Chapter 3 — Vocabulary
The Giver by Lois Lowry — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from Chapter 3
- nurturing
- The process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone, especially a child.
- newchild
- A term used in the community for an infant during its first year of life, before it is assigned to a family unit.
- Assignment
- The career or role officially designated to each community member by the Elders at the Ceremony of Twelve.
- Sameness
- The community's guiding philosophy of eliminating differences — in appearance, climate, terrain, and behavior — to maintain social order.
- Birthmother
- A female community member assigned to produce three children over three years, after which she becomes a Laborer.
- Laborer
- A low-status Assignment involving hard physical work, often given as a secondary role to those who have completed other duties.
- chastised
- Rebuked or reprimanded severely, especially for wrongdoing.
- hoarded
- Accumulated and stored away something, often secretly or greedily.
- fleeting
- Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly.
- perceive
- To become aware of something through the senses; to notice or recognize something.
- transgression
- An act that violates a law, rule, or code of conduct.
- conformity
- Behavior that complies with established rules, standards, or norms of a group or society.
- distinction
- A difference or contrast between similar things or people; a distinguishing quality.
- thriving
- Growing or developing well; prospering and flourishing.