The Scarlet Letter Vocab for Ch. 15-24 Quiz 10/28

sedulous (adj)

(of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence

deleterious (adj)

causing harm/damage

betoken (v)

indicate

incongruity (n)

inequality, difference; out of place or inappropriate in circumstance

precocious (adj)

(typically of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual, mentally mature

propensity (n)

inclination / natural tendency to behave in a particular way

somber (adj)

dark / dull; gloomy

pacify (v)

to ease back into peaceful state

vicissitude (n)

change of circumstance of fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant

paternal (adj)

of or pertaining to a father

obeisance (n)

deferential respect

pious (adj)

religiously devoted

ludicrous (adj)

foolish, unreasonable, ridiculous

requisite (adj)

made necessary by particular circumstances or regulations

plebeian (n)

ancient roman term for ‘commoner’

sobriety (n)

the state of being not drunk or affected by alcohol; state of being sober

intrusive (adj)

causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited

tumult (n)

a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people