Literature
Vocab list 2
Circumference: noun – the boundary of an area, an object or a geometric figure, especially a circle.
From the Latin circumferencia. The Latin word originally referred to the circular course traced
by mathematicians using a compass.
Commotion: noun – noisy activity or confusion.
From the Latin prefix com- which strengthens the meaning of verbs, and movere, “to move”.
Concoction: noun – something that has been prepared by putting several things together; a mixture of
ingredients.
From the Latin verb concoquere, “to cook, boil down, concoct a poison”.
Conspicuous: adjective – 1. Easily seen; obvious. 2. Attracting attention; striking; remarkable.
From the Latin verb conspicere, “to notice or catch sight of”.
Contortion: noun – a sharp twist or bend in something.
From the Latin noun contortion, meaning “twisting around”.
Counter: verb – to do or say something in opposition to something else.
From the Old French preposition contre, “against” which comes from the Latin preposition
contra, meaning “against”. Contra can be found in many words relating to the concept of being
opposite or opposed to, such as contradict.
Cunning: adjective – sly, crafty, or clever.
In Old English, cunning was the present participle of the verb can (to know) that meant
“knowing how to do something”. This word has survived in Modern English as the adjective cunning.
Debris: noun – the scattered remains of something broken, destroyed, or discarded; rubble or
wreckage.
From the Old French verb debrisier, “to break to pieces”.
Defiance: noun – the act of defying; open resistance to an opposing force or authority.
From the Old French noun desfiance, “the ending of a friendship with someone.”
Deft: noun – quick and skillful; adroit.
From the Middle English deft which at one time meant both “humble” and “skillful”, probably
based on the notion of “acting appropriately for the circumstances”.