Chapter VI — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter VI

perfunctory (adjective)

Carried out with minimal effort or care; done merely as a routine duty without genuine interest.

conviviality (noun)

The quality of being friendly, lively, and enjoyable; festive social interaction.

stoicism (noun)

The endurance of hardship or discomfort without complaint or display of emotion.

ponderous (adjective)

Slow and heavy in movement; unwieldy due to great weight.

loth (adjective)

Reluctant or unwilling (archaic spelling of "loath").

deigned (verb)

Condescended to do something considered beneath one’s dignity.

aver (verb)

To state or assert positively and often forcefully; to declare with confidence.

milden (verb)

To become milder or warmer (dialectal/regional term for a change in weather).

teaming (noun)

The act of driving a team of horses to transport goods (regional usage, here meaning hauling by horse-drawn sledge).

fitful (adjective)

Occurring in irregular bursts; intermittent and unpredictable.

neutralising (adjective)

Having the effect of counteracting or making something ineffective; defusing tension.

ministrations (noun)

The provision of care, help, or service; acts of attending to someone’s needs.

medley (noun)

A varied mixture or assortment of different items.

squalid (adjective)

Extremely dirty, neglected, and in poor condition; wretched in appearance.

stolid (adjective)

Calm, showing little emotion or animation; not easily stirred or excited.