Chapter XXII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XXII

obstinately (adverb)

In a stubbornly unyielding manner; here describing how the illness persisted despite efforts to recover.

intermission (noun)

A pause or break in activity; Edgar's confinement had almost no periods of relief.

diurnal (adjective)

Relating to or occurring during the daytime; daily. Nelly refers to her regular daytime household duties.

ramble (noun)

A walk taken for pleasure, typically without a fixed route; a leisurely stroll through the countryside.

countenance (noun)

A person's face or facial expression, especially as an indicator of mood or character.

tenure (noun)

The holding or possession of something; here, the trees' precarious grip on the loose soil.

calamity (noun)

A disastrous event causing great distress or suffering; here referring to the eventual death of loved ones.

expedient (adjective)

Practical and useful for achieving a particular purpose, though not necessarily morally right; here meaning Edgar considered the separation advisable.

pertness (noun)

Boldly disrespectful or impertinent speech or behavior; cheekiness or sassiness.

fickleness (noun)

The quality of being changeable in affections or loyalty; inconstancy, especially in romantic attachments.

paltry (adjective)

Worthless or trivial; contemptibly small or insignificant. Nelly dismisses Heathcliff's lies as beneath contempt.

expostulated (verb)

Argued or reasoned earnestly with someone against something they intend to do; expressed strong disapproval or disagreement.

credulity (noun)

A tendency to believe things too readily; gullibility. Nelly is frustrated by Cathy's willingness to believe Heathcliff.

Michaelmas (noun)

The feast of Saint Michael, celebrated on September 29; a traditional marker of the harvest season and the transition from summer to autumn in England.

canty (adjective)

A Northern English and Scottish dialect word meaning lively, cheerful, and in good spirits.