Chapter 7 — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from Chapter 7

perfunctory (adjective)

Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; done as a routine duty without genuine interest or care.

deference (noun)

Humble submission and respect shown toward a person in authority or a social superior.

disillusionment (noun)

The condition of being freed from a false belief or idealized view; a feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed.

liminal (adjective)

Occupying a position at or on both sides of a boundary or threshold; existing in a transitional or in-between state.

covert (adjective)

Not openly acknowledged or displayed; hidden or concealed, especially of actions or activities done in a secret or disguised way.

deflection (noun)

The act of turning something aside from its course; in a social context, the evasion of a direct question or request through indirect or diversionary responses.

exhilarated (adjective)

Feeling extremely happy, animated, or elated; filled with a strong sense of excitement and well-being.

imposition (noun)

An unwelcome and burdensome demand or request; the act of taking unfair advantage of someone or placing an unwanted burden on them.

foil (noun)

In literature, a character who contrasts with another character—usually the protagonist—in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character.

prophetic (adjective)

Accurately predicting what will happen in the future; having the quality of a prophecy or warning that later proves true.

marginalization (noun)

The process of pushing a person or group to the edge of society by denying them an active voice, identity, or place within it.

dramatic irony (noun)

A literary device in which the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not, creating tension between what characters believe and what is actually true.

acquiescence (noun)

The reluctant acceptance of something without protest; passive compliance or submission.

self-possession (noun)

The quality of being calm, confident, and in control of one's feelings and behavior; composure and poise.

benevolence (noun)

The quality of being well-meaning and kindly; an act of kindness or charitable generosity, especially from a person in power.