The Joy Luck Club Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes on The Joy Luck Club.

Dissent

To differ in opinion; refusal to accept a common opinion/belief/decision.

Surmount

To overcome a difficulty or obstacle faced.

Usurp

To take possession of without legal claim; to take power illegally or by force.

Candid

Marked by honesty and sincerity; honest/straightforward even if uncomfortable.

Derisive

Showing disrespect by making fun of someone in a cruel or insulting way.

Ebullient

Overflowing excitement, enthusiasm; very excited.

Articulate

Able to express ideas or thoughts clearly/effectively in speech or writing.

Daunt

To lessen the courage of; to make someone feel afraid or less confident, intimidating.

Embroil

To bring into conflict; to involve someone in conflict, argument.

Evasive

Avoiding a direct answer; avoiding giving a clear answer/avoiding truth or situation.

Fatalistic

Accepting that all things are predetermined and inevitable; submitting to fate.

Fervent

Having or displaying a passionate intensity; enthusiastic.

Rectify

To correct something or put something right; remedy.

Revile

To criticize someone in an abusive or angrily insulting manner.

Annihilate

To destroy utterly; obliterate.

Untenable

Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection; indefensible.

Incredulous

Unwilling or unable to believe something; skeptical.

Indignant

Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

Denounce

Publicly declare to be wrong or evil.

Exonerate

To absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.

Spurn

Reject with disdain or contempt.

Stolid

Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.

Insolent

Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.

Reticent

Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.