Sense and Sensibility: 40 words to know before you read it
The 40 words Jane Austen uses again and again in Sense and Sensibility that are outside the 4,000 most common in English. Learn them first and the opening chapters read much more easily. Each comes with its pronunciation and a sentence from the book.
affection/əˈfɛkʃən/91× in the book
He meant not to be unkind, however, and, as a mark of his affection for the three girls, he left them a thousand pounds apiece.
till/ˈtɪɫ/82× in the book
… but she had had no opportunity, till the present, of showing them with how little attention to the comfort of other people she could act when occasion required it.
behaviour/bɪˈheɪvjɝ/64× in the book
His attentive behaviour to herself and his sisters convinced her that their welfare was dear to him, and, for a long time, she firmly relied on the liberality of his intentions.
acquaintance/əˈkweɪntəns/64× in the book
… for many generations, they had lived in so respectable a manner as to engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance.
cottage/ˈkɑtədʒ/58× in the book
He understood 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 …
oblige/əˈbɫaɪdʒ/51× in the book
Chagrined and surprised, they were obliged, though unwillingly, to turn back, for no shelter was nearer than their own house.
delight/dɪˈɫaɪt/44× in the book
A continuance in a place where everything reminded her of former delight, was exactly what suited her mind.
kindness/ˈkaɪndnəs/42× in the book
As such, however, they were treated by her with quiet civility; and by her husband with as much kindness as he could feel towards anybody beyond himself, his wife, and their child.
carriage/ˈkæɹɪdʒ/41× in the book
They will have no carriage, no horses, and hardly any servants; they will keep no company, and can have no expenses of any kind!
distress/dɪˈstɹɛs/38× in the book
A present of fifty pounds, now and then, will prevent their ever being distressed for money, and will, I think, be amply discharging my promise to my father.”
attachment/əˈtætʃmənt/37× in the book
His attachment to them all increased.
regret/ɹəˈɡɹɛt/37× in the book
The time may come when Harry will regret that so large a sum was parted with.
spite/ˈspaɪt/35× in the book
It is evident, in spite of his frequent attention to her while she draws, that in fact he knows nothing of the matter.
fancy/ˈfænsi/34× in the book
But in sorrow she must be equally carried away by her fancy, and as far beyond consolation as in pleasure she was beyond alloy.
invitation/ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/34× in the book
… as no plan appeared so eligible to Mrs. Dashwood as remaining there till she could accommodate herself with a house in the neighbourhood, his invitation was accepted.
afterwards/ˈæftɝwɝdz/33× in the book
By his own marriage, likewise, which happened soon afterwards, he added to his wealth.
instantly/ˈɪnstəntɫi/31× in the book
She gave her an answer which marked her contempt, and instantly left the room, resolving that …
countenance/ˈkaʊntənəns/28× in the book
… which are uncommonly good, and the general sweetness of his countenance, is perceived.
charm/ˈtʃɑɹm/28× in the book
He must enter into all my feelings; the same books, the same music must charm us both.
favour/ˈfeɪvɝ/27× in the book
Mrs. Dashwood had been informed by her husband of the solemn promise on the part of his son in their favour, which gave comfort to his last earthly reflections.
misery/ˈmɪzɝi/27× in the book
… it was a blessing, in comparison of the misery of continuing her daughter-in-law’s guest; and to remove forever from that beloved place would be less painful than to inhabit or visit it while such a woman was its mistress.
exceedingly/ɪkˈsidɪŋɫi/26× in the book
… I venture to pronounce that his mind is well-informed, enjoyment of books exceedingly great, his imagination lively …
acquaint/əˈkweɪnt/26× in the book
Mrs. Dashwood now took pains to get acquainted with him.
dispose/dɪˈspoʊz/26× in the book
He was not an ill-disposed young man, unless to be rather cold hearted and rather selfish is to be ill-disposed …
likewise/ˈɫaɪˌkwaɪz/26× in the book
Mrs. John Dashwood wished it likewise; but in the meanwhile, till one of these superior blessings could be attained, it would have quieted her ambition to see him driving a barouche.
favourite/ˈfeɪvɝɪt/25× in the book
Mrs. John Dashwood had never been a favourite with any of her husband’s family; but she had had no opportunity …
endeavour/ɪnˈdɛvɝ/25× in the book
You are endeavouring to disarm me by reason, and to convince me against my will.
agreeable/əˈɡɹiəbəɫ/25× in the book
She believed the regard to be mutual; but she required greater certainty of it to make Marianne’s conviction of their attachment agreeable to her.
disappointment/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntmənt/25× in the book
The old gentleman died: his will was read, and like almost every other will, gave as much disappointment as pleasure.
exertion/ɪɡˈzɝʃən/24× in the book
… and treat her with proper attention; and could strive to rouse her mother to similar exertion, and encourage her to similar forbearance.
curiosity/ˌkjʊɹiˈɑsəti/24× in the book
… to give the name of the young man who was Elinor’s particular favourite, which had been long a matter of great curiosity to her, Margaret answered by looking at her sister …
earnest/ˈɝnɪst/23× in the book
… and an opportunity now offering of disposing of her carriage, she agreed to sell that likewise at the earnest advice of her eldest daughter.
scarcely/ˈskɛɹsɫi/23× in the book
“My love, it will be scarcely a separation.
unfortunate/ənˈfɔɹtʃənət/23× in the book
The friendliness of his disposition made him happy in accommodating those, whose situation might be considered, in comparison with the past, as unfortunate.
spare/ˈspɛɹ/23× in the book
he could spare so considerable a sum with little inconvenience.”
merit/ˈmɛɹət/23× in the book
For their brother’s sake, too, for the sake of his own heart, she rejoiced; and she reproached herself for being unjust to his merit before, in believing him incapable of generosity.
affectionate/əˈfɛkʃənət/22× in the book
She had an excellent heart; —her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings were strong …
esteem/əˈstim/22× in the book
“You may esteem him.”
admiration/ˌædmɝˈeɪʃən/22× in the book
Music seems scarcely to attract him, and though he admires Elinor’s drawings very much, it is not the admiration of a person who can understand their worth.
temper/ˈtɛmpɝ/22× in the book
… severe; but his temper was cheerful and sanguine; and he might reasonably hope to live many years …
Pronunciation: ipa-dict (MIT), from Wiktionary.
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