Chapter XXI — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XXI

presentiments (noun)

Intuitive feelings or forebodings about something that is going to happen, especially something bad.

alienation (noun)

The state of being estranged or isolated from a group or activity to which one should belong.

dandled (verb)

Bounced or moved a young child up and down in a playful or affectionate way.

extravagance (noun)

Excessive or wasteful spending of money; lack of restraint in spending resources.

apoplectic (adjective)

Relating to or denoting apoplexy (a stroke); sudden loss of consciousness caused by a rupture or blockage of a blood vessel in the brain.

equivocal (adjective)

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous or deliberately misleading.

peremptory (adjective)

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience in a brusquely imperious way; leaving no opportunity for refusal.

ascetic (adjective)

Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

languishing (adjective)

Having a dreamy, wistful quality suggesting sentimental weakness or fading vitality.

nonchalance (noun)

The state of being calm and casually unconcerned about things; cool indifference.

indissoluble (adjective)

Unable to be dissolved, undone, or broken; lasting and permanent.

lethargic (adjective)

Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic, lacking energy.

deglutition (noun)

The act or process of swallowing.

inexorable (adjective)

Impossible to stop or prevent; unyielding and relentless.

vignettes (noun)

Brief, evocative descriptions or sketches; small illustrative pictures.

competency (noun)

An income large enough to live on comfortably; a modest fortune sufficient for one's needs.