The Great Gatsby Vocab

The Great Gatsby VocabAP English Language and CompositionChapter 1 Vocabulary

reproach(v) to accuse of and blame for guilt

wistfully(adv) describes something that's done with longing or regret

supercilious(adj) contemptuously indifferent: full of contempt and arrogance

effeminate(adj) an offensive term used to describe a man whose behavior, appearance, or speech is considered to be similar to that traditionally associated with women or girlsfractiousness(n) irritable and likely to complain or misbehave

vista(n) a scenic or panoramic view

pungent(adj) strong smelling or strong tasting: having a strong smell or a powerfully sharp or bitter taste

Chapter 2 Vocabulary

strident(adj) strongly expressed: loudly, strongly, or urgently expressed

inexhaustible(adj) not getting tired

deft(adj) quick and skillful

impassioned(adj) expressing strong feelings

clad(adj) dressed

Chapter 3 Vocabulary

omnibus(adj) comprising of several items

harlequin(n) a mute character in traditional pantomime, typically masked and dressed in a diamond-patterned costume

prodigality(adj) extravagance: the trait of spending extravagantly

erroneous(adj) wrong; incorrect

anomalous(adj) deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected

enigmatic(adj) difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious

Chapter 4 Vocabulary

poignant(adj) evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret

sanguine(adj) a blood-red color

Chapter 5 Vocabulary

punctilious(adj) showing great attention to detail or correct behavior

retribution(n) punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved

ambivalence(n) mixed feelings or emotions

Chapter 6 Vocabulary

bravado(n) a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate

mollifying(v) reduce the severity of (something); soften

bleared(v) make dim; blur

Chapter 7 Vocabulary

disdain(v) consider to be unworthy of one's consideration

insidious(adj) proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects

reveries(n) a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts; a daydream

Chapter 8 Vocabulary

omniscience(adj) universal or infinite knowledge

commutation(n) action or the process of commuting a judicial sentence

Chapter 9 Vocabulary

perfunctory(adj) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection

crooned(v) hum or sing in a soft, low voice, esp. in a sentimental manner

rickeys(n) a drink made of liquor, typically gin, lime or lemon juice, carbonated water, and ice