XIV. Hester and the Physician — Vocabulary
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne — key words and definitions
Vocabulary Words from XIV. Hester and the Physician
- propinquity (noun)
- Nearness in place or relationship; close proximity.
- peradventure (adverb)
- Perhaps; by chance; possibly.
- entreaty (noun)
- An earnest or humble request; a plea.
- purport (noun)
- The meaning, significance, or intention of something.
- visage (noun)
- A person's face, especially with regard to its expression.
- derisively (adverb)
- In a manner expressing contempt or ridicule.
- rankle (verb)
- To cause persistent irritation, bitterness, or resentment.
- behest (noun)
- A command or urgent request; an authoritative order.
- commonweal (noun)
- The common welfare or public good of a community.
- usurping (verb)
- Taking a position of power or authority illegally or by force; supplanting.
- lurid (adjective)
- Glowing with a vivid, unnatural, or threatening light; ghastly pale or shocking.
- wellnigh (adverb)
- Almost; nearly.
- smouldering (adjective)
- Burning slowly with smoke but no flame; showing suppressed feelings ready to burst out.
- retribution (noun)
- Punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.
- betook (verb)
- Past tense of "betake"; to cause oneself to go or turn to something.