the great gatsby Flashcards
mar
to damage, ruin, or deface; to make imperfect
wistful
(adv/adj) full of wishful yearning or longing, usually with sadness
superscillious
(adj) showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy; cocky
compulsion
a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, especially one
that is irrational or contrary to one’s will/ in other words, that urge to do something you know you shouldn’t do. 2. using force to cause something to occur
contemptuous
(adv/adj) showing or feeling disapproval or disdain towards something a person considers mean, vile, or worthless
infinitesimal
immeasurably small; so small it can’t be measured
cynical
believing the worst about human nature; distrusting, criticizing, or mocking the motives of others; pessimistic; glass is half-empty mentality
solemn
formal, serious, and dignified; lacking humor
saunter
to walk or stroll with leisure
anemic
weak; lacking power, vigor, or vitality; wishy-washy
vitality
liveliness; energy (physical and/or mental); full of spirit; vigor
discreet
marked by caution, carefulness, or modesty and wise self-restraint; subtle; under the radar
defer
to yield respectfully in judgment or opinion to another
incessant
never-ending; ceaseless; continuing without interruption/ has a negative connotation
hauteur
obnoxious display of overwhelming pride evidenced by acting in a superior manner towards those perceived as inferior; cockiness
strident
unpleasantly loud, harsh, grating, or shrill
permeate
to pass through; seep into; to saturate; to spread
innuendo
an indirect hint or suggestion about a person or thing, usually of an insulting or offensive nature
erroneous
incorrect; wrong; containing errors
vacuous
empty; lacking ideas or intelligence; devoid of matter or significance
ascertain
to determine; to make certain or clear; to find out something using calculations. an investigation, experiment or study
dissension
disagreement among those expected to cooperate; difference of opinion
jaunty
having cheerful, lively, self-confident air; 2.. marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners
juxtaposition
two or more things placed side-by-side to emphasize the link or contrast