ADV English 2 - Purple Hibiscus Terms Review

Solemnity

An atmosphere of extreme seriousness, gravity, and rigid formality, especially regarding religious devotion.

Secular

Things that are NOT religious or spiritual, but rather worldly or temporal.

Indulgent

A person who is lenient or gives in easily to other’s desires, often in a way that is not good for them.

Meticulously

Doing something with extreme care and precise attention to detail.

Coup

The sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.

Benediction

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

Thwart

To hinder, obstruct, or successfully oppose someone’s efforts, plans, or desires.

Intercede

To plead on behalf of someone else, typically with a person in a position of authority.

Discordant

Clashing, NOT in harmony, or otherwise disagreeing.

Heathen

A derogatory term for someone who does NOT belong to a widely held religion.

Paltry

Small or meager.

Tyrant

A cruel ruler.

Presumptuous

Being too forward or bold; overstepping proper bounds.

Discernment

The ability to judge the implications or consequences of an action or choice.

Extort

To wrongly or illegally force someone to comply with a demand.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a place considered sacred for religious purposes.

Elusive

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

Loll

To act lazily.

Omission

The act of leaving out or neglecting someone or something.

Malleable

Capable of being shaped.

Brazen

Bold and without shame.

Disheveled

Untidy and messy.

Heretical

Characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards.

Rebuke

To criticize sharply.

Commiserate

To sympathize with someone or something.

Harmattan

A dusty wind from the Sahara that blows towards Africa’s western coast during the winter.

Furor

An outbreak of public anger or excitement.

Microcosm

A miniature world or universe; a group or system viewed as the model of a larger group or system.

Sacrilegious

Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred.

Eccentricity

Behavior or style that is strange, unconventional, and deviates from societal norms; often considered harmless or even charming.