Part II - Chapter IV — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Part II - Chapter IV

nonchalant (adjective)

Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety or enthusiasm.

irreproachable (adjective)

Beyond criticism; faultless.

busybody (noun)

A meddlesome person who pries into the affairs of others.

petrified (adjective)

So frightened as to be unable to move; also, rigid and inflexible (used figuratively of bureaucratic systems).

pikestaff (noun)

The shaft of a pike weapon; in the idiom "plain as a pikestaff," meaning unmistakably obvious.

rigamarole (noun)

A lengthy and complicated procedure or story; a confused or meaningless talk.

taradiddle (noun)

A petty lie or a pretentious piece of nonsense.

trinket (noun)

A small ornament or item of jewelry of little value.

spree (noun)

A spell or sustained period of unrestrained activity, typically drinking or spending.

noose (noun)

A loop with a running knot that tightens as the rope is pulled, used for hanging.

presumption (noun)

An idea that is taken to be true on the basis of probability; in law, an assumption based on reasonable evidence.

circumstantial (adjective)

Based on indirect evidence that implies something but does not directly prove it (of legal evidence).

obstinately (adverb)

In a stubbornly unyielding manner; persistently and with determination.

dandling (verb)

Handling or dealing with something in a playful or idle manner; wasting time on.

melodramatic (adjective)

Exaggerated, sensationalized, or overemotional in a way that is designed for effect.