The Handmaid's Tale Vocabulary

Anachronism (n)

a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned. an act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong

Blatant (adj)

(of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly. completely lacking in subtlety; very obvious.

Debase (v)

reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade. lower the value of (coinage) by reducing the content of precious metal.

Decorum (n)

behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety. etiquette

Disconsolate (adj)

without consolation or comfort; unhappy, (of a place or thing); cheerless

Fraternize (v)

associate or form a friendship with someone, especially when one is not supposed to

Genteel (adj)

polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious way

Incognito (adj)

(of a person) having one's true identity concealed

Ingratiate (v)

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

Insatiability

incapable of being satisfied or appeased

Jaunty (adj)

having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner

Lugubrious (adj)

looking or sounding sad and dismal

Palimpsest (n)

a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form

Pedantic (adj)

of or like a pendant - person who is excessively concerned with minor details or rules or with displaying academic learning

Quagmire (n)

a soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot. an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation

Reproach (n)

the expression of disapproval or disappointment

Servile (adj)

having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others, of or characteristic of a slave or slaves

Stipple (v)

(in drawing, painting, and engraving) mark (a surface) with numerous small dots or specks

Undulate (v)

move or go with a smooth up-and-down motion

Wheedle (v)

use flattery, or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do something or give one something. coax or persuade (someone to say or give something