Lecture Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes.

Ambiguity

Uncertainty; when something can be interpreted in more than one way.

Primitive

Basic and unsophisticated.

Marvel

A wonderful or astonishing thing

Menial

Lowly and sometimes degrading

Transitory

Temporary; not permanent or lasting.

Habituated

Accustomed to something through frequent exposure or repetition.

Capricious

Unaccountable changes in mood or behavior; unpredictable.

Brandish

To wave or flourish (especially a weapon) in a threatening or dramatic way.

Impetus

A force or energy that causes something to happen or move.

Euphoria

A feeling of intense excitement and happiness.

Disinterred

Dug up something that was buried, especially a body.

Sacristy

A room in a church where a priest prepares for a service.

Zenith

The highest point or peak.

Seminary

A religious school for training priests or ministers.

Alchemy

A medieval science aiming to transform base metals into gold; symbolically, it refers to spiritual transformation and the pursuit of one’s personal legend in the novel.

Omen

A sign or event regarded as a symbol of future good or evil.

Entrusted

Given responsibility for something; assigned with trust or confidence.

Abashed

Embarrassed, ashamed, or uneasy.

Vanity

Excessive pride in one’s appearance, achievements, or qualities; often seen as a flaw.

Infidels

A term used (especially historically) to describe non-believers or those who do not follow a particular religion, often used pejoratively.

Levanter

wind

Surge

A sudden powerful forward or upward movement (can be emotional or physical).

Exultant

Joyfully triumphant; filled with great happiness due to success.

Prognostications

Predictions or forecasts of future events.

Scabbard

A sheath or cover for a sword or dagger.