Chapter 1 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 1

varicose (adjective)

Abnormally swollen or dilated, especially referring to veins that have become enlarged and twisted.

telescreen (noun)

A two-way television device that both broadcasts Party propaganda and monitors citizens' behavior. A coined term specific to the novel.

thoughtcrime (noun)

The act of harboring unorthodox or disloyal thoughts against the ruling Party. Coined by Orwell for the novel.

inscrutable (adjective)

Impossible to understand or interpret; not revealing one's thoughts or feelings.

furtive (adjective)

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would bring trouble.

oligarchy (noun)

A form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged group.

doublethink (noun)

The ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accept both as true. A key concept of Ingsoc ideology.

dilapidated (adjective)

In a state of disrepair or ruin due to age or neglect.

sanguine (adjective)

Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.

totalitarian (adjective)

Relating to a system of government that requires complete subservience to the state and permits no individual freedom.

Newspeak (noun)

The official language of Oceania, designed to diminish the range of thought by reducing vocabulary and eliminating words for unapproved concepts.

vaporized (verb (past participle))

In the context of 1984, to be eliminated by the Party so thoroughly that all records of a person's existence are erased.

orthodox (adjective)

Conforming to established doctrine, especially in religion or politics; in 1984, holding beliefs approved by the Party.

proletarian (noun/adjective)

A member of the working class; in 1984, the proles are the large underclass who live largely outside Party surveillance.

ubiquitous (adjective)

Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.