Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Vocab

By Yeayoung Koh

Adversity

Adversity (n)- any hardship or difficulty that one faces

In the end of all the adversity, he proved through and ended up the wiser for it.

Brawny

Brawny (a)- someone that is very muscular, strong, and calloused

Despite the man’s brawny and brutal look, he was actually a very gentle person who loved to play with his cat.

Congenial

Congenial (a)- a trait of a person being very friendly or agreeable

She was a very sunny and congenial girl who warmed up everyone around her like a sun does to wilting flowers.

DecorumDecorum (a)- an orderly and dignified behavior, speech, and dress

His decorum could have been taken off as prideful and pompous.

Docile

Docile (a)- the characteristic of being easily manageable and of a quiet and peaceful nature

Doves have always been docile birds that worked well with humans; therefore they usually represent peace and happiness.

Quell

Quell (v)- to vanquish, suppress, or put an end to something

The government worked very hard to quell the nasty rumors, but it grew even worse like a wind trying to blow off an ever-enlarging fire.

Reprieve

Reprieve (v)- to relieve or temporarily delay a punishment or execution

The murderer was only temporarily reprieved from the dungeon only because they had run out of room.

Slanderous

Slanderous (n)- a malicious and false rumor, report, or statement

The slanderous words cut her mind like sharpened steel knives.

Transpire

Transpire (v)- to occur and have taken place

The events transpired all in a clamor that nobody could later tell what happened where and why.

Vigilant

Vigilant (a)- to be keen, alert, and very watchful

A survivor of the Titanic only survived with her vigilance, steadiness, and perseverance.

Ardent

Ardent (a)- being passionate and very enthusiastic about something. He knew that if he worked ardently in what he believed in

Somber

Somber (a)-something or someone that is dark and gloomyThe somber atmosphere of the guest instantly killed the happy, bubbly feeling of the party.

AmbitionAmbition (n)- desire for success or to reach a goal

There is a saying in my family that obtuse people with great ambitions are the most dangerous people of all.

Eminent

Eminent (a)- someone who has a high standing and also respected

The charisma of the young but eminent lawyer held the attention of anyone he met.

Intoxicating

Intoxicating (a)- very exciting and interesting

The roller coaster ride was intoxicating and soon had my head spinning of clouds.

Commendation

Commendation (n)- a praise of someone’s actions, character, or achievements.

The commendations of the girl’s parents were proud and mostly untrue.

Intone

Intone (v)- saying something in a solemn way

The usually quiet student somberly intoned his ideas to the teacher’s surprise.

Impression

Impression (n)- an idea or assumption that stays in somebody’s mind.

First Impressions are extremely important, but impressions do often lie.

Obligation

Obligation (n)- a duty, gratitude owed or a contract

Her obligation to the family as the first daughter left her with many responsibilities that left her sometimes tired and exasperated.

Succumbing

Succumbing (v)- To give in to something

Succumbing to petty things such as drugs are a trap for weakness that I would never want to face.

Confining

Confining (v)- to keep within limits or to keep in some place

The confining space of the cabin seemed to compress her in a tight suffocating space.

Agog

Agog (a)- very interestedThe girl was agog over

all the wonders of the Persian circus.

Gesticulate

Gesticulate (v)- to make gestures or motions referring to something

The owner of the baggage snappily gesticulated at the porter to expedite his performance on carrying the items.