Gothic Literature Word Bank

Gothic

A style of writing and architecture characterized by the use of dark themes, supernatural elements, and a focus on the mysterious and macabre.

Supernatural

Elements that are beyond the natural world, often including ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly beings.

Foreboding

A sense that something bad or harmful is about to happen.

Eerie

Strange, frightening, or mysterious, often evoking feelings of discomfort.

Melancholy

A deep, persistent sadness or gloom; often a common theme in Gothic literature.

Haunting

Staying in the memory; often referring to memories, feelings, or places that are unsettling.

Dread

A strong feeling of fear or apprehension about something that may happen.

Phantasm

An illusory or wraith-like figure; something that has no substance.

Wretched

In a very unhappy or unfortunate state; often used to describe characters in Gothic stories.

Obscure

Not clearly understood or seen; vague or ambiguous, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

Lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

Despair

The complete loss or absence of hope; often felt by characters in Gothic narratives.

Mortality

The state of being subject to death; a common theme reflecting on the fragility of life.

Arcane

Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Decadent

Characterized by a decline in morals or standards; often portrayed in Gothic settings.

Phantasmagoria

A sequence of real or imaginary events; a fantastic mixture of images.

Abysmal

Extremely bad or appalling; often used to describe dark aspects of life.

Nostalgia

A sentimental longing for the past, often tinged with sadness.

Veil

A thin covering, often symbolizing the hidden aspects of life and death.

Desolate

Deserted and bereft of inhabitants; often used to describe melancholy landscapes.

Enigma

Something that is puzzling or difficult to understand.

Cacophony

A harsh discordant mixture of sounds; often used to create a sense of chaos.

Morose

Sullen and ill-tempered; a common trait in Gothic characters.

Twilight

The period between daylight and darkness; often symbolizes ambiguity and uncertainty.

Tremulous

Characterized by or affected with trembling or tremors; often used to describe fear.

Phobia

An irrational fear of or aversion to something.

Gloom

A state of partial darkness; a feeling of sadness or depression.

Cryptic

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.

Transcend

To go beyond the range or limits of; often referring to surpassing earthly existence.

Sanguine

Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.

Vestige

A trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.

Solitude

The state of being alone; often portrayed as both peaceful and haunting.

Banshee

A female spirit in Irish mythology believed to herald the death of a family member.