Handmaid’s Tale Vocab Set 1

Question 1

Palimpsest

Answer 1

a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain

Question 2

Debase

Answer 2

reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade

Question 3

Pedantic

Answer 3

of or like a pedant (a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules or with displaying academic learning.)

Question 4

Reproach

Answer 4

address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

Question 5

Undulate

Answer 5

move or go with a smooth up-and-down motion

Question 6

Demure

Answer 6

reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman).

Question 7

Incognito

Answer 7

(of a person) having one’s true identity concealed.

Question 8

Shroud

Answer 8

a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped for burial.

Question 9

Furtive

Answer 9

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.

Question 10

Pious

Answer 10

devoutly religious.

Question 11

Sedate

Answer 11

calm, dignified, and unhurried.

Question 12

Sentry

Answer 12

a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.

Question 13

Salvage

Answer 13

rescue (a wrecked or disabled ship or its cargo) from loss at sea.

Question 14

Anachronism

Answer 14

a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.

Question 15

Lugubrious

Answer 15

looking or sounding sad and dismal.

Question 16

Ingratiate

Answer 16

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.