Chapter 9 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 9

adventitious (adjective)

Coming from outside; not inherent or innate; arising from an external source rather than from within.

pasquinade (noun)

A satirical piece of writing, usually posted publicly; a lampoon or mockery.

surmise (noun)

A guess or conjecture based on incomplete evidence; to suppose something without firm proof.

superfluous (adjective)

Unnecessary or more than what is needed; exceeding what is sufficient.

ulster (noun)

A long, loose overcoat, originally made of rough cloth, associated with working-class or modest dress.

elocution (noun)

The skill of clear, expressive speaking, especially regarding pronunciation, tone, and gesture.

addenda (noun)

Items added to a text or document as supplementary material (plural of addendum).

interminable (adjective)

Seemingly endless; tediously long or having no apparent limit.

lustreless (adjective)

Lacking brightness, sheen, or vitality; dull and without radiance.

complacent (adjective)

Feeling quiet pleasure or satisfaction, especially with oneself or one's situation; self-satisfied.

provincial (adjective)

Relating to a province or the regions outside the capital; unsophisticated or narrow in outlook.

incoherent (adjective)

Lacking logical or meaningful connection; disorganized and difficult to understand as a unified whole.

inessential (adjective)

Not absolutely necessary; unimportant or secondary.

transitory (adjective)

Lasting only a short time; temporary and fleeting.

commensurate (adjective)

Corresponding in size, extent, or degree; proportionate to.

orgastic (adjective)

Fitzgerald's coinage (sometimes printed as "orgiastic") meaning ecstatically rapturous; relating to an overwhelming, almost frenzied emotional climax.