(H) Short Story Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions from short stories including The Most Dangerous Game, The Lottery, The Masque of the Red Death, The Raven, and others.

tangible (adj)

Capable of being touched; palpable; substantial

debacle (n)

A sudden downfall, a complete collapse or failure

blunder

(v) To move or act blindly, stupidly, or without direction or guidance; (n) a mistake caused by stupidity / carelessness

amenities (n)

Features that provide comfort, convenience, or pleasure

renaissance (n)

A revival or renewed interest in something, like art, music, and literature

defer (v)

To postpone or delay something; to yield to someone's opinion or judgment

fester (v)

To generate pus, become infected, cause irritation

confer (v)

To grant or bestow upon as a gift, favor, honor

indignant (adj)

Anger or strong displeasure characterized at something unjust, unworthy

profusely (adv)

Excessively and freely in large amounts; abundantly; extravagantly

boisterous (adj)

Noisy, rough, rowdy

interminable (adj)

Unending, seemingly endless because of monotony or tiresome length

reprimand (n)

Severe criticism, usually by one in authority

jovial (adj)

Merry; hearty and joyous humor

pious (adj)

Showing dutiful respect for others, esp. religious

vagrant

(adj) Wandering or roaming from place to place; (n) person with no permanent home

stalked (v)

To walk with stiff and angry strides

luster (n)

Soft, reflected light; brilliance

hue (n)

Colors; shades of a given color

akin (adj)

Having a similar quality or character

impede (v)

To delay with obstacles; to obstruct; to hinder

extremity (n)

The extreme or terminal point, limit, or part of something

impetuous (adj)

Sudden or rash, impulsive

pervade (v)

To spread throughout

robust (adj)

Strong and healthy

beguile (v)

To charm or enchant, usually by trickery or deception against one's wishes

craven (n)

Coward

discourse (n)

Communication of thought by words, conversation

ominous (adj)

Foreboding; threatening evil or harm

quaint (adj)

Strange, peculiar, or unusual, often old-fashioned

indispensable (adj)

Absolutely necessary or essential

poise (n)

Self assurance, ease of manner, confidence

discreet (adj)

Wisely cautious in one's speech or conduct, esp. regarding a private matter

detest (v)

To hate or dislike intensely

taciturn (adj)

Not talkative; inclined to silence