The Things They Carried Vocabulary

Flashcards for The Things They Carried Vocabulary

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true is a .

Paradox

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve is the definition of .

Elusive

The faculty or power of using one’s will is known as .

Volition

A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged is called .

Inertia

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness is .

Ambiguity

To enclose or become enclosed in a cyst is to .

Encyst

Unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence defines .

Intangible

Lack of strictness or care is .

Laxity

Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine is called .

Monotony

A firmly held belief or opinion is a .

Conviction

The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponement is .

Deferment

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure defines .

Cryptic

Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily is .

Reticence

Not feeling or showing emotion is being .

Impassive

Excitable or easily scared, especially of an animal, is .

Skittish

Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness is .

Rectitude

The portrayal or description of sexual matters that is offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency is .

Obscenity

Having the qualities of the bizarre or the unusual, defining .

Surreal

To make a general or simple statement by inferring from specific cases is to .

Generalize

Nearness in space, time, or relationship defines .

Proximity

A scene of uproar and confusion is .

Bedlam

Lacking interest or excitement; dull. is known as .

Mundane

Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil describes .

Serene

Unconventional and slightly strange is .

Eccentricity

An object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck is a .

Talisman

Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle is

Valor

Attractively unusual or old-fashioned is .

Quaint

To address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment is to .

Reproach

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. is

Catharsis

Having and showing an excessive pride in oneself or one’s achievements is .

Smugness

Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations describes .

Skeptics

A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought is a .

Cliché

An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury is an .

Atrocity

A view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion. is a .

Sentiment

Bad behavior done openly and unashamedly is .

Blatant