Chapter 3 — Vocabulary
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 3
- reprehensible (adjective)
- Deserving of criticism or condemnation; morally wrong.
- derision (noun)
- Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
- complacently (adverb)
- In a self-satisfied or uncritical manner; showing smug contentment.
- mollified (adjective)
- Appeased or calmed in temper; soothed.
- rheumatism (noun)
- A condition causing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, common in older people.
- Luger (noun)
- A type of German semi-automatic pistol, commonly used during the early 20th century.
- swamper (noun)
- A general handyman or janitor, especially on a ranch; someone who does menial cleaning tasks.
- foreshadowing (noun)
- A literary device in which the author gives hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.
- pugnacious (adjective)
- Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative in nature.
- stake (noun)
- A sum of money saved or invested for a particular purpose; also, a share or financial interest.
- contorted (adjective)
- Twisted or bent out of normal shape, especially by pain or strong emotion.
- resignation (noun)
- The acceptance of something undesirable but inevitable; reluctant submission.
- bindle (noun)
- A bundle of belongings carried by a migrant worker, typically wrapped in a blanket and tied to a stick.