Unit 1: Vocabulary from Readings 1

This list covers "After Twenty Years" and "The 11:59."
10 words 8 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. habitual
    commonly used or practiced
    The policeman on the beat moved up the avenue impressively. The impressiveness was habitual and not for show, for spectators were few.
  2. intricate
    having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
    Trying doors as he went, twirling his club with many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye down the pacific thoroughfare, the officer, with his stalwart form and slight swagger, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace.
  3. swagger
    a proud stiff pompous gait
    Trying doors as he went, twirling his club with many intricate and artful movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye down the pacific thoroughfare, the officer, with his stalwart form and slight swagger, made a fine picture of a guardian of the peace.
  4. staunch
    firm and dependable especially in loyalty
    But I know Jimmy will meet me here if he’s alive, for he always was the truest, staunchest old chap in the world.
  5. egotism
    an exaggerated opinion of your own importance
    The man from the West, his egotism enlarged by success, was beginning to outline the history of his career.
  6. meager
    deficient in amount or quality or extent
    Daily he went down to the St. Louis Union Station and shined shoes to help supplement his meager twenty-four-dollar-a-month Pullman retirement check.
  7. chide
    scold or reprimand severely or angrily
    “Come on, Lester,” one of his listeners chided. “You don’t need to describe our jobs for us.”
  8. mesmerize
    attract strongly, as if with a magnet
    Lester took joy in mesmerizing his young listeners with all the details.
  9. worrisome
    causing distress or anxiety
    That lady was worrisome! Ooowee!
  10. specter
    a ghostly appearing figure
    “It’s your time, good brother.” The specter spoke in a thousand familiar voices.
Created on Wed Feb 17 14:53:12 EST 2021 (updated Wed Feb 24 08:58:27 EST 2021)

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