13 December 2004
Obsession: Vocabulary (GG)
1. contemptuous
Page: 104
Context: “He knew women early and since they spoiled him he became contemptuous of them, of young virgins because they were ignorant…”
Context Definition: aloof
Etymology: 1393, from Latin contemptus "scorn," pp. of contemnere, from com- intens. prefix + temnere "to slight, scorn," of uncertain origin. Contemptuous is from 1529
English Definition: Manifesting or feeling that someone or something is inferior, base, or worthless; scornful
Sentence: The boy was contemptuous of his fellow classmate for losing the debate.
2. haughtily
Page: 108-09
Context: “Mr. Sloane didn’t enter into the conversation but lounged back haughtily in his chair; the woman said nothing either—until unexpectedly, after two highballs, she became cordial.”
Context Definition: proudly
Etymology: haughty: 1530 (spelling changed on model of caught, etc.), from Middle English haute "high in one's own estimation" (1430)
English Definition: Scornfully and condescendingly proud
Sentence: People from rich neighborhoods were usually stereotyped for being haughty.
3. incredulous
Page: 129
Context: “‘An Oxford man!” He was incredulous. ‘Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit.’”
Context Definition: doubtful
Etymology: incredible: 1412, from Latin incredibilis "that cannot be believed," from in- "not" + credibilis "worthy of belief."
Incredulity "disbelieving frame of mind" first attested 1430; incredulous "unbelieving" is from 1579
English Definition: Skeptical; disbelieving
Sentence: The high bidder was still incredulous about winning.
4. redolent
Page: 155-56
Context: “…of gay and radiant activities taking place through its corridors and of romances that were not musty and laid away already in lavender but fresh and breathing and redolent of this year’s shining motor cars and of dances whose flowers were scarcely withered.”
Context Definition: scented
Etymology: c.1400, from Old French redolent "emitting an odor," from Latin redolentem, prp. of redolere "emit a scent," from re-, intensive prefix + olere "give off a smell"
English Definition: Having or emitting fragrance; aromatic
Sentence: My car was redolent of fresh leather.
5. pervading
Page: 156
Context: “He felt their presence all about the house, pervading the air with the shades and echoes of still vibrant emotions.”
Context Definition: filling
Etymology: pervade: 1653, from Latin pervadere "spread or go through," from per- "through" + vadere "to go"
English Definition: To be present throughout; permeate
Sentence: The smells of the garbage pervades the clean air of our home.
6. benediction
Page: 160
Context: “The track curved and now it was going away from the sun which, as it sank lower, seemed to spread itself in benediction over the vanishing city where she had drawn her breath.”
Context Definition: miraculously
Etymology: 1432, from Latin benedictionem (nom. benedictio), noun of action from benedicere "to speak well of, bless," from bene "well" + dicere "to speak"
English Definition: A blessing
Sentence: The priest gave his benediction at the end of his morning service.
7. jauntily
Page: 185
Context: “She was dressed to play golf and I remember thinking she looked like a good illustration, her chin raised a little, jauntily, her hair the color of an autumn leaf, her face the same brown tint as the fingerless glove on her knee.”
Context Definition: confidently
Etymology: jaunty: 1662, "elegant, stylish," from French gentil "nice, pleasing," from Old French gentil "noble"
English Definition: Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk
Sentence: Models strut down the catwalk jauntily to show off the new styles of the season.
Other Key Terms:
vestige: p.94 A visible trace, evidence, or sign of something that once existed but exists or appears no more
meretricious: p.104 Attracting attention in a vulgar manner
prig: p.137 A person who demonstrates an exaggerated conformity or propriety, especially in an irritatingly arrogant or smug manner
magnanimous: p.142 Courageously noble in mind and heart
garrulous: p.163 Given to excessive and often trivial or rambling talk; tiresomely talkative
pasquinade: p.171 A satire or lampoon, especially one that ridicules a specific person