List 4: The Joy Luck Club and Kindred

brackish

Somewhat salty; not appealing to the taste; disgusting

chide

To voice disapproval to; to reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner

contrite

Feeling or showing remorse for improper or objectionable behavior or actions

depraved

Marked by evil or corruption

discretion

Individual choice or judgment; the quality of having or showing good judgment; the quality of being discreet or reserved

impertinent

Characterized by insolent rudeness; showing a lack of manners or consideration for others; irrelevant

impotent

Lacking in power, strength, or vigor; unable to act or achieve one's purpose; unable to produce fruit or offspring

indignant

Feeling or showing anger because of something unjust or unworthy

intermittent

Coming and going at intervals; occasional; not continuous; (as in a stream) appearing or disappearing seasonally

malevolent

Having, showing, or arising from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred

meander

To wander aimlessly or casually without urgent destination; to follow a winding or intricate course; (n) a winding path or course; a turn or winding of a stream

niche

A recess in a wall especially for a statue; a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person or thing is best suited; a specialized market

perverse

Turned away from what is right or good; improper; obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable, or accepted

raucous

Rough or noisy in a high-spirited way; disagreeably harsh or strident

sonorous

Producing sound (as when struck); full or loud in sound; imposing or impressive in effect or style

sully

To make dirty or tarnished

tact

A keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense; sensitive perception

tentative

Hesitant; not fully worked out or developed; determined by something else

translucent

Permitting the passage of light; transmitting and defusing of light so that objects beyond cannot be seen clearly; free from disguise or falseness; easily understandable

unequivocal

Leaving no doubt; clear; unquestionable