The Crucible: Vocabulary Study

These flashcards focus on vocabulary words from the play 'The Crucible', providing definitions and context for each term.

What does the term 'fanatic' refer to in The Crucible?

A fanatic is a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause.

What is the meaning of 'parochial'?

Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope.

Define 'autocracy'.

A system of government by one person with absolute power.

What does 'antagonistic' mean?

Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something.

What is a 'paradox'?

A statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but may be true.

What does 'perverse' signify?

Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable.

What does 'manifestation' refer to?

An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something.

Define 'vindictive'.

Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

What is the significance of the term 'crucible' in the play?

A severe test or trial, here meaning a test designed to bring about change or reveal an individual's true character.

What does 'faction' mean?

A dissenting clique; a group within a larger group that has different ideas and opinions.

What is 'abomination'?

Hate coupled with disgust; something that causes disgust or hatred.

Define 'providence'.

The care or benevolent guidance of God or nature.

What does 'formidable' signify?

Extremely impressive in strength or excellence.

What is meant by 'subservient'?

Compliant and obedient to authority.

Define 'notorious'.

Known widely and usually unfavorably.

What does 'prodigious' mean?

Great in size, force, extent, or degree.

What is 'defamation'?

An abusive attack on a person's character or good name.

What does 'afflicted' signify?

Mentally or physically unfit.

What does 'dissembling' mean?

To hide your true feelings, opinions, etc.

Define 'sniveling'.

To complain or cry in an annoying way.

What is 'deference'?

A way of behaving that shows respect for someone or something.

What does 'trepidation' refer to?

A feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad is going to happen.

What is the meaning of 'slovenly'?

Careless in appearance, habits, work, and so on.

Define 'congregation'.

The people who are attending a religious service.

What does 'guile' mean?

Slyness and cunning in dealing with others; craftiness.

Define 'magistrate'.

A local official who has some of the powers of a judge.

What does 'daft' refer to?

Insane; crazy.

What is 'pretense'?

A false reason or explanation that is used to hide the real purpose.

Define 'contention'.

Something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated.

What does 'perjury' mean?

The willful telling of a lie while under lawful oath.

Define 'beguile'.

To mislead by cheating or tricking; deceive.

What is 'indictment'?

An official written statement charging a person with a crime.

What does 'purge' mean?

To cleanse or rid of impurities or undesirable elements.

Define 'penitence'.

A feeling of deep sadness because you have done something wrong.

What does 'probity' signify?

Uprightness in one's dealings; integrity.

Define 'calamity'.

Deep trouble or misery; an extreme misfortune.

What does 'inculcate' mean?

To impress upon the mind by frequent repetition.

What is meant by 'contentious'?

Always ready to argue; quarrelsome.

What does 'arbitrate' signify?

To act as an impartial judge in order to settle disputes.