Jane Eyre Vocab Ch. 15-38

abhor

to dislike (someone or something) very much.

deportment

the way that a person behaves, stands, and moves especially in a formal situation.

assuage

to make (something, such as an unpleasant feeling) less painful, severe, etc.

lugubrious

full of sadness or sorrow; very sad especially in an exaggerated or insincere way.

harangue

a forceful or angry speech; to speak to (someone) in a forceful or angry way.

enigmatic

full of mystery and difficult to understand.

vivacity

quality or state of being happy and lively in a way that is attractive.

sonorous

having a sound that is deep, loud, and pleasant.

prerogative

a right or privilege; especially a special right or privilege that some people have.

incredulity

a feeling that you do not or cannot believe or accept that something is true or real.

sagacious

having or showing an ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to make good decisions.

insipid

not interesting or exciting; dull or boring; lacking strong flavor.

impudence

the quality or state of failing to show proper respect and courtesy; being very rude.

lassitude

a condition of weariness or debility, fatigue; a condition of listlessness.

peremptory

having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they should be obeyed without question; admitting of no contradiction.

ascetic

practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline.

indolence

inclination to laziness.

prudence

careful good judgment that allows someone to avoid danger or risks.

automaton

a machine that can move by itself; a person who acts in a mechanical or machinelike way.

expiate

to make amends for.

ascribe

to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author.

extricate

to free or remove (someone or something) from something (such as a trap or a difficult situation).

expostulate

to reason earnestly for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance.

impetus

a driving force; an impulse.

inexorable

not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped; relentless.

lucid

very clear and easy to understand; able to think clearly.

incongruous

not harmonious, incompatible; inconsistent within itself.

reverie

daydream; the condition of being lost in thought.

furtive

done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed.

destitute

extremely poor; without something that is needed or wanted.

eradicate

to remove (something) completely; to eliminate or destroy (something harmful).

culpable

deserving blame; guilty of doing something wrong.

halcyon

calm, peaceful; very happy and successful.

resolute

very determined; having or showing a lot of determination; bold, steady.

fetter

a chain or shackle for the feet; to restrain from motion, action, or progress; to chain.

superfluous

beyond what is needed; not necessary.

immutable

not capable of or susceptible to change.

infallible

not capable of being wrong or making mistakes; certain to work properly or succeed.

despot

a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways.

implacable

not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated.

venerate

to feel or show deep respect for (someone or something that is considered great, holy, etc.).

impropriety

an improper or indecorous act or remark.

diffidence

the state or quality of being hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence.

disdain

a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior; to strongly dislike or disapprove of (someone or something).