100 words to know before reading Pride and Prejudice

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

little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as

1. A medieval term for the herb common valerian (Valeriana officinalis).
2. An old English name for the herb blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus).

said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?” Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. “But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she

1. A light, open carriage with two wheels and a folding top, drawn by one horse.
2. A long reclining chair or daybed for relaxation.

by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris

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

that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before

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

with people of rank; and were therefore in every respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of others. They were of a respectable family in the north of England; a circumstance

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

as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.” “My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary

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

determined to go, merely on that account, for in general you know they visit no newcomers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him, if you do not.” “You are over

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

is certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight. But if we do not venture, somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand

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

on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.” The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps

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

of that noble place. Charles, when you build your house, I wish it may be half as delightful as Pemberley.” “I wish it may.” “But I would really advise you to make your purchase in that

1. Full of life and energy; active and outgoing.
2. Bright, vivid, or striking in appearance.

more delightful! To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley’s heart were entertained. “If I can but see one of my daughters happily

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

morning. She really looked almost wild.” “She did indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. Very nonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering about the country, because her

1. A hillock or small wooded elevation.
2. A sandbank or sandbar in a river.

themselves. What a contrast between him and his friend! Mr. Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and once with Miss Bingley, declined being introduced to any other lady, and spent the rest of

1. A unit of permeability in geology, measuring fluid flow through porous materials.
2. A surname, notably associated with the fictional character Mr. Darcy from *Pride and Prejudice*.

fashion. His brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien; and

1. A surname of English origin.
2. A variant of the name Bennett, meaning "blessed" or "little blessed one."

V Within a short walk of Longbourn lived a family with whom the Bennets were particularly intimate. Sir William Lucas had been formerly in trade in Meryton, where he had

1. A small house or cabin, often in a rural or natural setting.
2. A local branch of a society or organization.

to escape out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a

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

was always impatient for display. Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity had given her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and conceited manner, which

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

and introduce Mr. Bingley to her.” “Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing?” “I honour your circumspection. A fortnight’s

1. Rude or disrespectful, especially toward someone in authority.
2. Not pertinent or relevant to the matter at hand.

and a uniform cheerfulness of manner which would guard her from the suspicions of the impertinent. She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas. “It may perhaps be pleasant,” replied Charlotte,

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

on seeing Bingley join the group;—“and I doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself, Mr. Darcy.” “You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, Sir.” “Yes, indeed, and received no

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

themselves. Mr. Philips visited them all, and this opened to his nieces a source of felicity unknown before. They could talk of nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingley’s large fortune, the

1. A point of access or entry, such as a door or gate.
2. The act of entering or coming in.

from expressing in her note how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation, and when Miss Bingley left them together,

1. Speed or urgency in movement or action.
2. Excessive quickness that may lead to mistakes.

Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together. “If we make haste,” said Lydia, as they walked along, “perhaps we may see something of Captain Carter before he

1. A skirt worn under a dress or outer skirt, typically for added volume or modesty.
2. Historically, a garment worn by women and girls beneath a gown.

Bennet looked remarkably well, when she came into the room this morning. Her dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice.” “You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure,” said Miss Bingley; “and I am

1. Fail to care for properly.
2. Omit or leave undone.

But I knew I should persuade you at last. I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am! and it is such a good joke, too, that you should

1. To repair or fix something broken or damaged.
2. To improve or correct a situation or relationship.

have already told her so once, by your desire.” “I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me mend it for you. I mend pens remarkably well.” “Thank you—but I always mend my own.” “How can you

1. Intense joy or delight.
2. A state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion.

I think it infinitely superior to Miss Grantley’s.” “Will you give me leave to defer your raptures till I write again?—At present I have not room to do them justice.” “Oh! it is of no

1. Foolish or senseless actions or behaviors.
2. Theatrical revues featuring extravagant costumes and comedy.

little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not

1. A flaw or imperfection in something.
2. To abandon one's country or cause in favor of another.

pray what is the result?” “I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He owns it himself without disguise.” “No”—said Darcy, “I have made no such pretension. I have

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

I know it cannot be long.” He readily assured her of his secrecy—again expressed his sorrow for her distress, wished it a happier conclusion than there was at present reason to hope, and

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.

resolved on one effort more; and, turning to Elizabeth, said— “Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing

1. Playfully making fun of someone to provoke a reaction.
2. Gently pulling or combing hair to create volume.

Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing?” “I honour your circumspection. A fortnight’s acquaintance is certainly very little. One cannot

1. A type of tall glass used for serving mixed drinks.
2. A surname of English or Irish origin.

to see him with a degree of composure, which astonished her husband and daughters. Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet

1. To involve or require as a necessary part or consequence.
2. In law, to limit the inheritance of property to a specific line of heirs.

of goodwill are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate, will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the

1. A male member of the clergy, such as a priest, minister, or pastor.
2. An ordained religious leader in a Christian church.

her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his rights as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness,

1. Barely; almost not at all.
2. Only just; by a very small margin.

becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next

1. The state or quality of being serious, earnest, or formal.
2. A formal, dignified ceremony or ritual.

Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that he had never in his life witnessed

1. Friendliness and approachability in manner.
2. The quality of being easy to talk to or pleasant.

that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously

1. A place where someone lives; a home or residence.
2. (Archaic) A stay or continuance in a place.

are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?” “The garden in which stands my humble abode, is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship’s residence.” “I think you said she

1. A board game for two players involving dice and moving pieces.
2. A variant of the game where stakes can be doubled.

as any affront, seated himself at another table with Mr. Bennet, and prepared for backgammon.

1. Excessive pride in oneself; vanity.
2. A fanciful or elaborate metaphor in literature.

leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room in the house, he was used to be free from them there; his civility,

1. A county or administrative region in England (e.g., Yorkshire).
2. A breed of large, strong draft horse originating from England.

had brought him from London, and that he was to have a lieutenant’s commission in the ——shire. She had been watching him the last hour, she said, as he walked up and down the street, and had

1. A classic card game for four players in two partnerships.
2. A silent or quiet state (archaic usage).

rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable—allowing something for fortune and figure.” The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table, and Mr. Collins

1. Friendly and pleasant in manner.
2. Good-natured and easy to get along with.

olive branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make

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

but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.” The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though

1. Misled or tricked into believing something false.
2. Caused to accept an untruth as true.

of wilfully deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is, that she is deceived herself.” “That is right. You could not have started a more happy idea, since you will not take

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

things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of

1. To speak very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. A quiet or secretive conversation.

and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper not to be a simpleton and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes

1. A fine or rare food item, often considered a luxury.
2. Sensitivity or tact in handling situations.

found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented farther inquiry. Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the

1. The state of being married; marriage.
2. The ceremony or sacrament of marriage.

right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and

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

handsome! and his sisters are charming women. I never in my life saw anything more elegant than their dresses. I dare say the lace upon Mrs. Hurst’s gown—” Here she was interrupted again.

1. An entrance hall or lobby in a building.
2. A passage or chamber between the outer door and the interior of a structure.

Elizabeth jumped out; and, after giving each of them a hasty kiss, hurried into the vestibule, where Jane, who came running downstairs from her mother’s apartment, immediately met her.

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

cessation, of his house and garden at Hunsford. Such doings discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly. In his library he had been always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he

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

own and coldly said, “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better

1. Strong disapproval or condemnation.
2. Moral or social censure.

and though her resolution was not to be shaken, her feelings must be hurt by such disapprobation. She resolved to give her the information herself, and therefore charged Mr. Collins when he

1. Anger or annoyance provoked by unfair treatment or wrongdoing.
2. A feeling of righteous anger at something unjust or offensive.

joined eagerly in dancing at one end of the room. Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and was too much

1. A feeling of anger or displeasure about a perceived unfairness or wrongdoing.
2. Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.

“I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created.” “I

1. To feel or express discontent or dissatisfaction.
2. To fret or complain in a low, murmuring manner.

it as part of my duty, and the exertion would soon have been nothing. One ought not to repine;—but, to be sure, it would have been such a thing for me! The quiet, the retirement of such a

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

was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, ductility of his temper, though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though with his own he never appeared

1. A determined effort or attempt to achieve something.
2. A project or mission, especially one involving exploration or research.

younger girls of running after the officers. And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady

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

sister’s, Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy’s regard.” “Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?”

1. A county in southeastern England.
2. A surname of English origin.

welcome to me as either of them.” The wedding took place; the bride and bridegroom set off for Kent from the church door, and everybody had as much to say or to hear on the subject as usual.

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

gets to town, he will be in no hurry to leave it again, we have determined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a comfortless hotel. Many of my

1. A farewell or goodbye (often used to express a final parting).
2. A French term meaning "to God," used similarly to "goodbye."

the first to listen and to pity, the first to be admired; and in his manner of bidding her adieu, wishing her every enjoyment, reminding her of what she was to expect in Lady Catherine de

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

I know, to say ‘Yes,’ that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes, and cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I

1. A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.
2. Motivated primarily by personal gain, often money.

“Pray, my dear aunt, what is the difference in matrimonial affairs, between the mercenary and the prudent motive? Where does discretion end, and avarice begin? Last Christmas you were

1. The residence provided for a parson or clergy member by a church.
2. A house or property owned by a parish for its minister.

he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage; where she had perfectly approved all the alterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed

1. A great victory or achievement.
2. To win or succeed.

XXIX Mr. Collins’s triumph in consequence of this invitation was complete. The power of displaying the grandeur of his

1. Lack of respect; rudeness or insolence.
2. Irrelevance or inappropriateness in speech or action.

leave to be positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy. Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so

1. Anxiety or fear about something in the future.
2. Understanding or grasping an idea or concept.

used to company, and she looked forward to her introduction at Rosings with as much apprehension as her father had done to his presentation at St. James’s. As the weather was fine, they had a

1. To irritate or provoke someone intensely.
2. To make a situation worse or more frustrating.

XXXIV When they were gone, Elizabeth, as if intending to exasperate herself as much as possible against Mr. Darcy, chose for her employment the examination of all

1. Awakened from sleep or inactivity.
2. Stirred to action or emotion.

said her husband; “it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life.” This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and five

1. To ask for information.
2. To investigate or look into something.

time without speaking to anybody. At length, however, his civility was so far awakened as to enquire of Elizabeth after the health of her family. She answered him in the usual way, and after a

1. A formal statement admitting or asserting something.
2. An open declaration or acknowledgment.

coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement, and the avowal of all that he felt and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well, but there

1. Disbelief or skepticism about something
2. A state of unwillingness to accept what is true

and enumerating with energy all his good qualities, she did conquer her father’s incredulity, and reconcile him to the match. “Well, my dear,” said he, when she ceased speaking, “I have no

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

on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you. I write without any

1. Given or presented as a gift or honor.
2. Granted or conferred upon someone.

gained. Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. Collins’s present circumstances made it a most eligible match

1. The act of reading or examining something carefully.
2. A thorough review or inspection of written material.

the idea of uneasiness, with an attention which it had hardly received on the first perusal. Mr. Darcy’s shameful boast of what misery he had been able to inflict, gave her a keener sense

1. Behavior or actions that are improper, inappropriate, or not socially acceptable.
2. A violation of accepted moral or social standards.

Many of his expressions were still fresh in her memory. She was now struck with the impropriety of such communications to a stranger, and wondered it had escaped her before. She saw the

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

welcoming their sisters, they triumphantly displayed a table set out with such cold meat as an inn larder usually affords, exclaiming, “Is not this nice? is not this an agreeable surprise?” “And

1. On or to a higher floor of a building.
2. The upper floor(s) of a building.

had he and his companion taken leave, than a glance from Jane invited her to follow her upstairs. When they had gained their own room, Jane taking out the letter, said, “This is from Caroline

1. A type of hat tied under the chin, typically worn by women and children.
2. The hinged metal cover over the engine of a motor vehicle (British English).

wandering up in the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them. But the attention of every

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

truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but

1. With enthusiasm or sincerity.
2. In a hearty or robust manner.

a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their

1. Relating to marriage or the relationship between spouses.
2. Pertaining to the rights, duties, or privileges of married couples.

what she could not overlook, and to banish from her thoughts that continual breach of conjugal obligation and decorum which, in exposing his wife to the contempt of her own children, was so

1. Small-scale representations or models of larger objects.
2. Tiny, detailed paintings or artworks.

She approached, and saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham suspended, amongst several other miniatures, over the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her, smilingly, how she liked it. The housekeeper came

1. Trying hard to achieve something.
2. Making a sincere effort or attempt.

from the window, fearful of being seen; and as she walked up and down the room, endeavouring to compose herself, saw such looks of enquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt, as made

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

retired to dress, and at half past six Elizabeth was summoned to dinner. To the civil enquiries which then poured in, and amongst which she had the pleasure of distinguishing the much superior

1. Hidden or kept out of sight.
2. Not easily noticed or detected.

design. These bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I with greater policy concealed my struggles, and flattered you into the belief of my being impelled by unqualified, unalloyed

1. Extremely unhappy or unfortunate.
2. Of poor quality; very bad.

of what Lydia’s infamy must produce, found additional anguish as she reflected on that wretched business. Never, since reading Jane’s second letter, had she entertained a hope of Wickham’s

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

Mary, “but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required.” “We will go as far as Meryton with you,”

1. A small group of trees or a thicket.
2. A small area of woodland, often managed for periodic cutting.

think her like her nephew?” said she, as she looked in her face. As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the following manner:— “You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to

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.

“You are uniformly charming!” cried he, with an air of awkward gallantry; “and I am persuaded that when sanctioned by the express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will

1. A wedding ceremony and its related festivities.
2. The marriage or union of two people.

very much to the purpose of course. He begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter, of which it seems he has been told, by some of the good-natured, gossiping

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

to show her ring and boast of being married, to Mrs. Hill and the two housemaids. “Well, mamma,” said she, when they were all returned to the breakfast room, “and what do you think of my

1. Showing fondness or tenderness.
2. Warm and loving in manner.

take no offence.” “Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited by such affectionate attention; and depend upon it, you will speedily receive from me a letter of thanks for this, as

1. People living near or next to each other in a community.
2. Adjacent or nearby things, places, or regions.

increased with what she heard, and who was resolving to retail it all among her neighbours as soon as she could. To the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to

1. The evening meal, typically lighter than dinner.
2. A social gathering where a light evening meal is served.

of Mr. Wickham’s attentions. There could be no conversation in the noise of Mrs. Philips’s supper party, but his manners recommended him to everybody. Whatever he said, was said well; and

1. Serious and sincere in intention or effort.
2. A token or payment given as a pledge or promise.

beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship, and be ever ready to

1. Openly declared or acknowledged.
2. Admitted or stated as a fact.

it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation should be felt, and if I