The Great Gatsby Vocabulary

Peremptory

bossy/urgent

Turgid

Swollen or overly complex (language) -- in book sensationalized, self-important media

Patent

In book high-quality, glossy leather -- normally: Obvious or clear; also a legal right to an invention --

Commutation

Act of traveling regularly between home and work

Grail

A long-sought goal or object -- in book its Daisy

Cataracts

Large waterfalls; also clouding of the eye lens -- in book a violent, torrential rush of water.

Conceits

Excessive pride; clever expressions -- in book is elaborate, fantastic, and unrealistic, dreams, fantasies, or delusions

Dejection

Sadness; low spirits (more of a temporary dip in spirits)

Despondent

Hopeless; discouraged

Aquaplanes

water-skiing-like boards towed behind motorboats, used for entertainment

Mollifying

Calming; soothing of someone's anger

Vista

pleasing view

Pandered

indulged, catered to, or fostered the lowest desires, dreams, or weaknesses of someone, often for selfish gain

Provincial

Narrow-minded; unsophisticated

Flippant

Not showing seriousness

Naivete

Innocence; lack of experience

Reserve

Self-restraint; holding back

Scalloped

Decorated with curved edges

Chasms

Deep gaps or divisions

Shouldered

Took on responsibility

Ineffable

Too great to be expressed in words

Bleared

Blurred or dim (usually eyes)

Settee

A small sofa

Meretricious

Attractive in a shallow or fake way

Corps

A group united by a common function

Redolent

Strongly scented; suggestive

Tonic

Something that restores or refreshes

Receptacle

A container

Bravado

Showy confidence meant to impress

Laden

Heavily loaded

Congruous

In agreement; fitting well together

Ravenously

Extremely hungrily

Haughty

Arrogantly proud

Insignia

Badges or symbols of rank

Incessantly

Without stopping

Strata

Layers

Ballooned

Expanded or increased rapidly

Punctilious

Extremely precise about rules

Incongruous

Out of place; not matching

Affront

An insult

Harlequin

A clown-like figure; colorful comic character

Abounding

Existing in great numbers

Rajah

An Indian ruler or prince

Wanly

Weakly or palely

Retribution

Punishment for wrongdoing

Reveries

Daydreams

Reposing

Resting or lying back

Pervading

Spreading throughout

Contingencies

Possible future events (uncertain)

Debauchee

A person devoted to excess

Brooding

Deeply thoughtful; moody

Commensurate

Equal in size or degree

Transitory

Temporary

Fare

Food; price charged

Oblique

Indirect; slanted

Apathetic

Lacking interest or concern

Poignant

Deeply emotional or moving

Shirtwaist

A woman’s blouse

Humidor

A container that keeps items moist (often cigars)

Pneumatic

Powered by air; air-filled

Ashen

Pale or gray

Corrugated

Shaped with ridges or grooves

Genially

Cheerfully; kindly

Unscrupulously

Without moral principles

Fortuitously

Happening by chance, often luckily

Sardonic

Grimly mocking

Conscientious

Careful; guided by morals

Pavillions

Open structures or tents

Prodigality

Wasteful spending

Sanguine

Optimistic; hopeful

Perfunctory

Done with little care or effort

Fawning

Excessively flattering

Rickeys

Alcoholic drinks with lime juice

Crooned

Sung softly

Insidious

Gradually harmful in a subtle way

Loafing

Avoiding work; idling

Proprietor

Owner of a business or property

Row

A noisy argument OR a line

Abortive

Failing to succeed

Dissembling

Hiding true feelings; pretending

Shiftless

Lazy; lacking ambition

Reproach

To express disappointment or disapproval

Threadbare

Worn out; overused

Censure

Strong public criticism

Harrowed

Distressed; traumatized

Fortnight

Two weeks

Disconcerting

Confusing or unsettling

Incredulously

With disbelief

Verandas

Roofed porches

Cordials

Sweet drinks; also expressions of warmth

Affectations

Artificial behaviors meant to impress

Gaudy

Overly flashy; tastelessly bright

Enigmatic

Mysterious; hard to understand

Conservatory

A greenhouse or sunroom

Colloquial

Informal; conversational

Incredulous

Unwilling or unable to believe

Superfluous

Unnecessary; excessive (wealth)

Omnibus

A collection; serving multiple purposes -- or a large bus carrying many passengers

Euphemistic

Using mild words to soften harsh ideas

Shorn

Cut or stripped off