The Crucible Vocabulary (All)

predilection

n. preexisting preference

ingratiating

adj. charming or flattering

dissembling

n. disguising one's real nature or motives

calumny

n. false accusation; slander

inculcation

n. teaching by repetition and urging

propitiation

n. action designed to soothe or satisfy a person, a cause, etc

licentious

adj. lacking moral restraint

pallor

n. paleness

ameliorate

v. make better

avidly

adv. eagerly

base

adj. low; mean

deference

n. courteous regard or respect

theology

n. the study of religion

qual

v. cringe from

gingerly

adv. cautiously

abomination

n. something that causes great horror or disgust

blasphemy

n. sinful act or remark

contentious

adj. argumentative

deposition

n. the testimony of a witness made under oath but not in open court

imperceptible

adj. barely noticeable

deferentially

adj. in a manner that bows to another's wishes; very respectfully

anonymity

n. the condition of being unknown

prodigious

adj. of great size, power, or extent

effrontery

n. shameless boldness

confounded

v. confused; dismayed

incredulously

adv. skeptically

blanched

adj. paled; whitened

agape

adj. wide open

conciliatory

adj. tending to soothe anger

beguile

v. trick

floundering

n. awkward struggling

retaliation

n. act of returning an injury or wrong

adament

adj. firm; unyielding

cleave

v. adhere; cling

sibilance

n. hissing sound

tantalized

n. tormented; frustrated

purged

v. cleansed