Joy Luck Club Vocabulary 2

Question 1

What is prodigy?

Answer 1

Prodigy (noun): a person, esp. a young age, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities.
EXAMPLE:
a Russian pianist who was a child prodigy in his day

Question 2

What is impertinent?

Answer 2

Impertinent (adjective): not showing proper respect; rude.
EXAMPLE:
an impertinent question

Question 3

What is concubine?

Answer 3

Concubine (noun): a woman who lives with a man but has lower status than his wife or wives.
EXAMPLE:
she was living as a concubine

Question 4

What is lethargy?

Answer 4

Lethargy (noun): a lack of energy and enthusiasm.
EXAMPLE:
periods of weakness and lethargy

Question 5

What is gorge?

Answer 5

Gorge (verb): eat a large amount greedily; fill oneself with food.
EXAMPLE:
we used to go to all the restaurants there and gorge ourselves

Question 6

What is cardigan?

Answer 6

Cardigan (noun): a knitted sweater fastening down the front, typically with long sleeves.
EXAMPLE:
he wore a pink cardigan

Question 7

What is wanton?

Answer 7

Wanton (adjective): [of a cruel or violent action] deliberate and unprovoked.
EXAMPLE:
sheer wanton vandalism

Question 8

What is lament?

Answer 8

Lament (noun): a passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
EXAMPLE:
his mother’s night — long laments for his father

Question 9

What is doily?

Answer 9

Doily (noun): a small lacy napkin of paper or cloth.
EXAMPLE:
a white doily lay beneath the cookies

Question 10

What is vigorous?

Answer 10

Vigorous (adjective): characterized by or involving physical strength, effort, or energy.
EXAMPLE:
vigorous aerobic excerise