The Things They Carried Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards from The Things They Carried vocabulary

Paradox

A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Elusive

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

Volition

The faculty or power of using one’s will.

Inertia

A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.

Ambiguity

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.

Encyst

Enclose or become enclosed in a cyst (a cavity containing a liquid secretion).

Intangible

Unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence.

Laxity

Lack of strictness or care.

Monotony

Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine.

Convictions

A firmly held belief or opinion.

Deferment

The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponement.

Cryptic

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.

Reticence

Not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily.

Impassive

Not feeling or showing emotion.

Skittish

(of an animal, especially of a horse) excitable or easily scared.

Rectitude

Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.

Obscenity

(of the portrayal or description of sexual matters) offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency.

Surreal

Having the qualities of the bizarre or the unusual.

Generalize

Make a general or simple statement by inferring from specific cases.

Proximity

Nearness in space, time, or relationship.

Bedlam

A scene of uproar and confusion.

Mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Serene

Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.

Eccentricity

Unconventional and slightly strange.

Talisman

An object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.

Valor

Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

Quaint

Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.

Reproached

Address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

Catharsis

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Smugness

Having and showing an excessive pride in oneself or one’s achievements.

Skeptics

Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.

Clichés

A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

Atrocity

An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury.

Sentiment

A view of or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion.

Blatant

(of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly.