Vocabulary in Pride and Prejudice

Accepted as true by everyone without question or debate. Austen uses it with gentle irony, as if stating an obvious social fact that is actually just a widespread assumption.

In need of something; lacking it. Here it means the man is presumed to be actively seeking or desiring a wife.

To praise someone more than they deserve, or to give them an overly generous opinion of themselves. Mrs. Bennet uses it to mean her husband is complimenting her too generously.

Sympathetic concern for someone else's suffering or distress. Mrs. Bennet uses it to complain that her husband shows no sympathy for her anxious feelings.

Mood or frame of mind at a particular moment. When Darcy says he is in no humour, he means he is not in the right mood or inclination to do something.

To raise someone's social standing or importance in others' eyes by paying them attention or dancing with them. Darcy refuses to boost a woman's status by singling her out.

Treated with disrespect or ignored, especially in a social setting. Here it refers to women whom other men have passed over or refused to dance with.

Strong disapproval or distaste for someone's behaviour or character, not necessarily physical revulsion. Darcy's proud manners produced this feeling in the other guests.

Deeply wounded in one's pride or self-esteem; made to feel humiliated. Elizabeth means Darcy's slight hurt her own sense of dignity.

Polished, considerate manners that come from being raised in a refined, upper-class household. It refers to social behaviour, not biology.

Excessively concerned with how others perceive you and eager for their admiration and approval. Austen distinguishes it from pride, which is about one's own self-opinion.

As if two words mean exactly the same thing and can be swapped for each other. The speaker argues that pride and vanity are actually distinct despite being used interchangeably.

Made or caused to become something. Darcy finds Elizabeth's face made unusually striking by the expression in her eyes.

A person's face, especially its expression and overall appearance. Austen uses it as a measure of attractiveness and character.

The manner in which a person speaks to and presents themselves to others; their social bearing and way of engaging in conversation. It is a mark of charm and polish.

A person trusted with someone's private thoughts, secrets, or feelings. The speaker warns that if Elizabeth stays indifferent she should not expect to be told private information.

A person's natural or habitual way of thinking, feeling, and behaving; their temperament. Elizabeth's disposition is described as lively and fond of the absurd.

Relatives or social ties that belong to a lower class or less respectable rank in society. Having such connections was considered damaging to a family's social prospects.

An underskirt worn beneath a dress or outer skirt. Elizabeth's was visibly muddy at the hem after she walked across wet fields to reach Netherfield.

Formal expressions of romantic interest or a marriage proposal directed at someone. Mr. Collins uses the word to mean his courtship and offer of marriage to Elizabeth.

A polite, expected formula said out of social convention rather than genuine feeling. Mr. Collins assumes Elizabeth's refusal is just a customary pretence, not a real answer.

Guided by idealistic feelings and the hope of passionate love rather than practical considerations. Charlotte means she is not the kind of person who expects marriage to be a love story.

A respectable and socially acceptable means of securing one's financial future and place in society. For women of limited means in this era, marriage was the only dignified option.

Tedious and irritating; causing a feeling of mild but persistent annoyance. Charlotte finds Mr. Collins's company tiresome even though she has decided to marry him.

Social importance, rank, or influence in the community. A person of consequence is one whose wealth or position commands respect and attention from others.

Commanding attention and respect through an impressive, grand, or intimidating manner or appearance. Darcy's bearing makes people feel overawed rather than at ease.

An older spelling of 'chooses,' meaning to select or decide on something deliberately. Austen's period spelling, meaning Darcy controls the image of himself that the world sees.

To reveal embarrassing behaviour or failings in public; to make a spectacle of oneself. Elizabeth feels her family is publicly disgracing themselves at the ball.