Second Form English - The Fall of Rome Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and definitions from Chunks 6 and 7 of the Second Form English course, Spring 2026, focusing on The Fall of Rome.

rationalization

attempts to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons

privilege

right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage

remorse

deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed

fodder

something, esp. information, that is thought of as being in large supply

disgrace

loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action

quaint

attractively unusual or old-fashioned

rigor

the quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate

mantle

an important role or responsibility that passes from one person to another

relic

an object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental value

chastised

a state of being verbally reprimanded or scolded

dissipated

gradually weakened or became less until it disappeared

oratory

the art or practice of formal speaking in public

tedious

dull, tiresome, or monotonous

undaunted

not intimidated or discouraged, unafraid

extinct

no longer in existence or in use, wiped out

concede

admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it

guileless

innocent and without deception

perceived

become aware of, some to realize

discern

come to understand or recognize

obsolescence

the state of being (obsolete) outdated and no longer used

dispersed

to go or cause to go in different directions or different destinations