction, qualification, contract
stir: (adj, n, v) move, bustle; (v) rouse,
arouse, affect, agitate, inspire; (adj,
n) movement; (n) commotion,
excitement, disturbance.
ANTONYMS: (v) dampen, retire,
stultify, bore, steady, stifle,
suppress; (n) quiet, peace; (n, v)
calm
stirring: (adj) lively, exciting, alive,
rousing, spirited, touching, thrilling,
active; (n) agitation; (v) eventful,
brisk. ANTONYMS: (adj)
depressing, boring, inactive, dull,
conciliatory, asleep, uninspiring,
unimpressive; (n) suppression
stocked: (adj) stocked with,
furnished, full
stole: (n) wrap, stolen, scarf, stolon,
stealing, robe, alb, tunicle, surplice,
329
alba, cassock
stopping: (n) stoppage, cessation,
shutdown, padding, fillet,
suspension, stay, discontinuance,
abeyance, interruption; (adv)
haltingly
stops: (n) Chicago, Michigan,
Newmarket, boodle, halts, stop,
stoppages, stopped, stopping, card
game, moolah
storehouse: (adj, n, v) magazine; (n)
granary, depot, barn, depository,
arsenal, repertory, treasury, storage,
entrepot; (adj, n) repository
storm: (n, v) rush, tempest, hail,
attack, assault, charge; (v) fume; (n)
shower, blizzard, hurricane, gust.
ANTONYM: (n) trickle
stormy: (adj, n) inclement, boisterous,
rough, severe; (adj) fierce, windy,
wild, dirty, foul, tempestuous,
blustering. ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
still, pleasant, fair, mild, relaxed
stout: (adj, n) sturdy, stocky, hearty;
(adj) hardy, strong, robust, obese,
husky, bold, corpulent, fleshy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) thin, slim,
flimsy, cowardly, slight, skinny,
fragile, weak
stoutly: (adv) sturdily, robustly,
strongly, solidly, lustily, vigorously,
toughly, resolutely, stockily, portly,
obstinately. ANTONYM: (adv)
feebly
stove: (n) cooker, hearth, heater,
furnace, fireplace, kiln, oven,
cooking stove, cookstove, kitchen
stove, kitchen range
strain: (n, v) stretch, sift; (adj, n, v)
tax; (v) screen, filter, try, exert; (n)
effort, breed, exertion, song.
ANTONYMS: (v) laze; (n) ease,
relief
strained: (adj) tense, labored, intense,
constrained, laboured, unnatural,
nervous, affected, taut, artificial,
tight. ANTONYMS: (adj) natural,
calm
straining: (n) effort, push, exertion,
distortion, overrefinement, tension,
endeavor, torture, twisting; (adj)
arduous; (v) tighten
strains: (n) tension, tenseness
strangely: (adv) curiously, queerly,
unusually, funnily, peculiarly,
weirdly, marvelously, uncommonly,
extraordinarily, singularly,
bizarrely. ANTONYMS: (adv)
typically, ordinarily, harmoniously
stranger: (n) foreigner, outsider,
newcomer, outlander, immigrant,
intruder, unknown, tramontane,
 330
trespasser; (adj) foreign, strange.
ANTONYMS: (n) pal, native,
associate, resident, familiar
strangers: (n) stranger
straw: (n) rush, stalk, drinking straw,
chaff, fig, bran; (adj) feather,
cobweb, mote, gossamer; (v) strew
strengthened: (adj) consolidated,
sinewed, made firm, comfortable,
built, strong, equipped
strewed: (v) besprent, sprinkled over
strict: (adj) severe, stern, rigid,
correct, austere, rigorous, harsh,
scrupulous; (adj, v) exact, accurate,
precise. ANTONYMS: (adj) lenient,
lax, free, negligent, imprecise,
flexible, relaxed, loose, gentle,
inaccurate, liberal
striking: (adj) outstanding, dramatic,
spectacular, salient, imposing,
conspicuous, vivid, remarkable,
notable, astonishing; (n) strike.
ANTONYMS: (adj) ugly, ordinary,
unimpressive, unremarkable,
inconspicuous, unattractive,
uninteresting, plain, insignificant,
humble, obscure
string: (n) chain, twine, strand, series,
filament; (adj, n) file, row, range,
rank; (n, v) run, thread. ANTONYM:
(v) unstring
stroke: (adj, n) blow; (n, v) touch,
caress, mark, buffet, lick, pat; (n)
beat, hit, knock, bang
strokes: (n) approval, reward,
recognition, prize, acclaim, credit,
brownie points
stronger: (adj) reprobate, insensible,
reproof, iniquity, hardening,
shameless, graceless, immoralities,
ministry; (v) Milman, misery
struck: (adj, v) smitten; (v) stroke;
(adj) affected, afflicted, doting,
dotty, enamored, gaga, hurt, in love,
infatuated
struggling: (v) strive; (adj) harassed,
hostile, under pressure, stressed,
aggressive, agonizing, rebellious,
belligerent, careworn; (n)
colluctation
stubborn: (adj) contrary, hard,
intractable, perverse, rigid,
determined, persistent, refractory,
tenacious, obdurate, inveterate.
ANTONYMS: (adj) compliant,
irresolute, flexible, amenable, docile,
easygoing, malleable, agreeable,
accommodating, cooperative, feeble
studied: (adj) deliberate, calculated,
conscious, premeditated, affected,
elaborate, learned, intended,
designed, willful; (v) advised.
Northanger Abbey
ANTONYMS: (adj) spontaneous,
unstudied, casual
studiously: (adv) industriously,
assiduously, busily, earnestly,
carefully, eagerly, bookishly; (adj,
adv) designedly; (adj) knowingly,
purposely, wittingly
stupid: (adj, n) foolish, silly, simple,
absurd; (adj, adv, n) dull; (adj)
idiotic, ridiculous, senseless,
fatuous, crass, insane. ANTONYMS:
(adj) wise, clever, bright, intelligent,
shrewd, prudent, responsible, smart,
great, sensitive, useful
stupidity: (n) foolishness, nonsense,
obtuseness, dullness, fatuity,
absurdity, stolidity, slowness,
denseness, idiocy, imbecility.
ANTONYMS: (n) sense, logic,
cleverness, shrewdness, wisdom,
ability
stylishness: (n) elegance, smartness,
style, jauntiness, modishness,
rakishness, chicness, refinement,
swank, vogue, brightness.
ANTONYM: (n) untidiness
subdue: (adj, n, v) conquer; (v)
overpower, crush, defeat, quell,
quash, suppress, restrain; (n, v)
reduce; (adj, v) repress; (adv, v)
control. ANTONYMS: (v) incite,
enliven, resist, submit
subdued: (adj) quiet, muffled, dull,
restrained, muted, tame, faint,
repressed, low, meek; (adj, v)
resigned. ANTONYMS: (adj)
enthusiastic, lively, uninhibited,
unsubdued, rebellious, noisy, bright,
elaborate, frivolous, upbeat
submit: (v) comply, obey, acquiesce,
give in, present, hand in, put
forward, hand over, propose, give;
(n, v) resign. ANTONYMS: (v)
resist, persevere, defy, overpower,
face, disobey, conquer
substance: (adj, n) subject; (n) body,
significance, import, material,
matter, meaning, amount, means,
gist, core. ANTONYMS: (n)
meaninglessness, lightness, surface
subterraneous: (adj) subterranean,
underground, subterrene,
subaqueous, submarine
succeed: (v) follow, arrive, prosper,
prevail, manage, supplant, ensue,
supersede, do, achieve, flourish.
ANTONYMS: (v) fail, precede, lose,
botch, restore, neglect, Miss,
deteriorate
succeeding: (adj) following,
subsequent, after, consecutive,
posterior, ensuing, consequent,
successive, consequential; (adj, adv)
later; (v) succeed. ANTONYMS:
(adj) outgoing, preceding
successfully: (adv) victoriously,
prosperously, happily, thrivingly,
luckily, effectively, triumphantly,
efficiently, well, swimmingly,
rewardingly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
ineffectively, unsuccessfully,
fruitlessly, inefficiently
succession: (n) series, run, round,
chain, string, lineage, row,
continuation, concatenation, course,
reversion
successive: (adj) consecutive,
sequential, serial, following,
succeeding, subsequent, sequent,
consequent, ensuing, continuous,
next. ANTONYM: (adj) preceding
successively: (adv) in turn, one after
the other, in succession,
sequentially, serially, running, in
order, gradually, subsequently,
repeatedly, one after another
sudden: (adj) precipitous, quick,
abrupt, hasty, rash, unexpected,
steep, unforeseen, drastic,
immediate, swift. ANTONYMS:
(adj) considered, slow, gentle,
leisurely, protracted, sensible,
smooth
suddenness: (n) steepness, hastiness,
precipitance, precipitancy,
precipitateness, sudden,
craggedness, surprise,
precipitousness, brusqueness,
curtness
suffer: (v) encounter, stand, accept,
undergo, brook, experience, have,
endure, abide, sustain; (adj, v) allow.
ANTONYMS: (v) enjoy, rejoice,
flourish
sufferance: (n) allowance, patience,
permission, forbearance, leave,
toleration, suffering, resignation,
acceptance; (n, v) tolerance; (adj, v)
supportance
sufferer: (n) victim, martyr, prey,
casualty, invalid, depressive,
diseased person, sick person,
rheumatic, diabetic, neurotic
suffering: (n) distress, agony,
affliction, anguish, torture, grief,
torment, misery, hardship; (adj, n)
hurt; (adj) miserable. ANTONYMS:
(adj, n) content; (n) peace, ecstasy,
joy, pleasure
sufficiently: (adv) fully,
satisfactorily, enough, amply, quite,
properly, competently, decently,
abundantly, goodly, completely.
ANTONYM: (adv) inadequately

suggesting: (n) proposal; (adj)
symptomatic of, insinuating,
suggestive of
suggestion: (n) advice, intimation,
proposal, counsel, allusion, sign,
trace, proposition, recommendation;
(n, v) touch, dash. ANTONYMS: (n)
warning, practice
suite: (n, v) series, train; (n)
entourage, apartment, cortege, flat,
court, battery, group; (adj) round,
succession
sullen: (adj, n) morose, sulky, sour;
(adj) gloomy, gruff, glum, moody,
dark, cross, surly; (adj, v) grim.
ANTONYMS: (adj) bright, cheery;
(n) cheeriness
sullying: (n) adulteration, corruption,
defilement, ruining, tarnishing,
debasement
summary: (n) compendium,
abridgment, outline, epitome,
digest; (adj, n, v) brief; (adj) succinct,
concise, compendious, curt, short.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lengthy,
considered, complete; (n) exposition
summit: (n) peak, apex, acme, top,
height, crown, point, crest, tip,
climax, culmination. ANTONYMS:
(n) nadir, bottom, dip, trough
summon: (v) assemble, convene,
demand, ask, invoke, evoke, invite,
muster, page, rally, convoke.
ANTONYM: (v) disband
summons: (n) call, invitation,
bidding, process, writ, invocation,
warrant, command; (n, v) summon;
(v) demand, cite
sums: (n) estimate, calculation,
arithmetic
sunk: (adj) sunken, undone, finished,
ruined, profound, immersed,
damaged, lowed, lying flat; (v) cut
up, dashed
sunshine: (n) sunlight, sun, day,
light, fair weather, gladness, shine,
glee, sunbeam, delight, brightness
superciliousness: (n) arrogance,
haughtiness, condescension,
disdainfulness, pride,
contemptuousness,
condescendingness, airs, conceit,
insult, loftiness. ANTONYMS: (n)
humility, respect
superior: (adj) dominant, exceptional,
predominant, better, great, proud,
arrogant, excellent, select, high; (adj,
n) elder. ANTONYMS: (adj, n)
inferior, subscript; (adj) humble,
worse, poor, adscript, junior, lesser,
low; (n) subordinate, associate
superiority: (n) predominance,
Jane Austen
priority, excellence, mastery,
precedence, preference, distinction,
supremacy, domination, eminence;
(adj, n) odds. ANTONYMS: (n)
humility, weakness, friendliness,
mediocrity, simplicity
supernatural: (adj) mystical,
preternatural, weird, superhuman,
eerie, uncanny, unnatural,
mysterious, ghostly, divine; (n)
occult. ANTONYM: (adj) normal
supersede: (n, v) supplant, displace;
(v) substitute, replace, succeed,
commute, annul, deputize, cut out,
overrule; (n) remove
superseded: (adj) outmoded, archaic,
extinct, obsolete, out of date,
outdated
supplication: (n, v) entreaty,
solicitation; (n) petition, invocation,
appeal, request, rogation, plea,
orison, blessing, imploration
supplied: (n) supplying; (adj)
adequate, ample, copious, complete,
fitted, impregnated, made pregnant,
offered, perfect, plenteous.
ANTONYM: (adj) unavailable
supplying: (n) supply, issue, feeding,
logistics, issuing, issuance,
irrigation, alimentation, purveyance;
(v) furnish, provide
supporting: (n) backing, shoring,
propping up, hanging; (adj)
auxiliary, collateral, encouraging,
secondary, supplementary; (adj,
prep) behind; (v) uphold.
ANTONYMS: (prep) against; (adj)
secondary
supposing: (adv) admitting,
conditionally, in case; (n)
supposition, conjecture, thought,
theory, assumption; (conj) although,
what if; (v) suppose
supposition: (n, v) conjecture; (n)
assumption, hypothesis,
presumption, premise, speculation,
surmise, guess, supposal, thought,
imagination. ANTONYMS: (n) fact,
knowledge, proof, reality, practice
supposititious: (adj, v) spurious,
counterfeit; (adj) suppositious,
suppositional, supposed,
conjectural, bastard, factitious, false,
illegitimate; (v) fabulous
suppressing: (n) reticence
surmise: (n, v) guess; (v) suppose,
suspect, presume, imagine, divine,
doubt; (n) hypothesis, supposition,
speculation, assumption.
ANTONYMS: (n) knowledge,
measurement
surmounting: (n) triumph
331
surprised: (adj) amazed,
dumbfounded, shocked, astounded,
stunned, taken aback, bewildered,
startled, surprise, aghast, to be
astonished. ANTONYM: (adj)
unsurprised
surprising: (adj, n) marvelous,
strange, incredible; (adj) amazing,
remarkable, wonderful, shocking,
extraordinary, striking, unusual;
(adj, v) startling. ANTONYMS: (adj)
predictable, comforting, ordinary,
normal, unremarkable
surrounded: (adj) enclosed, ingirt,
not independent, ringed, inside,
rooted, conditioned, circumstanced,
bounded; (v) beset, furnished
surrounding: (prep) round, about;
(adj) encompassing, encircling,
environmental, circumambient,
adjoining; (adv) around; (n)
surroundings, circumstances,
enclosing
surveying: (n) mensuration,
measurement, investigation,
triangulation; (v) inspect, examine;
(adj) observant
surveyor: (n) supervisor, assessor,
overseer, superintendent, visitor,
ranger, lineman, husband, locator,
engineer, supercargo
suspect: (v) mistrust, suppose,
distrust, conjecture, guess, surmise,
divine, disbelieve; (adj) fishy,
questionable, shady. ANTONYMS:
(adj) trustworthy, trusted, innocent,
reliable, credible, aboveboard; (n)
plaintiff; (v) know, believe
suspected: (adj) supposed, doubted,
suspicious, suspicion, inspiring
distrust, distrusted
suspended: (adj) hanging, dormant,
pendulous, abeyant, dangling, in
abeyance, inactive, pendant, in
suspension, pensile, suspensory
suspense: (n) doubt, expectancy,
anticipation, indecision, insecurity,
unrest, expectation, irresolution,
suspension, tension; (adj, n)
hesitation. ANTONYM: (n)
knowledge
suspension: (n) interruption, break,
recess, respite, pause, intermission,
abeyance, suspense, adjournment,
postponement, reprieve.
ANTONYMS: (n) continuation,
completion, finish, inauguration
suspicion: (n) distrust, inkling,
misgiving, hunch, qualm, scruple,
surmise, supposition; (n, v) doubt,
mistrust, fear. ANTONYMS: (n)
certainty, knowledge, information,
 332
carelessness, recklessness, certitude
suspicions: (adj) entertain doubts,
have doubts; (n) doubts, misgivings,
reservations, qualms, worries, fears,
uncertainties
sustained: (adj) prolonged, long,
continuous, constant, chronic, free
burning, perennial, supported,
permanent, sostenuto, protracted.
ANTONYM: (adj) brief
swallow: (n, v) drink, gulp, taste, sip,
swig; (v) bolt, consume, devour,
accept, stomach, endure.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) sip; (v) doubt,
expel, disbelieve, reject, express
swallowed: (adj) engulfed, gulped,
inundated, overcome,
overwhelmed, flooded,
overpowered, enclosed
swearing: (n) curse, expletive,
profanity, oath, abuse, blasphemy,
swearword, execration, adjuration,
asseveration; (v) swear
sweat: (n, v) work, toil, struggle; (v)
perspire, drudge, exude; (n)
perspiration, lather, sudor, effort;
(adj) perspiring. ANTONYMS: (v)
ignore; (n) entertainment, ease,
relaxation
sweep: (adj, v) brush, rake; (n, v)
range, reach, sway; (n) compass,
expanse, scope, field; (v) sail; (adj, n)
curve
sweet: (adj) fresh, mellow, lovable,
dear, pleasant, musical, melodious,
pleasing, sugary; (adj, v) lovely; (adj,
n) beloved. ANTONYMS: (adj)
discordant, bitter, acid, sharp, acidic,
pungent, salty, harsh, detestable,
cacophonous, dry
sweets: (n) confectionery, julep,
grocery, confiture, instantaneous
sweet
swelled: (adj) big, inflated, bloated,
swollen, adult, boastful, bighearted,
bad, fully grown, crowing, elder
swelling: (n) protuberance, lump,
swell, intumescence, growth,
projection, prominence, bulge,
dropsy; (adj, v) inflated; (adj)
growing. ANTONYM: (n) decline
swept: (adj) clean
swift: (adj, adv, v) fast; (adj) quick,
fleet, speedy, alert, nimble, hasty,
prompt, sudden, hurried; (adj, v)
rapid. ANTONYMS: (adj)
considered, leisurely, sluggish,
gradual, delayed, clumsy
swiftly: (adv) rapidly, speedily,
fleetly, promptly, expeditiously,
alertly, hastily, suddenly, readily;
(adj, adv) quickly, fast.
Northanger Abbey
ANTONYMS: (adv) eventually,
sluggishly, gradually
swiftness: (n) speed, haste, rapidity,
celerity, acceleration, quickness,
promptness, pace, velocity, agility,
dispatch. ANTONYM: (n)
clumsiness
switzerland: (n) Suisse, Schweiz,
Svizzera
syllable: (n) antepenultimate,
antepenult, penultima, penultimate,
articulate, utter, linguistic unit, solfa
syllable, speech sound, syllabe,
language unit
sympathetic: (adj, v) compassionate,
tender, affectionate; (adj, n) kindly,
congenial, humane, gentle,
favorable; (adj) merciful, agreeable,
friendly. ANTONYMS: (adj)
hardhearted, unfeeling, callous,
uncaring, unsociable, unforgiving,
unfriendly, negative, sarcastic,
opposed, unhelpful
sympathy: (n) compassion, kindness,
commiseration, mercy, feeling,
understanding, rapport,
benevolence, agreement; (adj, n)
humanity, charity. ANTONYMS: (n)
indifference, cruelty, coldness,
disdain, incompatibility,
thoughtlessness, mercilessness,
callousness, incomprehension,
inhumanity, insensitivity
symptoms: (n) syndrome
synonymous: (adj) equivalent,
consignificative, synonymical,
similar, synonymic, same, the same
as, interchangeable, equal,
corresponding, consignificant.
ANTONYMS: (adj) different,
antonymous, dissimilar, opposite
tacit: (adj) silent, implicit,
understood, implied, undeclared,
unspoken, voiceless, mute, mum; (n)
tace; (v) not expressed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) spoken, express
talent: (n) genius, ability, aptitude,
capacity, skill, knack, flair,
capability; (n, v) endowment,
faculty; (adj, n) cleverness.
ANTONYMS: (n) incapacity, lack,
stupidity, incompetence, ineptness,
drawback
talents: (adj) talent, ability, capacity,
parts, ingenuity, cleverness, turn; (n)
faculty, endowment, genius,
accomplishment
talker: (n) speaker, conversationalist,
orator, chatterbox, babbler, raver,
stammerer, chatterer, speechmaker,
caller, mutterer
tapestry: (n) arras, tapis, textile,
embroidery, hanging, carpet, cloth,
complexness, fabric, material,
mending
tardiness: (n) slowness, sluggishness,
laziness, timing, dilatoriness, delay,
idleness, sloth, slothfulness, tardity.
ANTONYMS: (n) promptness,
speed, speediness
tarnished: (adj) stained, tainted, dim,
besmirched, spotted, imperfect,
damaged, flyblown, dull, messy,
maggoty. ANTONYMS: (adj) clean,
unblemished, famous
tasteful: (adj) refined, neat, graceful,
savory, tasty, delicious, dainty,
discriminating, clean, appreciate,
artistic. ANTONYMS: (adj) vulgar,
cheap, garish, offensive, unstylish,
unrefined, unfashionable, loud,
obvious, tacky
taught: (adj) instructed, educated,
schooled, instruct, well-bred,
scholarly, provided; (v) firm, fast,
close, taut
teach: (v) enlighten, educate, instruct,
coach, indoctrinate, drill, learn,
lecture, school; (adj, v) guide, show
teachableness: (n) docity, docibleness
tease: (n, v) annoy; (adj, v) molest,
harry, worry, bait; (v) taunt, kid,
pester, plague, provoke, mock.
ANTONYM: (v) placate
teasing: (n) tease, play, joke, fun,
banter; (adj) quizzical, vexatious,
pestering, annoying, playful; (v)
worrying. ANTONYM: (n)
seriousness
tedious: (adj) tiresome, boring,
dreary, slow, heavy, humdrum,
irksome, lifeless; (adj, v)
monotonous, arid, dry.
ANTONYMS: (adj) exciting, varied,
easy, readable, lively, entertaining,
enthralling, brisk, concise, exotic,
pleasant
tediousness: (n) boredom, dullness,
monotony, flatness, ennui, dulness,
prosiness, tediosity, tiresomeness,
irksomeness; (adj) wearisomeness
temper: (adj, v) moderate, soften,
mitigate, harden; (n) character,
disposition, humor, nature; (v)
modify, season, qualify.
ANTONYMS: (n, v) upset; (v)
soften, agitate, excite, flex, bend,
increase; (n) composure, happiness,
wrath, equanimity
temperate: (adj) sober, moderate,
restrained, calm, reasonable,
abstemious, gentle, balmy,
abstinent, frugal, equable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) violent,

unrestrained, stormy, cool, extreme,
hot, immoderate, wintry, rough
tempest: (adj, n) storm, gust; (n) gale,
hurricane, squall, disturbance,
cyclone, typhoon, agitation, tornado,
blizzard. ANTONYM: (n) serenity
temples: (n) brow
tempt: (adj, v) attract, allure; (v)
entice, decoy, charm, inveigle,
invite, coax, seduce, fascinate,
attempt. ANTONYMS: (v)
discourage, appall, repel
tempting: (adj) seductive, alluring,
attractive, enticing, tantalizing,
charming, appealing, captivating,
beguiling, delicious, irresistible.
ANTONYMS: (adj) repulsive,
revolting, unattractive, repellent
tendency: (n, v) drift; (n) proclivity,
propensity, leaning, trend, direction,
inclination, partiality, disposition,
bent, course. ANTONYM: (n) dislike
tender: (n, v) offer, proffer, bid; (adj,
v) affectionate; (adj) painful,
sensitive, soft, loving, sore; (v)
propose, present. ANTONYMS:
(adj) hardhearted, rubbery, hard,
rough, uncaring, healthy, mature,
unfeeling, cold, experienced; (v)
withdraw
tenderness: (n) fondness, soreness,
love, affection, sympathy; (adj, n)
clemency, mildness, compassion,
gentleness, softness, delicacy.
ANTONYMS: (n) pleasure, dryness,
hatred, strength, detachment
tenor: (n) purport, meaning,
substance, tendency, spirit, tone,
mood, effect, set, temper; (adj)
soprano
tenth: (adj, n) tithe; (adj) denary,
decimal, decuple, tenfold; (n) ten
percent, tenth part, simple fraction,
common fraction, disme
terminated: (adj) complete, all over,
over, extinct, accomplished, closed,
highly skilled; (adj, adv) ended,
finished, done; (adv) completed
terrific: (adj) tremendous, fantastic,
great, wonderful, dreadful,
formidable, splendid, brilliant,
marvellous; (adj, v) terrible,
shocking. ANTONYMS: (adj) tiny,
abysmal, bad, calm, moderate,
nasty, dreadful, insignificant,
ordinary, unremarkable
terrified: (adj) afraid, frightened,
fearful, panicky, panicked, aghast,
timid, timorous, apprehensive,
startled, alarmed. ANTONYMS:
(adj) fearless, brave
terror: (n, v) alarm, scare; (adj, n)
Jane Austen
dread, awe; (n) fear, dismay,
consternation, horror, panic,
apprehension, scourge.
ANTONYMS: (n) peace, security,
delight, calm, confidence
testimony: (n, v) attestation, witness;
(n) declaration, proof, evidence,
testimonial, confirmation, statement,
affidavit, affirmation, profession
tete-a-tete: (n) gab, conversation, chat
texture: (adj, n) grain; (n) fabric,
constitution, weave, tissue, web,
woof, roughness, marbleizing; (n, v)
finish, make
thankful: (adj) appreciative,
indebted, beholden, obliged,
contented, pleased, gratified,
relieved, under obligation,
appreciatory, welcome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) worried,
unappreciative, unthankful, sorry
thankfully: (adv) gratefully,
obligedly, beholdenly, indebtedly,
pleasedly, fortunately, happily,
unreservedly, with enthusiasm, with
pleasure, freely. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unfortunately, unwillingly
thanking: (n) curtain call,
appreciation, acknowledgement,
blessing
thence: (adv) therefore, thus,
therefrom, thereof, consequently,
then, so, thereafter, thenceforth,
since, on account of
thereby: (adv) whereby, hereby
thick: (adj) compact, stupid,
crowded, slow, opaque, dull, heavy,
stocky, deep, close, familiar.
ANTONYMS: (adj) thin, intelligent,
sparse, bright, slight, clever,
transparent, diluted, fine, clear,
runny
thickness: (n) density, width,
consistency, layer, consistence,
heaviness, concentration, bulk,
breadth, compactness, substance.
ANTONYMS: (n) slenderness,
smoothness, length, clearness
thinning: (n) dilution, press clipping,
press cutting, singling, tapering,
newspaper clipping, slip; (adj)
receding, retreating, withdrawing,
moving back
thirteen: (n) long dozen, large integer
thither: (adv) hither, whither, on that
point, in that respect, at that place,
in that location; (adj) further,
ulterior, remoter, succeeding, more
distant
thompson: (n) Benjamin Thompson,
count Rumford, homer Armstrong
Thompson
333
thorough: (adj) complete, full,
profound, exhaustive, absolute,
good, comprehensive, detailed,
extensive, sweeping, careful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) partial, sketchy,
careless, slack, imperfect, sloppy,
rushed, restricted, inadequate,
halfhearted, dense
thoroughly: (adv, v) fully; (adv)
entirely, totally, soundly,
exhaustively, carefully, absolutely,
perfectly, deeply, utterly, exactly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) superficially,
incompletely, negligently, partially,
partly, barely, halfheartedly,
deficiently, inadequately,
insufficiently, hastily
thorpe: (n) hamlet, Jim Thorpe, James
Francis Thorpe
thou: (n) chiliad, grand, m, g, one
thousand, gramme, gram, gm,
gigabyte, Gb, curtilage
thoughtfulness: (n) kindness, tact,
deliberation, attentiveness,
contemplativeness, attention,
introspection, meditation,
pensiveness, reflection, reflexion.
ANTONYMS: (n) thoughtlessness,
carelessness, cruelty, rashness,
unthoughtfulness, inconsideration,
unkindness, selfishness,
insensitivity, neglect, cheerfulness
thoughtless: (adj, v) careless,
heedless, rash, improvident; (adj)
reckless, inattentive, hasty,
unthinking, negligent, neglectful,
imprudent. ANTONYMS: (adj)
considerate, considered, heedful,
prudent, kind, cautious, mindful,
responsible, attentive, observant,
sensible
thoughtlessness: (n) inconsideration,
rashness, carelessness,
impulsiveness, imprudence,
indiscretion, heedlessness,
bluntness, foolhardiness, neglect,
negligence. ANTONYMS: (n)
thoughtfulness, care, responsibility,
carefulness, caution, wisdom,
diplomacy, sensitivity
thread: (n) screw thread, yarn, rope,
wire, twine, ligature; (adj, n, v) line,
file; (n, v) string together; (adj, v)
range; (v) penetrate
threadbare: (adj, v) stale, shabby,
dilapidated, bald, frayed, faded;
(adj) hackneyed, worn, banal, trite,
tattered. ANTONYMS: (adj) new,
unused, reliable, fresh, unworn,
pristine, original
threatened: (adj) vulnerable, in
jeopardy, exposed, endangered,
 334
doomed, at risk
threatening: (adj) ominous,
forbidding, sinister, minatory, black,
imminent, perilous, impending,
dangerous, grave, sullen.
ANTONYMS: (adj) reassuring, nice,
approachable, pleasant, promising,
favorable, friendly, harmless,
hospitable, soothing
thrilling: (adj, n) electric; (adj)
exciting, sensational, exhilarating,
electrifying, emotional, rousing,
gripping, stimulating; (adj, v)
impressive; (n, v) swelling.
ANTONYMS: (adj) boring,
depressing, discouraging, upsetting,
uninspiring
throat: (n) orifice, pharynx, gorge,
mouth, muzzle, nozzle, sucker,
shaft, quarl, throat depth, nostril
throng: (n, v) swarm, herd, mob,
flock, press; (n) multitude, host,
horde, mass, assembly, concourse.
ANTONYMS: (n) trickle, few; (v)
disperse
throw: (n, v) cast, pitch, push; (v)
shed, hurl, heave, chuck, flip, pass,
hurtle; (n) shot. ANTONYMS: (v)
explain, help, receive, clarify,
encourage
thrown: (adj) puzzled, confused,
thrown and twisted, upset,
disconcerted, unnerved, terrified,
scared out of your wits, mystified,
frightened; (n) reminder.
ANTONYM: (adj) calm
thunder: (adj, n, v) boom; (n, v) roar,
bang, roll, bellow; (adj, n) peal; (adj,
v) explode, detonate; (v) howl,
rumble, fulminate
thursday: (n) thorium
thwarted: (adj) disappointed, foiled,
discomfited, defeated, not
victorious, baffled, balked, beaten,
upset, embarrassed, saddened.
ANTONYM: (adj) satisfied
tidings: (n) intelligence, information,
message, report, word, advice,
communication, dispute, wind,
statement, tiding
tidy: (adj, v) clean, trim; (adj) spruce,
shipshape, respectable, natty; (v)
clear, straighten, clear up, clean up,
arrange. ANTONYMS: (adj)
knotted, disheveled, disorganized,
messy, slovenly, hairy,
unsubstantial, dense; (v) litter,
disorganize, disorder
till: (conj, prep) until, unto; (v) plow,
hoe, farm, dig; (adj) up to; (n) tiller,
drawer; (adv) so far; (prep) to
tinkling: (adj) clinking, tinkly,
Northanger Abbey
tintinnabulary, reverberant; (n) ting
tippet: (n) mantle, muffler, flap
tiptoe: (v) tip, tippytoe, creep, patter,
skirt, skip, tilt, sidle, lean; (adj) alert;
(n) quieter. ANTONYM: (v) clump
tired: (adj, v) fatigued, weary,
exhausted, stale; (adj) threadbare,
commonplace, trite, banal, haggard,
stock, jaded. ANTONYMS: (adj)
invigorated, alert, refreshed,
energetic, original, strong, awake,
energized, lively, rested, relaxed
tiresome: (adj) tedious, dull,
laborious, irksome, monotonous,
annoying, slow, dreary, bothersome;
(adj, v) wearisome, troublesome.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stimulating, fun,
varied, soothing, pleasant, brisk,
exciting, convenient, refreshing
toilette: (n) dress, costume, attire,
raiment, drapery, guise, trim, John,
lavatory, privy, bathroom
tolerable: (adj) passable, mediocre,
bearable, fair, middling, reasonable,
adequate, respectable, endurable,
sufferable; (adj, v) satisfactory.
ANTONYMS: (adj) intolerable,
exceptional, unbearable,
unsatisfactory, bad, inadequate,
appalling, inadmissible
tolerably: (adv) well enough,
passably, acceptably, reasonably,
enough, moderately, to a tolerable
degree, pretty, to an adequate
degree; (adj, adv) somewhat; (adj)
pretty well. ANTONYMS: (adv)
unbearably, intolerably,
unacceptably, unreasonably,
insufficiently, inadequately
tolerated: (adj) permissive, permitted,
permitting, suffered, admissible
tongue: (n) lingua, speech, idiom,
dialect, clapper, glossa, natural
language, striker, talk; (v) lick; (adj)
flowing
torment: (n, v) tease, distress, harass,
afflict, pain, annoy; (n) agony,
anguish, suffering; (v) persecute,
oppress. ANTONYMS: (v) please,
delight, placate, comfort, soothe; (n)
contentment, happiness, pleasure,
calm, content
tormented: (adj) worried, tortured,
hagridden, troubled, beleaguered,
beset, besieged, cruciate, cruciform,
distraught, distressed. ANTONYM:
(adj) calm
torn: (adj, prep) lacerated, rent,
mangled; (adj) ripped, tattered,
blasted, lacerate, shabby,
goddamned, infernal, made
uninhabitable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
pristine, sure, resolute, healed,
decided, mended
torrents: (n) white water, rapids
torture: (n, v) pain, distress, agonize,
afflict; (n) agony, anguish, suffering,
excruciation, grief; (v) rack,
excruciate. ANTONYMS: (n) relief,
alleviation, content, ecstasy, joy,
pleasure; (v) relieve, alleviate
touched: (adj) insane, cracked,
tinged, not right, daft, crazy, nutty;
(v) compassionate, sympathetic,
pitiful, mucid. ANTONYMS: (adj)
untouched, sane, unemotional,
unmoved, well
touching: (adj, v) affecting; (adj)
poignant, pitiful, pathetic, adjacent,
adjoining, emotional; (n) touch,
contact; (prep) concerning, about.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unaffecting,
everyday, heartwarming,
unmoving, heartbreaking,
emotionless, unemotional,
impassive
tower: (n) column, spire, steeple,
pinnacle, pylon, castle; (adj, n) pillar;
(v) ascend, rise, loom, arise
towers: (n) edifice
traced: (adj) graphic
tranquillity: (adj, n, v) quiet; (n)
serenity, quietness, relaxation,
quietude, peacefulness, calmness; (n,
v) repose, rest; (adj, n) stillness,
calm. ANTONYMS: (n) noise,
agitation, movement, panic,
turbulence, turmoil
transactions: (n) minutes, dealings,
records, traffic, business, memoir,
legal proceeding, judicial
proceeding, intercourse, Hansard,
proceeding
transient: (adj) fleeting, temporary,
passing, transitory, fugacious,
ephemeral, momentary, temporal,
provisional; (adj, n) fugitive,
vagabond. ANTONYMS: (adj)
enduring, lasting, immanent, long;
(n) resident
transition: (n) passage, transit,
conversion, changeover, alteration,
modulation, jump, transformation,
modification, shift, leap
transmitting: (n) transmission,
telephotography, posting, mailing,
forwarding, transmittance,
transmission system, contagion,
sending, infection
transpire: (v) occur, pass, evaporate,
exhale, befall, come out, come about,
arise, fume, exude, ensue
trash: (n) rubbish, litter, scum,
garbage, refuse, rubble, debris; (n, v)

scrap, junk; (v) destroy; (adj, n)
trumpery. ANTONYMS: (n)
valuables, sense, possessions, assets,
fact; (v) renovate, conserve
travelled: (adj) cosmopolitan
traveller: (n) passenger, tourist,
wanderer, voyager, wayfarer,
mover, itinerant, courier, entrant,
swimmer, outlander
travelling: (n) travel, peregrination,
riding, commuting, aviation,
driving, commutation, seafaring,
junketing, circumnavigation,
journey
travels: (n) actions, expedition
tray: (n) plate, salver, dish,
cheeseboard, tray bar, server, waiter,
Cran, inkstand, icetray, jardiniere
treacherous: (adj) unfaithful,
deceitful, false, perfidious,
dangerous, disloyal, unreliable,
unsafe, Punic, fraudulent, faithless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) faithful, loyal,
honest, safe, true, genuine,
forthright, stable, harmless,
dependable, open
tread: (n, v) pace, walk, rate, march,
tramp; (n) gait, stride, footstep,
footfall, track; (v) trample
treasure: (n) gem, fortune, riches,
funds; (n, v) hoard, prize, store; (v)
cherish, appreciate; (adj, n) jewel,
precious stone. ANTONYMS: (v)
dislike, disparage, scorn, neglect; (n)
dud, poverty
treat: (n, v) feast, manage, administer,
regale; (v) process, deal, heal, nurse;
(n) luxury, delicacy, tidbit.
ANTONYMS: (v) harm, hurt, injure,
neglect, exacerbate, deprive, deny,
contaminate, cloud; (n) necessity
treating: (adj) remedial
tremble: (adj, n, v) shiver; (n, v)
quiver, shudder, thrill, palpitate;
(adj, v) totter, quake; (n) throb; (v)
flutter, quail, falter. ANTONYMS:
(v) steady, calm
trembling: (adj, n) shaking; (adj, n, v)
tremor; (adj) shaky, quaking,
shivering, flutter; (n) palpitation,
quiver, vibration, shiver, quake.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stable, steady
tremulous: (adj) shaky, trembling,
shaking, fearful, apprehensive,
quavering, fidgety, shivering; (n)
nervous, diffident, coy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) stable, confident,
steady
tribute: (n) commendation, tax,
honor, testimonial, duty, homage,
respect, eulogy, compliment; (n, v)
contribution, subsidy. ANTONYMS:
Jane Austen
(n) blame, accusation, dishonor
trick: (n, v) deceive, cheat, fraud,
deceit, joke, sham, con; (n) prank,
deception, device; (v) mislead.
ANTONYMS: (n) frankness,
honesty, misunderstanding,
seriousness, truthfulness; (adj) real,
genuine, innocent
tricks: (n) actions, behavior, thing,
clowning around, fooling, magic,
plunder, possession, activities
trifle: (n, v) play; (adj, n, v) trinket;
(v) dally, fiddle, flirt, fool, frivol; (n)
nothing, triviality, detail; (adj, n)
bagatelle
trifler: (n) dilettante, fribble, fribbler,
gamester, gambler, wanton, doodle,
dangler, toyer, dallier; (v) waiter on
Providence
trifles: (n) jests, nonsense, nugae,
trivia
trifling: (adj) paltry, slight, petty,
negligible, immaterial, worthless,
trivial, minor, small; (adj, v)
inconsequential; (adj, n) frivolity.
ANTONYMS: (adj) significant,
worthwhile, major, considerable,
crucial, enormous, great, mature,
profound, substantial; (n)
importance
trimmings: (n) embellishments,
trappings, finery, fixing,
superfluities, plumage, edge,
paraphernalia, gear, additions,
fixings
tripping: (adj) easy, flowing,
lightsome, readable, swinging,
swingy, nimble, lilting, light, fluent;
(v) failing
triumph: (v) exult, prevail, crow,
rejoice, succeed; (n, v) glory, win,
joy; (n) victory, conquest, exultation.
ANTONYMS: (n) failure, defeat,
sorrow, unhappiness, dud, sadness,
loss, flop; (v) fail, lose, forfeit
triumphant: (adj) victorious,
successful, triumphal, exulting,
winning, joyful, rejoicing, elated,
conquering, prideful; (adj, v)
exultant. ANTONYMS: (adj)
disappointed, failing, losing,
defeated, miserable, sorrowful
trivial: (adj) trifling, frivolous, little,
small, commonplace, superficial,
petty, paltry, inconsiderable,
piddling, slight. ANTONYMS: (adj)
important, vital, major, urgent,
profound, crucial, consequential,
considerable, enormous, mature,
serious
trodden: (adj) trampled, damaged,
beaten, compressed, packed down.
335
ANTONYM: (adj) loose
troop: (n) group, corps, gang, crowd,
band, brigade, crew, herd, swarm,
horde; (n, v) flock
trot: (n, v) run; (n) crib, canter, pony,
gait, ride, lope; (v) gallop, general,
frequent, household
troubled: (adj, v) concerned,
solicitous; (adj) distressed, anxious,
worried, uneasy, uncomfortable,
disconcerted, upset, apprehensive,
restless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
unconcerned, composed, calm, easy,
relaxed, tranquil, assured, carefree,
brave, stable, unaffected
troublesome: (adj) difficult, hard,
arduous, bothersome, inconvenient,
onerous, awkward, annoying,
laborious, tough, heavy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) nice, helpful,
useful, advantageous, convenient,
uncomplicated, delightful
truly: (adj, adv) really; (adv)
sincerely, in truth, exactly, in fact,
indeed, in reality, genuinely, right,
certainly, honestly. ANTONYMS:
(adv) insincerely, dubiously,
doubtfully, apparently, inaccurately,
indefinite, dishonestly, mildly,
wrongly
trunk: (n) stem, boot, torso, bole,
body, stalk, snout, proboscis, stock,
tree trunk, box
trunks: (n) short pants, pants,
luggage, Jockey shorts, Jamaica
shorts, Bermuda shorts, bathing
trunks, bathing suit, costume,
drawers, swimming trunks
trusted: (adj) intimate, confidential,
sure, bosom, beloved, cherished,
familiar, trustworthy, indisputable,
trusty, reliable
trusting: (adj) credulous,
unsuspecting, naive, confident,
confiding, simple, innocent, gullible,
reliant, give, easy to fool.
ANTONYMS: (adj) distrustful,
suspicious, doubtful, hesitant,
protective, shrewd, disingenuous,
smart, jaded
tuesday: (n) Tues
tumble: (n, v) drop, jumble, stumble,
plunge, slip, spill, downfall; (v)
crumble, collapse, topple, confuse
tumbled: (adj) disordered
tune: (n) song, strain, air, harmony,
note, concord; (v) adjust, regulate,
string, tune up; (n, v) chant.
ANTONYMS: (n) silence; (v) untune
turban: (n) peruke, pelt, periwig,
pillbox, toque, front, caftan,
chignon, turbant, headgear,
 336
millinery
twelfth: (adj) dozenth
twelvemonth: (n) calendar year, civil
year, financial year, common year,
amount of time, time period, period
of time, bissextile year, class, yr,
period
twisting: (adj) tortuous, winding,
sinuous, crooked, zigzag,
meandering; (n) distortion, turn,
spin, torsion, overrefinement
tying: (n) ligation, bundling,
attachment, knotting, lacing; (adj)
binding; (v) restrict
tyranny: (adj, n) dictatorship,
autocracy; (n) absolutism,
despotism, oppression, cruelty,
monocracy, totalitarianism,
authoritarianism, autarchy,
Caesarism. ANTONYMS: (n)
democracy, liberty
ugly: (adj, adv) surly; (adj) nasty,
repulsive, frightful, forbidding,
disagreeable, hideous, gruesome,
evil, offensive, shocking.
ANTONYMS: (adj) attractive,
flowing, ornamental, nice, lovely,
pleasant, safe, kind, gentle,
appealing, agreeable
unaccountable: (adj)
incomprehensible, inexplicable,
strange, unintelligible,
unexplainable, mysterious,
impenetrable, undiscoverable,
undecipherable, unknowable,
unnatural. ANTONYMS: (adj)
accountable, explainable,
responsible, explicable
unaccountably: (adv) mysteriously,
especially, curiously, bizarrely
unacquainted: (adj) unaware,
unaccustomed, strange, oblivious,
ignorant, unapprized, unapprised,
unweeting, inexperienced, innocent,
not learned. ANTONYMS: (adj)
accustomed, knowledgeable,
conscious, informed
unaffected: (adj) sincere, artless,
natural, plain, real, genuine,
unimpressed, ingenuous, naive,
untouched, honest. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unnatural, sophisticated,
refined, pretentious, moved, hurt,
disturbed, changed, vulnerable,
dishonest, emotional
unalloyed: (adj) pure, unadulterated,
genuine, unsophisticated, solid,
unfortified, untinged, sheer, true; (v)
painless, without alloy
unanswerable: (adj) irrefutable, final,
incontestable, irresponsible,
incontrovertible, indisputable,
Northanger Abbey
decisive, ultimate, undeniable, not
refragable; (v) probative
unassisted: (adj) alone, unbacked; (v)
unsupported, unstrengthened; (adv)
single-handed. ANTONYM: (adj)
assisted
unawares: (adv) suddenly, pop,
plump, abruptly, a l'improviste,
unaware, all at once, unexpectedly,
inadvertently; (adj) unwary,
unsuspecting. ANTONYMS: (adj)
prepared; (adv) knowingly,
consciously
unbelieving: (adj) incredulous,
disbelieving, sceptical, suspicious,
atheistical, nescient, irreligious,
atheistic, faithless, unconverted,
distrustful
unbroken: (adj) continuous, entire,
complete, continual, constant, intact,
incessant, endless, whole,
undivided, solid. ANTONYMS:
(adj) intermittent, temporary,
plowed, discontinuous, disturbed,
sporadic, partial
uncandid: (adj) disingenuous, mean,
not ingenuous, unfair, not noble
unceasing: (adj) ceaseless, incessant,
perpetual, continuous, constant,
continual, everlasting, eternal,
lasting, uninterrupted, endless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) acute,
intermittent, sporadic
unceasingly: (adv) incessantly,
endlessly, ceaselessly, continually,
unremittingly, unendingly,
constantly, always, perpetually,
uninterruptedly, eternally.
ANTONYM: (adv) acutely
uncertain: (adj) changeable, dubious,
questionable, indistinct, equivocal,
chancy, unsure, unsafe; (adj, v)
indefinite, vague; (adj, n) doubtful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) definite, clear,
decisive, sure, decided,
unquestionable, inevitable, safe,
unreserved, sealed, determined
uncertainty: (n) doubtfulness,
suspicion, distrust, indecision,
suspense, irresolution, hesitation,
incertitude, dubiety, question,
dubiousness. ANTONYMS: (n)
certainty, decisiveness, confidence,
clarity, sureness, definiteness,
resolution, predictability, security,
certitude, understanding
uncheerful: (adj) cheerless, drabber,
drear, dreary, gloomy, lacking
cheer, disconsolate, unwilling, grim,
drab, dismal. ANTONYM: (adj)
cheerful
uncivil: (adj) discourteous,
disrespectful, impolite, coarse,
brusque, curt, blunt, barbarous,
short; (adj, n) rough, harsh.
ANTONYMS: (adj) polite,
courteous, gracious
uncomfortable: (adj) ill at ease,
embarrassing, troubled,
disagreeable, inconvenient, difficult,
discomfited, anxious, uneasy,
cheerless; (v) untoward.
ANTONYMS: (adj) relaxed, comfy,
happy, untroubled, painless,
content, easy, straightforward
uncomfortably: (adv) uneasily,
grimly, agitatedly, apprehensively,
cheerlessly, disagreeably, dismally,
distastefully, embarrassingly,
gloomily, illegally. ANTONYMS:
(adv) comfortably, calmly,
innocently
uncommon: (adj) extraordinary,
peculiar, scarce, singular, strange,
special, exceptional, infrequent, odd,
unusual, unaccustomed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) typical, usual,
normal, familiar, poor, ordinary,
bad, imperfect, customary,
accustomed, frequent
uncommonly: (adv) rarely, strangely,
infrequently, scarcely, occasionally,
exceptionally, oddly; (adj, adv)
particularly, remarkably, singularly,
curiously. ANTONYMS: (adv)
frequently, typically
unconquerable: (adj)
insurmountable, impregnable,
insuperable, irresistible, unbeatable,
proof against, resistless,
indomitable, unquenchable,
impassable, inextinguishable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) conquerable,
feeble
unconscious: (adj) involuntary,
unaware, ignorant, unwitting,
subconscious, oblivious, automatic,
insensible, unintentional, instinctive,
senseless. ANTONYMS: (adj)
conscious, awake, deliberate, aware,
voluntary, intentional, alive, wary
unconsciously: (adv) instinctively,
unintentionally, unthinkingly,
unwittingly, ignorantly, innocently,
comatosely, automatically,
obliviously, unsuspectingly,
inadvertently. ANTONYMS: (adv)
consciously, deliberately,
knowingly, purposely
unconvinced: (adj) doubtful,
dubious, skeptical, unconverted,
disappointed, unsatisfied,
unfulfilled, unenthusiastic,
undecided, uncertain, unbelieving.

ANTONYMS: (adj) pleased,
convinced, certain, sure,
enthusiastic, credulous
uncritical: (v) benedictory,
complimentary, commendatory,
lavish of praise, encomiastic,
panegyrical, laudatory; (adj)
indiscriminate, noncritical,
unselective, gullible. ANTONYMS:
(adj) discriminating, shrewd, fussy
undeceive: (v) unbeguile, unbefool,
disabuse, inform
undeceived: (adj) disillusioned,
disenchanted
undefined: (adj) indeterminate,
indistinct, obscure, shadowy,
uncertain, vague, unspecified,
ambiguous, unlimited, inexact,
neutral. ANTONYMS: (adj) defined,
exact, constrained
underneath: (adv, prep) below,
under; (adj) down, inferior,
supporting; (n) bottom, base,
underside; (adv) under that, under
it; (prep) unbecoming.
ANTONYMS: (n) top; (adv) up,
over, above, apparently
undertake: (v) attempt, take on, try,
covenant, guarantee, accept, tackle,
contract, take, begin, engage.
ANTONYMS: (v) forego, abstain,
forget, relinquish
undertaking: (n) promise, attempt,
project, venture, adventure,
endeavor, job, effort; (n, v) task,
labor, business
undervalue: (v) underestimate,
underrate, devalue, belittle, lessen,
disparage, misjudge, decry, despise,
devaluate, diminish. ANTONYMS:
(v) overrate, appreciate,
overestimate, overvalue, recognize
undervaluing: (n) contempt, neglect,
mistake, misapprehension,
misconception; (adj) expressing
depreciation, depreciative,
depreciatory
undiscovered: (v) solved,
undeveloped, unexplained,
untraced; (adj) unnoticed, remote,
unexplored, unheard-of, silly,
unacquainted with, foolish
undisputed: (adj, v) undoubted,
unquestioned; (adj) unchallenged,
unquestionable, accepted,
recognized, recognised, indubitable,
absolute, decided; (v) uncontested.
ANTONYMS: (adj) doubtful,
disputable, dubious, individual,
questionable
undistinguishing: (adj)
indiscriminate, promiscuous,
Jane Austen
confused
undisturbed: (adj) peaceful, quiet,
tranquil, serene, placid, still, easy,
smooth, uninterrupted, untroubled,
composed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
tense, anxious, agitated, bothered,
disordered, disturbed, noisy, scared
undivided: (adj) complete, whole,
unbroken, total, single, integral,
continuous, united, full, exclusive,
solid. ANTONYMS: (adj) partial,
separate, broken, imperfect,
individual
undoubtedly: (adv) certainly,
positively, definitely, indubitably,
no doubt, clearly, unquestionably,
unquestionedly, all right, beyond
any doubt; (adj, adv) doubtless.
ANTONYMS: (adv) doubtfully,
indefinite, ambiguously, possibly
undressed: (adj) naked, unclad,
unclothed, bare, raw, stripped,
unattired, unappareled, crude,
rough, disrobed. ANTONYMS: (adj)
covered, decent
uneasiness: (n) disquiet, discomfort,
inquietude, anxiety, unease, malaise,
disquietude, apprehension, unrest,
impatience; (n, v) agitation.
ANTONYMS: (n) peace, calm,
confidence
uneasy: (adj) anxious, fidgety,
restless, concerned, nervous,
apprehensive, ill at ease, unquiet,
awkward, fretful, restive.
ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
untroubled, composed, relaxed,
easy, unconcerned, still,
comfortable, carefree, confident,
serene
unequal: (adj) different, unlike,
uneven, rough, lopsided, unfair,
inadequate, disparate,
disproportionate, unbalanced,
unsymmetrical. ANTONYMS: (adj)
equal, even, fair, identical, similar,
same, level, constant, balanced, like,
corresponding
uneventful: (adj) eventless, prosaic,
humdrum, slow, dreary, indecisive,
without any passion, lifeless,
uninteresting, general, mere.
ANTONYMS: (adj) eventful,
extraordinary, memorable, inspiring
unexpected: (adj) sudden, abrupt,
casual, unforeseen, unanticipated,
accidental, strange, unsuspected;
(adj, v) unlooked for, unpredicted;
(n) surprise. ANTONYMS: (adj)
expected, gradual, normal,
commonplace, protracted, ordinary,
typical, customary
337
unexplored: (adj) unexplained,
unapprehended, unascertained,
undiscovered, unheard of; (v)
unexamined, uninvented,
unsearched, unstudied, unweighed,
unsifted
unfairly: (adv) dishonestly,
deceitfully, partially, unequally,
deceptively, wrongly, wrongfully,
unduly, fraudulently; (adv, v)
foully, shamefully. ANTONYMS:
(adv) honestly, justly, reasonably,
evenly, genuinely
unfasten: (v) open, detach, release,
unbind, unbutton, disengage,
unbolt, separate, loose, loosen,
unchain. ANTONYMS: (v) attach,
lock, close
unfavourably: (adv) adversely,
inconveniently, awkwardly,
inappropriately, showing
disapproval, inopportunely.
ANTONYM: (adv) favorably
unfixed: (adj, v) uncertain, vague,
ambiguous, undetermined; (adj)
unsettled, nebulous, unstable,
undefined, loose; (adj, adv) moving;
(v) stray. ANTONYMS: (adj) fixed,
constant, definite
unfolded: (adj) extended, stretched,
outspread, outstretched, widely
spread, stretched out, explicate,
evolved, displayed, expanded,
detailed
unfortunate: (adj) inauspicious, sad,
hapless, bad, inopportune,
disastrous, adverse, deplorable,
infelicitous, untoward, lamentable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) lucky,
auspicious, good, opportune,
joyous, timely, appropriate,
successful, easy, privileged
unfounded: (adj) groundless,
unwarranted, false, idle, unsound,
untrue, unsupported, erroneous,
gratuitous, unsubstantiated, vain.
ANTONYMS: (adj) valid, proven,
justified, supported, substantiated,
admiring, sound, rational, logical
unfrequently: (adv) not much, not
often, unoften, rarely
unfriendly: (adj) inimical, distant,
adverse, antagonistic, unkind, cold,
inhospitable, icy; (adj, adv) chilly;
(adj, v) unfavorable; (adv) hostilely.
ANTONYMS: (adj) friendly,
welcoming, warm, amiable,
approachable, sociable, hospitable,
kindly, nice, outgoing, pleasant
unfurnished: (v) unprovided; (adj)
unarranged, unbegun, unequipped,
untrimmed, unoccupied, vacant,
 338
clear, cleared, devoid, unorganized.
ANTONYM: (adj) full
ungenerous: (adj, v) illiberal; (adj)
stingy, parsimonious, miserly,
cheap, uncharitable, close, narrow,
tightfisted, closefisted, penurious.
ANTONYMS: (adj) generous, kind
ungraceful: (adj) clumsy, ungainly,
graceless, inelegant, stiff, uncouth,
maladroit, mean, gauche,
unbecoming, unhandsome.
ANTONYM: (adj) elegant
unguarded: (adj) vulnerable,
incautious, defenseless, careless,
unprotected, exposed, insecure,
undefended; (v) thoughtless,
thriftless, shiftless. ANTONYMS:
(adj) thoughtful, careful, safe,
guarded, armed, invulnerable,
secure
unhappiness: (n) sadness, misery,
melancholy, distress, grief, regret,
infelicity, woe, sorrowfulness,
depression, displeasure.
ANTONYMS: (n) cheerfulness,
pleasure, joy, elation, contentment,
satisfaction, cheer
unhappy: (adj) gloomy, dismal,
depressed, melancholy, sad,
miserable, sorrowful, distressed,
disconsolate, infelicitous, low.
ANTONYMS: (adj) happy, cheerful,
satisfied, pleased, glad, euphoric,
fortunate, contented, joyful, timely,
lucky
uniformity: (n) consistency,
constancy, evenness, sameness,
equality, monotony, regularity,
similarity, order, identity,
proportion. ANTONYMS: (n)
variety, inconsistency,
nonuniformity, variation,
dissimilarity, unevenness
uninformed: (adj) ignorant,
uneducated, untaught, uninstructed,
unlettered, unlearned, unwitting,
unaccustomed, unaware, unversed,
untutored. ANTONYMS: (adj)
knowledgeable, informed, literate,
logical, conscious
uninhabited: (adj) empty, desert,
desolate, vacant, unoccupied,
unpopulated, uninhabitable, lonely,
untenanted, unsettled, waste.
ANTONYMS: (adj) inhabited,
overcrowded, populous
unintelligible: (adj) opaque,
inarticulate, unfathomable,
impenetrable, unaccountable,
ambiguous, not clear, obscure,
indistinct, inconceivable, secret.
ANTONYMS: (adj) understandable,
Northanger Abbey
clear, comprehensible, intelligible,
obvious
unintentional: (adj) unconscious,
undesigned, inadvertent,
unintended, unwitting, coincidental,
accidental, chance, spontaneous,
unthinking, fortuitous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) intentional,
planned, designed, intended,
voluntary, conscious
uninteresting: (adj) insipid, dreary,
tedious, bland, commonplace, flat,
stupid, tame, tasteless, humdrum;
(adj, n) dull. ANTONYMS: (adj)
exciting, fascinating, scandalous,
eventful, impressive, charming,
brilliant, animated, colorful, lively,
special
unite: (v) associate, meet, connect,
link, blend, join, coalesce, unify, tie,
amalgamate; (adj, v) fuse.
ANTONYMS: (v) divide, cut,
disband, disconnect, diverge,
segregate, split, undo, unpick
uniting: (adj) concurrent, united,
coincident; (n) unification, reunion,
fusion, merger, coalescence,
amalgamation, conglutination, join
universal: (adj) general, global,
ecumenical, international, common,
worldwide, public, ubiquitous,
comprehensive, widespread,
oecumenical. ANTONYMS: (adj)
local, specific, idiosyncratic,
confined, isolated, narrow, rare
universe: (n) world, creation, cosmos,
population, earth, macrocosm,
space, globe, existence, outer space,
mankind
unjust: (adj) partial, injurious, wrong,
inequitable, unrighteous, wicked,
foul, wrongful, improper,
unmerited, unjustified.
ANTONYMS: (adj) just, equitable,
rightful, reasonable, good
unjustifiable: (adj) unwarranted,
unwarrantable, unreasonable,
inexcusable, unjustified, unfair,
unfounded, unforgivable,
unallowable, undue; (adj, v)
unpardonable. ANTONYMS: (adj)
justifiable, excusable,
understandable, fair, justified,
necessary
unkind: (adj) cruel, harsh, unfeeling,
inconsiderate, pitiless, heartless,
inhuman, hard, thoughtless, brutal,
mean. ANTONYMS: (adj) kind,
considerate, pleasant, friendly,
thoughtful, tactful, mild, gentle,
generous, flattering, compassionate
unkindness: (n) heartlessness,
callousness, thoughtlessness,
inconsideration, inconsiderateness,
diskindness, insensitivity,
unpleasantness, unfriendliness,
unkindliness, insensitiveness.
ANTONYMS: (n) goodwill,
diplomacy, gentleness, humanity,
thoughtfulness
unknowingly: (adv) inadvertently,
unconsciously, ignorantly,
unawarely, unweetingly, naively,
unawares. ANTONYMS: (adv)
mindfully, wittingly, deliberately
unlimited: (adj) boundless,
unconditional, immeasurable,
limitless, endless, absolute,
indefinite, infinite, total,
measureless, illimitable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) restricted,
partial, constrained, provisional,
small
unlock: (v) open, unfasten, disclose,
unbar, reveal, free, release,
disengage, unbolt, unclose,
withdraw. ANTONYMS: (v) fasten,
lock, close
unlocked: (adj) unbarred, unlatched,
unbolted, not closed, loose,
unsecured, ajar, wide open,
unguaranteed
unlooked-for: (adj) unforeseen
unmarked: (adj) overlooked,
unidentified, blank, unblemished,
without a scratch, without a
number; (adj, v) unnoted; (v)
unheeded, unthought of,
unregarded, unmissed.
ANTONYMS: (adj) injured, old
unnatural: (adj) affected, artificial,
grotesque, supernatural, forced,
abnormal, eccentric, uncanny,
stilted, mannered, anomalous.
ANTONYMS: (adj) natural, normal,
real, unaffected, commonplace,
genuine, sincere
unnaturally: (adv) falsely, unusually,
contrivedly, affectedly,
extraordinarily, monstrously,
manneredly, by artificial means,
abnormally, peculiarly, cruelly.
ANTONYM: (adv) normally
unnecessary: (adj) redundant,
gratuitous, needless, dispensable,
surplus, pointless, excessive, excess,
undue, spare, useless. ANTONYMS:
(adj) reasonable, basic, worthwhile,
required, indispensable, helpful,
justified, essential, moderate,
inevitable
unnoticed: (v) unheeded, unthought
of, unregarded; (adj) disregarded,
unmarked, hidden, neglected,

ignored, obscure; (adj, v)
unremarked, unobserved.
ANTONYMS: (adj) evident, seen,
noticeable, noted, obvious
unoccupied: (adj) empty, vacant,
unemployed, free, desolate, void,
uninhabited, idle, inactive, deserted,
abandoned. ANTONYMS: (adj) full,
inhabited, overcrowded, solid,
working, busy
unpardonably: (adj, adv)
unforgivably, indefensibly; (adv)
unjustifiably, unwarrantably,
appallingly, intolerably; (adj)
unreasonably, excessively, unduly,
unwarrantedly. ANTONYM: (adv)
understandably
unpin: (v) loosen, undo
unpleasant: (adj, n) harsh; (adj)
disagreeable, obnoxious, ugly,
nasty, sour, awkward, repulsive,
forbidding, bad, hard. ANTONYMS:
(adj) delightful, agreeable,
wonderful, nice, enjoyable,
attractive, comfortable, charming,
inoffensive, amicable, cordial
unpleasantness: (n) nastiness,
disagreeableness, horridness,
unkindness, awfulness, odiousness,
discomfort, disagreeable, spite,
offensiveness; (adj, n) ugliness.
ANTONYMS: (n)
straightforwardness, kindness,
deliciousness, delightfulness,
politeness, attractiveness
unpractised: (adj) inexperienced,
raw, green, fresh, unskilled
unprejudiced: (adj) fair, impartial,
unbiased, dispassionate, objective,
neutral, equitable, detached,
disinterested, liberal, just.
ANTONYMS: (adj) prejudiced,
biased, subjective, partial, partisan,
reactionary
unpretending: (adj) unassuming,
humble, unostentatious,
unobtrusive, lowly, unpretentious,
restrained; (n) plain, homely,
familiar, intimate
unprincipled: (adj) abandoned,
unscrupulous, depraved, dishonest,
unethical, profligate, dissolute,
shameless, unconscionable, vicious,
immoral. ANTONYMS: (adj) ethical,
moral, honest, professional
unprivileged: (adj) poor,
unchartered. ANTONYM: (adj)
privileged
unpromising: (adj) unpropitious,
hopeless, worrying, bleak, warning,
bad, ominous, threatening,
unattractive, unfavorable, gloomy.
Jane Austen
ANTONYMS: (adj) optimistic,
hopeful, encouraging
unpropitious: (adj) inauspicious,
adverse, unlucky, unfavorable,
inopportune, evil, sinister,
disastrous, infelicitous; (adj, v) cross,
hostile
unprovided: (adj) unorganized,
unarranged, unbegun, untrimmed,
unequipped, unready; (v)
unsupplied
unquiet: (adj) restless, anxious,
nervous, turbulent, unsettled,
disturbed, fussy, tumultuous; (v)
movable, saltatory, shifting.
ANTONYM: (adj) quiet
unreasonable: (adj) immoderate,
undue, absurd, extravagant,
excessive, preposterous, exorbitant,
illogical, inordinate, irrational,
ridiculous. ANTONYMS: (adj)
logical, practical, sensible,
affordable, economical, justified,
realistic, fair, obliging, just, rational
unreasonably: (adv) absurdly,
irrationally, immoderately, unfairly,
unscientifically, unjustly,
undeservedly, unsuitably, without
need, pointlessly; (adj) excessively.
ANTONYMS: (adv) sensibly,
reasonably, acceptably, sanely,
appropriately, fairly, logically,
rationally
unreserve: (adj) sincerity, truth,
frankness, candor
unreserved: (adj) open, unqualified,
candid, unconditional, sincere,
complete, expansive, absolute, total,
outgoing, familiar. ANTONYMS:
(adj) qualified, reserved, uncertain,
unenthusiastic, shy, rather, partial,
inhibited, restrained
unrivalled: (adj) unmatched,
unrivaled, matchless, nonpareil,
unmatchable, incomparable, one,
one and only, unequalled,
unequaled, unique
unsafe: (adj) dangerous, perilous,
insecure, hazardous, treacherous,
uncertain, precarious, shaky,
unreliable, harmful, chancy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) safe, secure,
harmless, protected, reliable,
sensible, stable
unsatisfied: (adj) dissatisfied,
disgruntled, unsatiated, unsated,
ungratified, restless, discontent,
fidgety, fretful, unsatiable; (v)
unslaked. ANTONYMS: (adj)
pleased, happy
unsearched: (v) unsifted, unweighed,
unstudied; (adj) unexplored
339
unseasonable: (adj) inopportune,
inappropriate, premature, ill timed,
improper, immature, inconvenient,
ill-timed, inept, unchancy; (v)
illtimed
unseasonableness: (n)
intempestivity, timing,
inexpedience, inopportuneness,
inopportunity, inconvenience.
ANTONYM: (n) seasonableness
unseen: (adj, v) unknown; (adj)
invisible, concealed, hidden,
unobserved, secret, veiled, latent; (v)
unheeded, unperceived; (n) spiritual
world. ANTONYMS: (adj) seen,
visible, open, famous, noticeable
unsettled: (adj) changeable,
undecided, doubtful, uneasy,
outstanding, variable, unpaid,
unresolved; (adj, v) unfixed,
indefinite, undetermined.
ANTONYMS: (adj) confident,
definite, decided, well, sure, happy,
constant, conclusive, certain,
calmed, calm
unsolicited: (adj) unsought,
uninvited, undesirable, not desired,
not requested, undesired, unasked
for, annoying, unwanted,
unwelcome, unasked. ANTONYMS:
(adj) solicited, asked, invited,
requested
unspeakably: (adv) indescribably,
horrifically, horrifyingly,
staggeringly, inexcusably,
unbearably, unkindly, unpleasantly,
unutterably, offensively,
horrendously. ANTONYM: (adv)
pleasantly
unsteady: (adj) insecure, changeable,
dizzy, unbalanced, rickety,
unsettled, shaky, unsound,
precarious, uneven; (adj, n)
uncertain. ANTONYMS: (adj)
steady, stable, alert, firm, secure,
constant
unsuccessful: (adj, v) fruitless, sterile;
(adj) unlucky, unfortunate, futile,
ineffective, stillborn, unhappy, vain,
failed, ineffectual. ANTONYMS:
(adj) successful, lucky, persuasive,
fruitful, lucrative, effective,
competent, useful, glorious
unsusceptible: (adj) insusceptible,
callous, numb, obdurate, obstinate,
stoical, stubborn, stupid, unbending,
unfeeling, impenitent
unsuspicious: (adj) innocent,
credulous, trustful, unwary,
confiding, honest, gullible, easy,
naive, not suspicious, that confides.
ANTONYM: (adj) wary
 340
untasted: (adj) fuller, full, still full,
untouched, unswayed
unthinkingly: (adv) inconsiderately,
carelessly, rashly, incautiously,
mindlessly, imprudently, foolishly,
involuntarily, heedlessly,
negligently, recklessly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) consciously,
deliberately, carefully, anxiously,
discreetly, sensibly, tactfully,
considerately
untoward: (adj) unlucky,
unfortunate, inauspicious,
unbecoming, inopportune, indecent,
unfavorable, unseemly, improper,
clumsy, stubborn. ANTONYMS:
(adj) auspicious, suitable, lucky,
acceptable, happy, fortunate
unusually: (adj, adv) uncommonly,
particularly, outstandingly,
remarkably, singularly, curiously;
(adv) rarely, peculiarly,
extraordinarily, signally,
abnormally. ANTONYMS: (adv)
usually, regularly, typically,
frequently, slightly, commonly,
ordinarily
unutterable: (adj) indescribable,
unspeakable, inexpressible,
unpronounceable, indefinable,
untellable, unnameable,
unapproachable, beyond
description, incommunicable,
terrible
unwearied: (adj) indefatigable,
untiring, tireless, untired,
indomitable, unflagging,
industrious, tolerant, persistent,
persevering, laborious. ANTONYM:
(adj) impatient
unwelcome: (adj) undesirable,
objectionable, unpopular, unasked,
unwished, unintroduced, unvisited,
uninvited, unpleasant; (adj, n)
disagreeable, unsatisfactory.
ANTONYMS: (adj) welcome,
desirable, gratifying, wanted,
fortunate
unwilling: (adj) involuntary, loath,
disinclined, averse, recalcitrant,
backward, indisposed, grudging,
loth, adverse, forced. ANTONYMS:
(adj) inclined, amenable, keen,
prepared, ready, eager, disposed,
agreeable, accepting, happy
unwillingly: (adv) grudgingly,
loathly, aversely, unenthusiastically,
indisposedly, resentfully,
involuntarily, recalcitrantly,
refractorily, lothly, hesitatingly.
ANTONYM: (adv) wholeheartedly
unwillingness: (n) disinclination,
Northanger Abbey
indisposition, aversion, hesitation,
hesitancy, resistance, antipathy,
reluctancy, dislike, distaste,
irreconcilableness. ANTONYMS: (n)
enthusiasm, disposition, keenness,
inclination
unworthy: (adj) undeserving, base,
disgraceful, ignoble, low,
contemptible, despicable, ugly,
unmerited, unseemly, shameful.
ANTONYMS: (adj) deserving,
valuable, honorable, estimable,
reputable
uppermost: (adj) top, upmost, upper,
highest, chief, maximum, supreme,
greatest, major, outermost; (n) main.
ANTONYMS: (adj) bottom, lowest,
trivial, lower
upstairs: (adj) upstair; (adv) on a
higher floor, in the mind, in the
head, up the stairs, over; (n) heaven,
administration, authority, board,
eternity. ANTONYMS: (adj, adv)
downstairs
urge: (v) push, press, advocate,
persuade, impel, induce; (n, v) spur,
drive, force; (n) impulse; (adj, v)
incite. ANTONYMS: (n) dislike,
hate, aversion, disinclination; (v)
dissuade, oppose, demand, prevent,
restrain
urgent: (adj, v) importunate,
important, clamorous; (adj)
imperative, instant, immediate,
quick, earnest, critical, serious, vital.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unimportant,
moderate, unnecessary, halfhearted,
gentle, routine
usage: (n, v) practice, use,
employment, convention, usance;
(adj, n, v) habit; (n) method,
consuetude, wont, exercise; (v)
application
useless: (adj) pointless, unnecessary,
needless, worthless, fruitless,
hopeless, abortive, idle, barren,
superfluous, unavailing.
ANTONYMS: (adj) helpful,
effective, competent, convenient,
valuable, necessary, brilliant, great,
meaningful, usable, worthwhile
usher: (v) lead, escort, accompany,
marshal, show, conduct, bring,
attend; (n) attendant, porter,
doorman
utility: (n, v) usefulness; (n) service,
value, avail, purpose, practicality,
advantage, help, helpfulness,
effectiveness; (adj) functional.
ANTONYM: (n) inutility
utmost: (adj, n) maximum, extreme,
uttermost, furthermost, best,
highest; (adj, adv) farthest; (adj, v)
supreme; (adj) last, furthest; (adj, n,
v) greatest. ANTONYMS: (adj)
moderate, worst
utter: (v) say, state, speak, breathe,
articulate, deliver, voice, pronounce;
(adj, n, v) express, declare; (adj, v)
tell. ANTONYMS: (adj) qualified,
incomplete, uncertain, rather, slight;
(v) conceal, hide, block
uttered: (adj) expressed, express,
verbalised, verbalized, vocal,
explicit, oral; (v) spoke, quoth, said
utterly: (adv) completely, absolutely,
totally, entirely, extremely,
altogether, expressly, purely, dead,
fully, wholly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
partly, uncertain, slightly,
incompletely, hardly, somewhat
vacancy: (n) emptiness, blank,
opening, void, incogitancy, post,
blankness, inanity, absence; (adj, n)
vacuity; (adj) depletion.
ANTONYMS: (n) fill, tenancy,
overflow
vacation: (n) leisure, leave, time off,
recess, break, rest, stay, day of rest,
sabbath, dies non, outing
vain: (adj) proud, arrogant, conceited,
fruitless, idle, empty, abortive,
ineffectual, unproductive,
narcissistic; (adj, v) useless.
ANTONYMS: (adj) shy, successful,
possible, persuasive, selfless,
fruitful, humble, useful, responsible,
worthwhile, effective
vainly: (adv) uselessly, futilely,
fruitlessly, conceitedly, in vain,
worthlessly, abortively, bootlessly,
arrogantly, unproductively; (adj,
adv) foolishly. ANTONYMS: (adv)
fruitfully, successfully, effectively
valuable: (adj) costly, beneficial,
expensive, helpful, useful,
admirable, important, invaluable;
(adj, n) estimable, worthy; (n)
treasure. ANTONYMS: (adj) useless,
unimportant, valueless,
insignificant, ineffectual, shabby,
cheap, detrimental,
disadvantageous; (n) trash, garbage
valued: (adj) precious, appreciated,
respected, dear, prized, priced,
treasured, value, esteemed, loved,
beloved
vanity: (n) egotism, pride, emptiness,
arrogance, futility, inanity,
vainglory, conceitedness,
pretension, pomposity; (adj, n)
amour propre. ANTONYMS: (n)
selflessness, humility, importance,
value, effectiveness

variation: (n) divergence, alteration,
difference, mutation, change,
discrepancy, deviation, fluctuation,
departure, disagreement,
dissimilarity. ANTONYMS: (n)
agreement, repetitiveness,
monotony, consistency, conformity,
preservation, equality
vary: (v) alter, change, modify,
diversify, diverge, alternate, deviate,
modulate, depart, disagree; (adj, v)
differ. ANTONYMS: (v) conform,
remain, stay, agree, concur, leave,
maintain, standardize, specialize
vastly: (adv) greatly, hugely,
enormously, infinitely, extremely,
exceedingly, massively, very,
tremendously, highly, colossally
vault: (n, v) leap, bound, spring,
jump, arch, hop, hurdle; (n) grave,
tomb, cellar, crypt
vaulted: (adj) domed, hollow,
hooked, testudinated, rounded,
arcuated, in the form of an arch,
curved, concave, roofed
veal: (n) calf, venison, veau, animal
protein, beef, calves' feet, chicken,
ham, lamb, meat, mutton
vehemence: (n) force, violence, fury,
passion, eagerness, strength,
impetuosity, enthusiasm, fierceness,
heat, fervor. ANTONYMS: (n)
indifference, meekness, serenity
vehemently: (adj, adv) ardently;
(adv) violently, zealously, strongly,
fervently, passionately, ferociously,
fervidly, keenly, intensely, furiously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) feebly, gently,
impassively
veil: (n, v) cover, hide, disguise,
mask, cloud, shroud, camouflage;
(v) cloak, conceal; (n) curtain, blind.
ANTONYMS: (v) disclose, unveil,
expose
velvet: (adj) velvety, down; (n) profit,
gain, velour, velours, revenue,
prosperity, receipts, satin, wealth
venerable: (adj) ancient, reverend,
estimable, August, respectable,
aged, distinguished, sacred, worthy,
of long standing, revered.
ANTONYMS: (adj) unworthy,
unimpressive, undignified,
disreputable
venerating: (adj) reverential,
reverent, obedient, devout
venture: (n, v) hazard, chance, stake,
peril, attempt, gamble, adventure;
(adj, n, v) dare; (n) speculation,
danger; (v) endanger
verb: (n) copulative, participle,
copula, word, transitive verb form,
Jane Austen
transitive verb, participial, part of
speech, intransitive verb form,
intransitive verb, form class
verdure: (adj, n) greenness; (n)
greenery, foliage, verdancy, viridity,
green, leafage, flora, freshness,
strength, vegetable kingdom
verified: (adj) substantiated,
confirmed, hard, proven,
demonstrated, authoritative, actual,
established. ANTONYM: (adj)
unproven
verily: (adj, adv) really; (adv) indeed,
in reality, genuinely, quitely,
actually, selfly, truely, identically,
exactly; (adv, int) in truth
vexation: (adj, n) annoyance,
nuisance; (n) irritation, worry,
aggravation, displeasure, chagrin,
chafe, anger, frustration, botheration
vexed: (adj) troubled, irritated, angry,
pestered, peeved, harassed, sore,
harried, uneasy, cross, offended.
ANTONYMS: (adj) calm,
uncomplicated
vice: (adj, n) imperfection, defect,
blemish, failing, frailty; (n)
corruption, sin, evil, immorality,
iniquity, depravity. ANTONYMS:
(n) asset, strength, propriety, virtue,
righteousness, goodness, good,
honesty; (adj) chief
vicinity: (n) region, district,
proximity, place, neighbourhood,
locality, environs, vicinage, area,
propinquity, nearness
vicissitudes: (n) changeability, life,
variableness, variability
viewing: (n) showing, contemplation,
preview, exhibit, display, view,
sight, look, show, performance,
covering
vigorous: (adj, n) robust, hardy,
powerful, brave; (adj) energetic,
strenuous, mighty, hearty, athletic;
(adj, v) lively, brisk. ANTONYMS:
(adj) feeble, weak, dull, inactive,
impotent, enervated, unwell,
uncommitted, unfit, weary, slow
vigour: (n) force, strength, vigor,
energy, power, potency, vim,
vitality, athleticism, verve, intensity
vile: (adj, n) contemptible, dirty, low;
(adj, v) base; (adj) despicable,
ignoble, evil, sorry, revolting,
offensive, nasty. ANTONYMS: (adj)
attractive, kind, nice, lovely, lovable,
gentle, honorable, good, delightful,
admirable, noble
vindication: (n) defense, apology,
excuse, defence, plea, alibi, acquittal,
assertion, reason, exoneration,
341
protection. ANTONYM: (n)
accusation
violating: (adj) illegal
violent: (adj, n) rough, furious,
tempestuous, severe, turbulent,
boisterous, powerful; (adj, v)
vehement; (adj) raging, intense,
sharp. ANTONYMS: (adj) gentle,
calm, nonviolent, mild, passive,
moderate, pleasant, slight, refined,
relaxed, friendly
violently: (adj, adv) vehemently,
hotly, madly, ardently; (adv) wildly,
passionately, strongly, hard,
furiously, turbulently; (adv, n)
vigorously. ANTONYMS: (adv)
gently, nonviolently, feebly,
impassively, peacefully, tamely
virtue: (adj, n) merit, excellence,
quality, attribute; (n) honor,
goodness, honesty, morality,
decency, probity, efficacy.
ANTONYMS: (n) wickedness, guilt,
vice, peccadillo, sin, dishonor,
immorality, evil, demerit,
inadequacy, disadvantage
virtuous: (adj) upright, pure,
righteous, good, moral, just,
honorable, honest, respectable,
decent, pious. ANTONYMS: (adj)
bad, sinful, corrupt, impure,
unethical, decadent, degenerate,
irreverent
viscount: (n) earl, thane, peer,
nobleman, noble, baron, banneret
viscountess: (n) married woman
visible: (adj) obvious, conspicuous,
apparent, open, evident, clear, plain,
manifest, discernible; (adj, adv)
noticeable, observable.
ANTONYMS: (adj) invisible,
imperceptible, unclear, obscured,
concealed, hidden, obscure,
undetectable, inconspicuous; (adv)
absent
visitor: (n) visitant, tourist, company,
traveler, caller, inspector, stranger,
foreigner, alien, sightseer, surveyor
vivacity: (adj, n) life, liveliness; (n)
energy, vitality, enthusiasm, dash,
spirit, vigor, happiness, sparkle,
effervescence. ANTONYMS: (n)
apathy, dullness, sluggishness
voices: (n) chorus
void: (adj, n) hollow, null, blank; (n)
emptiness, vacancy; (adj, v) vacant;
(v) nullify, quash, rescind; (adj)
invalid, vacuous. ANTONYMS: (v)
validate, sanction, permit, keep,
allow; (adj) full, occupied, filled,
meaningful, solid; (n) fullness
voluminous: (adj) large, bulky, big,
 342
extensive, roomy, vast, spacious,
capacious, considerable, full, massy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) cramped, small,
little, tiny
voluntarily: (adv) spontaneously,
willingly, intentionally, willfully,
volunteerly, deliberately,
gratuitously, readily, optionally,
independently, unforcedly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) obligatory,
reluctantly, forced, grudgingly,
unwillingly
voluntary: (adj) optional, deliberate,
unforced, willing, gratuitous,
intentional, conscious, willful,
intended, unpaid; (adj, n) volunteer.
ANTONYMS: (adj) compulsory,
forced, instinctive, unwilling,
obligatory, welcome, professional;
(n) draftee; (adv) paid
vowed: (v) promised, named,
benempt
vulgarity: (n) indecency, vulgarism,
grossness, inelegance, crudeness,
commonness, obscenity, rudeness,
crudity, boorishness, indelicacy.
ANTONYMS: (n) politeness, purity,
classiness, civility, taste, decency
waft: (v) blow, float, drift, glide,
wave, gust; (n) whiff, puff, vivda,
vifda, pennoncelle
waive: (v) forgo, relinquish, dispense
with, resign, surrender, forfeit, give
up, abandon, spare, abdicate,
release. ANTONYM: (v) enforce
wandering: (adj) itinerant, nomadic,
erratic, rambling, errant, migratory;
(adj, v) stray, vagrant, vagabond,
unsettled; (n) peregrination.
ANTONYM: (adj) resident
wanting: (adj, v) missing; (adj)
deficient, lacking, absent, defective,
short, failing, insufficient, devoid,
poor, incomplete. ANTONYMS:
(adj) sufficient, satisfactory,
adequate, full, present
wanton: (adj) loose, dissolute, light,
licentious, unchaste, lewd,
debauched, unprovoked; (v) dally;
(n, v) sport; (adj, v) flirt.
ANTONYMS: (adj) moral, wise,
nice, kind, gentle, decent, clean,
careful, observant, justifiable,
involuntary
ward: (n) charge, protection, custody,
care, quarter, neighborhood, district,
defense, keep; (adj, v) shelter; (v)
protect
warehouse: (n, v) storehouse,
magazine, shop; (n) godown,
depository, repository, depot,
storage, storage warehouse,
Northanger Abbey
entrepot, promptuary
warmer: (n) stove, oilstove, deicer,
defroster, brasier, radiator, brazier,
warming, warmed, demister, gas
heater
warmly: (adv) cordially, ardently,
hotly, genially, affectionately,
vigorously, fervently, zealously,
eagerly, strongly, pleasantly.
ANTONYMS: (adv) coolly,
inhospitably, sourly, disagreeably,
indifferently, frostily, roughly,
rudely, apathetically
warped: (adj, n) twisted; (adj)
deformed, crooked, perverted,
misshapen, kinky, curved, distorted,
wry, partisan, superficial.
ANTONYMS: (adj) wholesome,
impartial
warrant: (n, v) permit, vouch, license,
assure, sanction, empower; (n)
authority, authorization, security;
(v) justify, ensure. ANTONYMS: (n)
break; (v) debar
warrior: (n) fighter, combatant,
champion, brave, gerrard, guerilla,
centurion, irregular, insurgent,
guerrilla, militant
wash: (adj, n, v) soak; (n, v) paint; (v)
clean, scrub, mop, moisten, lave,
scour, bathe; (n) washing, ablution.
ANTONYM: (v) soil
wasted: (adj, v) squandered, rotten,
decayed, effete; (adj) thin,
cadaverous, emaciated, gaunt,
devastated, pointless, haggard.
ANTONYMS: (adj) bloated,
hypertrophied, strong, plump,
obese, fruitful, useful
watchful: (adj) alert, observant,
careful, cautious, wary, attentive,
wakeful, mindful, circumspect,
sleepless, awake. ANTONYMS: (adj)
inattentive, negligent, oblivious,
forgetful, careless, asleep, trusting,
unprepared, reckless
watering: (n) tearing, sprinkle,
lachrymation, lacrimation, wetting,
irrigation, bodily process, body
process, replenishment of water
supplies, shedding tears, activity
waters: (n) Clara Erskine Clement,
amnionic fluid, amniotic fluid, body
fluid, liquid body substance, Ethel
waters, body of water, bodily fluid,
boot
wavering: (adj, v) vacillating; (n)
fluctuation, hesitation, vacillation;
(adj) irresolute, indecisive,
undecided, hesitant, uncertain,
variable, changeable. ANTONYMS:
(adj) decided, constant, resolute,
stable, decisive; (n) resolution,
stability
waxen: (adj) pale, waxy, white,
colorless, wan, ashen, yielding, soft,
gray, drawn, cereous
weaken: (n, v) dilute; (v) lessen,
diminish, debilitate, break,
attenuate, relax, undermine,
enervate, thin; (adj, v) enfeeble.
ANTONYMS: (v) bolster, grow,
escalate, increase, refresh, improve,
enhance, continue, condense,
concentrate, boost
weakened: (adj) lessened, faded,
hurt, vitiated, damaged, cut, diluted,
thinned, attenuated, attenuate,
disabled
weakening: (adj) enfeebling,
enervating, debilitative, flagging; (n)
exhaustion, decline, enfeeblement,
enervation, debilitation, attenuation,
attrition. ANTONYMS: (n)
strengthening, restoration,
improvement; (adj) growing,
increasing
weakness: (adj, n) failing, fault,
debility, defect, infirmity, fragility,
feebleness, deficiency, imperfection,
foible; (n) flaw. ANTONYMS: (n)
power, dislike, intensity,
supremacy, determination,
advantage, brightness, superiority,
resistance, robustness, energy
wealth: (adj, n) abundance, plenty,
affluence, opulence; (n, v) money,
gold; (n) treasure, property, fortune,
capital; (adj) richness. ANTONYMS:
(n) penury, scarcity, dearth, want,
need, lack
wealthy: (adj, adv) moneyed; (adj)
flush, opulent, affluent, prosperous,
loaded, substantial, generous,
ample, abundant, abounding.
ANTONYMS: (adj) poor,
impoverished, needy
wearied: (adj) jaded, tired, spent,
fatigued, weary, prostrate, limp,
haggard, shattered, worn, fatigate
weariness: (n) exhaustion, tiredness,
lassitude, languor, asthenopia,
defatigation, grogginess, listlessness,
boredom, ennui, prostration
weary: (adj, n, v) fatigue; (v) exhaust,
tire out; (adj) tired, exhausted,
fatigued, aweary, beat, languid; (n,
v) jade, bore. ANTONYMS: (adj)
energetic, fresh, lively, untiring,
hopeful, refreshed; (v) refresh,
enliven, energize, activate, rally
wearying: (adj) exhausting, wearing,
monotonous, tiring, fatiguing,
trying, boring, dull, wearisome,

deadly, effortful
wedding: (adj) bridal, marital,
matrimonial; (n) matrimony,
nuptials, marriage ceremony,
wedding ceremony, wedlock,
remarriage, espousal; (adj, n) nuptial
weigh: (v) press, study, measure,
matter, consider, count, deliberate,
contemplate, assess; (n, v) balance,
poise. ANTONYMS: (v) ignore,
neglect
well-informed: (adj) educated,
conversant, knowing, wise,
intelligent, studious, versed
well-known: (adj) noted, prominent,
renowned, celebrated,
distinguished, known, familiar,
eminent, notorious, reputable,
outstanding
well-prepared: (adj) delicious
well-proportioned: (adj) classical,
uniform, trim, statuesque, shapely,
handsome, buxom, curvaceous
well-read: (adj) learned, erudite,
informed, literary, scholarly,
studious, educated
wheeled: (adj) on wheels.
ANTONYM: (adj) wheelless
wheels: (n) vehicle, truck, car, brush,
force
whence: (adv) wherefrom, hence,
because, for, why, wherefore, how,
then, then thence so, how comes it,
how happens it
whenever: (n) anytime, convenience;
(adv) always, whene'er.
ANTONYM: (adv) immediately
wherever: (adv) anywhere,
wheresoever, everywhere, where'er;
(n) anyplace
whimsical: (adj, n) fanciful, eccentric;
(adj) capricious, freakish, humorous,
changeable, fickle, erratic, wayward,
odd, arbitrary. ANTONYMS: (adj)
reasonable, behaving, normal,
serious, predictable
whip: (n, v) lash, strap, goad; (v) flog,
flagellate, beat, punish, thrash,
trounce, stir, wallop. ANTONYMS:
(v) lose, return
whisper: (n, v) murmur, hum,
mumble, suggestion, hint, inkling;
(v) breathe, hiss; (n) rustle, trace,
breath. ANTONYM: (n) information
whispered: (adj) low, voiceless,
unvoiced, nonvocal, weak, unheard,
surd, supposed, sharp, thought,
quiet
whispering: (n) whisper, murmur,
susurration, rustle, report, stage
whisper; (adj, n) rustling; (adj)
susurrant, tranquil, hoarse,
Jane Austen
susurrous
whither: (adv) hither, thither,
whereunto, whereto, for
whoever: (n) anyone, somebody;
(pron) whosoever, whatsoever
person
wholly: (adj, adv) totally, entirely,
altogether, quite, exclusively,
perfectly, solely; (adv, pref) all;
(adv) fully, utterly, absolutely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) partially,
inclusively, hardly, incompletely,
slightly
wick: (n) taper, candlewick, wax
light, cord, candle, sleeve bearing
wick, burner
widow: (n) woman, relict, widower,
adult female, widow woman, war
widow, nobbled line; (adj)
widowed, additional; (v) leave
behind
width: (n) extent, wideness, size,
latitude, length, broadness, distance,
dimension, thickness, amplitude,
measurement. ANTONYMS: (n)
thinness, height, tallness,
narrowness
wilful: (adj) headstrong, deliberate,
intentional, knowing, designed,
wayward, obstinate, willful,
stubborn, studied, persistent
willing: (adj, adv) disposed; (adj)
spontaneous, voluntary, ready,
amenable, inclined, prepared,
enthusiastic, unforced, obliging;
(adj, v) consenting. ANTONYMS:
(adj) unwilling, reluctant,
compulsory, disagreeable,
unprepared, forced, unenthusiastic,
unhelpful
willingly: (adv) readily, voluntarily,
cheerfully, spontaneously, helpfully,
disposedly, actively, openly,
obligingly, eagerly; (adj, adv) freely.
ANTONYMS: (adv) grudgingly,
reluctantly, uncooperatively,
unenthusiastically
winding: (n) twist, wind, turn; (adj)
indirect, crooked, circuitous,
meandering, twisty, wandering;
(adj, n) twisting, twisted.
ANTONYMS: (adj) direct, unbent
wink: (n, v) twinkle, blink, flash; (n)
instant, twinkling, trice; (v) sparkle,
nictitate, flicker, nictate, leer
winner: (n) success, champion,
conqueror, master, achiever,
vanquisher, medalist, hit, highflyer,
highflier, champ. ANTONYMS: (n)
failure, flop, dud
wisdom: (n) judiciousness,
knowledge, sapience, sagacity,
343
sense, prudence, discernment,
insight, learning, depth,
reasonableness. ANTONYMS: (n)
stupidity, folly, inexperience,
ignorance, flippancy, banality
wise: (adj) reasonable, sensible,
sound, rational, sagacious,
intelligent, prudent, shrewd,
discreet; (adj, n) knowing; (n)
method. ANTONYMS: (adj) unwise,
stupid, ignorant, mistaken, illogical,
reckless, naive, irrational, dense
wisely: (adv) judiciously, prudently,
sagaciously, cleverly, discreetly,
shrewdly, smartly, learnedly,
astutely, sharply, perspicaciously.
ANTONYMS: (adv) stupidly,
recklessly, imprudently,
immaturely, illogically
wishes: (n) desires, requirements,
requests, needs, will
wishing: (n) wish, want, velleity,
option, need, privation, lack,
deprivation, deficiency, choice; (adj)
desirous
witch: (n) hag, pythoness, sorceress,
enchantress, magician, lamia; (v)
charm, bewitch, glamour, hex, jinx
withdraw: (v) retire, remove, retract,
retreat, abandon, pull out,
disengage, draw, cancel, leave,
recede. ANTONYMS: (v) propose,
give, advance, extend, offer, deposit,
remain, engage, allow, permit, stay
withdrawn: (adj) reserved, retiring,
solitary, indrawn, cloistered,
reclusive, uncommunicative,
taciturn, unsociable, lonely, shy.
ANTONYMS: (adj) visible,
forthcoming, forward, friendly,
known, sociable, uninhibited,
extroverted, seen, approachable,
extrovert
withered: (adj) wizened, sear,
shriveled, thin, shrunken, dry, dried
up, wilted, faded, wizen; (v) lame.
ANTONYM: (adj) plump
withheld: (adj) hidden,
uncommitted. ANTONYM: (adj)
ongoing
withhold: (v) reserve, keep, suppress,
deny, retain, hold, detain, restrain,
abstain, check; (adj, v) stint.
ANTONYMS: (v) transmit, release,
show, lavish, add
withstand: (v) stand, bear, survive,
defy, weather, sustain, brave, suffer;
(n, v) resist, oppose, confront.
ANTONYMS: (v) surrender,
succumb
withstanding: (n) endurance,
resistance; (adj) recalcitrant,
 344
defensive
witness: (n, v) testimony, attest,
evidence; (n) bystander, eyewitness,
onlooker, observer; (v) observe,
notice, see, view. ANTONYMS: (v)
deny, participate, refute
wits: (n) intellect, mind, wit, brains,
common sense, presence,
percipience, observation, mother
wit, right mind, judgment
wives: (n) woman
woke: (v) arouse
wonderfully: (adv) superbly,
astonishingly, terrifically,
magnificently, fantastically,
marvellously, wondrously,
amazingly, excellently; (adj, adv)
strangely, famously. ANTONYMS:
(adv) awfully, unpleasantly, poorly,
abysmally, unremarkably, mildly,
horribly, badly, incompetently
wondering: (adj) inquisitive,
speculative, suspicious
wont: (adj, n) use, custom, usage; (n)
practice, tradition, cleanliness,
assuetude, assuefaction, convention,
rut; (v) practise
woods: (n) forest, woodland, grove,
timber, jungle, sir Henry wood,
vegetation, timberland, Natalie
wood, virgin forest; (adj) wooden
woody: (adj) arboreous, ligneous,
wooden, forested, woodsy,
arboraceous, arboreal, harder, hard,
lignified, nemorous
workings: (n) working, mechanism,
works, whole kit and boodle, kit and
boodle, kit and caboodle,
machinery, moving parts, nuts and
bolts, plant, whole kit
worldly: (adj, adv) earthly; (adj)
mundane, secular, terrestrial,
temporal, carnal, sophisticated, lay,
profane; (adv) mundanely,
temporally. ANTONYMS: (adj)
spiritual, naive, cloistered, religious,
unsophisticated, unworldly,
unrefined, otherworldly, low,
heavenly, immaterial
worn: (adj) haggard, tired, tattered,
threadbare, ragged, drawn, jaded,
fatigued, exhausted, faded, wasted.
ANTONYMS: (adj) new, smart,
unused, unworn, pristine, original
worthlessness: (n) emptiness,
uselessness, paltriness, trashiness,
insignificance, nothingness,
negativity, purposelessness, pride,
pointlessness; (adj) inanity.
ANTONYMS: (n) importance,
worth, helpfulness, appropriateness
worthy: (adj) noble, good,
Northanger Abbey
meritorious, valuable, estimable, ANTONYMS: (adj) bold, brave,
respectable, deserving, worthwhile, confident
virtuous, honorable; (adj, n) yielded: (v) yold, yolden
celebrity. ANTONYMS: (adj) bad, yourselves: (pron) themselves,
unrespected, disreputable, myself, herself
mediocre, petty, poor, unimpressive, youthful: (adj) immature, fresh,
insignificant, dishonorable, green, juvenile, vernal, adolescent,
despicable; (n) nobody childish, new, tender, sappy,
wound: (n, v) bruise, cut, harm, pain, beardless. ANTONYMS: (adj) adult,
damage, scratch, stab, sting; (n) mature, experienced, sophisticated,
injury; (v) offend, injure. late
ANTONYMS: (v) heal, appease, aid,
cure, repair
wrap: (v) envelop, cover, roll, wind,
shroud, enfold, enclose, drape; (n, v)
cloak, swathe; (n) wrapping.
ANTONYMS: (v) uncover, undo,
unwind, expose, reveal
wretched: (adj) unfortunate, pitiful,
sad, pitiable, woeful, pathetic,
piteous, lamentable; (adj, v) poor,
unhappy, forlorn. ANTONYMS:
(adj) fine, strong, fortunate,
overjoyed, nice, admirable, good,
cheery, joyous, lucky, comfortable
wretchedly: (adv) pathetically,
unhappily, desperately,
calamitously, sadly, meanly,
forlornly, piteously, disastrously,
gloomily; (adj, adv) miserably.
ANTONYM: (adv) hopefully
wretchedness: (n) unhappiness, grief,
distress, desolation, woe, sorrow,
anguish, infelicity, tribulation,
affliction, misfortune
wring: (n, v) squeeze; (v) twist,
wrench, wrest, torture, torment,
distort, extract, twine, contort, rack
writ: (n) edict, assize, certiorari,
judicial writ, injunction, order, act,
prescription, scripture, writing,
ukase
writer: (n) journalist, poet, penman,
novelist, dramatist, commentator,
playwright, authoress, amanuensis,
scribe, clerk. ANTONYM: (n) reader
wronging: (n) tribulation
yard: (n) court, courtyard, garden,
backyard, barnyard, grounds,
farmyard, quadrangle, close,
enclosure, junkyard
yawn: (v) open, ope, yaw, look
stupidly, breathe; (n) yawning, nod,
get sleep, tedium, bore, boredom
yearly: (adv) annually, each year,
every year, per annum, per year, by
year; (adj) perennial, anniversary,
periodic, annual tickets; (n) a year
yellow: (adv) cowardly; (adj) amber,
xanthous, chickenhearted, fearful,
chicken, craven, spineless; (n)
coward, saffron, maize.