Chapter 1 Vocab (The Great Gatsby)

  1. reserved (p. 1/5): adj. - formal or self-restrained in manner and relationship; avoiding familiarity or intimacy with others: a quiet, reserved man.

  2. privy (p. 1/5): adj. - participating in the knowledge of something private or secret (usually fol. by to): Many persons were privy to the plot.

  3. feign (p. 1/5): verb - to make believe; pretend.

  4. levity (p. 1/5): noun - a manner lacking seriousness.

  5. mar (p. 2/6): verb - to damage, ruin, deface.

  6. abortive (p. 2/7): adj. - partially or imperfectly developed; vain.

  7. elation (p. 2/7): noun - a feeling or state of great joy or pride; exultant gladness; high spirits.

  8. confer (p. 4/8): verb - 1. to bestow upon as a gift, favor, honor; 2. to consult together.

  9. acute (p. 6/10): adj. - sharp; intense.

  10. savor (p. 6/10): verb - to taste or smell.

  11. reproach (p. 6/10): noun - an object of scorn or contempt.

  12. wistfully/wistful (p. 6/10): adv/adj - full of wishful yearning or longing, often with sadness.

  13. supercilious (p. 7/11): adj. - having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy; cocky.

  14. effeminate (p. 7/11): adj. - having traits, tastes or habits traditionally considered feminine.

  15. pungent (p. 7/12): adj. - sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell.

  16. buoy (p. 8/12): verb - to float or rise by reason of lightness.

  17. divan (p. 8/13): noun - sofa or couch, usually without arms or a back.

  18. compulsion (p. 9/14): noun - a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, esp. one that is irrational or contrary to one's will.

  19. deft (p. 10/15): adj. - quick and skillful.