Key words · 24 to learn · C1

Crime and Punishment vocabulary

by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 1866

24 useful words from Crime and Punishment, from easier to harder. Each has a simple meaning and an example sentence, so you learn words you can actually use, not just recognise.

  1. eveningnoun

    The time of day between afternoon and night.

    We went for a walk in the evening.

  2. youngadjective

    Having lived or existed for only a short time.

    The young girl was eager to learn.

  3. mannoun

    An adult male human.

    The man opened the door for her.

  4. walkverb

    To move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn.

    I walk to school every day.

  5. slowlyadverb

    At a slow speed; not quickly.

    She walked slowly to enjoy the view.

  6. afraidadjective

    Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.

    He was afraid of the dark.

  7. meetingnoun

    An assembly of people for a particular purpose, especially for formal discussion.

    The meeting lasted for two hours.

  8. kitchennoun

    A room or area where food is prepared and cooked.

    She cooked dinner in the kitchen.

  9. feelingnoun

    An emotional state or reaction.

    He had a feeling of happiness.

  10. debtnoun

    Something, typically money, that is owed or due.

    He is in debt to the bank.

  11. povertynoun

    The state of being extremely poor.

    Many families live in poverty.

  12. desirenoun

    A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.

    She had a desire to travel the world.

  13. terrornoun

    Extreme fear.

    The movie filled him with terror.

  14. trivialadjective

    Of little value or importance.

    The argument was about a trivial matter.

  15. fantasynoun

    The faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.

    Her fantasy was to live in a castle.

  16. bustlenoun

    Excited activity and movement.

    The city was full of bustle.

  17. mutterverb

    To speak in a low or barely audible voice, especially in dissatisfaction or irritation.

    He muttered something under his breath.

  18. observeverb

    To notice or perceive something and register it as being significant.

    She observed the changes in the weather.

  19. trembleverb

    To shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty.

    He began to tremble with fear.

  20. confusionnoun

    A lack of understanding; uncertainty.

    There was confusion about the meeting time.

  21. loathsomeadjective

    Causing hatred or disgust; repulsive.

    The loathsome smell made him gag.

  22. despairnoun

    The complete loss or absence of hope.

    She was in despair after losing her job.

  23. agitationnoun

    A state of anxiety or nervous excitement.

    His agitation was evident when he spoke.

  24. giddyadjective

    Having a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall or stagger; dizzy.

    She felt giddy after spinning around.

Learn these words in context

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