The Scarlet Letter Final Exam Review Vocabulary

Inauspicious

Not conducive to success; unpromising.

Augured

Portend a good or bad outcome.

Indubitably

In a manner that leaves no possibility of doubt; undoubtedly.

Heterodox

Not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs.

Infamy

The state of being well known for some bad quality or deed.

Farthingale

A hooped structure in cloth worn to extend the skirt of women's dresses; a hooped petticoat.

Abashed

Embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.

Evanescent

Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.

Ignominy

Public shame or disgrace.

Contumely

Insolent or insulting language or treatment.

Remonstrance

A forcefully reproachful protest.

Wont

One's customary behavior in a particular situation.

Physiognomy

A person's facial features or expression, especially when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin.

Antinomian

Relating to the view that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law.

Malefactress

A woman who violates the law or does evil.

Sumptuary

Relating to or denoting laws that limit private expenditure on food and personal items.

Preternatural

Beyond what is normal or natural.

Heterogeneous

Diverse in character or content.

Lurid

Very vivid in color, especially so as to create an unpleasantly harsh or unnatural effect.

Talisman

An object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

Commiseration

Sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others; compassion.

Ascetic

Characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

Voluptuous

Relating to or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure.

Diffusion

The spreading of something more widely.

Disport

Enjoy oneself unrestrainedly; frolic.

Labyrinth

A complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze.

Amenable

Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.

Cabalistic

Relating to or associated with mystical interpretation or esoteric doctrine.

Interposition

Interference or intervention.

Providential

Involving divine foresight or intervention.

Opportune

Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; well-timed.

Inimical

Tending to obstruct or harm.

Odious

Extremely unpleasant; repulsive.

Implicitly

Implied though not plainly expressed.

Antipathy

A deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion.

Abhorrence

A feeling of repulsion; disgusted loathing.

Presentiments

An intuitive feeling about the future, especially one of foreboding.

Machinations

A plot or scheme.

Introspection

The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking.

Inextricable

Impossible to disentangle or separate.

Expiation

The act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement.

Pristine

Clean and fresh as if new; spotless.

Despotic

Of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.

Effluence

A substance that flows out from something.

Obviated

Avoid; prevent.

Propinquity

The state of being close to someone or something; proximity.

Sedulous

Showing dedication and diligence.

Impalpable

Unable to be felt by touch; not easily comprehended.

Scintillating

Sparkling or shining brightly.

Scrofula

A disease with glandular swellings, probably a form of tuberculosis.

Dell

A small valley, usually among trees.

Loquacity

The quality of talking a great deal; talkativeness.

Cadence

A rhythm, or a flow of words or music, in a sequence that is regular.

Contiguity

The state of bordering or being in direct contact with something.

Misanthropy

A dislike of mankind.

Malignity

Evil in nature or effect; malevolent.

Satiating

Satisfy to the full.

Latitude

Scope for freedom of action or thought.

Trammelled

Deprive of freedom of action.

Extenuation

To lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses; mitigate.

Denizen

An inhabitant or occupant of a particular place.

Hieroglyphic

A stylized picture of an object representing a word, syllable, or sound, as found in ancient Egyptian and other writing systems.

Mollified

Appease the anger or anxiety of.

Vicissitude

A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

Uncouth

Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace.

Obeisance

Deferential respect.

Gratuitous

Uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted.

Pathos

A quality that evokes pity or sadness.

Indefatigable

Persisting tirelessly.

Apotheosized

Elevate to, or as if to, the rank of a god; idolize.

Necromancer

A person who practices necromancy; a wizard or magician.

Consummation

The point at which something is complete or finalized.

Gules

Red, as a heraldic tincture.