Chapter XXII — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter XXII

temerity (noun)

Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

portly (adjective)

Having a stout body; somewhat fat, especially in a dignified way.

profusion (noun)

An abundance or large quantity of something.

penetration (noun)

Keen insight or mental sharpness; the ability to discern or understand.

Parbleu (interjection)

A mild French oath meaning "By God!" Used to express surprise or indignation.

nether (adjective)

Lower in position; situated below or underneath.

pseudo-intellectual (adjective)

A person who pretends to have greater knowledge or intelligence than they actually possess.

antecedents (noun)

A person's ancestors or family background; things that came before.

atone (verb)

To make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or sin.

vixen (noun)

A spirited, bold, or quarrelsome woman.

lamentable (adjective)

Deserving of grief, regret, or strong disapproval; pitifully bad.

whimsical (adjective)

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; capricious.

idiosyncrasies (noun)

Distinctive or peculiar characteristics, habits, or mannerisms unique to an individual.

en bon ami (phrase)

French phrase meaning "as a good friend" — in a friendly, informal capacity rather than a professional one.

meditatively (adverb)

In a deeply thoughtful or contemplative manner.