The Awakening Vocab

acme

noun: the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful

alacrity

noun: brisk and cheerful readiness

allay

verb: diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry); relieve or alleviate (pain or hunger)

antecedent

noun: a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another; a person's ancestors or family and social background

bourgeois

adjective: of or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes

caprice

noun: a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior

commodious

adjective: formal (especially of furniture or a building) roomy and comfortable

desultory

adjective: lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

effulgent

adjective: shining brightly; radiant; (of a person or their expression) emanating joy or goodness

ennui

noun: a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement

haggard

adjective: looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering

homely

adjective: (of a person) unattractive in appearance

idiosyncrasy

noun: a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual or a thing/place

impromptu

adjective: done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed

iota

noun: an extremely small amount

ire

noun: anger

jovial

adjective: cheerful and friendly

larder

noun: a room or large cupboard for storing food

nonplus

verb: surprise and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react

piquant

adjective: having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor; pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind

pittance

noun: a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as an allowance or wage

providence

noun: the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power; timely preparation for future eventualities

quaff

verb \[ with obj. \]: drink (something, especially an alcoholic drink) heartily

remonstrance

noun: a forcefully reproachful protest

repast

noun: a meal

subservient

adjective: prepared to obey others unquestioningly; serving as a means to an end

subterfuge

noun: deceit used in order to achieve one's goal

tacit

adjective: understood or implied without being stated

temerity

noun: excessive confidence or boldness; audacity

tonic

noun: something (sometimes medicine) with an invigorating effect

torpid

adjective: mentally or physically inactive; lethargic

upbraid

verb: find fault with (someone); scold

veritable

adjective: used as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor

vouchsafe

verb: give or grant (something) to (someone) in a gracious or condescending manner; reveal or disclose (information)