Freshman English I—Cumulative Vocabulary 2015
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
1. Pomfret : any of a family (Bramidae) of usually deep-bodied spiny-finned oceanic fishes some of which are
used for food
2. Saga (49)
1 : a prose narrative recorded in Iceland in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or legendary figures
and events of the heroic age of Norway and Iceland
2 : a modern heroic narrative resembling the Icelandic saga
3 : a long detailed account <a saga of the Old South>
3. Erudite (51) : possessing or displaying extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books : profound,
recondite, or bookish learning
4. Opulent (52): exhibiting or characterized by opulence: as : having a large estate or property : WEALTHY
5. Aubergine (54): eggplant
6. Ruminations (66): 1. to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly; 2 : to chew
repeatedly for an extended period: Reflect or ponder
7. Expostulated (71): to reason earnestly with a person for purposes of dissuasion or remonstrance
8. Sonorous (79) 1.producing sound (as when struck), 2. full or loud in sound <a sonorous voice>
9. Impetuous (90)1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion <an impetuous temperament>
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action <an impetuous wind>
10. Purloined (90) to steal
11. Churl (90) 1 : a medieval peasan 2. : RUSTIC, COUNTRYMAN, 3. a : a rude ill-bred person b : a stingy morose
person
12. Rapture (99): an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion, a state or experience of being carried
away by overwhelming emotion
13. Lamented (102) mourned for
14. Torrent (107) a tumultuous outpouring : RUSH, 2 : a violent stream of a liquid (as water or lava)
3 : a channel of a mountain stream
15. Formidable (121)
1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension <a formidable prospect>
2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack
3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder : IMPRESSIVE
16. Fatalistic (121)
: a doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them; also :
a belief in or attitude determined by this doctrine
17. Fanaticism (131): marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion
18. Gryphon (134) (variation of Griffin) : a mythical animal typically having the head, forepart, and wings
of an eagle and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion
19. Basilisk (134)
1 : a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance
2 : any of several crested tropical American lizards (genus Basiliscus of the family Iguanidae) related to
the iguanas and noted for their ability to run on their hind legs
20. Manticore (134)
a legendary animal with the head of a man, the body of a lion, and the tail of a dragon or scorpion
21. Amour (138)
: a usually illicit love affair; also : LOVER
22. Disconsolately (145)
1 : CHEERLESS <a clutch of disconsolate houses — D. H. Lawrence>
2 : DEJECTED, DOWNCAST <the team returned disconsolate from three losses
23. Treacle (160)
1 : a medicinal compound formerly in wide use as a remedy against poison
2 chiefly British a : MOLASSES b : a blend of molasses, invert sugar, and corn syrup used as syrup —called
also golden syrup
3 : something (as a tone of voice) heavily sweet and cloying
24. Unabashed (163): not embarrassed
25. Insipid (163)
1 : lacking taste or savor : TASTELESS <insipid food>
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : DULL, FLAT <insipid prose>
26. Consternation (172): amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion <the two…stared at
each other in consternation, and neither knew what to do — Pearl Buck>
27. Terrapins (182): any of various aquatic turtles
28. Inscrutable (183): mysterious
29. Askew (197): Out of line, awry
30. Somnolent (203)
1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep <a somnolent sermon>
2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : DROWSY b : SLEEPY 2 <somnolent rivers>
The Odyssey
31. Invocation: (noun) the act or process of petitioning for help or support
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Navel
Relent
Gorge
Impunity
Insolent
(noun) the central point, middle
(v) to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity; to let up
(v) to eat greedily, to stuff to capacity, glut
(n) Freedom from punishment or harm.
(adj) insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct : overbearing
37. Braggart (n) a loud, arrogant boaster
38. Rash:
adj) marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution
39. Soothsayers (n) a person who predicts the future by magical, intuitive, or more rational means :
prognosticator
40. Auspicious (adj) affording a favorable signs (prophecy)
41. Scepter
(n) staff or baton borne by a sovereign as an emblem of authority
42. Retribution (n) recompense, reward
43. Scourge
(n) 1 whip; especially : one used to inflict pain or punishment
2 : an instrument of punishment or criticism
3 : a cause of wide or great affliction
44. Fruition
(n) 1: the state of bearing fruit 2: realization
45. Sea-girt
(adj) Surrounded by/enclosed by the sea.
46. Libations (n) an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity)
47. Aegis
(n) a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and
Athena
48. Recompense (n) an equivalent or a return for something done, suffered, or given : compensation
49. Crag
(n) a steep rugged rock or cliff
50. Propitiate (v) to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : appease
51. Portico
(n) a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at
the entrance of a building
52. Electrum (n) a natural pale yellow alloy of gold and silver
53. Pre-eminent (adj) having paramount rank, dignity, or importance : outstanding, supreme
54. Vestibule (n) a passage, hall, or room between the outer door and the interior of a building : lobby
55. Ambrosia (n) 1 a : the food of the Greek and Roman gods
b : the ointment or perfume of the gods
56. Sedge (n) any of a family of usually tufted marsh plants
57. Intemperately (adv) any of a family of usually tufted marsh plants
58. Cormorant (n) any of various dark-colored web-footed water birds that have a long neck, hooked
bill, and distensible throat pouch
59. Fallow (adj) usu. cultivated land that is allowed to lie idle during the growing season obsolete :
plowed land; of a light yellowish-brown color
60. Augers (n) any of various tools or devices having a helical shaft or member that are used for boring
holes (as in wood, soil, or ice) or moving loose material (as snow)
61. Assuage (v) ease
62. Laurel (n) an evergreen shrub or tree
63. Reconnoiter (v) : to make a reconnaissance of (a preliminary survey to gain information; especially
: an exploratory military survey of enemy territory)
64. Stalwart (adj) strong
65. Gaoler (n) One who guards prisons
66. Asphodel (n) any of various Old World herbs of the lily family
67. Adjudicates (v) to settle judicially
68. Spar (n) a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to
support rigging
69. Diadem (n) crown
70. Sties (n) pigpens
71. Prerogatives (n) an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege
72. Suppliant (n) One who asks humbly and earnestly of
73. Forager (n) One who ravages or raids
74. Impiety (n) the state of being irreverent
75. Impunity (n) exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss
76. Gluttonous (adj) marked by excessive eating and drinking
77. Incessant (adj) continuing or following without interruption : unceasing; continual
78. Voracious (adj) having a huge appetite : ravenous
79. Besotted (adj) 1 : infatuate
2 : to make dull or stupid; especially : to muddle with drunkenness
80. Gibe (used as noun) :taunting words
81. Prodigious (adj) Extraordinary
82. Papyrus (n) 1 : a tall perennial sedge (Cyperus papyrus) of the Nile valley
2 : the pith of the papyrus plant especially when made into strips and pressed into a material
to write on
3 a : a writing on papyrus b : a written scroll made of papyrus
83. Gadfly (n) 1 : any of various flies that bite or annoy livestock
2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
To Kill a Mockingbird
84. Taciturn: Adj temperamentally disinclined to talk
85. nebulous adj 1) cloud, misty or hazy; 2) lacking definite form or limits; vague
86. iniquities n 1 : gross injustice : WICKEDNESS 2 : a wicked act or thing : SIN
87. contentious Adj exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and
disputes: a man of a most contentious nature
synonym BELLIGERENT
88. auspicious adj favorable; propitious; successful; prosperous
89. uncouth Adj Crude; unrefined; awkward or clumsy
90. elucidate Verb to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis: elucidate a text; to give a
clarifying explanation; synonym see EXPLAIN
91. Temerity: Noun 1 : unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : RASHNESS,
RECKLESSNESS; 2 : audacity; nerve
92. Feral: noun 1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a wild beast : feral teeth; feral instincts 2 a : not
domesticated or cultivated : WILD b : having escaped from domestication and become wild
synonym see BRUTAL
93. adamant Adj unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion :
UNYIELDING; synonym see INFLEXIBLE
Lord of the Flies
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points
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Proffer
Efflorescence
Effulgence
Enmity
Decorous
Fulcrum
Chorister
Suffusion
Pliant
Immured
Defiles
Bastion
Ebullience
Recrimination
Tumult
Tirade
Festooned
v. to offer for acceptance
n. blooming of flowers/ state of flowering
n. brilliant shining
n. deep seated hatred; state of being an enemy
adj. exhibiting appropriate behavior or conduct
n. the point on which a lever pivots
n. a singer or leader of a choir
n. a spreading through or over as with color, liquid or light
adj. easily bent or flexed
v. confined within walls; imprisoned
n. a narrow passageway or gorge
n. a fortified area or position
n. zestful or spirited enthusiasm
n. the act of accusing in return; opposing another charge
n. commotion of a great crowd; disorder
n. a long angry or violent speech; a diatribe
v. to decorate with a garland, as of leaves or flowers, btwn two looped
Furtive
adj. marked by stealth; surreptitiously
Avid(ly)
adv. having ardent desire or craving; eagerly
Oppressive
adj. using power unjustly; burdensome
Inscrutable (again!)
adj. difficult to understand, mysterious
Vicissitudes
n. a change or variation; unexpected changes in life
Contrite
adj. repentant, penitent
Gesticulated v. to make gestures esp. while speaking
Opaque
adj. impenetrable by light
Declivities
n. downward slopes, as of a hill
Tacit
adj. not spoken; implied by actions or statements
Blatant
adj. totally or offensively obtrusive; very obvious
Detritus
n. loose fragments or grains worn away from rock
Taboo
adj. excluded or forbidden from use or mention
Sinewy
adj. lean and muscular; stringy and tough
Malevolently adv. having an ill will or wishing harm to others; malicious
Ludicrous
adj. laughably and obviously absurd; foolish
Ineffectual
adj. insufficient to produce an effect; useless
Jeer
v. to abuse vocally; taunt or mock\
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Effigy
n. a likeness or image, esp. a crude figure representing a hated person/group
Inarticulate
adv. incomprehensible; unable to speak with clarity
Diffidently
adv. timidly, lacking self confidence
Leviathan
n. something very large; giant sea creature in the Bible
Plinth
n. a block or slab on which a pedestal or statue is placed
Clamor
n. a lout outcry; great expression of discontent
Mutinously
adv. unruly; insubordinate or constituting a mutiny
Obtuse(ness) n. (the state of) lacking quickness of perception or intellect
Coverts
n. covered shelter or hiding place
Crestfallen
adj. dispirited and depressed; dejected
Impervious
adj. incapable of being penetrated or affected
Enterprise
n. an undertaking or business organization; industrious
Glowered
v. looked at or stared angrily or sullenly
Rebuke
adj. modest and reserved in manner or behavior
Fervor
n. great intensity of emotion; intense heat
Corpulent
adj. excessively fat
Parody
n. a satirical imitation
Sauntered
v. to walk at a leisurely pace; stroll
Torrid
adj. 1) very dry or hot, 2) passionate
Compelled
v. force or drive; exert a strong, irresistible force on
Luminous
adj. emitting light; full of light
Myopia
n. nearsightedness
Propitiate(ingly) v. to conciliate; appease
Quavered
v. trembled, or spoke in a trembling voice
Parried
v. deflected or warded off; avoided
Talisman
n. an object with magical power
Acrid
adj. unpleasantly sharp or bitter taste or smell
Antiphonal
adj. sung in response
Cordon
n. a line of people or ships stationed to guard
Elephantine
adj. the size of an elephant; enormous size/strength
Ululation
n. state of wailing, howling or lamenting loudly
Epaulettes
n. a fringed strap worn on military uniforms
Romeo and Juliet
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Profane
verb: to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt
Pernicious
adj: highly injurious or destructive : deadly.
Augmenting verb: to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense.
Portentous
adj: Portent: (noun) something that foreshadows a coming event : omen ,
sign.., por·ten·tous·ly adverb , por·ten·tous·ness noun
Posterity
n: all future generations
Languish
verb: to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated ; to be or live in a state of
depression or decreasing vitality.
Heretics
n. 1: a dissenter from established religious dogma
Esteem
n. worth , value
Obscured
v. to make dark, dim, or indistinct;
Boisterous
adj. a: coarse b: durable , strong c: massive; noisily turbulent : rowdy;
Perjury
n. the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is
untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath : false swearing
Variable
adj. able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes ; fickle, inconstant
Intercession n. prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another
Chide : verb. to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner :
scold
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Brine
Rancor
Feign
Wanton
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a : one given to self-indulgent flirtation or trifling —used especially in the phrase play the
wanton
b : a lewd person
2 ) a pampered person or animal : pet; especially : a spoiled child
3) : a frolicsome child or animal
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Appertaining
Consort
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a : a group of singers or instrumentalists performing together b : a set of musical instruments
of the same family
to keep company/associate
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n. water saturated or strongly impregnated with common salt
n. bitter deep-seated ill will noun
v. to give a false appearance of; pretend
adj. Uncontrollable, rebellious
adj. to belong or be connected as a rightful part or attribute (appropriate)
verb and noun
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n. 1 a loose sleeveless garment worn over other clothes : cloak
b : a figurative cloak symbolizing preeminence or authority accepted the
mantle of leadership
Bier
n. a stand on which a corpse or coffin is placed; also : a coffin together with its stand
Beguiled:
v. Deceived—led by deception
Validity :
having legal force
Abhor :
to regard with extreme repugnance : loathe, hate
Beseech
verb 1 : to beg for urgently or anxiously 2 : to request earnestly; implore
Inundation
noun Overflow
Arbitrating
v. Deciding Arbiter (noun): 1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : judge
Orisons
noun PRAYER
Culled
verb Chosen
Solace:
verb (and noun) Console
Dirges: noun: a song or hymn of grief or lamentation; especially : one intended to
accompany funeral or memorial rites
Presage
1 : something that foreshadows or portends a future event : omen
Impeach
verb 1) to bring an accusation against
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Penury:
Sepulcher:
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Mantle
i.
noun severe poverty
noun a place of burial : tomb