Crime & Punishment Flashcards
1
Q
Verging
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈvɜːrdʒɪŋ/
- Meaning: Getting very close to a specific state, condition, or boundary. It can describe emotional, physical, or situational closeness to something.
- Type: Verb (verge, verged, verging).
- Synonym: Approaching
- Antonym: Retreating
Examples:
- “He was verging on despair; poverty and hunger weighed heavily on him.” (from Crime and Punishment)
- The negotiations were verging on collapse after several disagreements.
- Her laughter was verging on hysterical as the situation spiraled out of control.
2
Q
Trifles
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈtraɪfəlz/
- Meaning: Small, unimportant things that have little value or significance.
- Type: Noun (plural).
- Synonym: Insignificances
- Antonym: Essentials
Examples:
- “And what are trifles?” (from Crime and Punishment).
- They argued over trifles while ignoring the bigger issue.
- Don’t waste your energy worrying about trifles like what others think of you.
3
Q
Tremulously
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈtrɛm.jə.ləs.li/
- Meaning: In a shaky, nervous, or timid way, often due to fear or weakness.
- Type: Adverb.
- Synonym: Shakily
- Antonym: Confidently
Examples:
- “She asked tremulously, ‘Why did you come?’” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The boy tremulously admitted to breaking the vase.
- The old woman smiled tremulously as she received her award.
4
Q
Tantalizing
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈtæn.təˌlaɪ.zɪŋ/
- Meaning: Teasing or tempting in a way that makes you want something you cannot have.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Tempting
- Antonym: Unappealing
Examples:
- “He caught sight of the tantalizing hope of freedom, but it was just out of reach.”
- The smell of the fresh bread was tantalizing to the starving man.
- The tantalizing offer made him hesitate before refusing.
5
Q
Stout
A
- Pronunciation: /staʊt/
- Meaning: Physically strong, thick, or slightly overweight. It can also describe someone strong-willed or determined.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Robust
- Antonym: Weak
Examples:
- “A stout woman stood by the door, watching him closely.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The stout bridge survived the harsh winter storms.
- He had a stout heart, never giving up despite the challenges.
6
Q
Stench
A
- Pronunciation: /stɛntʃ/
- Meaning: A very strong and unpleasant smell.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Odor
- Antonym: Fragrance
Examples:
- “The stench from the tavern was unbearable, mixing beer and sweat.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The stench of garbage made me cover my nose immediately.
- The stench of decay filled the abandoned house.
7
Q
Spiteful
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈspaɪt.fəl/
- Meaning: Showing a desire to hurt or offend someone out of anger or resentment.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Malicious
- Antonym: Kind
Examples:
- “She gave him a spiteful look, her anger barely contained.”
- His spiteful words were meant to wound her deeply.
- The child acted spitefully, knocking over his sister’s toys.
8
Q
Shabbiness
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈʃæb.i.nəs/
- Meaning: The condition of being old, worn-out, or poorly cared for.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Tattiness
- Antonym: Freshness
Examples:
- “The shabbiness of his clothes showed his poverty.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The shabbiness of the old hotel made it look abandoned.
- His shoes were in a state of shabbiness, with holes at the soles.
9
Q
Scowl
A
- Pronunciation: /skaʊl/
- Meaning: A facial expression that shows anger, annoyance, or disapproval.
- Type: Noun (or verb: to scowl).
- Synonym: Frown
- Antonym: Smile
Examples:
- “He wore a deep scowl as he stared at the noisy crowd.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- Her scowl disappeared as soon as she saw her friend.
- The teacher’s scowl warned the students to be quiet.
10
Q
Scaffolding
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈskæf.əl.dɪŋ/
- Meaning: A temporary structure used to support workers during construction or repairs.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Framework
- Antonym: Permanent structure
Examples:
- “The building was surrounded by scaffolding.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The workers climbed the scaffolding to paint the upper floors.
- Pieces of scaffolding collapsed in the storm, leaving the building unfinished.
11
Q
Rags
A
- Pronunciation: /ræɡz/
- Meaning: Torn, old pieces of cloth or clothing, often used to describe very worn-out attire.
- Type: Noun (plural).
- Synonym: Tatters
- Antonym: Garments
Examples:
- “The man’s clothes were nothing but rags, a sign of his extreme poverty.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- She wore rags, her face dirt-streaked from the streets.
- The beggar’s rags contrasted sharply with the wealth of the city around him.
12
Q
Pledge
A
- Pronunciation: /plɛdʒ/
- Meaning: A promise or commitment to do something, or to give something as security.
- Type: Noun or Verb (pledge, pledged, pledged).
- Synonym: Promise
- Antonym: Break (a promise)
Examples:
- “She brought a small object as a pledge for the money she needed.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- He gave his pledge to repay the loan by the end of the month.
- They pledged to support the charity through monthly donations.
13
Q
Pestering
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈpɛstərɪŋ/
- Meaning: Annoying or troubling someone repeatedly with questions, requests, or interruptions.
- Type: Verb (pester, pestered, pestering).
- Synonym: Nagging
- Antonym: Leaving alone
Examples:
- “The woman kept pestering him with requests he could not fulfill.”
- Stop pestering your brother; he’s trying to finish his homework.
- He pestered the manager until he finally got an answer.
14
Q
Lodged
A
- Pronunciation: /lɑːdʒd/
- Meaning: Fixed, stuck, or placed firmly in a particular position.
- Type: Verb (lodge, lodged, lodged).
- Synonym: Stuck
- Antonym: Removed
Examples:
- “A fragment of paper was lodged under the table.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The key became lodged in the lock and wouldn’t turn.
- A bullet was lodged in the wall after the accident.
15
Q
Jeered
A
- Pronunciation: /dʒɪrd/
- Meaning: Mocked or laughed at someone in a rude, scornful way.
- Type: Verb (jeer, jeered, jeered).
- Synonym: Taunted
- Antonym: Cheered
Examples:
- “The crowd jeered at him as he stumbled, their laughter echoing around.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- Spectators jeered the losing team during the match.
- The bully jeered at the boy, making fun of his clothes.
16
Q
Ikon
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈaɪˌkɑːn/
- Meaning: A religious image or painting, often used in Orthodox Christian worship.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Religious image
- Antonym: Secular image
Examples:
- “An old ikon hung in the corner, a symbol of his family’s faith.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The priest placed the sacred ikon on the altar.
- She inherited a golden ikon from her grandmother’s church.
17
Q
Hideous
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈhɪd.i.əs/
- Meaning: Extremely ugly or repulsive in appearance; also used for unpleasant events or things.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Horrible
- Antonym: Beautiful
Examples:
- “The crime was hideous, far beyond anything they had imagined.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The monster had a hideous face that frightened everyone.
- The hideous noise from the factory kept them awake all night.
18
Q
Grotesque
A
- Pronunciation: /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/
- Meaning: Extremely strange, ugly, or unnatural in a way that is shocking or bizarre.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Bizarre
- Antonym: Normal
Examples:
- “His face looked grotesque, twisted with pain and fury.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The painting was filled with grotesque figures that defied logic.
- The ruins had a grotesque beauty, haunting and strange.
19
Q
Glittering
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈɡlɪt̬ərɪŋ/
- Meaning: Shining brightly, often with flashes of light.
- Type: Adjective or Verb (glitter, glittered, glittering).
- Synonym: Sparkling
- Antonym: Dull
Examples:
- “The city lights were glittering in the night as he walked alone.”
- Her dress was glittering with sequins under the party lights.
- Diamonds lay glittering on the velvet cloth.
20
Q
Gleamed
A
- Pronunciation: /ɡliːmd/
- Meaning: Shone softly or faintly, often with a reflective light.
- Type: Verb (gleam, gleamed, gleamed).
- Synonym: Shone
- Antonym: Dull
Examples:
- “The knife gleamed in his hand, catching the faint light.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she opened the gift.
- The floor gleamed after it was polished.
21
Q
Giddy
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈɡɪd.i/
- Meaning: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often from excitement, spinning, or nervousness.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Dizzy
- Antonym: Steady
Examples:
- “He felt giddy, his head spinning after walking in the sun too long.”
- She was so giddy with excitement that she almost tripped over her own feet.
- Looking down from the tall building made him feel giddy.
22
Q
Garret
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈɡær.ət/
- Meaning: A small, poor room at the top of a house, often under the roof, usually occupied by very poor people.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Attic room
- Antonym: Basement
Examples:
- “He lived in a small garret overlooking the dirty courtyard.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The struggling artist painted in his tiny garret, filled with the smell of oil paints.
- She climbed up to the dusty garret to find her childhood books.
23
Q
Fumbled
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈfʌm.bəld/
- Meaning: To handle something awkwardly or clumsily, often dropping it.
- Type: Verb (fumble, fumbled, fumbled).
- Synonym: Mishandled
- Antonym: Grasped
Examples:
- “He fumbled in his pocket for the coin but couldn’t find it.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- She fumbled with her keys, trying to unlock the door quickly.
- The player fumbled the ball, costing his team the game.
24
Q
Foreboding
A
- Pronunciation: /fɔːrˈboʊ.dɪŋ/
- Meaning: A strong feeling that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
- Type: Noun or Adjective.
- Synonym: Dread
- Antonym: Hopefulness
Examples:
- “He was filled with a sense of foreboding as he approached the old woman’s door.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The dark clouds created a foreboding atmosphere before the storm.
- There was a foreboding silence in the courtroom before the verdict was announced.
25
Q
Errand
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈɛr.ənd/
- Meaning: A short trip taken to do or deliver something, often on behalf of someone else.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Task
- Antonym: Leisure
Examples:
- “He had gone out on an errand to the pawnbroker.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- She sent her son on an errand to fetch milk from the store.
- Running errands for his boss left him exhausted by the end of the day.
26
Q
Dreaded
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈdrɛd.ɪd/
- Meaning: Feared greatly or anticipated with anxiety.
- Type: Verb (dread, dreaded, dreaded).
- Synonym: Feared
- Antonym: Welcomed
Examples:
- “He dreaded seeing her again, knowing what he had done.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The dreaded exam was finally over, much to everyone’s relief.
- He dreaded the idea of telling his parents the truth.
27
Q
Cupboard
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈkʌb.ɚd/
- Meaning: A small cabinet or piece of furniture with doors, used to store food, dishes, or other items.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Cabinet
- Antonym: Open shelf
Examples:
- “He opened the cupboard to find the pawned object she had described.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The plates were stacked neatly in the kitchen cupboard.
- She found an old diary tucked away at the back of the cupboard.
28
Q
Concertina
A
- Pronunciation: /ˌkɑːn.sɚˈtiː.nə/
- Meaning: A small, accordion-like musical instrument with bellows and buttons.
- Type: Noun.
- Synonym: Accordion
- Antonym: Drum
Examples:
- “A man sat on the corner, playing a sad tune on his concertina.”
- The sailor pulled out his concertina to play a lively song.
- The concertina’s music filled the room, adding to the cheerful atmosphere.
29
Q
Clutched
A
- Pronunciation: /klʌtʃt/
- Meaning: Held something tightly, often due to fear, anxiety, or urgency.
- Type: Verb (clutch, clutched, clutched).
- Synonym: Gripped
- Antonym: Released
Examples:
- “He clutched the axe tightly, his knuckles turning white.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The little girl clutched her mother’s hand in the crowded market.
- She clutched her bag close as she walked through the dark alley.
30
Q
Ceased
A
- Pronunciation: /siːst/
- Meaning: Stopped or came to an end.
- Type: Verb (cease, ceased, ceased).
- Synonym: Stopped
- Antonym: Continued
Examples:
- “The sound of footsteps ceased suddenly, leaving him in silence.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The rain ceased, and the sun finally broke through the clouds.
- The noise ceased when the teacher entered the classroom.
31
Q
Bustle
A
- Pronunciation: /ˈbʌs.əl/
- Meaning: A lot of busy, noisy activity; to move quickly and energetically in a busy way.
- Type: Noun or Verb (bustle, bustled, bustling).
- Synonym: Hustle
- Antonym: Stillness
Examples:
- “The noise and bustle of the marketplace were overwhelming.”
- She bustled around the kitchen, preparing dinner for her guests.
- The office was full of bustle as the deadline approached.
32
Q
Bespattered
A
- Pronunciation: /bɪˈspæt̬.ərd/
- Meaning: Covered with spots or splashes of liquid, mud, or dirt.
- Type: Verb (bespatter, bespattered, bespattered).
- Synonym: Stained
- Antonym: Cleaned
Examples:
- “His clothes were bespattered with mud after walking through the filthy streets.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- The car was bespattered with rain and dirt after the long drive.
- The painter’s apron was bespattered with flecks of red and blue paint.
33
Q
Akin
A
- Pronunciation: /əˈkɪn/
- Meaning: Similar in nature, character, or quality; related by blood.
- Type: Adjective.
- Synonym: Similar
- Antonym: Different
Examples:
- “His feelings were akin to terror as he stood before the old woman’s door.” (from Crime and Punishment).
- Their personalities are akin, which is why they get along so well.
- His fear of failure was akin to paralysis, stopping him from taking action.
