HomeReading Vocabulary

ribbon

a long, narrow strip of material used to tie things together or as a decoration.

riband

A ribbon used especially for decoration.

immoderately

in a way that is more than is usual or reasonable, or is too much.

medley

a diverse assortment or mixture.

peeress

a female member of the nobility.

affable

friendly and pleasant.

violent

using force to hurt or attack.

eminent

famous, respected, or important.

bevy

a large group of similar things or people.

crammed

very full of people or things.

solemnly

seriously and without any humour.

indignant

angry because of something that is wrong or not fair.

usurp

to take control of a position of power, especially without having the right to.

indiscretion

something marked by a lack of discretion, or good judgment.

reckless

doing something dangerous and not worrying about the risks and the possible results.

escapades

an act involving some danger, risk, or excitement, because it is different from usual or expected behaviour.

contralto

a woman singer with the lowest female singing voice, or this type of voice.

involuntary

not done by choice; done unwillingly, or without the decision or intention of the person involved.

dreadful

causing fear, shock, or suffering.

esoteric

of special, rare, or unusual interest.

providence

an influence that is not human in origin and is thought to control people's lives.

feebly

in a weak way, without energy, strength, or power.

glance

to give a quick short look.

rascette

A line crossing the wrist below the palm of the hand that is sometimes held by palmists to provide additional indication of a strong or weak constitution.

indiscreet

saying or doing things that tell people things that should be secret or that embarrass people.

pompous

excessive or ornate; having or exhibiting arrogance.

beady

(of eyes) small and bright, especially like a bird's eyes.

gout

a painful disease that makes the joints swell, especially the feet, knees, and hands.

clammy

sticky and slightly wet in an unpleasant way.

deprecating

showing that you think something is of little value or importance.

waddle

to walk with short steps, moving the body from one side to the other.

marble

a type of very hard rock that has a pattern of lines going through it, feels cold, and can be polished to become smooth and shiny.

sordid

dirty and unpleasant.

insouciance

lighthearted unconcern.

petulant

disrespectful or bad-tempered.

gait

a particular way of walking.

sombre

serious, sad, and without humour or entertainment.

tremulous

shaking or quivering slightly.

discord

lack of agreement or harmony.

hansom

a two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a horse, used like a taxi in the past.

ardently

in a way that shows strong feelings.

exquisite

very beautiful and delicate.

dalliance

a sexual relationship that is not lasting or serious.

repugnance

a feeling of disgust caused by behaviour or beliefs, etc. that are very unpleasant.

corrode

to weaken or gradually destroy.

turbid

(of a liquid) not transparent because a lot of small pieces of matter are held in it.

contretemps

a small argument or unlucky event, often happening in public and causing social embarrassment.

unpalatable

distasteful or unpleasant.

incipient

just beginning.

remonstrances

a complaint to someone or about something.