Unit 3: The Great Gatsby

Meritocracy (noun)

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement rather than on social class or wealth.

Scorn (noun)

a feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.

Contempt (noun)

An intense feeling of disdain or lack of respect for someone or something.

Incredulous (adj)

Unwilling or unable to believe something; skeptical.

Grotesque (adj)

Something that is comically or absurdly unnatural, often evoking a sense of disgust or repulsion.

Vitality (noun)

The state of being strong and active; energy.

Earnestly (adverb)

In a serious, heartfelt, or sincere manner; with intense conviction.

Saunter (verb)

To walk without hurry; to stroll

Tumultuous (adj)

Describing an uproar; a loud, uproarious noise

Discordant (adj)

Disagreeing or incongruous; harsh; jarring

Punctilious (adj)

Showing great attention to correct behavior; Being overly concerned with being socially acceptable

Somnambulatory (adj)

Moving like a sleepwalker; Dazed; Out of it

Wan (adj)

Weak; Strained; Lacking color; Pale

Gaudy (adj)

Tasteless; Over the top; Lacking class

Obstinate (adj)

Stubborn; Resistant to change despite much pressure

Reproach (noun)

An expression of disapproval or disappointment; admonishment

Vulgar (adj)

Lacking sophistication or good taste; Tasteless; Gaudy

Ineffable (adj)

Too great or extreme to be expressed in words; indescribable.

Appalled (adj)

Greatly horrified; Dismayed

Morbid (adj)

Characterized by an abnormal interest in disturbing subjects, especially death or disease; gruesome.

Indiscreet (adj)

Lacking caution or good judgement; ready to reveal secrets

Libertine (noun)

A person who behaves without moral principles, someone immoral

Unscrupulously (adv)

In a way that demonstrates a lack of moral principles or ethics; without regard for what is right or wrong.

Profound (adj)

Intense and meaningful

Interminable (adj)

Endless or seemingly endless; often used to describe something that is tiresome or monotonous.

Jauntily (adj)

In a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner; often used to describe one's attitude or demeanor.

Transitory (adj)

Temporary or short-lived; not permanent.