100 words to know before reading Persuasion

1. Physical feelings or perceptions from stimuli (e.g., touch, taste).
2. Strong emotions or excitement.

by contemplating the limited remnant of the earliest patents; there any unwelcome sensations, arising from domestic affairs changed naturally into pity and contempt as he turned over the

1. A person legally entitled to inherit property or a title.
2. A successor in a position or role.

these words, after the date of Mary’s birth—“Married, December 16, 1810, Charles, son and heir of Charles Musgrove, Esq. of Uppercross, in the county of Somerset,” and by inserting most

1. A county in southwestern England known for its rural landscapes and historic sites.
2. A type of acrobatic movement where a person flips forward or backward in the air.

16, 1810, Charles, son and heir of Charles Musgrove, Esq. of Uppercross, in the county of Somerset,” and by inserting most accurately the day of the month on which he had lost his wife. Then

1. The state of being worthy of honor or respect.
2. A composed or serious manner.

with all the expedition which the most comprehensive retrenchments could secure, and saw no dignity in anything short of it. She wanted it to be prescribed, and felt as a duty. She rated Lady

1. Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.
2. The quality of being worthless or futile.

“Heir presumptive, William Walter Elliot, Esq., great grandson of the second Sir Walter.” Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot’s character; vanity of person and of

1. The act of allowing oneself or others to enjoy something desired, often excessively.
2. In religion, a remission of punishment for sins, granted by the Catholic Church.

their embarrassments and reduce their expenditure, without involving the loss of any indulgence of taste or pride.

1. The quality of being socially acceptable or proper.
2. Conformity to conventional standards of behavior.

She had humoured, or softened, or concealed his failings, and promoted his real respectability for seventeen years; and though not the very happiest being in the world herself, had found

1. The cardinal number following fifteen and preceding seventeen.
2. The age at which many individuals gain certain legal rights.

up anything, which he had not been very much tempted to do. Elizabeth had succeeded, at sixteen, to all that was possible, of her mother’s rights and consequence; and being very handsome, and

1. A person one knows slightly but not as a close friend.
2. Knowledge or experience of something.

known to them as a boy; but soon after Lady Elliot’s death, Sir Walter had sought the acquaintance, and though his overtures had not been met with any warmth, he had persevered in seeking it,

1. Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
2. Refined beauty in form, movement, or expression.

a little artificial importance, by becoming Mrs. Charles Musgrove; but Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real

1. A person who tends and guards sheep.
2. To guide or direct someone carefully.

forming an intimacy, which she wished to see interrupted. It was with the daughter of Mr. Shepherd, who had returned, after an unprosperous marriage, to her father’s house, with the additional

1. Passionately devoted to a cause or goal.
2. Fervently enthusiastic or eager.

measures advised as he meant to see finally adopted. Lady Russell was most anxiously zealous on the subject, and gave it much serious consideration. She was a woman rather of sound than of

1. Showing care, concern, or attention for someone's well-being.
2. Eager or anxious to do something.

“I have more pride than any of you; but I confess it does vex me, that we should be so solicitous to have the relationship acknowledged, which we may be very sure is a matter of perfect

1. Sought advice or information from someone.
2. Referred to a source for guidance or clarification.

who never seemed considered by the others as having any interest in the question. She consulted, and in a degree was influenced by her in marking out the scheme of retrenchment which was at

1. The act of improving or changing something for the better.
2. A 16th-century religious movement leading to Protestantism.

side of honesty against importance. She wanted more vigorous measures, a more complete reformation, a quicker release from debt, a much higher tone of indifference for everything but justice and

1. Carried or transported by something (e.g., "water-borne diseases").
2. Past participle of "bear" (e.g., "she has borne the burden").

consequence. Lady Russell’s had no success at all: could not be put up with, were not to be borne. “What! every comfort of life knocked off! Journeys, London, servants, horses,

1. A local area or community where people live.
2. The surrounding region near a particular place.

It would be too much to expect Sir Walter to descend into a small house in his own neighbourhood. Anne herself would have found the mortifications of it more than she foresaw, and to Sir

1. People who rent or lease property from a landlord.
2. Occupants living in a rented space under an agreement.

Could not be a better time, Sir Walter, for having a choice of tenants, very responsible tenants. Many a noble fortune has been made during the war. If a rich admiral were to come in our way,

1. A high-ranking naval officer, typically the commander of a fleet or naval force.
2. A butterfly of the genus *Vanessa*, known for its striking colors.

very responsible tenants. Many a noble fortune has been made during the war. If a rich admiral were to come in our way, Sir Walter—” “He would be a very lucky man, Shepherd,” replied Sir

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

they reach Admiral Baldwin’s age.” “Nay, Sir Walter,” cried Mrs. Clay, “this is being severe indeed. Have a little mercy on the poor men. We are not all born to be handsome. The sea is no

1. A person who rents or leases property from a landlord.
2. Someone who occupies land or property temporarily.

Your interest, Sir Walter, is in pretty safe hands. Depend upon me for taking care that no tenant has more than his just rights. I venture to hint, that Sir Walter Elliot cannot be half so

1. A small enclosed field or pasture near a house.
2. A small farm worked by a tenant (Scottish usage).

without a family, was the very best preserver of furniture in the world. He had seen Mrs. Croft, too; she was at Taunton with the admiral, and had been present almost all the time they were

1. A member of the clergy in charge of a parish.
2. To select, organize, and present content or items.

IV He was not Mr. Wentworth, the former curate of Monkford, however suspicious appearances may be, but a Captain Frederick Wentworth, his

1. Having knowledge or experience of something.
2. Familiar with someone or something.

but the encounter of such lavish recommendations could not fail. They were gradually acquainted, and when acquainted, rapidly and deeply in love. It would be difficult to say which had seen

1. Intense enthusiasm or passion.
2. Emotional warmth or fervor.

on. All his sanguine expectations, all his confidence had been justified. His genius and ardour had seemed to foresee and to command his prosperous path. He had, very soon after their

1. Sharp intelligence or cleverness.
2. The ability to express humor or quick, amusing remarks.

knew he should be so still. Such confidence, powerful in its own warmth, and bewitching in the wit which often expressed it, must have been enough for Anne; but Lady Russell saw it very

1. Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.
2. Having a healthy reddish color, often referring to complexion.

expressed it, must have been enough for Anne; but Lady Russell saw it very differently. His sanguine temper, and fearlessness of mind, operated very differently on her. She saw in it but an

1. Convinced someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argument.
2. Influenced someone's thoughts or actions by appealing to their feelings or logic.

receive any of such certain immediate wretchedness, such uncertain future good. She was persuaded that under every disadvantage of disapprobation at home, and every anxiety attending his

1. Felt or showed great joy or happiness.
2. Celebrated with enthusiasm or delight.

Russell might have asked yet for something more, while Anne was nineteen, she would have rejoiced to see her at twenty-two so respectably removed from the partialities and injustice of her

1. Fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing.
2. Clearly expressive and vividly conveying meaning.

said he sometimes took out a gun, but never killed; quite the gentleman. Mr. Shepherd was eloquent on the subject; pointing out all the circumstances of the Admiral’s family, which made him

1. Small enclosed fields or farmlands, often in Scotland or Northern England.
2. A surname of English or Scottish origin.

before she could harden her nerves sufficiently to feel the continual discussion of the Crofts and their business no evil. She was assisted, however, by that perfect indifference and apparent

1. The quality of being amusing or funny.
2. A person's state of mind or mood.

understanding nor temper. While well, and happy, and properly attended to, she had great good humour and excellent spirits; but any indisposition sunk her completely. She had no resources for

1. A small, simple house, typically in a rural or semi-rural area.
2. A vacation home, often in a scenic location.

of the young ’squire, it had received the improvement of a farmhouse elevated into a cottage, for his residence, and Uppercross Cottage, with its veranda, French windows, and other

1. Small, light brown spots on the skin, often caused by sun exposure.
2. Natural skin pigmentation resulting from melanin clusters.

disfigured by a few, but he abominates them. You must have heard him notice Mrs. Clay’s freckles.” “There is hardly any personal defect,” replied Anne, “which an agreeable manner might not

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

on, have been conscious of such an overthrow of all order and neatness! The portraits themselves seemed to be staring in astonishment. The Musgroves, like their houses, were in a state of

1. Gracefully stylish and refined in appearance or manner.
2. Pleasingly ingenious and simple in design or solution.

from wishing for the possibility of exchange, she would not have given up her own more elegant and cultivated mind for all their enjoyments; and envied them nothing but that seemingly perfect

1. To convince someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
2. To influence someone's thoughts or actions by appealing to their emotions or logic.

or at least receiving hints to exert it, beyond what was practicable. “I wish you could persuade Mary not to be always fancying herself ill,” was Charles’s language; and, in an unhappy mood,

1. Informal term for mother.
2. (Anatomy) Milk-secreting gland in female mammals.

putting herself forward to take place of mamma. Nobody doubts her right to have precedence of mamma, but it would be more becoming in her not to be always insisting on it. It is not that mamma

1. Feeling or showing great pleasure or happiness.
2. Highly pleased or gratified.

no voice, no knowledge of the harp, and no fond parents, to sit by and fancy themselves delighted, her performance was little thought of, only out of civility, or to refresh the others, as she

1. The next day or the day after today.
2. The time following a particular event.

The morning hours of the Cottage were always later than those of the other house, and on the morrow the difference was so great that Mary and Anne were not more than beginning breakfast when

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

“I am sorry to find you unwell,” replied Anne. “You sent me such a good account of yourself on Thursday!” “Yes, I made the best of it; I always do: but I was very far from well at the time;

1. Continuing forever without interruption; eternal.
2. (Finance) An investment or bond with no maturity date.

as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement. When he talked, she heard the same voice, and discerned the same mind. There was a

1. People who work on ships or boats, especially as crew members.
2. Members of a navy, typically enlisted personnel.

of the early days when she too had been ignorant, and she too had been accused of supposing sailors to be living on board without anything to eat, or any cook to dress it if there were, or any

1. A small, venomous snake found in Africa.
2. A term for a spiteful or malicious person.

cried the Admiral, “what stuff these young fellows talk! Never was a better sloop than the Asp in her day. For an old built sloop, you would not see her equal. Lucky fellow to get her! He

1. A single-masted sailing boat with a fore-and-aft rig and one headsail.
2. A small, fast naval vessel used for escort or patrol duties.

Wentworth, in a small paragraph at one corner of the newspapers; and being lost in only a sloop, nobody would have thought about me.” Anne’s shudderings were to herself alone; but the Miss

1. Courageous behavior, especially in battle.
2. Polite attention or respect shown toward women.

round from Portsmouth to Plymouth. Where was this superfine, extraordinary sort of gallantry of yours then?” “All merged in my friendship, Sophia. I would assist any brother officer’s wife

1. The office, jurisdiction, or authority of a curate.
2. The state or quality of being accurate; accuracy (less common usage).

of attachment previous to Captain Wentworth’s introduction. He was in orders; and having a curacy in the neighbourhood, where residence was not required, lived at his father’s house, only two

1. Care or concern for someone's well-being.
2. Anxious attentiveness or eagerness.

no talents or accomplishments for home, to occupy. But now, another occupation and solicitude of mind was beginning to be added to these. Her father was growing distressed for money. She

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

moment he was perfectly collected and serious, and almost instantly afterwards coming up to the sofa, on which she and Mrs. Musgrove were sitting, took a place by the latter, and entered into

1. To make fun of someone playfully or mockingly.
2. To provoke or annoy someone intentionally.

Captain Wentworth’s interference, “You ought to have minded me, Walter; I told you not to tease your aunt;” and could comprehend his regretting that Captain Wentworth should do what he ought to

1. The season between summer and winter, characterized by falling leaves and cooler temperatures.
2. A period of maturity or decline, often metaphorically.

and from repeating to herself some few of the thousand poetical descriptions extant of autumn, that season of peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness, that

1. A set of steps or rungs for climbing over a fence or wall.
2. A vertical piece in a panel or frame, as in a door or window.

spot: Louisa returned; and Mary, finding a comfortable seat for herself on the step of a stile, was very well satisfied so long as the others all stood about her; but when Louisa drew Captain

1. A town in Connecticut, USA, known for Lyme disease.
2. Short for Lyme disease, a bacterial infection from tick bites.

a lively interest excited for his friend, and his description of the fine country about Lyme so feelingly attended to by the party, that an earnest desire to see Lyme themselves, and a

1. A male given name, often short for "Coburn" or "Jacob."
2. A lump or small mass, especially of coal or ore.

was her thought; and she had to struggle against a great tendency to lowness. On quitting the Cobb, they all went indoors with their new friends, and found rooms so small as none but those who

1. A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
2. A pensive or reflective sadness, sometimes with a poetic quality.

the three, and, compared with either of them, a little man. He had a pleasing face and a melancholy air, just as he ought to have, and drew back from conversation. Captain Harville, though not

1. People who accompany or spend time with others.
2. Animals or objects that provide company or support.

being listened to anew on this subject, and afterwards, of all the relief which cheerful companions could give. To hear them talking so much of Captain Wentworth, repeating his name so often,

1. Informal term for buttocks (chiefly British).
2. Slang term for female genitalia (chiefly American).

Fortune came, his prize-money as lieutenant being great; promotion, too, came at last; but Fanny Harville did not live to know it. She had died the preceding summer while he was at sea. Captain

1. A person's face or facial expression.
2. Support or approval of something.

and were introduced. Captain Harville was a tall, dark man, with a sensible, benevolent countenance; a little lame; and from strong features and want of health, looking much older than Captain

1. A small establishment providing lodging, food, and drink (often in a rural setting).
2. A tavern or pub.

In mourning, you see, just as our Mr. Elliot must be. How very extraordinary! In the very same inn with us! Anne, must not it be our Mr. Elliot? my father’s next heir? Pray sir,” turning to the

1. The expression of deep sorrow for someone's death.
2. The period or process of grieving a loss.

the eyes of all the ladies. He had been engaged to Captain Harville’s sister, and was now mourning her loss. They had been a year or two waiting for fortune and promotion. Fortune came, his

1. A large, impressive house, often the residence of a wealthy or prominent person.
2. In some contexts, a block of flats or apartments, especially in British English.

its chance. There was not the smallest appearance of solicitude or remark about them in the Mansion-house; but it was different at the Cottage: the young couple there were more disposed to

1. Physical or mental efforts made to achieve something.
2. The act of applying force or influence.

the office of high sheriff, representing a borough in three successive parliaments, exertions of loyalty, and dignity of baronet, in the first year of Charles II, with all the Marys and

1. To an extreme or unusual degree; very.
2. Beyond normal limits; exceptionally.

was not in better spirits than herself. Lady Russell felt this breakup of the family exceedingly. Their respectability was as dear to her as her own, and a daily intercourse had become precious

1. Temporary accommodations, such as rooms or apartments, for rent.
2. Places where someone can stay, often for a short period.

persons in Bath. She was put down in Camden Place; and Lady Russell then drove to her own lodgings, in Rivers Street.

1. A period of two weeks (14 days).
2. Commonly used in British and Australian English.

He was not only pardoned, they were delighted with him. He had been in Bath about a fortnight; (he had passed through Bath in November, in his way to London, when the intelligence of Sir

1. Questions or requests for information.
2. Official investigations or examinations.

when the two girls came with their father, through the gloom of the evening, to make enquiries; and Mr. Musgrove, no longer under the first uneasiness about his heir, could add his

1. Greatly surprised or amazed.
2. Filled with sudden wonder or disbelief.

had not been at all aware of who she was. He looked completely astonished, but not more astonished than pleased; his eyes brightened! and with the most perfect alacrity he welcomed the

1. The act of restoring friendly relations between individuals or groups.
2. The process of making financial accounts consistent and accurate.

and of some instances of relenting feeling, some breathings of friendship and reconciliation, which could never be looked for again, and which could never cease to be dear. She left it all

1. The act of making something seem less serious or severe.
2. A partial excuse or justification for an offense.

on the subject. The circumstances of his marriage, too, were found to admit of much extenuation. This was an article not to be entered on by himself; but a very intimate friend of his, a

1. A surname of Scottish origin.
2. A variant spelling of "Gowlan," possibly related to Gaelic names.

clearer, fresher. Had she been using anything in particular?” “No, nothing.” “Merely Gowland,” he supposed. “No, nothing at all.” “Ha! he was surprised at that;” and added, “certainly you

1. Annoyed, frustrated, or worried.
2. A problem or issue that is difficult to resolve.

Clay in such favour, and of Anne so overlooked, was a perpetual provocation to her there; and vexed her as much when she was away, as a person in Bath who drinks the water, gets all the new

1. A state of nervous excitement or unrest.
2. The act of stirring or shaking something vigorously.

her over on an early day, and was in a very animated, comfortable state of imaginary agitation, when she came back. Anne had very sincerely rejoiced in there being no means of her going. She

1. A widow with a title or property derived from her late husband.
2. An elderly woman of high social standing.

the letter; but it did all that was wanted, in bringing three lines of scrawl from the Dowager Viscountess. “She was very much honoured, and should be happy in their acquaintance.” The toils

1. An expression of sympathy for someone who is grieving.
2. Comfort or support offered during a time of sorrow.

Walter’s at the same time, there had been an unlucky omission at Kellynch. No letter of condolence had been sent to Ireland. The neglect had been visited on the head of the sinner; for when poor

1. Feelings or emotions, often about a particular subject.
2. Opinions or attitudes expressed in words.

were hereafter to be his own. This could not be pardoned. Such were Elizabeth Elliot’s sentiments and sensations; such the cares to alloy, the agitations to vary, the sameness and the elegance,

1. A person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
2. The way something is placed or arranged.

or descriptions which conversation called forth. His profession qualified him, his disposition led him, to talk; and “That was in the year six;” “That happened before I went to sea in the year

1. The act of voluntarily leaving a job or position.
2. A formal statement or document announcing one's departure from a role.

Anne could not but be amused at the idea of her coming to Lyme to preach patience and resignation to a young man whom she had never seen before; nor could she help fearing, on more serious

1. The number equivalent to four times ten (40).
2. A term used to describe a quantity or age.

you take his age to be?’ ‘Sixty,’ said I, ‘or perhaps sixty-two.’ ‘Forty,’ replied Sir Basil, ‘forty, and no more.’ Picture to yourselves my amazement; I shall not easily forget Admiral Baldwin. I

1. A feeling of great pleasure or joy.
2. Something that gives great pleasure.

and Louisa, by whom she found herself walking, burst forth into raptures of admiration and delight on the character of the navy; their friendliness, their brotherliness, their openness, their

1. To or toward that place (archaic or poetic).
2. Used to indicate movement toward a specified point.

to by the party, that an earnest desire to see Lyme themselves, and a project for going thither was the consequence. The young people were all wild to see Lyme. Captain Wentworth talked of

1. A four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a collapsible top and two double seats facing each other.
2. A stylish, open carriage popular in the 19th century.

to take them home, and would call for them in a few minutes. Her ladyship’s carriage was a barouche, and did not hold more than four with any comfort. Miss Carteret was with her mother;

1. A small, unimportant matter or thing.
2. A small amount, especially of money.

a little time to settle the point of civility between the other two. The rain was a mere trifle, and Anne was most sincere in preferring a walk with Mr. Elliot. But the rain was also a mere

1. Feeling deep sorrow or distress, especially due to loss or misfortune.
2. Caused to feel sorrow or regret.

even his farther rise in that profession, would be, indeed, a throwing away, which she grieved to think of! Anne Elliot, so young; known to so few, to be snatched off by a stranger without

1. An expression of sorrow, regret, or grief (interjection).
2. Unfortunately or sadly (adverb).

a great deal, even to Louisa, but had been almost everything to Henrietta. When he came back, alas! the zeal of the business was gone by. Louisa could not listen at all to his account of a

1. Fabric panels hung to cover windows for privacy or decoration.
2. Theatrical drapes that open or close a stage.

said she, “what has been fixing my eye so long; but I was looking after some window-curtains, which Lady Alicia and Mrs. Frankland were telling me of last night. They described the

1. Causing fear or terror; extremely alarming.
2. Extremely unpleasant or shocking.

from its not overpowering you at the time.” She assured him that she had not. “It was a frightful hour,” said he, “a frightful day!” and he passed his hand across his eyes, as if the remembrance

1. A period of time between two events or points.
2. The difference in pitch between two musical notes.

and found it all as she supposed; and the re-perusal of these letters, after so long an interval, her poor son gone forever, and all the strength of his faults forgotten, had affected her

1. Having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance or abilities (conceited).
2. Producing no result; useless (futile).

to give Elizabeth the advantage of her own better judgement and experience; but always in vain: Elizabeth would go her own way; and never had she pursued it in more decided opposition to Lady

1. Highly pleasing or enjoyable.
2. Charming or attractive in a cheerful way.

Wentworth. In all their walks, he had had to jump her from the stiles; the sensation was delightful to her. The hardness of the pavement for her feet, made him less willing upon the present

1. A feeling of great surprise or amazement.
2. The state of being astonished or shocked.

his consent, or saying it should never be, gave it all the negative of great astonishment, great coldness, great silence, and a professed resolution of doing nothing for his daughter. He

1. Physical or mental effort.
2. The act of applying force or energy.

of her manners, soon had their effect; and Anne was well repaid the first trouble of exertion. He was evidently a young man of considerable taste in reading, though principally in poetry; and

1. No (archaic or formal negative response).
2. A negative vote or voter.

near them, to be useful if wanted, at any rate, to enjoy the sight of a dead young lady, nay, two dead young ladies, for it proved twice as fine as the first report. To some of the

1. The act of convincing someone to believe or do something.
2. A method or argument used to influence opinions or actions.

young man of considerable taste in reading, though principally in poetry; and besides the persuasion of having given him at least an evening’s indulgence in the discussion of subjects, which his

1. Steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulties.
2. Continued effort to achieve something despite obstacles.

and I think it very likely that my illness today may be owing to it.” A little further perseverance in patience and forced cheerfulness on Anne’s side produced nearly a cure on Mary’s. She could

1. Not showing care for consequences; rash or unwise.
2. Lacking discretion or good judgment.

are pretty sure by perseverance to carry their point, be they ever so poor, or ever so imprudent, or ever so little likely to be necessary to each other’s ultimate comfort. This may be bad

1. Pleased or honored by praise or attention.
2. Made to feel important or valued by someone's actions or words.

however, was not to be lessened by what she heard. She boldly acknowledged herself flattered, and continued her enquiries. “Oh! he talks of you,” cried Charles, “in such terms—” Mary

1. To praise someone excessively, often insincerely.
2. To make someone feel pleased or honored.

their great cousins, to be sure, to resort to for comfort; but they must long feel that to flatter and follow others, without being flattered and followed in turn, is but a state of half

1. Feelings of fondness or love towards someone or something.
2. Emotional states or moods.

he was to save himself from being cut out by one artful woman, at least. Mrs. Clay’s affections had overpowered her interest, and she had sacrificed, for the young man’s sake, the possibility

1. Intense happiness or joy.
2. The ability to express oneself effectively and gracefully.

to him now, to question the justness of his own previous opinion as to the universal felicity and advantage of firmness of character; and whether it might not strike him that, like all other

1. Gentleness or kindness in manner or touch.
2. Sensitivity to pain or discomfort.

size, infinitely more fitted by nature to express good cheer and good humour, than tenderness and sentiment; and while the agitations of Anne’s slender form, and pensive face, may be