The Giver
Parched
dried out with heat; extremely thirsty
Usage:
The parched lands of Neiltopia had but a modicum of rainfall each year.
Scoundrel
a dishonest or wicked person
“The landlord was called a scoundrel by the neighbors.”
Red herring
a clue or piece of information meant to mislead
Wild-goose chase
Meaning: A futile or hopeless pursuit
Original usage: “Nay, if thy wits run the wild-goose chase, I have done.”
— Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene 4
Unsung hero
Meaning: Someone who made a significant impact without recognition
Example: “The biography honors the unsung heroes of the movement.”
Benign
not harmful (personality: gentle, kind)
Usage
A benign tumor
Although Ms. Crimson might appear intimidating, she was benign at heart.
“The community was so benign, so carefully ordered.”
Defrauded
cheated or deceived financially
“Many Jewish families were defrauded of their property.”
Sagacity
the quality of being wise or having good judgment
“Miss Marple’s sagacity was not to be underestimated.”
In a pickle
Meaning: In trouble or a difficult situation
Original usage: “How camest thou in this pickle?”
— The Tempest, Act V, Scene 1
Mettle
Meaning: Courage and fortitude
Usage: “He showed his mettle during the darkest days of the revolution.”
Indolence
avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness
Adj: indolent
Usage: Fred's indolence was the primary reason for his subpar performance at NAPFA.
Candelabra
branched candle holders
“The candelabra glowed during the Sabbath.”
Impetuous
acting quickly without thought or care
“Her impetuous nature often led her into trouble.”
A foregone conclusion
Meaning: An outcome that is certain or inevitable
Original usage: “But this denoted a foregone conclusion.”
— Othello, Act III, Scene 3
Prodigious
Meaning: Remarkably or impressively great in extent or ability
Usage: “His prodigious talent was evident even in childhood.”
Sinuous
having many curves and turns; graceful and flexible
“He saw the sinuous ropes of muscle on the sled dog.”
Bar Mitzvah
The ceremony initiates children into religious adulthood and acceptance of responsibility for upholding the commandments enumerated in the Torah and the Talmud.
Inquest
a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an incident
“There was a formal inquest, but the verdict was death by misadventure.”
Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve
Meaning: To openly show emotions
Original usage: “But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at.”
— Othello, Act I, Scene 1
Epitome
Meaning: A perfect example of a particular quality or type
Usage: “He was the epitome of grace under pressure.”
Assuage
to make an unpleasant feeling less intense
The memory was not enough to assuage the pain.
Yarmulke
a skullcap worn by Jewish men
Friedrich adjusted his yarmulke before entering the synagogue.
Nonplussed
surprised and confused so much that one is unsure how to react
“Poirot looked nonplussed for a moment, then smiled.”
Sanctimonious
Meaning: Hypocritically pious or morally superior
Original usage: “The sanctimonious pirate that went to sea with the Ten Commandments but scraped one out of the table.”
— The Tempest, Act I, Scene 2
Catharsis
Meaning: Emotional release or purification through art or experience
Usage: “The memoir serves as a catharsis for decades of suppressed grief.”
Anomie
A state of normlessness, disorder, or confusion in a society when the standard norms and values are weak or unclear. (Sociological Theory)
Dogmatism
The tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly (cannot be denied/questioned) true, without consideration of evidence or others’ opinions.
Obfuscation
The act of making something obscure or unclear, often deliberately.
Equivocation
The use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth (Macbeth).
Hagiography
A biography that idealises its subject, often ignoring flaws.