Things Fall Apart Vocab Chapters 1-4

Stammer

To speak and make multiple involuntary pauses and repetitions in words. Used to describe how Okonkwo had a light stammer.

Haze

A slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles. Used to describe the space and atmosphere at a specific time of the year.

Cowries

A marine mollusk that has a shell and an opening. Used as currency in the village.

Loafer

A very lazy person or a person who idles time away. For example, Unoka was described as a loafer.

Barely

Only just; almost not. Used to describe how Okonkwo’s family barely had enough to eat.

Beam

To shine brightly, or to smile radiantly. Used to describe Unoka’s face when he played an instrument.

Intricate

Very complicated or detailed. Used to describe the rhythms and instruments used when they played music.

Doomed

Likely to have an unfortunate or inescapable outcome. Used to describe Ikemefuna’s life; they call him a ‘doomed lad.’

Ill-fated

Destined to be misfortuned. Used to describe Ikemefuna once again.

Discern

Perceive or recognize. Used to describe how Okonkwo recognized a tone of tragedy in the crier’s voice when he called for a meeting.

Trill

A quavering or vibratory sound. Used to describe the sound of the million insects in the forest.

Gnash

To grind one’s teeth very hard in anger. Used to describe how angry Obguefi was.

Cripple

A person who is physically disabled. Used in a profound proverb the village had.

Suppress

Forcibly put an end to; contain. Talks about contained anger in various parts of the book.

Wept

Shed tears. Ikemefuna’s mother had wept a lot when they took him from his home.

Incipient

Beginning to happen or develop. Okonkwo was mad at the laziness developing in his first son, Nwoye.

Shed

A simple roofed structure. The book mentions a shed for the goats.

Vaguely

In a way that is uncertain. Used multiple times to represent a few or little of something.

Sacred

Dedicated to a religious purpose or connected to religion. Mentions a sacred fire.

Contemptible

Deserving of contempt or scorn; disgraceful or dishonorable. Refers to “his father’s contemptible life.”

Stagger

To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall. Describes a man walking weakly back to his house.

Dregs

Solid particles that settle at the bottom of a liquid. Refers to leftover wine sediment.

Meagre

Very small or insufficient in amount. Okonkwo’s harvest was not enough to support his mother and two sisters.

Withering

Drying up, shriveling, or declining. Refers to tendrils of plants losing vitality.

Scorched

Burned or damaged by intense heat or sun. Describes the fierce sun burning greenery after the rains.

Share-cropping

A farming system where someone works land for another and gives part of the crops as rent. Describes the slow way farmers build wealth.

Grim

Serious, harsh, and unpleasant. Describes the struggle against poverty and misfortune.

Benevolent

Kind and generous. Describes a spirit that helps someone in a charitable way.

Pleading

Making an urgent and emotional request. The wives asked him to remember the sacred week.

Repentant

Feeling sorry or remorseful for something one has done. Refers to Okonkwo inwardly feeling regret.

Valediction

An act of saying farewell or goodbye. The kites over the burning field symbolize a quiet farewell.

Deftly

Cutting or acting skillfully, quickly, and neatly. Describes cutting the yam with precision.

Sow

To plant seeds or pieces in the ground so they will grow. Refers to planting yams after the first rains.

Mound

A heap or pile of earth shaped like a small hill. Used for planting.

Disquieting

Causing anxiety, unease, or worry. Refers to troubling signs of laziness.

Rumbling

A continuous deep, resonant sound. Describes a low, vibrating sound.

Arduous

Very difficult, demanding, or requiring much effort. Refers to the challenging planting season.

Poignant

Evoking sadness, regret, or emotional intensity. “Less poignant” means moments became less painful as the bond grew stronger.