Today we share with you the vocabulary we discussed in the episode devoted to chapters 18-33 of "Pride and Prejudice"
Lisa's vocabulary:
ere long
- in a little while · any minute · soon
I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long.
dawdle
- to do something or go somewhere very slowly, taking more time than is necessary
Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their nearer connection.
to take in
- cheat, fool, or deceive someone
Mrs. Bennet was in fact too much overpowered to say a great deal while Sir William remained; but no sooner had he left them than her feelings found a rapid vent. In the first place, she persisted in disbelieving the whole of the matter; secondly, she was very sure that Mr. Collins had been taken in, thirdly, she trusted that they would never be happy together; and fourthly, that the match might be broken off.
to be crossed in love
- fall in love without reciprocity; experience unrequited love
jilt [ʤɪlt]
- suddenly reject or abandon (a lover)
creditably ['kredɪtǝblɪ]
- well enough to deserve praise or approval
Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. “So, Lizzy,” said he one day, “your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is your time. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.”
extenuating circumstances [ɪk'stenjueɪt]
- circumstances that render conduct less serious and thereby serve to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be imposed
Miss Bennet was the only creature who could suppose there might be any extenuating circumstances in the case, unknown to the society of Hertfordshire; her mild and steady candour always pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes — but by everybody else Mr. Darcy was condemned as the worst of men.
Olga's vocabulary:
by and by
- incidentally; by the way
He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said. “Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones.
a man ten times his consequence
- Consequence here has the old-fashioned meaning "importance; standing (in the community)
When the dancing recommenced, however, 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 of a man ten times his consequence.
rectitude
- morally correct behaviour or thinking;
Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to her sister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her opinion could never be shaken, and for whose happiness she grew daily more anxious, as Bingley had now been gone a week and nothing more was heard of his return.
avarice /ˈævərɪs/
- US a strong feeling that you want a lot of money and possessions
“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?
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