Joy Luck Club Joy Luck Club Vocab Ch. 1-8

indifferent

having no particular interest or concern

translucent

allowing light to pass though diffusely

Mock

to ridicule or make fun of

Dowry

Property or money brought by a bride to her husband

Insolent

showing a rude or arrogant lack of respect

Compound

A thing that is composed of two or more elements

Pretense

A false display of feelings or intentions

Prestige

widespread respect an admiration

Auspicious

conducive to success; favorable

Lament

To express grief or sorrow

Scowl

A facial expression of disapproval

Decipher

to succeed in understanding or interpreting

Posterity

all future generations of people

Balm

a soothing substance or remedy 

Crimson

a deep red color

Concubine

a woman with a lower status than a wife

Admonish

to warn, scold, or reprimand someone firmly; to advise or urge someone earnestly

Scepter 

a staff held by a sovereign as a sign of authority 

Solemnity

the state of being serious and dignified 

Apparition

a ghostly figure or an unexpected appearance of something or someone

Wanton

reckless, deliberate, or showing no concern or what is right; often used to describe cruel or immoral behavior 

Foresight

the ability to predict what ill happen 

Adversary

an opponent in a conflict or contest

Obscure

not discovered or known about

Benevolent

well meaning and kindly

Retort

a sharp, angry, or witty reply

Diminish

to make or become less

Etiquette

the customary code of polite behavior

Prodigy

a young person with exceptional abilities

Malodorous

smelling very unpleasant

Flourish

to grow or develop in a healthy way

Whittle

to carve or reduce something in size

Chasm

a deep fissure or break

Rift

a serious break in friendly relations

Reproach

an expression of disapproval or disappointment

Listless

Lacking energy or enthusiasm

Reverie

being pleasantly lost in thoughts

Discordant

disagreeing or clashing

Nonchalant

calm and related; not displayed anxiety