Chapter 1 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 1

privy (adjective)

Having secret or private knowledge of something; admitted to a confidence.

levity (noun)

Humor or lack of seriousness, especially when it is inappropriate.

plagiaristic (adjective)

Having the quality of copying or imitating others' ideas or words without originality.

supercilious (adjective)

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; haughty and disdainful.

effeminate (adjective)

Having characteristics or qualities traditionally associated with women rather than men.

fractiousness (noun)

The quality of being irritable, unruly, or difficult to control.

wan (adjective)

Pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion; lacking vitality.

reciprocal (adjective)

Given, felt, or done in return; mutual and corresponding.

languidly (adverb)

In a manner displaying or suggesting a lack of physical or mental energy; unhurriedly and dreamily.

complacency (noun)

A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

extemporizing (verb)

Speaking, performing, or composing something without preparation; improvising.

rotogravure (noun)

A printing process used for newspapers and magazines, especially the illustrated section; by extension, the photographs or pictures printed this way.

peremptorily (adverb)

In a way that insists on immediate attention or obedience; in a bossy, commanding manner.

corroborated (verb)

Confirmed or gave support to a statement, theory, or finding.

banns (noun)

A public announcement of an intended marriage, traditionally read aloud in a church.

contour (noun)

An outline representing the shape or form of something.

intimation (noun)

A hint or indirect suggestion of something.

Teutonic (adjective)

Relating to the Germanic peoples; here used to describe the German military involvement in World War I.