All Quiet and Joy Luck Vocabulary

Banal

something that is so ordinary, predictable, or overused that it is completely lacking in freshness, originality, or interest

Bequeath

to formally leave or give personal property, money, or possessions to someone, typically though a last will and testament

Commandeer

to officially take possession or control of something by force, often for military or public use, or without permission for personal use

Covet

to strongly desire or crave something, especially something that belongs to another person

Emaciated

a person or animal that is abnormally thin, weak, and frail, typically caused by prolonged starvation, malnutrition, or a severe illness

Expound

to explain, interpret, or state something in detail, often point

Evasive

the act of avoiding or dodging something–usually a direct question, a difficult situation, or a physical threat

Fallible

capable of making mistakes, being wrong, or failing

Flourish

to grow, develop, or succeed in a strong, healthy, and vigorous way OR an ostentatious action, a showy, dramatic, or decorative gesture

Indigent

someone who is extremely poor, impoverished, and lacks the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, or shelter

Indignation

a feeling of righteous anger or strong displeasure provoked by what is perceived as unfair, unjust, or wrong

Martinet

a strict disciplinarian who demands absolute obedience to rules and regulations, often to an unreasonable or unnecessary degree

Melancholy

a feeling of deep, pensive sadness, often characterized by a thoughtful or gloomy mood

Obliterate

to destroy, remove, or do away with something completely so that virtually no trace remains

Obtuse

someone or something that is slow to understand, insensitive, or blunt

Ostracize

to deliberately exclude, shun, or banish someone from a social group, community or society

Placate

to placate is to calm, soothe, or appease someone, usually by making concessions to stop them from being angry

Queue

a line of people or things waiting for a service

Reverberation

the persistence of sound in an enclosed space after the original sound source has stopped

Superfluous

something that is unnecessary, extra, or more than what is required

Revile

to criticize, insult, or speak to someone in a highly abusive and contemptuous manner

Trifling

unimportant, trivial, or of very little value

Admonish

to scold or warn someone firmly

Adversary

an opponent or enemy

Apathetic

showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern

Benevolent

well

Careen

to move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction

Chastise

to reprimand severely

Deft

neatly skillful and quick in one’s movements

Deplete

to use up the supply or resources of

Diligent

having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties

Docile

ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

Explicit

stated clearly and in full, leaving no room for confusion

Facade

an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or different reality

Haughty

arrogantly superior and disdainful

Innuendo

an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one

Jaunty

having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self

Malignant

very virulent or infectious; malevolent

Penance

voluntary self

Posterity

all future generations of people

Procure

to obtain or get (something, especially with care or effort

Pungent

having a sharply strong taste or smell