Short Story Vocabulary

Question 1

Finesse

Answer 1

(noun) Skill and cleverness shown by how someone handles a situation
She portrayed much finesse once the problem broke out.
Syn: refinement, delicacy

Question 2

Incessant

Answer 2

(adj.) Non-stop, without ending
Stop your incessant talking.
Syn: endless, constant

Question 3

Incessantly

Answer 3

(adverb) Describes an action (something that you do) that is nonstop
He incessantly continued to argue.
Syn: endlessly, constantly

Question 4

Odious

Answer 4

(adj.) Describes something deserving hatred
Many consider his rash actions odious.
Syn: abominable, detestable

Question 5

Nocturnal

Answer 5

(adj.) Describes something that is active at night.

Hamsters are nocturnal creatures.

Question 6

Palpable

Answer 6

(adj.) Able to be touched or felt.
A palpable sense of confidence was acquired thanks to her teacher’s understanding attitude.
Syn: tangible, perceptible

Question 7

Tangible

Answer 7

(adj.) describes something that has substance or reality; capable of being touched or precisely identified (more so than palpable)
Although I had no tangible evidence, I was certain he had broken in.
Syn: palpable

Question 8

Disarming

Answer 8

(adj.) describes something that removes feelings of unfriendliness or mistrust
Her disarming letter automatically regained her my trust.
Syn: endearing, sweet

Question 9

Analytical

Answer 9

(adj.) describes something that is skilled in breaking a whole into its parts and examining their relationship
Analytical research is essential in drawing the proper conclusion.
Syn: logical

Question 10

Futile

Answer 10

(adj.) describes something that has no result or effect

Our efforts to keep kids active were futile; they all fell asleep.

Question 11

Condone

Answer 11

(verb) to forgive, overlook, or allow an offense

“I shall not condone your odious actions,” said Sam.

Question 12

Analyze

Answer 12

(verb) to study the parts of something

“Analyze the above math problem,” said the teacher.

Question 13

Preclude

Answer 13

(verb) to prevent or make impossible beforehand
Syn: prevent
His injury precluded him from continuing the basketball game.

Question 14

Retribution

Answer 14

(noun) punishment for doing something wrong

Syn: vengeance, payback

Question 15

Avenge

Answer 15

(verb) to get revenge by punishing the wrongdoer
Syn: retaliate, redness
They vowed to avenge the death of their friend.

Question 16

Avenger

Answer 16

(noun) someone who avenges a wrong

The avengers prevent crime.

Question 17

Connoisseur

Answer 17

(noun) a person who has a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
Syn: enthusiast, aficionado
She travels the world in search of stylish clothes; she is a connoisseur of fashion.

Question 18

Accost

Answer 18

(verb) to approach and speak to in a challenging or aggressive way
He was accosted by members of the society.