Vocab

chide

To scold or rebuke.

sycophant

A person who flatters someone powerful for personal gain.

unctuous

Excessively flattering, oily, or smug.

condone

To overlook or accept behavior that is wrong.

garland

A wreath of flowers or leaves, often used for decoration.

auspicious

Promising success; favorable.

dodder

To tremble or walk unsteadily, usually from old age.

senile

Showing weakness of mind due to old age.

pious

Deeply religious or devoted.

anarchist

A person who believes in abolishing government or law.

sententious

Given to moralizing in a pompous way.

graven

Carved, sculpted, or deeply impressed (often used for images or idols).

sultry

Hot and humid; can also mean passionate or alluring.

insolence

Rude or disrespectful behavior.

transcend

To rise above or go beyond limits.

deference

Respectful submission or yielding to another.

perverse

Stubbornly doing the opposite of what is expected or proper.

vigil

A period of keeping awake to watch or pray.

blasphemy

Disrespectful speech or action toward something sacred.

dirge

A mournful song, especially for the dead.

lament (n, v)

(n.) an expression of grief; (v.) to mourn.

reverence

Deep respect or awe.

transgress

To break a law or command.

brazen (adj, v)

(adj.) bold and shameless; (v.) to face something boldly.

carrion

Decaying flesh of dead animals.

implacable

Unable to be appeased or calmed.

augur (n, v)

(n.) a prophet or omen; (v.) to predict.

entrails

The internal organs, especially intestines.

hearth

The floor of a fireplace, symbolizing home and family life.

gorge (n, v)

(n.) a narrow valley; (v.) to eat greedily.

aphorism

A short, wise saying or principle.

Fury/fury

(Fury) a goddess of vengeance in Greek mythology; (fury) wild anger.

clement

Mild, merciful, or lenient.

Rapture/rapture

(Rapture) in Christian belief, the event when believers ascend to heaven; (rapture) intense joy.

hamartia

A tragic flaw or error in judgment leading to downfall (in literature).

hubris

Excessive pride or arrogance that leads to downfall.