Chapter 19 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 19

eulogy (noun)

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, especially one delivered at a funeral to honor the deceased.

dirge (noun)

A slow, mournful piece of music, especially a funeral song or hymn expressing grief and lamentation.

insubordination (noun)

Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders from a superior within an organization or hierarchy.

martyr (noun)

A person who is killed or who suffers greatly for a cause or belief, often becoming a symbol that inspires others.

dialectical (adjective)

Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions, especially the method of examining opposing ideas to find the truth; associated with Marxist philosophy.

procession (noun)

A number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony or festival.

incantation (noun)

A series of words said as a magic spell or charm; ritualistic repetition of words believed to have a powerful effect.

accommodationism (noun)

A policy or practice of yielding to the demands or expectations of a more powerful group, especially regarding racial relations; associated with Booker T. Washington's philosophy.

defector (noun)

A person who abandons a cause, organization, or allegiance, especially to join an opposing one.

abstraction (noun)

The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events or concrete realities; a concept considered apart from concrete instances.

subversive (adjective)

Seeking or intended to undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution.

insidious (adjective)

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects; treacherous and cunning in a stealthy manner.

caricature (noun)

An exaggerated or distorted representation of a person or group, often created to mock or ridicule.

communal (adjective)

Shared by all members of a community; relating to or belonging to a group of people rather than individuals.

bureaucratic (adjective)

Relating to an administrative system governed by strict procedures and hierarchies, often characterized by excessive rules, rigid processes, and impersonal treatment.