Short Stories Vocal Flashcards
Profusely
adverb
exhibiting great abundance; bountiful
“The flowers were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green” (738)
Boisterous
adjective
(of a person, event, or behavior) noisy energetic, and cheerful; rowdy
”…they tended to gather together quietly for a while before they broke into boisterous play…” (738)
Reprimand
noun
an expression of disproval
“…and their talk was still of the classroom and the teacher, of books and reprimands.” (738)
Civic
adjective
duties relating to a city or town,
the lottery was conducted-as were the square dances, the teenage club, the halloween program- by Mr.Summers who had time and energy to devote to civic activities.” (739)
Jovial
adjective
cheerful and friendly.
“He was a round-faced, jovial man…” (739)
Paraphernalia
noun
miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity.
“The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago….” (739)
Perfunctory
adjective
(of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
“there was the proper swearing-in of Mr. summers by the postmaster, as the official of the lottery; at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort preformed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year….” (740)
Interminably
adjective
endless (often used hyperbolically).
“Mr Summers was very good at all this; in his clean white shirt and blue jeans with one hand resting carelessly on the black box, he seemed very proper and important as he talked interminably to Mr.Graves and the Martines.
Surly
adjective
bad-tempered and unfriendly
“So me and Sugar leaning on the mailbox being surly, which is a Miss. Moore word.” (196)
Ferocious
adjective
savagely fierce, cruel, or violent
“But then he tries to take off with Junebug foot still in the door so we talk about his mama something ferocious.” (197)
Notion
noun
belief about something.
“And Big Butt ain’t got the first notion.”(197)
Doctrines
noun
a set of beliefs that is taught by church, political party or other
“‘I accept some of their doctrines, but farming and raising cattle is not my style’” (171).
Recitation
noun
the action of repeating something aloud from memory.
“I read it again for myself just in case the group recitation put me in a trance” (198)
Treachery
noun
betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.
” equal chance to pursue happiness means an equal crack at the dough, don’t it’ Miss Moore is besides herself and I am disgusted with Sugar’s Treachery” (201)
Furtive
adjective
done in a quiet and secretive way to avoid being noticed
“ Furtive boys in pink shirts hanging about on washday after school” (169).
Cowering
verb
to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that menaces, domineers, or dismays
“ She stoops down quickly and lines up picture after picture of me sitting there in front of the house with Maggie cowering behind me” (170).
Clabber
noun
sour milk that has thickened or curdled
“She jumped up from the table and went over in the corner where the churn stood, the milk in it clabber by now” (171).
Dasher
noun
a person who dresses or acts flamboyantly or stylishly
“‘I can use the chute top as a centerpiece for the alcove table,’ she said, sliding a plate over the chute, ‘and I’ll think of something artistic to do with the dasher”” (171)
Heritage
noun
property that descends to an heir
“‘Your heritage’ she said” (174).
Trifles
noun
something or little value, substance, or importance
“Oh, well, women are used to worrying over trifles” (821)
Disdainful
adjective
showing contempt or lack of respect
“Mrs. Hale began to arrange the dirty pans under the sink, which the county attorney’s disdainful push of the foot had deranged.” (823)
Scrutinized
verb
to examine or inspect something closely and thoroughly
“Mrs. Peters’ back turned, Martha Hale now scrutinized that piece.” (827)
Acquiescence
noun
the reluctant acceptance of something without any protest
“‘Of course it’s no more than their duty,” said the sheriff’s wife, in her manner of timid acquiescence.” (823)
Detained
verb
to keep someone from proceeding or holding back
“Mrs. Hale stood examining the clothes the woman who was being detained in town had said she wanted.” (824)