The Great Gatsby Vocabulary List

Samira V.
310 words 8 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. abortive
    failing to accomplish an intended result
  2. abstraction
    the process of formulating general concepts
  3. aesthetic
    characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
  4. affectation
    a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
  5. affront
    a deliberately offensive act
  6. ajar
    slightly open
  7. ambiguously
    in an ambiguous manner
  8. ambitious
    having a strong desire for success or achievement
  9. amour
    a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship
  10. anaemic
    relating to anemia or suffering from anemia
  11. anteroom
    a large entrance or reception area
  12. anticlimax
    a disappointing decline after a previous rise
  13. apparition
    a ghostly appearing figure
  14. arresting
    commanding attention
  15. ascertain
    learn or discover with confidence
  16. asunder
    into parts or pieces
  17. begotten
    generated by procreation
  18. benediction
    a blessing or ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
  19. billow
    a large sea wave
  20. bleary
    tired to the point of exhaustion
  21. bona fide
    not counterfeit or copied
  22. bulbous
    rounded and bulging
  23. caravansary
    an inn in some eastern countries with a large courtyard that provides accommodation for caravans
  24. cardinal
    a vivid red color
  25. caterwaul
    make a shrill and unpleasant screeching sound
  26. ceaselessly
    with unflagging resolve
  27. chasm
    a deep opening in the earth's surface
  28. clamor
    utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
  29. claret
    dry red Bordeaux or Bordeaux-like wine
  30. coherence
    the state of sticking together
  31. commensurate
    corresponding in size or degree or extent
  32. commutation
    the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another: "he sent Smith in for Jones but the substitution came too late to help"
  33. complacent
    contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
  34. compulsion
    using force to cause something to occur
  35. conceit
    the trait of being unduly vain
  36. conceivable
    capable of being imagined
  37. confounding
    that confounds or contradicts or confuses
  38. conscientious
    characterized by extreme care and great effort
  39. consoling
    affording comfort or solace
  40. conspire
    act in agreement and in secret towards a deceitful purpose
  41. constrained
    lacking spontaneity; not natural
  42. contempt
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  43. contemptuously
    without respect; in a disdainful manner
  44. contiguous
    having a common boundary or edge
  45. contingency
    the state of being dependent on something
  46. contour
    a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
  47. convivial
    occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
  48. convivial
    occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
  49. cordial
    politely warm and friendly
  50. corky
    tainted in flavor by a cork containing excess tannin
  51. cornice
    the topmost projecting part of an entablature
  52. corpulent
    excessively large
  53. corroborate
    give evidence for
  54. corrugated
    shaped into alternating parallel grooves and ridges
  55. countenance
    the appearance conveyed by a person's face
  56. coverlet
    a decorative bedspread (usually quilted)
  57. cower
    crouch or curl up
  58. credulity
    tendency to believe readily
  59. crescendo
    a gradual increase in loudness
  60. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
  61. debauch
    a wild gathering
  62. decisively
    with firmness
  63. deft
    skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
  64. defunct
    no longer in force or use; inactive
  65. demoniac
    someone who acts as if possessed by a demon
  66. denizen
    a plant or animal naturalized in a region
  67. deranged
    driven insane
  68. desolate
    providing no shelter or sustenance
  69. devoid
    completely wanting or lacking
  70. dilatory
    wasting time
  71. din
    a loud, harsh, or strident noise
  72. disconcerting
    causing an emotional disturbance
  73. dismal
    causing dejection
  74. dismally
    in a dreadful manner
  75. disquieting
    causing mental discomfort
  76. dissension
    disagreement among those expected to cooperate
  77. divot
    a piece of turf dug out of a lawn or fairway
  78. echolalia
    mechanical and meaningless repetition of another's words
  79. ecstatic
    feeling great rapture or delight
  80. ectoplasm
    the thin, watery outer layer of a cell
  81. effeminate
    lacking traits typically associated with men or masculinity
  82. elation
    a feeling of joy and pride
  83. elicit
    call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
  84. elocution
    an expert manner of speaking involving control of voice
  85. elongated
    drawn out or made longer spatially
  86. elusive
    skillful at evading capture
  87. endowed
    provided or supplied or equipped with
  88. engrossed
    giving or marked by complete attention to
  89. epigram
    a witty saying
  90. erroneous
    containing or characterized by mistakes
  91. ether
    compound with an oxygen atom linking two hydrocarbon groups
  92. euphemism
    an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one
  93. evasion
    the act of physically escaping from something
  94. exalted
    of high moral or intellectual value
  95. excursion
    a journey taken for pleasure
  96. exempt
    freed from or not subject to an obligation or liability
  97. exhibition
    the act of displaying or demonstrating
  98. expender
    someone who spends money to purchase goods or services
  99. expostulation
    an exclamation of protest, opposition, or criticism
  100. extemporize
    perform or speak without preparation
  101. exult
    feel extreme happiness or elation
  102. facade
    the front of a building
  103. facet
    a distinct feature or element in a problem
  104. feebly
    in a faint and feeble manner
  105. feign
    make believe with the intent to deceive
  106. flank
    the side between ribs and hipbone
  107. florid
    elaborately or excessively ornamented
  108. fluctuate
    move or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern
  109. foliage
    the collective amount of leaves of one or more plants
  110. foreground
    the part of a scene that is near the viewer
  111. forlorn
    marked by or showing hopelessness
  112. formidable
    extremely impressive in strength or excellence
  113. fortuitously
    by good fortune
  114. fractiousness
    the trait of being prone to disobedience and lack of discipline
  115. garrulous
    full of trivial conversation
  116. genially
    in an affable manner
  117. girder
    a beam used as a main support in a structure
  118. glint
    a momentary flash of light
  119. gyp
    deprive of by deceit
  120. hardy
    having rugged physical strength
  121. harlequin
    a clown or buffoon
  122. hash
    chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
  123. haughtily
    in a haughty manner
  124. hauteur
    overbearing pride with a superior manner toward inferiors
  125. heady
    extremely exciting as if by alcohol or a narcotic
  126. highball
    a mixed drink made of alcoholic liquor mixed with water or a carbonated beverage and served in a tall glass
  127. hilarity
    great merriment
  128. hitherto
    up to this point; until the present time
  129. homogeneity
    the quality of being similar or of having a uniform composition
  130. hulking
    of great size and bulk
  131. impassioned
    characterized by intense emotion
  132. imperceptibly
    in a manner that is difficult to discern
  133. impetuous
    characterized by undue haste and lack of thought
  134. implore
    beg or request earnestly and urgently
  135. incarnation
    act of attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas
  136. incessantly
    without interruption
  137. incoherent
    without logical or meaningful connection
  138. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
  139. incurably
    in a manner impossible to cure
  140. indiscernible
    difficult or impossible to perceive
  141. ineffable
    defying expression or description
  142. ineptly
    with ineptitude; in an incompetent manner
  143. inevitable
    incapable of being avoided or prevented
  144. inexplicable
    incapable of being explained or accounted for
  145. infinitesimal
    immeasurably small
  146. ingratiate
    gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
  147. innuendo
    an indirect and usually malicious implication
  148. innumerable
    too many to be counted
  149. inquest
    an investigation into the cause of an unexpected death
  150. insidious
    working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
  151. insignia
    a badge worn to show official position
  152. insistent
    demanding attention
  153. insolent
    marked by casual disrespect
  154. interminable
    tiresomely long; seemingly without end
  155. intermittent
    stopping and starting at irregular intervals
  156. interpose
    introduce
  157. intimation
    a slight suggestion or vague understanding
  158. irrecoverable
    incapable of being recovered or regained
  159. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
  160. jaunty
    having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
  161. jonquil
    widely cultivated ornamental plant native to southern Europe but naturalized elsewhere having fragrant yellow or white clustered flowers
  162. jovial
    full of or showing high-spirited merriment
  163. julep
    bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
  164. jut
    extend out or project in space
  165. juxtaposition
    the act of positioning close together
  166. keenly
    in an intense or discerning manner
  167. kike
    (ethnic slur) offensive term for a Jew
  168. knickerbockers
    trousers ending above the knee
  169. labyrinth
    complex system of paths in which it is easy to get lost
  170. laden
    filled with a great quantity
  171. languid
    lacking spirit or liveliness
  172. lapse
    drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
  173. laudable
    worthy of high praise
  174. leaden
    (of movement) slow and laborious
  175. lethargic
    deficient in alertness or activity
  176. levity
    a manner lacking seriousness
  177. libel
    a false and malicious publication
  178. libertine
    unrestrained by convention or morality
  179. lull
    make calm or still
  180. luminosity
    the quality of emitting or reflecting light
  181. magnanimous
    noble and generous in spirit
  182. malevolence
    wishing evil to others
  183. malice
    the desire to see others suffer
  184. marred
    blemished by injury or rough wear
  185. melancholy
    a constitutional tendency to be gloomy and depressed
  186. menagerie
    a collection of live animals for study or display
  187. meretricious
    tastelessly showy
  188. mincing
    affectedly dainty or refined
  189. modish
    in the current fashion or style
  190. morbid
    suggesting the horror of death and decay
  191. mounted
    assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support
  192. murmurous
    characterized by soft sounds
  193. nebulous
    lacking definite form or limits
  194. obscure
    not clearly understood or expressed
  195. obstetrical
    of or relating to or used in or practicing obstetrics
  196. obstinate
    refusing to change one's mind or ways; difficult to convince
  197. obtrusive
    sticking out; protruding
  198. olfactory
    of or relating to the sense of smell
  199. omnibus
    a vehicle carrying many passengers
  200. panderer
    person who caters to the passions or plans of others
  201. pasquinade
    a composition that humorously imitates somebody's style
  202. pavilion
    a large and often sumptuous tent
  203. penitentiary
    a correctional institution for those convicted of crimes
  204. peremptorily
    in an imperative and commanding manner
  205. peremptory
    putting an end to all debate or action
  206. permeate
    spread or diffuse through
  207. perpetual
    continuing forever or indefinitely
  208. perturb
    disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried
  209. pervade
    spread or diffuse through
  210. pivot
    axis consisting of a shaft supporting something that turns
  211. platonic
    free from physical desire
  212. pneumatic
    relating to or using air or a similar gas
  213. poignant
    keenly distressing to the mind or feelings
  214. pomp
    cheap or pretentious or vain display
  215. pompadour
    a hair style in which the hair is swept up from the forehead
  216. portentous
    of momentous or ominous significance
  217. postern
    a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle
  218. precipitately
    at breakneck speed
  219. presumptuous
    going beyond what is appropriate, permitted, or courteous
  220. prig
    a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  221. privy
    informed about something secret or not generally known
  222. procession
    the act of moving forward, as toward a goal
  223. prodigality
    the trait of spending extravagantly
  224. profound
    situated at or extending to great depth
  225. profusion
    the property of being extremely abundant
  226. proprietary
    protected by trademark or patent or copyright
  227. provincial
    associated with an administrative district of a nation
  228. provocation
    a means of arousing or stirring to action
  229. punctilious
    marked by precise accordance with details
  230. radiant
    emanating or as if emanating light
  231. rakish
    marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
  232. ramification
    a consequence, especially one that causes complications
  233. rancor
    a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
  234. rapture
    a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion
  235. ravenously
    in the manner of someone who is very hungry
  236. reciprocal
    concerning each of two or more persons or things
  237. redolent
    having a strong pleasant odor
  238. repose
    freedom from activity
  239. reproach
    express criticism towards
  240. reverie
    an abstracted state of absorption
  241. rigor
    excessive sternness
  242. riotous
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
  243. rivulet
    a small stream
  244. rotogravure
    printing by transferring an image from a photogravure plate to a cylinder in a rotary press
  245. rouged
    marked by the use of various kinds of red makeup
  246. rout
    an overwhelming defeat
  247. rove
    move about aimlessly or without any destination
  248. scepticism
    doubt about the truth of something
  249. scrutinize
    examine carefully for accuracy
  250. senile
    mentally or physically infirm with age
  251. septic
    of or relating to or caused by the process of decay
  252. serendipity
    good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
  253. settee
    a small sofa
  254. shrewd
    marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  255. sinister
    wicked, evil, or dishonorable
  256. slander
    words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
  257. smouldering
    showing scarcely suppressed anger
  258. solemn
    dignified and somber in manner or character
  259. somnambulation
    walking by a person who is asleep
  260. sparse
    not dense or plentiful
  261. spectroscopic
    of or relating to or involving spectroscopy
  262. spire
    a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building
  263. sporadic
    recurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
  264. stagnant
    not growing or changing; without force or vitality
  265. stratum
    one of several parallel layers of material
  266. strident
    unpleasantly loud and harsh
  267. subterfuge
    something intended to misrepresent the nature of an activity
  268. subtle
    difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
  269. sumptuous
    rich and superior in quality
  270. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
  271. superfluous
    more than is needed, desired, or required
  272. suppress
    put down by force or authority
  273. surmise
    infer from incomplete evidence
  274. swank
    imposingly fashionable and elegant
  275. tantalizing
    arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable
  276. temperament
    your usual mood
  277. tenor
    the adult male singing voice above baritone
  278. tentatively
    in a hesitant manner
  279. thatched roof
    a house roof made with a plant material (as straw)
  280. tinny
    thin, metallic, and displeasing in sound
  281. tortuously
    with twists and turns
  282. transcendent
    exceeding or surpassing usual limits
  283. transitory
    lasting a very short time
  284. transpire
    come about, happen, or occur
  285. traverse
    journey across or pass over
  286. truculent
    defiantly aggressive
  287. tumultuous
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
  288. turbulent
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
  289. turgid
    ostentatiously lofty in style
  290. ulster
    loose long overcoat of heavy fabric; usually belted
  291. unfathomable
    impossible to come to understand
  292. uninflected
    not inflected
  293. unobtrusively
    in an unobtrusive manner
  294. unprecedented
    novel; having no earlier occurrence
  295. unscrupulously
    without scruples
  296. vacuous
    devoid of matter
  297. valor
    courage when facing danger
  298. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions
  299. vestige
    an indication that something has been present
  300. vicarious
    experienced at secondhand
  301. vicinity
    a surrounding or nearby region
  302. vigil
    a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
  303. vinous
    of or relating to wine
  304. vitality
    the property of being able to survive and grow
  305. volley
    rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
  306. wan
    pale, as of a person's complexion
  307. waver
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
  308. wayside
    edge of a way or road or path
  309. wistfulness
    a sadly pensive longing
  310. yield
    give or supply
Created on Sun Jan 08 00:24:33 EST 2012 (updated Sun Jan 08 01:27:45 EST 2012)

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