100 words to know before reading Sense and Sensibility

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

John Dashwood, a gentleman-like and pleasing young man, who was introduced to their acquaintance soon after his sister’s establishment at Norland, and who had since spent the greatest part of

1. Each one; for or by each individual (e.g., "They cost $5 apiece").
2. Separately; one by one (e.g., "He handed them out apiece").

however, and, as a mark of his affection for the three girls, he left them a thousand pounds apiece. Mr. Dashwood’s disappointment was, at first, severe; but his temper was cheerful and sanguine;

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

himself with propriety in the discharge of his ordinary duties. Had he married a more amiable woman, he might have been made still more respectable than he was: he might even have been made

1. A woman in a position of authority or control.
2. A woman having an extramarital sexual relationship with a married man.

II Mrs. John Dashwood now installed herself mistress of Norland; and her mother and sisters-in-law were degraded to the condition of visitors. As

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

half your fortune from your own child.” “He did not stipulate for any particular sum, my dear Fanny; he only requested me, in general terms, to assist them, and make their situation more

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

parted with, it never can return. Your sisters will marry, and it will be gone forever. If, indeed, it could be restored to our poor little boy—” “Why, to be sure,” said her husband, very

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

one’s independence.” “Undoubtedly; and after all you have no thanks for it. They think themselves secure, you do no more than what is expected, and it raises no gratitude at all. If I were you,

1. A fixed sum of money paid regularly, often annually, for a lifetime or a set period.
2. A financial product providing regular payments in exchange for an initial investment.

purchase.” “Certainly not; but if you observe, people always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them; and she is very stout and healthy, and hardly forty. An annuity is a very

1. Financial products providing regular payments over time, often for retirement.
2. Contracts sold by insurance companies to guarantee income streams.

mother’s disposal, without any restriction whatever. It has given me such an abhorrence of annuities, that I am sure I would not pin myself down to the payment of one for all the world.” “It is

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

and treat her with proper attention; and could strive to rouse her mother to similar exertion, and encourage her to similar forbearance. Margaret, the other sister, was a good-humored,

1. A condition of pain, suffering, or distress.
2. A cause of persistent physical or mental discomfort.

it was valued and cherished. They encouraged each other now in the violence of their affliction. The agony of grief which overpowered them at first, was voluntarily renewed, was sought for, was

1. Careful and sensible judgment in practical matters.
2. Cautiousness to avoid risks or dangers.

son of a man who had died very rich; and some might have repressed it from motives of prudence, for, except a trifling sum, the whole of his fortune depended on the will of his mother. But

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

of fortune should keep any couple asunder who were attracted by resemblance of disposition; and that Elinor’s merit should not be acknowledged by everyone who knew her, was to her

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

must generally have led to imprudence. She had an excellent heart;—her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings were strong; but she knew how to govern them: it was a knowledge which her

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

I felt for my sister most severely. Yet she bore it with so much composure, she seemed scarcely to notice it. I could hardly keep my seat. To hear those beautiful lines which have frequently

1. Official approval or commendation.
2. Praise or recognition for an action or behavior.

then hastened to show both letters to her daughters, that she might be secure of their approbation before her answer were sent. Elinor had always thought it would be more prudent for them to

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

as excited in him by the drawings of other people, was very far from that rapturous delight, which, in her opinion, could alone be called taste. Yet, though smiling within herself at the

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

soon have exhausted each favourite topic. Another meeting will suffice to explain his sentiments on picturesque beauty, and second marriages, and then you can have nothing farther to ask.”

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

that she was in need of a dwelling; and though the house he now offered her was merely a cottage, he assured her that everything should be done to it which she might think necessary, if the

1. A farmyard or barnyard.
2. A medieval term for a manor's outer courtyard.

her, after giving the particulars of the house and garden, to come with her daughters to Barton Park, the place of his own residence, from whence she might judge, herself, whether Barton

1. Done quickly or hurriedly, often without care.
2. Acting with excessive speed or urgency.

She had great satisfaction in replying that she was going into Devonshire.—Edward turned hastily towards her, on hearing this, and, in a voice of surprise and concern, which required no

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

the whole, I venture to pronounce that his mind is well-informed, enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and his taste delicate and pure.

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

VI The first part of their journey was performed in too melancholy a disposition to be otherwise than tedious and unpleasant. But as they drew towards the end of

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

In such employments as these they were interrupted soon after breakfast the next day by the entrance of their landlord, who called to welcome them to Barton, and to offer them every accommodation

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

her; and she had at this time ready money enough to supply all that was wanted of greater elegance to the apartments. “As for the house itself, to be sure,” said she, “it is too small for our

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

to be gone, and indefatigable in her inquiries for a suitable dwelling in the neighbourhood of Norland; for to remove far from that beloved spot was impossible. But she could hear of no

1. A person who participates in sports, especially professionally or competitively.
2. Someone who exhibits fair play, integrity, and respect in sports.

and in settling a family of females only in his cottage, he had all the satisfaction of a sportsman; for a sportsman, though he esteems only those of his sex who are sportsmen likewise, is not

1. Having a particular mood or disposition (e.g., good-humoured).
2. Indulging someone's whims or preferences (e.g., humoured his request).

of the party, and wished for no more. Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton’s mother, was a good-humoured, merry, fat, elderly woman, who talked a great deal, seemed very happy, and rather vulgar. She

1. Not influenced or changed by something; remaining natural or genuine.
2. Free from artificiality or pretense; sincere.

were young, pretty, and unaffected. It was enough to secure his good opinion; for to be unaffected was all that a pretty girl could want to make her mind as captivating as her person. The

1. In a way that is worthy of attention; notably.
2. To an unusual or surprising degree; exceptionally.

of projecting weddings among all the young people of her acquaintance. She was remarkably quick in the discovery of attachments, and had enjoyed the advantage of raising the blushes and

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

in the discovery of attachments, and had enjoyed the advantage of raising the blushes and the vanity of many a young lady by insinuations of her power over such a young man; and this kind of

1. Physical or mental weakness or illness.
2. A condition of frailty or debility, often due to age.

of the kind. It is too ridiculous! When is a man to be safe from such wit, if age and infirmity will not protect him?” “Infirmity!” said Elinor, “do you call Colonel Brandon infirm? I can

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

course of nature. He may live twenty years longer. But thirty-five has nothing to do with matrimony.” “Perhaps,” said Elinor, “thirty-five and seventeen had better not have anything to do with

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

undertaking, considering the time of year, and that it had rained every day for the last fortnight; and Mrs. Dashwood, who had already a cold, was persuaded by Elinor to stay at home.

1. To express disapproval or disappointment towards someone.
2. A cause of blame or criticism.

Willoughby, “is certainly in his favour; but as for the esteem of the others, it is a reproach in itself. Who would submit to the indignity of being approved by such a woman as Lady Middleton

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

that his mind is well-informed, enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and his taste delicate and pure. His abilities in every

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

neither genius, taste, nor spirit. That his understanding has no brilliancy, his feelings no ardour, and his voice no expression.” “You decide on his imperfections so much in the mass,” replied

1. Strong disapproval or criticism, often formal or public.
2. An official reprimand or condemnation.

will make amends for the regard of Lady Middleton and her mother. If their praise is censure, your censure may be praise, for they are not more undiscerning, than you are prejudiced and

1. Free time when one is not working or occupied.
2. Activities done for enjoyment during free time.

His father was rendered easy by such an assurance, and Mr. John Dashwood had then leisure to consider how much there might prudently be in his power to do for them. He was not an

1. The act of hiding or keeping something secret.
2. The state of being hidden from view or knowledge.

Tell me that it is all absolutely resolved on, that any attempt, that in short concealment, if concealment be possible, is all that remains.” These words, which conveyed to Elinor a direct

1. Loss of respect or honor; shame.
2. A person or thing that brings shame.

feel her own sufferings to be nothing. They proceed from no misconduct, and can bring no disgrace. On the contrary, every friend must be made still more her friend by them. Concern for her

1. Lack of caution or wisdom in actions or decisions.
2. Behavior that is careless or thoughtless.

of them all, that eagerness of mind in Mrs. Dashwood which must generally have led to imprudence. She had an excellent heart;—her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings were strong; but

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

that his age may appear much greater to you than to my mother; but you can hardly deceive yourself as to his having the use of his limbs!” “Did not you hear him complain of the rheumatism? and is

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

to be equally indifferent during the rest of their lives?” “Upon my word, I am not acquainted with the minutiae of her principles. I only know that I never yet heard her admit any instance of

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

must have been procured by some theft or contrivance unknown to herself. She was not in a humour, however, to regard it as an affront, and affecting to take no notice of what passed, by

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

contrary, nothing can be a stronger proof of it, Elinor; for if there had been any real impropriety in what I did, I should have been sensible of it at the time, for we always know when we are

1. A short valley or hollow, often with steep sides, especially in chalk or limestone areas.
2. A small, sheltered valley or basin.

Elinor smiled again, to hear her sister describing so accurately their future expenses at Combe Magna. “Hunters!” repeated Edward—“but why must you have hunters? Everybody does not hunt.”

1. A room for receiving guests or customers, often in a home or business.
2. A shop or business offering specific services, like a beauty parlour or ice cream parlour.

had spent the preceding evening with them, and Margaret, by being left some time in the parlour with only him and Marianne, had had opportunity for observations, which, with a most important

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

visited at Stanhill, but it was too long for his young cousins to remember him. His countenance was thoroughly good-humoured; and his manners were as friendly as the style of his letter. Their

1. An angry argument or disagreement.
2. A short, heavy arrow used with a crossbow.

that no serious design had ever been formed on his side; and the next that some unfortunate quarrel had taken place between him and her sister:—the distress in which Marianne had quitted the room

1. The number following seventeen and preceding nineteen (18).
2. The age at which one legally becomes an adult in many countries.

was pronounced on the whole to be most advantageous and honourable, and a young man of eighteen is not in general so earnestly bent on being busy as to resist the solicitations of his friends

1. Until now or until the point in time under discussion.
2. Up to this time; previously.

of a common entrance, and everybody would be eager to pass through the room which has hitherto contained within itself more real accommodation and comfort than any other apartment of the

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

such a nature—that—I dare not flatter myself—” He stopped. Mrs. Dashwood was too much astonished to speak, and another pause succeeded. This was broken by Willoughby, who said with a faint

1. Visually attractive, especially in a charming or quaint way.
2. Resembling or suitable for a painting or picture.

grey moss and brush wood, but these are all lost on me. I know nothing of the picturesque.” “I am afraid it is but too true,” said Marianne; “but why should you boast of it?” “I suspect,”

1. With sincere and serious intent or effort.
2. In a deeply heartfelt or passionate manner.

XIX Edward remained a week at the cottage; he was earnestly pressed by Mrs. Dashwood to stay longer; but, as if he were bent only on self-mortification, he

1. The state of being alone without companions.
2. A peaceful or isolated place.

by Marianne, on a similar occasion, to augment and fix her sorrow, by seeking silence, solitude and idleness. Their means were as different as their objects, and equally suited to the

1. A printed publication containing news, articles, and advertisements, usually issued daily or weekly.
2. The organization responsible for producing and distributing such a publication.

you, Mr. Palmer?” Mr. Palmer made her no answer, and did not even raise his eyes from the newspaper. “Mr. Palmer does not hear me,” said she, laughing; “he never does sometimes. It is so

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

of a nice comfortable size for constant use, and with modern furniture it would be delightful. It is a corner room, and has windows on two sides. On one side you look across the

1. Amusing in an odd or whimsical way.
2. A jester or buffoon in old comedies.

he won’t speak to me for half a day together, and then he comes out with something so droll—all about anything in the world.” She surprised Elinor very much as they returned into the

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

in any of their parties. But Sir John’s satisfaction in society was much more real; he delighted in collecting about him more young people than his house would hold, and the noisier they were

1. A plural form of "beau," meaning a boyfriend or male admirer.
2. An old-fashioned term for fashionable young men.

is not the smallest alteration in him.” “Oh! dear! one never thinks of married men’s being beaux—they have something else to do.” “Lord! Anne,” cried her sister, “you can talk of nothing but

1. A boyfriend or male admirer.
2. A dandy or fashionable man.

be a fine thing to have her married so young to be sure,” said she, “and I hear he is quite a beau, and prodigious handsome. And I hope you may have as good luck yourself soon; but, perhaps, you

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

in the prospect of her removal; a satisfaction which was but feebly attempted to be concealed under a cold invitation to her to defer her departure. Now was the time when her son-in-law’s

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

fixing her eyes upon Elinor, “to his eldest brother.” What felt Elinor at that moment? Astonishment, that would have been as painful as it was strong, had not an immediate disbelief of the

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

“Marianne can never keep long from that instrument you know, ma’am,” said Elinor, endeavouring to smooth away the offence; “and I do not much wonder at it; for it is the very best toned

1. Delicate ornamental work of fine wire, often in intricate patterns.
2. Something resembling such work in complexity or delicacy.

poor little Annamaria’s basket this evening; for I am sure it must hurt your eyes to work filigree by candlelight. And we will make the dear little love some amends for her disappointment

1. A musical instrument with a keyboard and strings, producing sound when keys are pressed (also called piano).
2. The full name for the piano, derived from Italian "piano e forte" (soft and loud).

by placing around them books and other possessions, to form themselves a home. Marianne’s pianoforte was unpacked and properly disposed of; and Elinor’s drawings were affixed to the walls of their

1. Complimentary or pleasing, often to boost someone's confidence.
2. Enhancing appearance or qualities favorably.

go on. “Undoubtedly, if they had known your engagement,” said she, “nothing could be more flattering than their treatment of you;—but as that was not the case—” “I guessed you would say so,”

1. A vain, conceited man; a fop.
2. A jester's cap adorned with a strip of red.

into a bow which assured her as plainly as words could have done, that he was exactly the coxcomb she had heard him described to be by Lucy. Happy had it been for her, if her regard for Edward

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

was now dealt out to his fair cousins, whom they declared to be the most beautiful, elegant, accomplished, and agreeable girls they had ever beheld, and with whom they were particularly

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 the coach, and I hope I can afford that. We three shall be able to go very well in my chaise; and when we are in town, if you do not like to go wherever I do, well and good, you may always

1. A request for information or an official investigation.
2. The act of asking questions to gain knowledge or understanding.

her mind of their being really engaged, and this doubt was enough to prevent her making any inquiry of Marianne. Nothing could be more expressive of attachment to them all, than Willoughby’s

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

no otherwise interested in it than as a friend, which she very much feared her involuntary agitation, in their morning discourse, must have left at least doubtful. That Lucy was disposed to be

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

and Marianne, starting up, moved towards the door. Everything was silent; this could not be borne many seconds; she opened the door, advanced a few steps towards the stairs, and after listening

1. A request for information or an investigation into a matter.
2. The act of asking questions to gain knowledge.

she would represent in the strongest manner to her mother the necessity of some serious enquiry into the affair. Mrs. Palmer and two elderly ladies of Mrs. Jennings’s intimate acquaintance,

1. Individuals who participate in sports, especially professionally or competitively.
2. Men known for their skill, fair play, or enthusiasm in sports.

of a sportsman; for a sportsman, though he esteems only those of his sex who are sportsmen likewise, is not often desirous of encouraging their taste by admitting them to a residence

1. A mild illness or feeling of being unwell.
2. A reluctance or unwillingness to do something.

to attend Lady Middleton to a party, from which Mrs. Jennings was kept away by the indisposition of her youngest daughter; and for this party, Marianne, wholly dispirited, careless of her

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

much affected. Poor fellow! I am afraid it is just the same with him now; for he writes in wretched spirits. I heard from him just before I left Exeter;” taking a letter from her pocket and

1. To indicate or show something (e.g., a gesture signifying agreement).
2. To have importance or meaning (e.g., a symbol that signifies unity).

he is all to pieces. No wonder! dashing about with his curricle and hunters! Well, it don’t signify talking; but when a young man, be who he will, comes and makes love to a pretty girl, and

1. Relating to or suffering from colic, severe abdominal pain caused by gas or obstruction in the intestines.
2. Characterized by frequent crying or fussiness, often in infants.

and Elinor, as she swallowed the chief of it, reflected, that though its effects on a colicky gout were, at present, of little importance to her, its healing powers, on a disappointed heart

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

variety which the different state of her spirits at different times could produce—with tenderness, pity, approbation, censure, and doubt. There were moments in abundance, when, if not by the

1. Greatest or highest in degree, extent, or amount.
2. Of the highest or most extreme kind.

source of fresh pain to herself, though Mrs. Jennings was governed in it by an impulse of the utmost goodwill. With a letter in her outstretched hand, and countenance gaily smiling, from the

1. The state of being similar or alike in appearance or nature.
2. A similarity or comparison between two things.

moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting: she was everything but prudent. The resemblance between her and her mother was strikingly great. Elinor saw, with concern, the excess of her

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

“don’t think of my health. Elinor is well, you see. That must be enough for us both.” This remark was not calculated to make Edward or Elinor more easy, nor to conciliate the good will of Lucy,

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

the thoughts of seeing her; but the very moment I was introduced, there was such an affability in her behaviour as really should seem to say, she had quite took a fancy to me. Now was not it

1. Excessive or insincere praise to gain favor.
2. Compliments given to manipulate or please someone.

the happiness of all. But he was now married; and she condemned her heart for the lurking flattery, which so much heightened the pain of the intelligence. That he should be married soon, before

1. A state of uncontrollable laughter or crying.
2. Exaggerated or overemotional reactions.

So you may think what a blow it was to all her vanity and pride. She fell into violent hysterics immediately, with such screams as reached your brother’s ears, as he was sitting in his own

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

as a fact, which no partiality could set aside, his ill-treatment of herself. Her resentment of such behaviour, her indignation at having been its dupe, for a short time made her feel only

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

and after that, as soon as he can light upon a Bishop, he will be ordained. I wonder what curacy he will get!—Good gracious!”—giggling as she spoke—“I’d lay my life I know what my cousins

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.

that pass along. Oh! ’tis a nice place! A butcher hard by in the village, and the parsonage-house within a stone’s throw. To my fancy, a thousand times prettier than Barton Park, where they

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.

as seemed to say, that he might hereafter wish the distance between the parsonage and the mansion-house much greater. “Colonel Brandon, I think, lodges in St. James Street,” said he, soon

1. A planting or area covered with shrubs (small to medium-sized woody plants).
2. A decorative garden feature consisting of grouped or arranged shrubs.

on the third and fourth evenings of her being there, not merely on the dry gravel of the shrubbery, but all over the grounds, and especially in the most distant parts of them, where there was

1. Slow and relaxed in movement or manner.
2. Weak or faint from illness or fatigue.

Elinor with signs of amendment; and Marianne fixed her eyes on her with a rational, though languid, gaze. Anxiety and hope now oppressed her in equal degrees, and left her no moment of

1. A historical term for a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs.
2. A pharmacy or drugstore, especially in earlier times.

bed, Elinor was very ready to adopt Mrs. Jennings’s advice, of sending for the Palmers’ apothecary. He came, examined his patient, and though encouraging Miss Dashwood to expect that a very few

1. Anxiety or fear about something in the future.
2. The act of arresting or seizing someone.

side, and in the most cruel anxiety on Elinor’s, before Mr. Harris appeared. Her apprehensions once raised, paid by their excess for all her former security; and the servant who sat up with

1. To what place or state (archaic or poetic).
2. Toward what situation or condition.

He dismounted, and giving his horse to his servant, walked back with them to Barton, whither he was purposely coming to visit them. He was welcomed by them all with great cordiality, but

1. A female domestic servant who cleans and maintains a household.
2. A young unmarried woman (archaic or poetic).

a few hours of eloping together for Scotland. The treachery, or the folly, of my cousin’s maid betrayed us. I was banished to the house of a relation far distant, and she was allowed no

1. Strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or noticeable.
2. Distinctive or unique to a particular person, place, or thing.

to his solid worth. But of his minuter propensities, as you call them, you have, from peculiar circumstances, been kept more ignorant than myself. He and I have been at times thrown a good

1. To wait patiently for a favorable opportunity.
2. To endure or tolerate a situation.

Lucy—Mrs. Ferrars told me.” “And are they going farther westward?” “Yes, ma’am—but not to bide long. They will soon be back again, and then they’d be sure and call here.” Mrs. Dashwood now

1. The act of examining similarities and differences between things.
2. A statement or judgment about the likeness of two or more items.

least I thought so then; and I had seen so little of other women, that I could make no comparisons, and see no defects. Considering everything, therefore, I hope, foolish as our engagement was,