Vocab set #1 for "The Handmaid's Tale"

Question 1

Palimpsest (noun)

Answer 1

A manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain.

Question 2

Debase (Verb)

Answer 2

reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade.

Question 3

Pedantic (adjective)

Answer 3

of or like a pendant

Question 4

Reproach (verb)

Answer 4

address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

Question 5

Undulate (verb)

Answer 5

move or go with a smooth up-and-down motion

Question 6

Demure (adjective)

Answer 6

reserved, modest, and shy (typically used of a woman)

Question 7

Incognito (adverb)

Answer 7

In a way that conceals one’s true identity.

Question 8

Shroud (noun)

Answer 8

a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is wrapped for burial.

Question 9

Furtive (adjective)

Answer 9

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.

Question 10

Pious (adjective)

Answer 10

devoutly religious

Question 11

Sedate (verb)

Answer 11

calm (someone) or make them sleep by administering a sedative drug.

Question 12

Sentry (noun)

Answer 12

A soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.

Question 13

Salvage (verb)

Answer 13

retrieve or preserve (something) from potential loss or adverse circumstances.

Question 14

Anachronism (noun)

Answer 14

a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.

Question 15

Lugubrious (adjective)

Answer 15

looking or sounding sad and dismal.

Question 16

Ingratiate (verb)

Answer 16

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.

Question 17

Sedate (adjective)

Answer 17

calm, dignified, and unhurried.