Chapter I — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter I

misanthropist (noun)

A person who dislikes and avoids human society.

perseverance (noun)

Persistent determination to continue a course of action despite difficulty.

soliloquised (verb)

Spoke one's thoughts aloud to oneself.

peevish (adjective)

Easily irritated or annoyed, especially over trivial matters.

penetralium (noun)

The innermost or most private part of a building or place.

grotesque (adjective)

Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted in appearance.

cullenders (noun)

An archaic spelling of colanders; bowls with holes used for draining food.

sundry (adjective)

Of various kinds; several different.

stalwart (adjective)

Loyal, reliable, and hardworking; also physically strong and sturdy.

morose (adjective)

Sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered.

impertinence (noun)

Lack of respect; rudeness, or an act that is presumptuous or forward.

actuate (verb)

To cause someone to act in a particular way; to motivate.

guttural (adjective)

Produced in the throat; harsh and throaty in sound.

vis-a-vis (preposition)

Face to face with; in relation to.

physiognomy (noun)

A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character.

phlegm (noun)

Calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations (here used figuratively).

laconic (adjective)

Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude.