Introduction — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Introduction

vernacular (noun)

The everyday language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a particular region, as opposed to formal or literary language.

enumeration (noun)

The act of listing or cataloguing items one by one in a detailed, methodical way.

conscientious (adjective)

Thorough and careful, showing great attention to detail and a desire to do things correctly.

summarily (adverb)

In a brief, concise manner without unnecessary detail or ceremony.

protagonists (noun)

The main characters in a literary work around whom the central action revolves.

wraiths (noun)

Ghostly or spectral apparitions; here used figuratively to describe deceptive, phantom-like ideas.

insinuating (adjective)

Subtly and gradually working one’s way into favor or attention in a sly, indirect manner.

reticence (noun)

A habitual reluctance to speak freely or reveal one’s thoughts and feelings.

inarticulateness (noun)

The quality of being unable to express oneself clearly or effectively in words.

rudimentary (adjective)

Basic, undeveloped, or at an elementary stage of development.

imponderable (adjective)

Something that cannot be precisely measured, weighed, or evaluated; an intangible quality.

embodiment (noun)

The concrete expression or physical form given to an abstract idea, quality, or concept.

tentatively (adverb)

In an uncertain, hesitant manner; done as a trial or experiment without full commitment.

artificiality (noun)

The quality of being contrived, unnatural, or not genuinely arising from real circumstances.

cockle-shell (noun)

A small, fragile boat; used figuratively to describe a writer’s vulnerable creative vessel.

dialectical (adjective)

Relating to a local dialect or regional variety of language.