Chapter 3 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 3

paternalism (noun)

The policy or practice of those in authority restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them, supposedly in their best interest.

philanthropy (noun)

The desire to promote the welfare of others, often expressed through generous donations of money to good causes.

abstraction (noun)

The quality of dealing with ideas rather than concrete realities; something that exists only as an idea rather than as a material object or actual person.

personification (noun)

The embodiment or representation of a quality or concept in a person or figure.

deviance (noun)

The fact or state of departing from usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behavior.

melee (noun)

A confused fight or scuffle involving many people.

ramshackle (adjective)

In a state of severe disrepair; rickety and poorly constructed.

carouse (verb)

To drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way.

grotesque (adjective)

Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted; incongruous or inappropriate to a shocking degree.

deference (noun)

Humble submission and respect shown to someone considered superior.

oscillate (verb)

To move or swing back and forth between two points, positions, or states.

disillusionment (noun)

A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.

curated (adjective)

Carefully chosen, organized, and presented; deliberately arranged to create a particular impression.

latent (adjective)

Present but not visible, apparent, or actualized; existing in a hidden or dormant form.

benevolence (noun)

The quality of being well-meaning and kindly; an act intended to promote the happiness of others.