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For me, it depends on if I can figure out the meaning of the word from the context. If I can't, I definitely look it up right then. I can't stand not knowing what something means! I'm reading The Picture of Dorian Gray (free) in email installments from Daily Lit. I've had to look up a lot of words:
"Dorian Gray stepped up on the dais with the air of a young Greek martyr, and made a little moue of discontent to Lord Henry, to whom he had rather taken a fancy."
dais n.
a raised platform, as in a lecture hall, for speakers or honored guests
syn. podium, pulpit
moue n.
a small grimace
syn. pout
"The only difference between a caprice and a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer."
caprice n.
an impulsive change of mind
syn. whim
"Then had come Lord Henry Wotton with his strange panegyric on youth, his terrible warning of its brevity."
panegyric n.
elaborate praise intended as a public compliment
syn. encomium, tribute, eulogy
"She was an extraordinarily beautiful girl, Margaret Devereux, and made all the men frantic by running away with a penniless young fellow-- a mere nobody, sir, a subaltern in a foot regiment, or something of that kind."
subaltern n.
person lower in position or rank
syn. subordinate
Definitions are from The Free Dictionary. You can hear word pronunciations there.
