The Metamorphosis Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering terms and definitions from Readings #1 through #5 of The Metamorphosis.

Carapace

A hard, protective outer shell or shield that covers the back of animals like turtles, crabs, and lobsters (noun).

Superfluous

More than what is needed; extra or unnecessary (adjective).

Ravenous

A very intense and needy feeling, usually associated with hunger (adjective).

Enunciating

To pronounce words and sounds clearly and distinctly (verb).

Conspicuous

Easy to see, very obvious, or designed to attract attention (adjective).

Supine

Lying face upward on the back (adjective).

Contemplations

Long, calm, and deep thoughtful observation or reflection on a specific subject, philosophical idea, or spiritual matter (plural noun).

Figment

Something invented, made up, or fabricated; a fiction or fantasy, feigned or imagined (noun).

Harbinger

A person or thing that signals, foreshadows, or announces the upcoming arrival of another event, person, or trend (noun).

Scoundrel

A disreputable person, rascal (adjective).

Brusquely

Doing something in a quick, blunt, or slightly rude way (adverb).

Cajoling (Reading #1)

Persuading someone to do something they are reluctant to do by using flattery, gentle coaxing, or pleasant talk (noun).

Onerous

Causing great difficulty, hardship or trouble, usually by placing a heavy and unpleasant burden on someone (verb).

Obstinacy

Being unreasonably stubborn or refusing to change your mind despite good reasoning to do so (noun).

Obstinate

Stubbornly refusing to change your opinion, behavior, or plan, even when people try to persuade you or show you that you are wrong (adjective).

Calamity

A misfortunate event that causes great suffering or distress (noun).

Bereft

Lacking or deprived of, or completely without something needed, wanted, or expected (adjective).

Assuaged

To lessen the intensity of something that pains or distresses; past tense and present participle of the verb assuage (verb).

Discombobulate

To confuse, upset, or throw someone off balance (verb).

Scudded

To move or run swiftly, often driven by the wind (verb).

Inexorably

Happening in a way that cannot be stopped, changed, or prevented (adverb).

Vestibule

A small, enclosed room or transitional space located just inside the outer door of a building before a second interior door (noun).

Diminutive

Extremely or unusually small (adjective).

Revulsion

A strong, sudden feeling of intense dislike, disgust, or horror (noun).

Coax

To gently and patiently persuade someone to do something, or to carefully work with an object or process until it reaches a desired state (verb).

Ascertain

To find out, discover, or make sure of something with certainty through deliberate effort, study, or investigation (transitive verb).

Congealed

Solidified, viscid, coagulated, jelly-like (adjective).

Fastidious

Giving excessive attention to small details, being very difficult to please, or demanding absolute perfection (adjective).

Hearsay

Unverified rumors or gossip heard from someone else that may not necessarily be true (noun).

Comport

To behave in agreement with something (verb).

Solemn

Very serious, formal, and free from humor or lightheartedness (adjective).

Scruples

Moral or ethical principles that stop a person from doing something they believe is wrong (plural noun).

Zeal

Great energy, enthusiasm, or passionate devotion in pursuit of a cause, goal or ideal (noun).

Futile

Having no effect, achieving nothing, or lacking any chance of success (adjective).

Fortnight

A unit of time equal to 14 days, or two weeks (noun).

Frivolity

Silly or playful behavior and things that lack serious importance (abstract noun).

Peregrinations

A period of time when you travel place to place, specifically on foot (noun).

Admonitions

Firm warnings or advice given to guide someone's behavior (noun).

Muddled

Mixed up, confused, disordered, or poorly organized (adjective).

Hubbub

Noise, uproar (noun).

Fretsaw

Specialized lightweight hand bow saw featuring a deep frame and an extremely fine, pinless blade designed for tight curves, intricate fretwork, and delicate interior cuts.

Glower

To look or stare at someone or something with an angry, sullen, or threatening expression (verb).

Behooved

To be necessary, proper, or to someone's advantage to do something (verb).

Pacify

To calm someone who is angry or upset, or to bring peace to a place experiencing war or unrest (verb).

Stupefaction

Feeling extremely shocked, surprised, or dazed to the point where you cannot think clearly or speak (adjective).

Bewilderment

A state of absolute confusion or bafflement (noun).

Grievous

Causing great pain, suffering or sorrow or having very serious and harmful effects (adjective).

Lamentable

Very bad, regrettable, or disappointing enough to feel sorrow or grief over (adjective).

Admonish

To scold, warn, or advise someone firmly but often in a kindly or earnest way (verb).

Forfeited

To lose or give up a right, privilege, property, or game because of a rule violation, crime, error, or failure to meet an obligation (verb).

Lavished

To give or spend a very large amount of something generously and without limits (verb).

Resplendent

Splendid or dazzling in appearance; very bright (adjective).

Doggedly

Acting with strong determination, persistence, or tenacity, even when things are difficult (adverb).

Cajoling (Reading #4)

Persuading someone to do something they do not want to do by using gentle flattery, pleasant talk, or sweet promises (verb).

Specter

A ghostly apparition or a looming, frightening possibility of a future unpleasant event.

Haberdashery

A shop selling notions or men's clothing and accessories (noun).

Perfunctorily

Doing something quickly, carelessly, or out of routine without genuine care, interest, or enthusiasm (adverb).

Reproach

To express disapproval, disappointment, or criticism towards someone’s actions (verb).

Charwoman

An old-fashioned term for a female cleaner who is hired by the hour or day to clean houses or large office buildings.

Repugnance

A strong feeling of disgust, intense aversion, or deep dislike for something unpleasant (noun).

Portent

A sign, warning, or omen that forecasts a future event, typically something momentous, unfortunate, or calamitous (noun).

Decrepitly

In a worn-out, feeble, or dilapidated manner (adverb).

Scrupulously

Doing something with extreme care, precision or strict regard for what's morally right.

Piqued

To arouse curiosity or cause a slight feeling of annoyance; past tense and past participle of pique (verb).

Deference

Submission or courteous respect given to another, often in recognition of authority (noun).

Heed

To pay attention to; listen to and consider (verb).

Steadfastly

Loyal or constant; unwavering, faithful/immovable (adverb).

Hastily

Done or said in a hurry, often without enough care, thought, or planning (adverb).

Racked

Cause extreme physical or mental pain (verb).

Volition

The power or ability to make your own conscious choices and decisions without being forced by outside influences.

Feigning

Pretending to feel, experience, or be affected by something, usually with the intent to trick or deceive (verb).

Indignation

A strong feeling of displeasure and righteous anger aroused by something unjust (noun).

Vexed

Feeling irritated, annoyed, or troubled (verb).

Pallor

An unusual loss of color from the skin caused by a reduced supply of blood or oxygen (noun).

Respite

A short break or pause from something difficult, tiring, or unpleasant (noun).

Vivacious

A word that describes someone - usually a women or girl - who is attractively lively, energetic, and enthusiastic (adjective).

Voluptuous

A person with a full, soft, and curved figure (adjective).