The Great Gatsby Vocab 4-7

Lurched

make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements; stagger

sporadic

occurring at irregular intervals; occasional

Punctilious

showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

proprietor

the owner of a business or a holder of property

abstraction

the quality of dealing with ideas rather than events

benediction

the utterance or bestowing of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service

reproachfully

in a way that expresses disapproval, blame, or censure

scrutinized

to examine something very carefully in order to discover information

harrowed

cause distress to

endured

suffer patiently; undergo

defunct

no longer existing or functioning

nebulous

in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy, unclear, vague

laudable

deserving praise; praiseworthy; commendable

insidious

intended to entrap or trick

ineffable

too great or intense to be expressed in words

ramification

a consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome

contingencies

a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty

cordial

warm and friendly

portentous

ominously significant or indicative; of the nature of a portent

magnanimous

generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person

formidable

inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable

presumptuous

(of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate

inquest

a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident, such as death

expostulation

forceful expression of protest or criticism, often involving a lengthy and reasoned objection