"Vocabulary from Chapters 1-20

Michael M. (United States of America)
Before you see the movie, read Yann Martel’s exciting novel "Life of Pi” and learn these word lists: Ch’s 1-20, Ch’s 21-42, Ch’s 43-57, Ch’s 58-80, and Ch’s 81-100.
30 words 1 learner

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
  2. sloth
    a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  3. award
    give, especially as an honor
  4. length
    the linear extent in space from one end to the other
    In this case, a 'length' is one trip across the pool -- across the length of the pool.
  5. stroke
    a single complete movement
  6. territory
    a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
    Note that in chapter 4, Martel is using 'territory' in a number of different ways, for comparison -- both as a political territory added on to a country, and as a habitat for animals (or even people). So it's under both the jurisdiction of a state as well as the jurisdiction of particular species.
  7. imagine
    expect, believe, or suppose
  8. rite
    any customary observance or practice
  9. escape
    run away from confinement
  10. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities
  11. enclosure
    a structure consisting of an area that has been confined
  12. cage
    an enclosure made of wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
    Note the many uses of cages (or enclosures, or corrals, or territories), both in a literal sense (here in the zoo) and a metaphorical one (religion, etc) throughout the book -- it's a running theme.
  13. corral
    a pen for cattle
  14. limit
    as far as something can go
  15. suspicious
    openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
  16. universe
    everything that exists anywhere
  17. doubt
    the state of being unsure of something
  18. flustered
    thrown into a state of agitated confusion
  19. carnivore
    a terrestrial or aquatic flesh-eating mammal
  20. altar
    a raised structure on which sacrifices to a god are made
    An altar can be used for any offerings, not just sacrifices.
  21. vestibule
    a large entrance or reception room or area
  22. stride
    walk with long steps
  23. compelling
    capable of arousing and holding the attention
  24. mutter
    talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice
  25. devotion
    commitment to some purpose
  26. atheist
    someone who denies the existence of god
  27. mosque
    a Muslim place of worship that usually has a minaret
  28. unmotivated
    lacking interest, drive, or ambition
  29. deviant
    a person whose behavior does not conform to social norms
  30. acuity
    sharpness of vision
Created on Wed Dec 12 12:34:10 EST 2012

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