When I re-read this classic, it was with a purpose as I am writing a sequel for NaNoWriMo, so I wanted to see if there were details that I could include. Miss Austen never really talked about clothing or even how a person looked. Her characters are based on their actions and words. And words are also another wonderful thing about her books.
It was wonderful reading the book on a Kindle, as I was free to highlight and underline and make notations without mucking up my beautiful copy. I was also able to use the dictionary function. When I have read these before, I would try to take the word in context and move on. With my Kindle, if there is a word that I am not too sure of, I can look it up right then and there! Fabulous Feature!
Here are a few words that I looked up.
It is interesting how language was used 200 years ago!
cavil – verb: to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily
ebullition – noun: a seething or overflowing, as of passion or feeling; outburst.
éclat – noun:1. brilliance of success, reputation, etc.: the éclat of a great achievement. 2. showy or elaborate display: a performance of great éclat. 3. acclamation; acclaim.
effusion – noun: 1. the act of effusing or pouring forth. 2. something that is effused. 3. an unrestrained expression, as of feelings
epicurism – noun: indulgences or habitsexigence – noun: the need, demand, or requirement intrinsic to a circumstance, condition, etc
huswifes – noun: a case of sewing materials
importunity – noun: the state or quality of being importunate; persistence in solicitation.
improvident – adjective: 1. not provident; lacking foresight; incautious; unwary. 2. neglecting to provide for future needs.
imputed – adjective: estimated to have a certain cash value, although no money has been received or credited.
lief – adverb: gladly, willinglymilitate – verb: to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily
philippic – noun: any speech or discourse of bitter denunciation.
preferment – noun: 1. the act of preferring. 2. the state of being preferred. 3. advancement or promotion, especially in the church. 4. a position or office affording social or pecuniary advancement.
prodigious – adjective: 1. extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force, etc.: a prodigious research grant. 2. wonderful or marvelous: a prodigious feat. 3. abnormal; monstrous.
sagaciously – adjective: having or showing acute mental discernment and keen practical sense; shrewd
sedulously – adjective: 1. diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous. 2. persistently or carefully maintained
I hope you have learned a few words to work in to your vocabulary! Some of these I already knew, but loved the way she used them in the story. Enjoy!
