Vocabulary Notes for The Outsiders

Vocabulary for "The Outsiders" (Chapters 1-2)

Vocabulary Words List

1. Asset

  • Definition (including part of speech): An asset (noun) is a useful or valuable thing, person, or quality. In the provided context, it refers to someone who can be seen as a benefit or positive contribution to society, despite their past actions.

  • Original Sentence: The community viewed the new park as an asset, providing a space for children to play and families to gather.

2. Unfathomable

  • Definition (including part of speech): Unfathomable (adjective) means impossible to understand or comprehend, often implying something so deep or complex that it is beyond reach.

  • Original Sentence: The depths of the ocean are unfathomable, hiding mysteries that scientists are still eager to explore.

3. Rumble

  • Definition (including part of speech): A rumble (noun) is a street fight or a large, often organized, confrontation between rival gangs or groups.

  • Original Sentence: The two rival gangs prepared for a rumble at the abandoned warehouse, their tensions boiling over after weeks of disputes.

4. Rivalry

  • Definition (including part of speech): Rivalry (noun) refers to the competition between two or more parties, often marked by hostility or conflict, typically in a social context, such as sports, businesses, or personal relationships.

  • Original Sentence: The rivalry between the two schools intensified every fall during football season, each attempting to outperform the other on the field.

5. Gingerly

  • Definition (including part of speech): Gingerly (adverb) means with great care or caution, often used when handling something that requires delicacy or gentleness.

  • Original Sentence: She gingerly placed the fragile vase on the top shelf, fearful it might fall and break.

6. Incredulous

  • Definition (including part of speech): Incredulous (adjective) describes the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something, often indicating disbelief or skepticism regarding a statement or situation.

  • Original Sentence: He looked at the magician with an incredulous expression, unable to fathom how the seemingly impossible trick had been done.

7. Nonchalantly

  • Definition (including part of speech): Nonchalantly (adverb) means in a casually calm and relaxed manner, often implying lack of concern or interest in a significant issue.

  • Original Sentence: She shrugged nonchalantly when asked about her plans for the future, as if she didn’t take the question seriously.

8. Bickering

  • Definition (including part of speech): Bickering (noun) refers to the action of arguing or quarrelling, typically over trivial matters, often indicating a lack of serious conflict but a level of annoyance.

  • Original Sentence: The bickering among the siblings grew louder, each one trying to make their point heard over the others.

9. Rebellious

  • Definition (including part of speech): Rebellious (adjective) describes a person or group that resists authority or control, often marked by defiance and a desire to oppose established norms or rules.

  • Original Sentence: His rebellious nature often led him to defy regulations in school, challenging teachers' authority whenever he could.

10. Coward

  • Definition (including part of speech): A coward (noun) is a person who lacks the courage to face danger, difficulty, or pain, often seen as one who gives in to fear.

  • Original Sentence: Despite being called a coward by his peers, he stood up to the bully and defended his friend during the confrontation.