TKAM Ch. 12-14 Vocabulary Flashcards
Tactful
Having a sense of what is considered when dealing with others
ex. The moment I said, “Won’t you miss him?” I realized that this was not a tactful question. Uncle Jimmy present or Uncle Jimmy absent made not much difference, he never said anything.
Formidable
Impulsive in strength and excellence
ex. Aunt Alexandra’s was once an hour-glass figure. From any angle, it was formidable.
Dispelled
To cause to separate and go in different directions
ex. There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs-the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday. It was dim inside, with a damp coolness slowly dispelled by the gathering congregation.
Prerogative
Rights reserved for a specific person or group
ex. She was never bored, and given the slightest chance she would exercise her royal prerogative: she would arrange, advise, caution, and warn.
Myopic
Lacking imagination
ex. Maycomb grew and sprawled out from its hub, Sinkfield’s Tavern, because Sinkfield reduced his guests to myopic drunkenness one evening
Obliquely
Not direct or straightforward
ex. Aunt Alexandra was of the opinion, obliquely expressed, that the longer a family had been squatting on one patch of land the finer it was.
Pensive
Serious thoughts
ex. “Well if that’s all it is why did Calpurnia dry me up when I asked her what it was?”
Atticus looked pensive. “What’s that again?”
“Well, I asked Calpurnia comin’ from church that day what it was and she said ask you but I forgot to and now I’m askin’ you.”
Fortitude
Hardening
ex. He shivered like a rabbit.
He bore with fortitude her Wait Till I Get You Home, Your Folks Are Out of Their Minds Worryin’, was quite calm during That’s All the Harris in You Coming Out, smiled at her Reckon You Can Stay One Night, and returned the hug at long last bestowed upon him.
Atticus pushed up his glasses and rubbed his face.
Edification (part 2)
Improving intellectually
ex. Still, everything he read he passed along to me, but with this difference: formerly because he thought I’d like it; now, for my edification and instruction.
Infalliable
Incapable of making mistakes
ex. He traveled with the show all over Mississippi until his infallible sense of direction told him he was in Abbott County, Alabama, just across the river from Maycomb. He walked the rest of the way.
Resilient
Being able to withstand
ex. As I passed the bed I stepped on something warm, resilient, and rather smooth. It was not quite like hard rubber, and I had the sensation that it was alive. I also heard it move.
Austere
Strict; harsh
ex. His sermon was a forthright denunciation of sin, an austere declaration of the motto on the wall behind him
Ecclesiastical Impedimenta
Things used during church service
ex. There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs-the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday.
Maddening
Extremely annoying or infuriating
ex. His maddening superiority was unbearable these days. He didn’t want to do anything but read and go off by himself. Still, everything he read he passed along to me, but with this difference
Habiliments
Clothing
ex. When Calpurnia stayed overnight with us she slept on a folding cot in the kitchen; that morning it was covered with our Sunday habiliments.
