The Great Gatsby Vocabulary Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from The Great Gatsby study guide.

Feign

To fake, pretend, or give a false appearance of a feeling.

Levity

Humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or lack of respect.

Plagiaristic

Stolen or copied from someone else's work and passed off as one's own.

Supercilious

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others: arrogant; conceited.

Fractiousness

Irritability, quarrelsomeness, or the tendency to be unruly and difficult to manage.

Imperative

Crucial; of vital importance: giving an authoritative command.

Languidly

Lacking energy or vitality: slowly, sluggishly, or lazily.

Infinitesimal

Extremely small; microscopic; immeasurably minute.

Complacency

A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

Extemporizing

Improvising: composing, performing, or speaking without preparation.

Devoid

Entirely lacking or free from; empty.

Subdued

Quiet and rather reflective or depressed; soft and restrained.

Libel

A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

Intimation

An indication or hint; a subtle sign.

Epigram

A pithy, clover, or satirical saying or remark.

Prodigality

Wasteful extravagance in spending money or resources.

Cynical

Relieving that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity.

Ennui

A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement; deep boredom.

Pungent

Having a sharply strong taste or smell; biting or caustic in tone.

Peremptory

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience; leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal.

Reciprocal

Given, felt, or done in return; mutual.

Bantering

Talked about or exchanged in a good-humored, teasing way.

Clergyman

A priest, minister, or religious leader.

Turbulence

Conflict, confusion, or severe instability.

Superficial

Existing or occurring at or on the surface: shallow; lacking depth of character.