The Joy Luck Club Vocabulary

Admonish

to warn or scold gently

Adversary

an enemy or opponent

Apathetic

not caring or showing interest

Benevolent

kind and generous

Careen

to move quickly and out of control

Chastise

to punish or strongly criticize

Deft

skillful and quick

Deplete

to use up completely

Diligent

hard-working and careful

Docile

easily taught or controlled

Explicit

very clear and detailed

Facade

the front of a building or a false outward appearance

Haughty

arrogantly proud and unfriendly

Innuendo

an indirect or subtle hint, usually negative

Jaunty

lively and cheerful

Malignant

harmful and dangerous

Penance

an act to show sorrow for wrongdoing

Posterity

future generations

Procure

to get something with effort

Pungent

having a strong, sharp smell or taste