Of Mice and Men Vocab

Question 1

pugnacious

Answer 1

eager or quick to argue

Question 2

scoff

Answer 2

speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way

Question 3

scowl

Answer 3

Frown in an angry or bad-tempered way

Question 4

skeptically

Answer 4

in a skeptical manner; with doubt or hesitation

Question 5

slough

Answer 5

get rid of

Question 6

morose

Answer 6

in a very unhappy or annoyed way

Question 7

skittering

Answer 7

Move lightly and quickly or hurriedly

Question 8

brusque

Answer 8

abrupt or offhand in speech or manner.

Question 9

contemplate

Answer 9

to look at intently; to think

Question 10

imperiously

Answer 10

assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering

Question 11

juncture

Answer 11

a place where things join

Question 12

lumber

Answer 12

to move heavily or clumsily

Question 13

recumbent

Answer 13

lying down

Question 14

raptly

Answer 14

completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing

Question 15

reprehensible

Answer 15

deserving censure or condemnation

Question 16

reverent

Answer 16

feeling or showing deep and solemn respect

Question 17

scuttle

Answer 17

scampered

Question 18

subdue

Answer 18

overcome, quieten, or bring under control

Question 19

subside

Answer 19

become less intense, violent, or severe

Question 20

wry

Answer 20

using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor

Question 21

mollify

Answer 21

appease the anger or anxiety of

Question 22

apprehensive

Answer 22

anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

Question 23

derogatory

Answer 23

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

Question 24

complacent

Answer 24

showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements

Question 25

flounce

Answer 25

go or move in an exaggeratedly impatient or angry manner

Question 26

ominous

Answer 26

eerie

Question 27

plaintive

Answer 27

sounding sad and mournful

Question 28

lance

Answer 28

to cut

Question 29

scudded

Answer 29

move fast in a straight line because or as if driven by the wind

Question 30

console

Answer 30

comfort (someone) at a time of grief or disappointment

Question 31

contort

Answer 31

twist or bend out of the normal shape

Question 32

writhe

Answer 32

make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body

Question 33

bemused

Answer 33

puzzled, confused, or bewildered

Question 34

aloof

Answer 34

not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

Question 35

avert

Answer 35

turn away (one’s eyes or thoughts)

Question 36

disarming

Answer 36

(of manner or behavior) having the effect of allaying suspicion or hostility, especially through charm

Question 37

fawning

Answer 37

displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious

Question 38

indignation

Answer 38

anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

Question 39

maul

Answer 39

(of an animal) wound (a person or animal) by scratching and tearing

Question 40

sullen

Answer 40

bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy

Question 41

derision

Answer 41

contemptuous ridicule or mockery

Question 42

laden

Answer 42

heavily loaded or weighed down