Jacobs Great Gatsby Vocab List 1

Complacency

(noun) A calm sense of well being and security; the state of being satisfied.

Conscientious

(adjective) To be careful, responsible, and dedicated to doing things correctly and thoroughly.

Epigram

(noun) A short, clever, and often funny or satirical statement or poem.

Cynical

(adjective) Having or showing the attitude that people are mostly selfish; believing nobody does things for purely good or honest reasons.

Extemporize

(verb) To speak or perform without any planning or preparation.

Imperceptible

(adjective) Too small, quiet, slow, or slight to be noticed by the senses or the mind.

Intimation

(noun) An indirect or subtle suggestion, indication, or hint.

Languid

(adjective) Moving or speaking slowly with very little energy or spirit.

Privy

(adjective) Knowing a secret or private piece of information that other people do not know.

Proximity

(noun) The state of being close in space, time, or relationship.

Reserved

(adjective) Quiet and careful about one’s words or actions.

Sedative

(adjective) Tending to calm or moderate nervousness or excitement.

Sophisticated

(adjective) Having advanced knowledge of the was of the world.

Supercilious

(adjective) Behaving as if better, smarter, or more important than other people.

Turbulence

(noun) A state of confusion, disorder, or unrest.