Literature of Slavery and Freedom Vocabulary

benighted (adj)

lacking knowledge, education, or moral enlightenment (ignorant or backward), or literally being overtaken by night and darkness before reaching a destination

scornful (adj)

feeling or showing strong contempt, disdain, or a lack of respect for someone or something

diabolical (adj)

extremely evil, wicked, or characteristic of the devil

abominations (noun)

something—or someone—causing extreme hatred, disgust, loathing, or intense moral disapproval

evinced (verb)

to show something clearly, make it evident, or reveal the presence of an intangible quality, feeling, or trait

bequeathed (verb)

to pass on money, property, or possessions to someone else through a legal will after you die

servility (noun)

an excessive eagerness to please, obey, or submit to others, often at the expense of one's own dignity, independence, or self-respect

atrocious (adj)

extremely wicked, cruel, or brutal, or of very poor and unacceptable quality

denunciation (noun)

a strong, public expression of disapproval, criticism, or condemnation directed at a person, group, policy, or action

indignant (adj)

feeling or showing anger because of something you think is unfair, unjust, or wrong

fervent (adj)

showing a very strong, sincere, and steady feeling, passion, or enthusiasm

adamantine (adj)

extremely hard, unbreakable, or possessing the brilliant luster of a diamond

imploring (adj)

a sincere, emotional, and urgent way of asking someone to do or not do something, often driven by fear, worry, or deep need

vainly (adverb)

doing something without success or a useful result (unsuccessfully or futilely), and doing something with an excessive, proud, or conceited focus on oneself

marvel (noun or verb)

a person or thing that causes great wonder, astonishment, or admiration

consumption (noun)

the act of using up, eating, drinking, or purchasing goods, services, energy, or resources

penitence (noun)

the feeling of deep sorrow, regret, or remorse for having done something wrong or committed a sin

exuberance (noun)

the quality or state of being full of energy, excitement, cheerfulness, and joyful enthusiasm, or an overflowing abundance of something

unremitted (adj)

not sent back, not forgiven or canceled (such as a debt), or continuously maintained without interruption

venerable (adj)

deserving of respect due to old age, high status, or long-standing historical importance

repose (noun or verb)

a state of resting, sleeping, or being calm and free from worry

redeeming (adj)

serving to offset, compensate for, or make something seem less bad by providing a positive quality

hasten (verb)

to hurry, act quickly, or make something happen sooner or faster

scepters (noun)

an ornamented staff, rod, or baton carried by a king, queen, or emperor during official ceremonies as a physical symbol of sovereignty and royal authority