Chapter 21 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 21

peevish (adjective)

Easily irritated; querulous and petulant, especially over trivial matters.

assiduous (adjective)

Showing persistent, careful attention; diligent and unremitting in effort.

seasonable (adjective)

Coming at the right time; timely and appropriate to the circumstances.

abatement (noun)

The process of reducing in intensity, amount, or degree; a lessening.

forbearance (noun)

Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance in the face of provocation.

commendation (noun)

Praise or approval, especially formal or public recognition of merit.

countenance (noun)

A person's face or facial expression, especially as an indicator of mood or emotion.

highflown (adjective)

Extravagant or exaggerated in style or sentiment; lofty and inflated beyond what the occasion warrants.

insensibility (noun)

Lack of feeling or emotional response; indifference or unawareness.

intercourse (noun)

Communication or dealings between people; social interaction and exchange (archaic usage).

thither (adverb)

To or toward that place (archaic); in that direction.

gaieties (noun)

Festivities, celebrations, or occasions of lighthearted amusement (plural of gaiety).

ingenuity (noun)

Cleverness or skillfulness in devising a plan; inventive resourcefulness.

desponding (adjective)

Losing hope or heart; becoming disheartened or dejected.

diffidence (noun)

Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence; hesitancy or reserve.

bewailed (verb)

Expressed great sadness or regret about something; mourned or lamented.