Chapter 7 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 7

dilatory (adjective)

Slow to act; intended to cause delay or gain time.

caravansary (noun)

An inn surrounding a courtyard in Eastern countries; here used metaphorically for Gatsby's grand, bustling estate.

Trimalchio (noun (allusion))

A character from the Roman novel Satyricon known for extravagant, ostentatious banquets; an allusion to Gatsby's lavish parties.

portentous (adjective)

Ominously significant; serving as a sign or warning of something momentous, often something bad.

contingency (noun)

A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.

expostulation (noun)

An expression of strong disapproval or earnest protest.

truculent (adjective)

Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.

precipitately (adverb)

In a hasty, sudden, or reckless manner, without careful consideration.

inviolate (adjective)

Free from injury or violation; intact and unharmed.

libertine (noun)

A person who behaves without moral principles, especially in sexual matters.

prig (noun)

A self-righteously moralistic person who behaves as if superior to others.

magnanimous (adjective)

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

vicariously (adverb)

Experienced through the actions or feelings of another person rather than directly.

rancour (noun)

Bitter, deep-seated ill will or resentment.

tangible (adjective)

Perceptible by touch; clear and definite enough to be grasped or understood.

sensuous (adjective)

Relating to or affecting the senses rather than the intellect; pleasurable to the senses.

stifling (adjective)

Suffocatingly hot and oppressive; making it difficult to breathe.

tattoo (noun)

A rhythmic tapping or drumming sound (not a skin marking in this context).