Brave New World Vocabulary

Eugenics –noun – the attempt to control the genetic qualities of a population, often through selective breeding. It is a deeply problematic concept that has historically been used to justify oppression, forced sterilization, and discrimination against marginalized groups.
Example: The state’s embrace of eugenics led to harmful policies against people with disabilities.
Dystopia – noun – an imagined society marked by suffering, oppression, or dehumanization.
Example: The novel depicts a dystopia disguised as a perfect world.
Hedonism – noun – the pursuit of pleasure as life’s primary goal.
Example: His hedonism prevented him from focusing on long-term responsibilities.
Apathy – noun – lack of feeling, interest, or concern.
Example: The voters’ apathy led to low turnout in the election.
Indoctrination – noun –teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
Example: Indoctrination kept citizens from questioning authority.
Austere – adj –severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; also plain and without luxury.

Example: The austere lifestyle of the outsiders contrasted with the indulgence of the World State.

Example: After being caught cheating on the exam, the student faced the ignominy of suspension and the loss of his classmates’ respect."

Portent – noun – a sign or warning that something (often bad or momentous) is about to happen. An omen.

Example: The sudden blackout was seen by many as a portent of the troubles still to come

Impetuous – adj. – acting suddenly without thought; rash.
Example: Her impetuous decision cost the company thousands of dollars.
Pallid – adj. – pale, lacking color or vitality.
Example: His pallid face revealed he was unwell.
Callow – adj. – inexperienced and immature.
Example: The callow youth thought he knew everything.

Pneumatic – adj. – inflated, full-bodied; metaphorically, lacking depth.
Example: The chair was soft and pneumatic, designed for comfort.
Licentious – adj. – morally unrestrained, especially in romantic conduct.
Example: The ruler’s licentious behavior scandalized the court.
Orthodoxy – noun – strict adherence to accepted beliefs or practices.
Example: His orthodoxy prevented him from questioning tradition.
Iconoclast – noun – one who challenges or overturns traditional beliefs.
Example: The artist became famous as an iconoclast who defied convention.
Incredulous – adj. – unwilling or unable to believe something; showing disbelief or doubt.

Example: When she heard the excuse about the dog eating the homework, she gave him an incredulous look

Altruism – noun – selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: Her altruism led her to volunteer every weekend.
Surreptitious – adj. – done secretly, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy

Example: He cast a surreptitious glance at his friend’s notes during the quiz.

Ephemeral – adj. – lasting a very short time; fleeting.
Example: The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral.
Inexorable – adj. – impossible to stop or prevent.
Example: The inexorable rise of technology changed society forever.
Beneficent – adj. – doing or producing good; performing acts of kindness or charity

Example: The beneficent woman spent her weekends volunteering at the shelter, always looking for ways to help those in need.

Obsolescence – noun – the process of becoming outdated or no longer used.
Example: Many fear the obsolescence of printed books.
Abjectly – adverb – doing something in a very sad, hopeless, or shameful way.
Example: He apologized abjectly for his mistake.
Avarice – noun – excessive greed for wealth or material gain.
Example: The tycoon’s avarice drove him to exploit his workers.
Subjugation – noun – the act of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
Example: The empire’s subjugation of native peoples erased their traditions.