English Gothic Literature Vocabulary

Ostentatious

Pretentious; designed to impress

Provocative

Annoying or irritating

Gossamer

A fine substance consisting of cobwebs; a light and very thin material

Futility

Pointlessness

Impervious

Impermeable - doesn’t let liquid pass through

Monopolise

To control or dominate

Jocular

Humorous and funny

Aquiline

Hooked or curved like an eagle’s beak

Inviolate

Free or safe from violation and harm

Fettered

Restrained with chains, typically around the ankles

Manacles

One or two metal bands joined by a chain - like handcuffs

Subterfuge

Deceit used to achieve a goal

Succour

Assistance and aid in hardship

Obstinate

Stubborn and headstrong

Placid

Quiet, calm and peaceful

Precipitous

Dangerously high or steep

Austere

Severe or strict or stern

Vulgar

Rude, gross or tasteless

Raucous

Making a disturbingly loud, harsh noise

Forlorn

Sad, abandoned and lonely

Insidious

Proceeding in a gradually subtle way, but very harmful effects

Mullioned

Windows divided by vertical bars

Sepulchre

A tomb or coffin

Furtive

Being secretive and sly

Ablution

Act of washing yourself

Impunity

Freedom from the damaging consequences of an action

Infinitesimal

Something that is extremely small like a microscopic amount

Languor

Lack of energy or vitality