Key Vocabulary from Gatsby Lecture

Flashcards based on key vocabulary from the Gatsby lecture.

What does the term 'Adventitious' mean?

Happening by chance; accidental.

What is an example of an 'Affectation'?

Fake behavior to impress.

What does 'Amorphous' refer to?

Without clear shape or structure.

What is the meaning of 'Aesthetic'?

Concerned with beauty.

What does 'Circumstantial' mean?

Based on details, not direct proof.

Define 'Commensurate'.

Equal to; matching.

What does 'Complacency' mean?

Smug satisfaction.

How is 'Conscientious' defined?

Careful and responsible.

What does 'Convivial' describe?

Friendly and lively.

What does 'Cynical' mean?

Distrustful of motives.

Define 'Defer'.

To give in respectfully.

What does 'Dejection' refer to?

Sadness or low spirits.

What does 'Disconcerting' mean?

Confusing or upsetting.

What does 'Disquieting' refer to?

Unsettling.

What is the meaning of 'Distraught'?

Extremely upset.

Define 'Elocution'.

Style of speaking.

What does 'Engrossed' mean?

Fully focused.

What is 'Exultation'?

Great joy.

What does 'Facade' mean in the context of Gatsby's life?

Fake front.

What does 'Hauteur' refer to?

Arrogant pride.

What does 'Imperceptibly' describe?

So small you can’t notice.

Define 'Impetuously'.

Acting without thinking.

What does 'Indiscernible' mean?

Impossible to see or tell clearly.

What does 'Ineffable' refer to?

Too great to describe.

What does 'Ingratiate' mean?

To try to win favor.

What is an 'Intimation'?

A subtle hint.

How does one move 'Languidly'?

Slowly; lazily.

What does 'Magnanimous' mean?

Generous or forgiving.

What does 'Meretricious' describe?

Flashy but fake.

What is the meaning of 'Nebulous'?

Unclear or vague.

What does 'Pomp' refer to?

Showy display.

What feeling does 'Portentous' convey?

Giving a warning feeling.

Define 'Presumptuous'.

Overly bold or arrogant.

What does 'Privy' mean?

Aware of secret information.

What does 'Prodigality' mean?

Wasteful spending.

What is 'Profusion'?

A large amount.

What does 'Proximity' refer to?

Closeness.

What does 'Proprietary' mean?

Feeling ownership.

What does 'Provincial' describe?

Narrow-minded; small-town thinking.

What does 'Punctilious' mean?

Very careful about details.

Define 'Redolent'.

Strongly smelling of; suggestive of.

What does 'Repose' refer to?

Rest or calm.

What does 'Reserved' mean?

Emotionally controlled.

What is 'Retribution'?

Revenge or punishment.

What does 'Reverent' mean?

Showing deep respect.

What does 'Solidarity' refer to?

Unity or support between people.

What does 'Sporadic' mean?

Happening occasionally.

What is 'Staid' used to describe?

Serious and proper.

What does 'Subterfuge' refer to?

Trickery or deceit.

What does 'Supercilious' mean?

Acting superior.

What does 'Surmise' involve?

To guess without full proof.

What does 'Threadbare' refer to?

Worn out; weak.

What is the meaning of 'Transitory'?

Temporary; short-lived.

Define 'Transpire'.

To happen; become known.

What does 'Turgid' mean?

Swollen; overly complicated.

What does 'Tumultuous' describe?

Chaotic and loud.

What does 'Vacuous' mean?

Empty-minded; shallow.

What does 'Vehemently' mean?

Strongly; passionately.

What is a 'Vestige'?

A small remaining trace.

What does 'Vicariously' refer to?

Experiencing through someone else.