Animal Farm Vocabulary

ensconced (v)

establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place.

cynical (adj)

concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them.

benevolent (adj)

well-meaning and kindly.

comrades (n)

a companion who shares one's activities or is a fellow member of an organization.

tyranny (n)

cruel and oppressive government or rule.

vices (n)

immoral or wicked behavior.

preliminary (adj)

denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.

vivacious (adj)

attractively lively and animated (typically used of a woman).

counteract (v)

act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it.

ecstasy (n)

an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.

parasitical (adj)

having the nature or habits of a parasite or leech; living off another.

obstinate (adj)

very difficult to change or overcome.

indefatigable (adj)

perssisting tirelessly

maxim (n)

a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

flourished (v)

grow or develop healthily or vigorously, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.

fortnight (n)

a period of two weeks.

scored (v)

gain in a competitive game.

ignominious (v)

deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.

impromptu (adj)

done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.

posthumously (adv)

after the death of the originator.

pretext (n)

a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.

canvassing (v)

cover with canvas

innovations (n)

the action or process of innovating.

sordid (adj)

involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.

watchword (n)

a word or phrase expressing a person's or group's core aim or belief.

disinter (v)

dig up (something that has been buried, especially a corpse).

procured (v)

obtain (something), especially with care or effort.

intermediary (n)

a person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement or reconciliation; a mediator.

repose (n)

a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility.

indignation (n)

anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.

pervading (v)

(especially of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of.

categorically (adv)

in a way that is unambiguously explicit and direct.

countenance (n)

a person's face or facial expression.

retribution (n)

punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

treachery (n)

betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.

skulking (v)

keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive.

machinations (n)

a plot or scheme.

censure (v)

the expression of formal disapproval.

conciliatory (v)

intended or likely to placate or pacify.

lamentation (n)

the passionate expression of grief or sorrow; weeping.

flanked (v)

be on each or on one side of.

complicity (n)

the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing.

stratagem (n)

a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end.

oration (n)

a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion.

morose (adj)

sullen and ill-tempered.

taciturn (adj)

(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

deputation (n)

a group of people appointed to undertake a mission or take part in a formal process on behalf of a larger group.

incumbent (adj)

necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.

proprietors (n)

the owner of a business, or a holder of property.

bon mot (n)

a clever remark