Great Gatsby Vocabulary List 1

Complacency

A calm sense of well-being and security; the state of being satisfied

Conscientious

To be careful, responsible, and dedicated to doing things correctly and thoroughly

Cynical

Having or showing the attitude that people are mostly selfish; believing nobody does things for purely good or honest reasons

Epigram

A short, clever and often funny or satirical statement or poem

Extemporize

To speak or perform without any planning or preparation

Imperceptibly

Too small, quiet, slow, or slight to be noticed by the senses of the mind

Intimation

An indirect or subtle suggestion, indication, or hint

Languid

Moving or speaking slowly with very little energy, strength, or spirit

Privy

Knowing a secret or private piece of information that other people do not know

Proximity

The state of being close in space, time or relationships

Reserved

Quiet and careful about one’s words or actions

Sedative

Tending to calm or moderate nervousness or excitement

Sophisticated

Having advanced knowledge of the ways of the world

Supercilious

Behaving as if better, smarter, or more important than other people

Turbulence

A state of confusion, disorder, or unrest