Unit 2: Vocabulary from Readings 5

This list covers "Half a Day," Change, and Annie John.
15 words 2 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. marred
    blemished by injury or rough wear
    My delight in my new clothes, however, was not altogether unmarred, for this was no feast day but the day on which I was to be cast into school for the first time.
  2. intricate
    having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
    We were formed into an intricate pattern in the great courtyard surrounded on three sides by high buildings of several floors; from each floor we were overlooked by a long balcony roofed in wood.
  3. submission
    the act of surrendering power to another
    We submitted to the facts, and this submission brought a sort of contentment.
  4. exertion
    use of physical or mental energy; hard work
    Nothing lay ahead of us but exertion, struggle, and perseverance.
  5. throng
    a large gathering of people
    The bell rang announcing the passing of the day and the end of work. The throngs of children rushed toward the gate, which was opened again.
  6. horde
    a vast multitude
    When did all these vehicles invade it? And when did all these hordes of humanity come to rest upon its surface?
  7. conjurer
    someone who performs magic tricks to amuse an audience
    At various points stood conjurers showing off their tricks and making snakes appear from baskets.
  8. gallantly
    in a heroic or brave manner
    He stretched out his arm and said gallantly, “Grandpa, let me take you across.”
  9. clamor
    a loud, harsh, or strident noise
    My memories comprise the “me” of those days, a lonely boy who had been expelled from school but who was drawn to the clamour inside the schoolyard.
  10. saddle
    load or burden; encumber
    Saddling Toad Liu, son of a martyr and deputy chairman of the school’s revolutionary committee, with a nickname was such a heinous offence that expelling me from school and kicking me off campus was both reasonable and inevitable.
  11. heinous
    extremely wicked or deeply criminal
    Saddling Toad Liu, son of a martyr and deputy chairman of the school’s revolutionary committee, with a nickname was such a heinous offence that expelling me from school and kicking me off campus was both reasonable and inevitable.
  12. guffaw
    a burst of loud and hearty laughter
    They talked about things in such a strange way, and I didn’t see what they found funny, but sometimes they made each other laugh so much that their guffaws would bound out to sea and send back an echo.
  13. wharf
    a platform from the shore that provides access to ships
    Across from the jetty was a wharf, and some stevedores were loading and unloading barges.
  14. stevedore
    a laborer who loads and unloads ships at a waterfront
    Across from the jetty was a wharf, and some stevedores were loading and unloading barges.
  15. rubbish
    worthless material that is to be disposed of
    There was the smell of the sea and the sight of small pieces of rubbish floating around in it.
Created on Fri Nov 19 17:13:43 EST 2021 (updated Wed Jan 05 15:15:15 EST 2022)

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