Chapter IV — Vocabulary
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter IV
- insuperable
- Impossible to overcome or surmount.
- execrations
- Angry curses or denunciations.
- poltroon
- An utter coward; a spiritless, timid person.
- ruth
- Compassion, pity, or mercy for another person.
- usurious
- Relating to the practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
- parterre
- A formal ornamental garden with geometrically arranged flower beds separated by paths.
- hiatus
- A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.
- homily
- A moralizing lecture or serious talk, often tedious; originally a religious sermon.
- audacious
- Showing a bold willingness to take risks or challenge authority; daring.
- propound
- To put forward an idea, theory, or question for consideration.
- noxious
- Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
- sotto voce
- In a quiet voice, so as not to be overheard; an undertone.
- sequestrated
- Isolated or hidden away from others; secluded.
- capricious
- Given to sudden, unpredictable changes of mood or behavior.
- venturesome
- Willing to take risks or embark on difficult courses of action; bold.
- sable
- Black or very dark in color; also refers to dark-colored clothing associated with mourning.