Great Gatsby Vocab

deleterious

harmful, injurious

quixotic

overly idealistic; impractical

embroiled

involved in conflict

adumbrate

to briefly outline or describe

galley

a low, flat ship with one or more sails and up to three banks of oars, chiefly used for warfare, trade, and piracy.

despondent

in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

effusive

emotionally excessive; overly demonstrative

ephemeral

lasting a very short time

levity

lack of seriousness

parcel

divide into portions and then distribute

Teutonic

Of or relating to Germany

confer

to consult together; compare opinions; carry on a discussion or deliberation

epigram

a witty saying expressing a single thought or observation

reproach

to find fault with, blame

supercilious

proud and contemptuous; showing scorn because of a feeling of superiority

buoyed up

to be supported / held up

divan

sofa or couch, usually without arms or a back

deft

skillful, nimble

incredulous

unwilling or unable to believe something.

claret

a dark purplish red

wan

sickly pale

extemporizing

improvising

rotogravure

printed material, such as a newspaper

anon

soon

peremptory

insisting on immediate attention or obedience - not open to appeal or challenge

libel

written defamation

intimation

a hint, indirect suggestion

a blind

something designed to conceal one's real intentions.

sumptuous

costly, rich, magnificent

crepe de chine

a lightweight, soft, and flowing fabric known for its subtle crinkled texture, elegant matte finish, and excellent drape, traditionally made from silk

bureau

a chest of drawers.

immoderately

extravagantly

hauteur

haughty manner or spirit; arrogance

mincing

affectedly dainty or refined (typically used of a man)

kike

a derogatory term for a Jew

aquaplane

a board for riding on water, pulled by a speedboat

cataracts

strong rapids

omnibus

covering many things at once

corps

a group of persons working together or related by a common association

cordials

liqueurs or tonics

cornet

A brass instrument, similar to the trumpet but with a mellower, softer tone

veranda

a roofed platform along the outside of a house, level with the ground floor.

prodigality

wasteful extravagance in spending

erroneous

wrong; incorrect

eddies

a current moving in the opposite direction of the main current, swirls of water

credulity

tendency to believe things too quickly or easily

spectroscopic

full spectrum of color and light

tortuous

marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns

tinny

having a displeasingly thin, metallic sound

hydroplane

A light, fast boat designed to skim along the surface of water

constrained

appearing forced or overly controlled.

florid

excessively decorated or embellished

provincial

limited in knowledge of the world; narrow-minded

obstetrics

medical practice that deals with pregnant women

ineptly

incompetently; awkwardly; clumsily

quavering

shaking, trembling

rivulet

a very small stream of water (like tears)

vinous

of or relating to wine

rent

torn

asunder

apart; divided

dissension

disagreement

jaunty

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

enjoin

instruct or urge (someone) to do something.

tumultuous

noisy and disorderly

din

a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise

duster

a long coat that protects against dust used by drivers of open cars

caterwaul

a shrill, discordant sound

conscientious

characterized by extreme care and great effort

poignant

emotionally moving

affectations

behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress

row

a serious dispute.

insolent

boldly rude or disrespectful

sun-strained

describes eyes or skin showing effects from too much sun, often meaning redness, irritation, or premature aging like crow's feet, stemming from UV damage or squinting

generality

a statement or principle having general rather than specific validity or force. - The majority

punctilious

showing great attention to detail or correct behavior.

girder

a large iron or steel beam or compound structure used for building bridges and the framework of large buildings.

modish

conforming to or following what is currently popular and fashionable.

somnambulate

to sleepwalk

anteroom

a small room leading to a main one, typically serving as a waiting room.

luxuriate

enjoy oneself in a luxurious way; take self-indulgent delight.

benediction

the utterance or bestowing of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service.

denizen

an inhabitant or occupant of a particular place.

efectual

producing or able to produce a desired effect

armistice

temporary stopping of open acts of warfare by agreement between the opponents- Truce

amour

a usually illicit love affair

beaux

boyfriend, dandy

sheik

a man held to be irresistibly attractive to romantic young women

cornice

a decorative band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures

reproach

an expression of disapproval

harrow

torment, vex

demoniac

possessed or influenced by a demon

vestige

the smallest quantity or trace

exult

to feel or express joy or triumph

postern

trapdoor