Chapter XII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XII

pertinaciously (adverb)

In a stubbornly persistent manner; holding firmly to a purpose or course of action despite difficulty or opposition.

expostulations (noun)

Earnest protests or arguments meant to dissuade someone from a course of action; expressions of strong disapproval or reasoning against something.

apathetic (adjective)

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern; indifferent to what is happening around one.

lethargy (noun)

A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and extreme lack of energy; an abnormal drowsiness or torpor.

confounded (adjective)

Confused and surprised to the point of being unable to think clearly; astonished in a bewildering way.

deranged (adjective)

Mentally disturbed or unbalanced; driven to madness or irrationality.

paroxysm (noun)

A sudden, violent outburst of emotion or action; a fit or attack of intense feeling, pain, or disease.

haggardness (noun)

The quality of looking exhausted, gaunt, and worn, especially from suffering, worry, or lack of sleep.

consternation (noun)

A feeling of anxiety, dismay, or dread that results in confusion or helplessness; alarmed astonishment.

recantation (noun)

A formal retraction or withdrawal of a previously held belief, statement, or accusation.

casement (noun)

A window or part of a window that is hinged on one side and opens outward like a door.

lattice (noun)

A structure of crossed strips forming a pattern of open spaces, often used as a window screen or frame.

alienation (noun)

The state of being isolated, estranged, or separated from a group or from one’s own identity; in a medical context, loss of mental faculties.

presumptuous (adjective)

Overstepping proper bounds; showing excessive boldness or audacity, especially in making claims or taking liberties beyond one’s station.

sovereign (noun)

A gold coin worth one pound sterling, used as currency in nineteenth-century England; also means a supreme ruler.