Vocabulary List for All Quiet and Joy Luck Club

Banal

Lacking originality or freshness; dull and predictable.

Bequeath

To leave or give (especially by a will after death).

Commandeer

To take control of something, especially for military or official use.

Covet

To strongly desire something that belongs to someone else.

Emaciated

Abnormally thin or weak, usually due to starvation or illness.

Expound

To explain something in detail.

Evasive

Tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by being vague.

Fallible

Capable of making mistakes or being wrong.

Flourish

To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.

Indigent

Poor; lacking necessities of life.

Indignation

Strong displeasure at something considered unjust or offensive.

Martinet

A strict disciplinarian, especially in the military.

Melancholy

A deep, persistent sadness or gloomy mood.

Obliterate

To completely destroy or wipe out.

Obtuse

Slow to understand or perceive; dull-witted.

Ostracize

To exclude someone from a society, group, or social activity.

Placate

To calm or soothe someone who is angry or upset.

Queue

A line or sequence of people or things awaiting their turn.

Reverberation

An echo or repeated sound; a lasting effect or impact.

Superfluous

Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough.

Revile

To criticize or speak abusively.

Trifling

Of little value or importance.

Admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly.

Adversary

An opponent or enemy.

Apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Benevolent

Kind, generous, and well-meaning.

Careen

To move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way, often swerving.

Chastise

To scold or punish someone severely.

Deft

Neatly skillful and quick in movement or action.

Deplete

To use up the supply or resources of something.

Diligent

Showing care and persistence in work or duties.

Docile

Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive.

Explicit

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.

Facade

A false or deceptive outward appearance; the front of a building.

Haughty

Arrogantly superior and disdainful.

Innuendo

A subtle or indirect remark, often suggesting something negative.

Jaunty

Having a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.

Malignant

Harmful, dangerous, or malevolent (especially of a tumor or disease).

Penance

Voluntary self-punishment for wrongdoing or sin.

Posterity

All future generations of people.

Procure

To obtain something, especially with effort or care.

Pungent

Having a strong, sharp smell or taste.