Great
Expectations Vocabulary
Chapter 1
Chapter 43
Chapter 50
Chapter 1
- beacon—a signal or guidance device like a lighthouse
- bleak—exposed and barren; desolate; gloomy
- derived—taken from, received, or obtained from a source
- elude—evade or escape from by cunning or strength
- explicit—fully expressed; leaving nothing implied
- inscription—wording, dates, etc., carved or engraved on a coin, stone, or book
- lair—den of a wild animal
- leaden—made of lead; gray or heavy like lead
- pollards—trees cut back so the lower branches are removed and the upper branches form a ball
- ravenous—extremely hungry
- stout—bulky; strong; sturdy
- vivid—creating a strong or clear impression on the senses
- augmented—increased
- connubial—relating to marriage
- consternation—utter amazement or paralyzing dismay
- disconsolately—cheerlessly
- dismal—gloomy; dreary
- elixir—a liquid concoction used as a medicine
- emphatic—with emphasis
- imbrue—to make soaking wet
- impart—to pass on; give; grant; bestow
- interlocutor—one who takes part in formal or official dialogue or conversation
- interpose—to put oneself between; to insert an idea into a conversation
- pall—a cloth to cover coffin, usually of a heavy black or purple material; any dreary covering
- prevailing—to triumph through strength or superiority
- remonstrance—a protest or complaint
- reproach—to rebuke or show disapproval; a rebuke or statement of disapproval
- squall—brief or sudden storm with gusty winds
- trenchant—keen; sharp
- cravat—a scarf worn around the neck; the forerunner of the necktie
- fetter—a chain for the feet
- impel—to cause action or motion
- imprecation—a curse
- rank—having a highly unpleasant smell
- riveted—held someone’s attention completely
- shroud—a covering for the dead; any gloomy or dismal covering
- abhorrence—deep hatred
- aspiration—audible exhaling
- chandler—a merchant, a dealer of a specific good or product
- commiseration—to feel sorrow for; empathize with
- conciliatory—attempting to gain or regain one’s good favor or friendship
- contumacious—rebellious
- conventional—ordinary, unoriginal
- countenances—approving expressions
- declamation—a strongly worded speech delivered with emotion
- deduce—to infer from a general idea
- despair—to lose all hope
- dispose—to get rid of; throw out
- divulge—reveal
- ensue—to come after, often to come as a result of
- expectorate—to spit
- goad—to urge to action
- imperious—haughty, marked by proud assurance
- indignation—anger caused by something unfair or mean
- intimate—to announce publicly; or to hint indirectly
- oblige—to perform a favor and thus make another indebted
- omnipotent—having unlimited influence, authority, or power
- presentiment—an inkling that something is about to happen
- prodigal—ridiculously extravagant
- prodigious—enormous, bulky
- regale—to entertain lavishly
- retort—to answer back; reply, especially in an exchange of arguments or opinions
- terse—succinct; brief
- trifle—to treat in an insignificant matter
- vengeance—revenge
- vicariously—experienced through imagined participation in another’s experience
- blithe—lighthearted
- apparition—ghost
- arid—excessively dry
- asunder—into parts
- dispel—scatter
- disperse—to cause to break up and scatter in different directions
- dissociate—to separate from association with another
- diverge—to move in different directions
- exasperate—to bother; to make extremely angry
- execrate—to declare to be evil
- grovel—crawling and creeping near the ground as a sign of humility, penance
- inference—deduction; guess
- interposition—intervention
- joviality—state of jolly happiness
- liberality—broadmindedness; generosity
- stifle—to smother or repress growth or creativity
- stipulate—to demand an exact item or condition in an agreement
- dregs—the worst part; the residue that settles to the bottom of a container of liquid
- excommunicate—to exclude; officially remove from membership in a group or church
- exonerated—cleared from accusation
- impel—to push forward; to give motion to
- pilfer—to steal, especially a small amount at a time
- restorative—having the power to restore; something that has the power to restore
- ablution—an act of bathing, especially for religious purposes; a ritual bath; the liquid used
- alight—to settle as after a flight; to dismount from a horse or vehicle
- callous—emotionally hard; unfeeling
- contrive—to devise or plan cleverly
- couplet—two consecutive rhyming lines of poetry
- drudge—hard, menial work; a person who performs this work
- epistle—a long letter
- erudition—deep and extensive knowledge
- indispensable—absolutely necessary
- infirmity—weakness
- oration—a formal speech
- patronage—encouragement or support, often financial, for the work or cause of another
- penitent—a feeling of sorrow or remorse for wrongdoings
- perspicuity—the quality of being clear and understandable
- rasp—to speak with a grating or irritated voice
- retort—to answer back; reply especially in an exchange of arguments or opinions
- sagacious—wise; showing keen judgment, insight, and foresight
- truss—to gather into a bundle; secure tightly
- venerate—to regard with deep respect
- affinity—an attraction or feeling of belonging to one another
- bedstead—bed frame
- capricious—impulsive
- contemptuous—showing contempt or strong dislike; condescending
- discomfit—to make uneasy; to thwart the plans of another; to defeat in battle
- disdain—an attitude of arrogance or contempt
- disputatious—provoking argument
- dogged—stubborn, tenacious
- farinaceous—having a mealy or powdery texture
- gilded—covered with a thin layer of gold
- insolent—insultingly arrogant; audaciously rude
- obstinate—stubborn; not easily restrained or moved
- pompous—excessively elevated; proud
- recluse—a person who lives in seclusion
- sullen—gloomy
- transfix—to hold motionless
- adamantine—hard and unyielding
- caparisoned—dressed in richly ornamental clothing
- ignominious—shameful
- inquisitive—curious
- metaphysics—the branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
- obtrusive—forward in manner
- plait—to braid
- reticence—quiet reserve; shyness or aloofness
- ruminate—to reflect on repeatedly in one’s mind
- vanquish—defeat
- ascertain—to make certain; to discover by experimentation or examination
- cogitate—to think deeply and carefully about something
- derision—the use of ridicule to show scorn
- felicitous—appropriate
- fortuitous—happening by chance; lucky
- indiscriminate—random; not carefully selective or exclusive
- ophthalmic—relating to the eye
- refractory—resisting control
- reverence—a feeling of profound respect
- condescend—to act in a patronizingly superior manner
- consolatory—comforting
- corrugated—shaped with folds and ridges
- denude—to strip, make bare
- dexterous—skillful use of the hands; or mentally agile
- discernible—perceptible
- divined—to know by intuition or instinct
- inefficacy—powerlessness, ineffectiveness
- obtruded—forced or imposed
- ponderous—massive or heavy; weighty in thought
- sanguinary—bloody; accompanied by or strongly desiring bloodshed
- supercilious—haughty; disdainful
- transpire—to occur; to take place
- dejected—being in low spirits
- depreciatory—lowering in estimation or esteem
- fraught—supplied or provided with
- homage—special or official expression of high regard
- imbecility—the quality of being a fool
- linchpin—a locking pin inserted into the end of a shaft
- myrmidon—a loyal follower
- repose—to rest, either physically or mentally
- suborn—to induce to commit an illegal act
- trepidation—fear
- visage—the face or appearance of a person or animal
- abject—of the most miserable or contemptible kind
- augur—to look for and read signs and omens; one who reads signs and omens
- benevolent—kind, caring, or generous
- diabolical—evil, devilish
- excrescence—an outgrowth like a wart or goiter
- hypocrite—one whose actions and attitudes do not suit his or her professed beliefs
- inscrutable—not easily understood
- malevolent—vicious, mean, or evil
- mollify—soothe or calm one’s temper
- ostentatious—pretentious; flagrantly showy; creating an obvious display of wealth
- sovereign—independent; self-governing; a gold coin formerly used in Great Britain
- vagary—an erratic or unpredictable action or idea
- chaste—sexually pure or unsoiled
- exult—rejoice, gloat, or take pride in
- accost—confront or detain in an aggressive way
- disconsolate—extremely sad; unable to be consoled
- gravity—seriousness; importance or significance
- hermitage—a retreat; where a person can live in seclusion
- injurious—harmful or damaging; causing injury
- malignant—damaging, destructive, or causing death
- maudlin—excessively sentimental; tearful
- monomania—a condition of obsessive single-mindedness
- morose—gloomy, sullen
- obstinate—stubborn
- plume—to preen or show off, as a peacock opening its tail
- preposterous—ridiculous or outlandish
- unscrupulous—dishonest, devious or without morals
- unwonted—unusual or unexpected
- aberration—eccentricity or abnormality
- conciliate—to pacify, to smooth over
- mutton—the cooked meat of an adult sheep
- pervade—to saturate or spread throughout
- propitiate—to appease, especially an angry authority or deity
- tremulous—unsteady or trembling
- vagabond—a vagrant wanderer
- affront—to insult intentionally and openly
- disconcerted—unsettled, confused
- guinea—an English coin
- imperceptible—gradual or subtle; unable to be perceived
- latent—hidden or suppressed
- manifest—apparent or obvious; to make apparent
- sluice—a passage for water with a gate or valve
- specter—ghost or spirit
- stile—a set of steps over a fence or wall
- stratagem—a clever trick or scheme
- untoward—improper or indecent
- vexation—trouble or irritation
- abhorrent—repugnant or disgusting
- allusion—suggestion or hint; an indirect reference to another topic
- barbarous—coarse, crude, lacking refinement; harsh or cruel
- confirmatory—to establish as true or valid
- disengage—to detach or release
- disparagement—ridicule or scorn
- evince—to show or demonstrate clearly; tolerant
- pious—devout, reverent
- placable—easily calmed; tolerant
- pugilistic—having to do with the sport of boxing
- subterfuge—a deceptive maneuver
- abreast—alongside
- affability—friendliness, pleasantness or graciousness
- amalgamation—consolidation or merger
- astir—active, especially being out of bed
- audacious—daring or bold, often in a reckless way
- clemency—mercy or leniency
- collation—a light meal
- constrain—to be forced or inhibited
- deferential—respectful, especially to a superior or an elder
- flaccid—soft, limp, or lacking in vigor
- lauded—praised
- sublime—supreme, magnificent; of high spiritual, moral, or intellectual value
- virtuous—honorable, moral or righteous
- confectioner—a person who makes or deals in candy
- equipage—a horse-drawn carriage with its servants
- guileless—candid, innocent, naïve
- infernal—relating to the world of the dead; fiendish; diabolical
- oppressed—burdened or demoralized
- perusal—careful examination
- relinquish—to let go
- scabbard—a sheath for a sword or dagger
- supplicant—a person who pleads or prays
- brooch—an ornamental pin
- dilapidated—fallen into a state of disrepair or decay, usually as a result of neglect
- dints—dents
- disembodied—without a body; removed from the body
- disgorged—discharged or spit out
- doleful—full of grief
- interment—burial of the dead
- acquiesce—to comply passively with another’s will
- asseverate—to declare or affirm positively
- avaricious—greedy, especially for money or other material possessions
- broach—to mention or bring up
- circumjacent—in the surrounding area
- congelation—to process of making solid; coagulation
- degradation—a decline to a lower quality or station; extreme humiliation
- haughty—arrogant or proud
- imbue—to influence fully, pervade; to saturate or stain
- incipient—just beginning or becoming apparent
- inveterate—deep-rooted; habitual; persistent
- lamentation—an expression of grief
- languor—laziness or weariness
- magnanimous—noble or generous
- mortification—embarrassment or shame
- perplexity—utter bewilderment or confusion
- prepossessions—attitudes or impressions formed ahead of time
- prophesy—to predict or see the future
- propitiate—to attempt to pacify or regain the favor of another, especially one with power/authority
- requisite—essential, necessary
- shod—wearing a shoe
- abashed—ashamed or embarrassed
- adepts—highly skilled people
- affliction—suffering or hardship
- artifices—clever or artful skills; deceptions
- baronetcy—a rank of honor below a baron and above a knight
- forelock—a lock of hair that grows from the front of the head
- imperiled—endangered
- mitre—a tall, pointed hat with peaks in front and back, worn by church officials at solemn events
- odious—horrible or repulsive; dreaded
- plebeian—a working-class person
- preferment—advancement or promotion
- vellum—a fine parchment made from the skin of a lamb or calf; an expensive paper
- Woolsack—the official seat of the Lord Chancellor in the House of Lords
- denunciation—criticism or condemnation
- diffidence—timidity or shyness
- homage—special or official expression of high regard
- publican—the keeper of a public house or tavern
- render—to make; to cause to become
- rudiments—basics, essentials
- smelter—a person who melts or fuses metal
- testator—one who has made his or her will prior to death
- zealous—fervent, enthusiastic, eager
- beguile—entice or lead, usually by deception; cheat
- besiege—harass, overwhelm or surround
- bijou—a delicate, intricately wrought trinket
- complacent—self-satisfied or unconcerned
- contrivance—a clever plot or artificial arrangement
- egress—exit
- forbearance—patience or restraint
- inveigle—to convince by flattery or deceit
- loll—to sprawl, slouch or flop
- ordnance—military equipment such as weapons or bombs
- tarpaulin—a sheet of waterproof material; a tarp
- capacious—huge or roomy
- entreat—plead; pray or urge
- exhort—urge or insist
- lithe—flexible, agile
- nigh—near
- obtuse—stupid or dull
- surly---gruff, rude, irritable
- trifle—usually of little value, substance, or importance; to treat something as unimportant
- blusterous—like a loud violent wind; boastful or threatening
- denote—indicate, signify
- exposition—description or explanation
- incongruity—inconsistency; inappropriateness
- insoluble—difficult or impossible to solve; cannot be dissolved
- lucid—logical and clear
- pettish—ill-tempered, fretful
- artificer—skilled craftsman
- choleric—hot-tempered
- commodious—roomy or vast execrate—to declare to be evil
- gaoler—British variant of jailer
- incommoded—bothered or disturbed
- pernicious—destructive
- remiss-careless or negligent
- spurious—not genuine; false
- ungainly—clumsy, awkward
- breadth—range or extend; width
- devoutly—religiously
- disused—no longer used
- dormouse—a small, squirrel like rodent
- elicit—bring out
- jargon—terminology, especially among people of a similar business or interest
- labyrinth—a maze
- patroness—a woman who acts as a guardian, protector, or supporter
- punctual—on time; prompt
- rankle—annoy or anger
- rapturous—extremely joyful; ecstatic
- reticence—quiet reserve; shyness or aloofness
- sinewy—lean and muscular; strong and vigorous
- smiter—one who deals deadly blows
- vehemence—forcefulness or intensity of emotion; fervor
- vermin—disease-carrying or potentially harmful animals; persons considered repulsive/offensive
- yore—the distant past
- abominate—hate; loathe
- akimbo—in a position such that the hands are on the hips with the elbows bowed outward
- allot—to assign a portion; allocate
- contrition—repentance or remorse for a wrongdoing
- despondency—hopelessness; gloom
- endow—to provide with property or income; to equip with a talent or quality
- engender—to produce or cause
- feign—to act falsely, pretend with the intent to deceive
- paroxysm—a sudden outburst of emotion or action; a convulsion or spasm
- portmanteau—a large suitcase
- pretence—a false appearance or action with intent to deceive
- quell—to subdue or control
- victualling—gathering food and other provisions
- approbation—official approval
- bereft—deprived of; to be left alone, especially by death
- derision—the use of ridicule to show scorn
- derisive—mocking; ridiculing
- diadem—crown
- elocution—a very formal style of pubic speaking, emphasizing delivery, facial expression/gesture
- flay—to whip; to skin alive; to assail with criticism
- jostle—push, shove; to come into rough contact while moving
- primeval—relating to earliest ages; original; ancient
- elongate—to make or grow longer
- portly—stout
- quantum—a specific quantity
- wicket—small gate, especially one built near or in a larger one
- adjunct—something or someone attached to another in a subordinate position
- averse—strongly disinclined; having an aversion to
- conflagration—a large fire
- languid—weak; lacking energy or vigor
- staid—exhibiting a sense of propriety or sedate dignity
- treatise—a formal, organized, written discussion of a topic
- consort—to keep company
- descry—to catch a glimpse of something difficult to discern; to discover by observation
- despond—to become discouraged
- disquiet—to make uneasy; a state of unease
- edify—to instruct and improve
- insensible—incapable of sensation; unemotional, unfeeling; unconscious
- meritorious—deserving of honor
- rueful—inspiring pity; causing or expressing remorse
- solvent—the condition of being able to pay all debts
- cogent—reasonable; convincing
- mummery—pretentious and hypocritical show and ceremony
- obsequious—fawning; exhibiting a servile manner or attitude
- servile—submissive; suitable for a servant
- vainglorious—excessively boastful
- aback—unexpectedly
- per annum—by the year; annually
- auspicious—fortunate; propitious
- delegate—to give a responsibility to another
- ensue—to follow as a result
- enthrall—to spellbind; fascinate
- ingenuity—resourcefulness; cleverness
- jorum—a large drinking bowl
- retain—to keep under one’s employ by the payment of a fee
- rubicund—having a healthy, ruddy appearance
- sundry—miscellaneous
- utmost—of the greatest degree
- avowal—an open and grand admission
- blight—to cause to deteriorate; wither
- entrap—to trap
- leer—to stare lewdly or maliciously
- reputed—have the reputation of
- retort—to answer back; reply, especially in an exchange of arguments or opinions
- revival—rebirth; reawakening
- ungainly—clumsy, awkward
- untenable—in such a condition that it cannot be supported, defended, or maintained; unworkable
- assail—to attack violently; to attack verbally, ridicule
- dilate—to enlarge, expand
- recoil—to fall or draw back as in fear, disgust, or from an attack
- recompense—to give compensation to, pay back; to pay back for wrong done
- repugnance—strong dislike
- concourse—a large space for the gathering of crowds; a large gathering of people
- lurk—to sneak; to move about stealthily and unnoticed
- dandle—to bounce a young child playfully on one’s knees; to pamper
- mire—deep, slimy mud; a difficult situation
- dubious—doubtful
- elicit—to cause to come forth
- flourish—a grand or bold gesture; an ornate embellishment
- fretful—irritable; bothersome
- impious—irreverent; disrespectful
- incoherent—unclear; unable to express one’s thoughts in a clear fashion
- Physiognomy—the “science” of determining a person’s character from the appearance of the face.
- downcast—depressed
- proficiency—competence; ability; skill
- prolix—excessively long, wordy, tedious
- rouse—to excite, arouse, awaken; to stir to action
- subsequent—following, coming after
- uncouth—ill-mannered; crude; awkward
- comrade—friend or companion
- discourse—to converse
- interchange—to switch each of two things, one as a replacement for the other
- perplex—to confuse or cause doubt
- renounce—to abandon all claim to; disown
- abhorrent—disgusting; repugnant
- drivel—to have saliva running from the mouth, to drool; to utter incomprehensible nonsense
Chapter 43
- abyss—an immeasurably vast and deep chasm
- blundering—clumsy
- exasperate—to bother; to make extremely angry
- expedition—a journey undertaken with a specific purpose or goal in mind
- extenuate—to lessen the severity of; to offer excuses for
- incursion—an invasion; entering into another’s territory
- loiter—to linger purposelessly
- alteration—a change or the process of changing
- confound—confuse
- haggard—appearing worn and exhausted
- keen—sharp, both literally as a knife or figuratively as wit or intellect
- render—to make; to cause to become
- suppress—to inhibit
- conjecture—a guess based on incomplete or inconclusive evidence
- conjugate—to join together; couple
- divert—change from one course to another
- irrespective—regardless of
- rakish—dashing, sporting, stylish; lacking restraint, self-indulgent
- tacit—implied or inferred; not spoken
- prudent—wise
- purser—the officer of a ship in charge of provisions and money
- commune—to be in intimate communication with
- consign—to entrust to the care of another
- redeem—to recover by paying a specified sum; to fulfill a pledge or pay a debt
- consolation—the act of comforting one in grief; something that brings about comfort
- superannuate—to retire as old or obsolete
- undesigning—straightforward; sincere
- antipodes—regions south of the equator, especially New Zealand and Australia
- boatswain—an officer on a ship in charge of the ship’s rigging, anchor, cables, and deck crew
- condemned—pronounced guilty; sentenced, especially to death.
- confute—to prove to be wrong
- dominion—an area of supreme authority; exercise of control or authority
- effectual—sufficient to create the desired effect
- necromantic—pertaining to sorcery, especially to the art of communicating with the dead
- ominous—foreshadowing evil
- phosphoric—containing a substance that glows in the dark
- plenipotentiary—a diplomatic officer with full authority to represent his/her government
- propensity—an innate tendency
- sententious—prone to excessive and pompous moralizing
- virtuous—morally excellent
- hypothesis—a tentative assumption for the purpose of argument or further observation
- scoundrel—a villain
- bemoan—to express grief over; lament
- vestige—the final trace left behind of something that has all but disappeared
- collected—calm
- vivacity—liveliness
- compassionating—having and showing compassion for
- credentials—documents verifying one’s identity or qualifications
- discursive—rambling
- grievous—seriously wrong; causing pain or harm
- refectory—the dining hall of an institution like a school or prison
- spurn—to reject
- supplementary—additional
Chapter 50
- merited—entitled to honor 3. vaguely—not clearly expressed
- spontaneously—impulsively
- abeyance—cessation 6. obdurate—hard-hearted
- dictatorial—oppressive toward others 7. repressed—restricted
- lapsed—temporarily deviated 8. inkling—indication
- magisterially—authoritatively 9. spluttering—speaking fast
- sniveling—whining with snorting 10. wont—habit
- bewildered—confused 3. heeding—paying attention to
- brazen—marked by boldness 4. injunction—court order
- besetting—troubling 7. irresolute—doubtful
- deliberation—consideration 8. notion—belief
- delirious—demented 9. perpendicular—exactly upright
- goad—urged to action 10. taunting—teasing
- inclination—a tendency 11. tinder—flammable substance
- tumult—commotion
- amphibious—adapted for both land and water 14. leniently—with tolerance
- apportioned—divided 15. slacken—decrease
- astern—behind a ship 16. stagnation—recession
- athwart—across 17. submissive—agreeable
- capsized—sunk 18. trifle—bit
- capstans—machines for moving heavy weights 19. vacillating—changing
- captor—abductor 20. vex—disturb
- colliers—ships for delivering coal
- despondent—depressed
- emigrant—person who leaves home to live elsewhere
- enriching—making richer
- hempen—made of hemp
- keel—the chief structural member of a boat
- bagatelle—games involving rolling balls into goals 3. legible—readable
- exordium—introduction in composition 4. querulous—complaining
- allotted—assigned as a part 5. pondered—reflected on
- indelible—permanent 6. sauntered—walked in relaxed manner
- infirmary—small hospital 7. wholly—entirely
- nosegays—small bunches of flowers
- composure—calmness
- cumber—to hinder, especially by imposing too many burdens
- errant—wandering; either in search of adventure or from the proper moral path
- orthographical—relating to spelling and the writing of words
- relish—to enjoy
- transformation—a change from one being or type to another, usually for the better
- underlet—sublet
- teemed—poured
- baffle—to confuse
- quiver—to tremble
- concealment—the condition of being hidden; a secret place
- toil—hard, especially hard work
- wither—to dry up or to cause to dry up
- complier—one that gathers materials from other documents
- ajar—slightly open 3. renowned—celebrated, famous
- matronly—motherly 4. tranquil—calm