Vocabulary Flashcards
Familiarize myself with vocabulary presented in "The Scarlet Letter".
indulgent
“Indulgent” means allowing yourself or someone else to have or do something enjoyable, even if it’s not necessary or might be considered excessive.
For example, if a parent lets their child have ice cream before dinner even though they know it’s not the healthiest choice, that parent is being indulgent. Or if someone buys themselves expensive gifts just because they feel like it, that’s indulgent too.
Some synonyms in English are: lenient, permissive, tolerant, pampering.
In Spanish, you could use: indulgente, permisivo, tolerante, consentidor.
scarcely
“Scarcely” means hardly or barely. It’s used when something happens in such a small amount or degree that it’s almost not noticeable.
For example, if you say “I scarcely ate anything at the party,” it means you ate very little, almost nothing.
Here are some synonyms in English: barely, hardly, just, almost not.
In Spanish, you could use: apenas, casi no, apenas si, escasamente.
Here’s a sentence using “scarcely”:
“I was so tired that I could scarcely keep my eyes open during the boring lecture.”
decorous
“Decorous” means behaving or acting in a proper, dignified, and socially acceptable manner.
For example, if someone attends a formal event and speaks politely, dresses appropriately, and behaves with respect, they are being decorous.
Here are some synonyms in English: proper, respectable, polite, well-mannered.
In Spanish, you could use: decoroso, respetuoso, educado, correcto.
Here’s a sentence using “decorous”:
“At the wedding, everyone was dressed elegantly and behaved decorously during the ceremony.”
benumbed
“Benumbed” means to be numb or deprived of feeling, typically due to cold or shock.
For example, if someone stays outside in freezing temperatures for too long, their fingers and toes might become benumbed, meaning they lose sensation in them.
Here are some synonyms in English: numb, desensitized, insensitive, deadened.
In Spanish, you could use: entumecido, insensible, amortecido.
Here’s a sentence using “benumbed”:
“After sitting in the chilly room for hours, Sarah’s feet were benumbed and she struggled to move them.”
apprehensive
“Apprehensive” means feeling anxious or fearful about something that is going to happen.
For example, if you’re apprehensive about an upcoming test, it means you’re feeling nervous or worried about how you’ll perform.
Here are some synonyms in English: anxious, uneasy, worried, concerned.
In Spanish, you could use: aprensivo, preocupado, inquieto, temeroso.
Here’s a sentence using “apprehensive”:
“Sarah felt apprehensive about her job interview tomorrow because she really wanted to impress the hiring manager.”
thawed
“Thawed” refers to the process of something, typically ice or frozen food, returning to its natural state as it becomes warmer and melts.
For example, if you take a frozen piece of meat out of the freezer and leave it on the kitchen counter, it will gradually thaw, meaning it will soften and become unfrozen.
Here are some synonyms in English: melted, defrosted, softened.
In Spanish, you could use: descongelado, derretido, deshelado.
Here’s a sentence using “thawed”:
“The ice on the lake thawed in the warm spring sunshine, allowing people to go ice skating.”
prate
“Prate” means to talk foolishly or at length about trivial matters, often in a boring or annoying way.
For example, if someone is constantly prating about their new diet without actually taking any action, it means they are talking endlessly about it without accomplishing anything meaningful.
Here are some synonyms in English: babble, chatter, blather, ramble.
In Spanish, you could use: charlar, parlotear, chacharear.
Here’s a sentence using “prate”:
“During the meeting, he prated on and on about his weekend plans, completely ignoring the agenda.”
prolix
“Prolix” means using too many words and being long-winded, often to the point of being tedious or boring.
For example, if someone writes a prolix essay that could have been much shorter and more concise, it means they have used an excessive amount of words to convey their message.
Here are some synonyms in English: verbose, long-winded, wordy, rambling.
In Spanish, you could use: prolijo, prolija.
Here’s a sentence using “prolix”:
“The professor’s lectures tend to be prolix, filled with unnecessary details that make it difficult for students to stay focused.”
heretofore
“Heretofore” means up to the present time or before the moment being referred to.
For example, if a company announces a new policy and states that all employees must adhere to it from this point forward, they might say, “Heretofore, employees were allowed to dress casually, but now a business attire policy will be enforced.”
Here are some synonyms in English: hitherto, previously, formerly.
In Spanish, you could use: hasta ahora, hasta el momento, anteriormente.
Here’s a sentence using “heretofore”:
“Heretofore, the factory had been operating smoothly, but recent supply chain disruptions have caused delays in production.”
bustling
“Bustling” describes a place or situation that is full of energetic and noisy activity, with many people moving around and being busy.
For example, a bustling city street during rush hour would be crowded with pedestrians, vehicles, and various sounds of activity.
Here are some synonyms in English: busy, lively, active, bustling.
In Spanish, you could use: bullicioso, animado, concurrido, lleno de actividad.
Here’s a sentence using “bustling”:
“The marketplace was bustling with vendors selling their goods and shoppers browsing through the stalls.”
dilapidated
“Dilapidated” describes something, typically a building or structure, that is in a state of disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
For example, a dilapidated house might have broken windows, a sagging roof, and peeling paint.
Here are some synonyms in English: rundown, decrepit, deteriorated, ramshackle.
In Spanish, you could use: ruinoso, deteriorado, en mal estado, destartalado.
Here’s a sentence using “dilapidated”:
“The old farmhouse stood in a dilapidated state, its walls crumbling and its windows boarded up.”
adown
“Adown” is an archaic or poetic term that means “down” or “toward the ground.” It’s used to describe movement in a downward direction.
For example, in a poetic context, you might find a line like “The leaves fell adown from the tree,” meaning the leaves fell downward from the tree.
However, it’s not commonly used in modern English and is mostly found in older literature or poetic writing.
Here are some synonyms in modern English: downward, downwards, down.
In Spanish, you could use: hacia abajo, hacia el suelo, abajo.
Here’s a sentence using “adown” in a poetic context:
“The sun sank adown behind the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink.”
thence
archaic term replaced by “from there”. For example, it could be used in old literature as: “And thence across the harbour”. Which would be in modern English, “and from there across the harbour”.
lofty
“Lofty” describes something that is impressive or grand in nature, often in a way that inspires admiration or awe. It can refer to physical height or metaphorical greatness.
For example, a “lofty mountain peak” refers to a tall and majestic mountain summit, while a “lofty goal” might describe an ambitious and noble aspiration.
Here are some synonyms in English: high, towering, elevated, grand, noble, majestic.
In Spanish, you could use: elevado, alto, imponente, noble, grandioso.
Here’s a sentence using “lofty”:
“The cathedral’s lofty spires reached toward the sky, casting long shadows over the city streets below.”
hover
“Hovers” refers to the action of remaining suspended in the air, typically by moving back and forth or up and down without making any significant progress in a particular direction.
For example, a hummingbird hovers near a flower while feeding, or a helicopter hovers in the sky while waiting for clearance to land.
Here are some synonyms in English: floats, hangs, drifts, levitates.
In Spanish, you could use: flota, planea, se mantiene suspendido.
Here’s a sentence using “hovers”:
“The butterfly hovers above the colorful garden, fluttering its wings gracefully as it searches for nectar.”
intermingled
“Intermingled” means mixed together or blended in such a way that it’s difficult to distinguish between individual elements.
For example, in a crowd of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, their languages and accents might intermingle, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere.
Here are some synonyms in English: mixed, blended, mingled, fused, commingled.
In Spanish, you could use: entremezclado, mezclado, fusionado, combinado.
Here’s a sentence using “intermingled”:
“At the international festival, the aromas of various cuisines intermingled in the air, creating an enticing and multicultural culinary experience.”
customary
“Customary” refers to something that is usual, typical, or commonly practiced according to the customs or traditions of a particular place or group.
For example, it is customary to shake hands when meeting someone in many Western cultures, or it is customary to bow when greeting someone in certain Asian cultures.
Here are some synonyms in English: traditional, usual, typical, habitual, conventional.
In Spanish, you could use: habitual, usual, acostumbrado, tradicional.
Here’s a sentence using “customary”:
“It is customary to exchange gifts during the holiday season in many cultures around the world.”
truculency
“Truculency” refers to a disposition or attitude that is fierce, cruel, or aggressively savage. It describes behavior or speech that is harsh, brutal, or menacing.
For example, a person who speaks with truculency might use threatening language or display aggressive behavior towards others.
Here are some synonyms in English: ferocity, savagery, brutality, aggression, fierceness.
In Spanish, you could use: ferocidad, brutalidad, agresividad, fiereza.
Here’s a sentence using “truculency”:
“The dictator’s truculency was evident in his ruthless suppression of dissent and his willingness to use violence to maintain power.”
tenderness
“Tenderness” refers to a gentle and affectionate feeling, expression, or behavior towards someone or something. It involves being caring, loving, and showing warmth and concern.
For example, a mother may show tenderness towards her child by hugging them tightly and comforting them when they’re upset.
Here are some synonyms in English: affection, warmth, kindness, gentleness, fondness, compassion.
In Spanish, you could use: ternura, cariño, afecto, bondad, dulzura.
Here’s a sentence using “tenderness”:
“The couple exchanged looks of tenderness as they danced together under the moonlight.”
apt
Suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation. For example, “She has an aptitude for teaching” means she is well-suited for the job of teaching.
Having a tendency or inclination to do something. For example, “He’s apt to forget things if he doesn’t write them down” means he tends to forget things easily.
Quick to learn or understand. For example, “She’s an apt student” means she learns quickly and easily.
Here are some synonyms in English:
Suitable/appropriate: fitting, appropriate, suitable, proper.
Inclined/tending: likely, prone, disposed.
Quick to learn: talented, gifted, clever, adept.
In Spanish, you could use:
Adecuado (suitable/appropriate).
Propenso (inclined/tending).
Hábil (quick to learn).
Here’s a sentence using “apt” in the first meaning:
“Her calm demeanor makes her apt for handling stressful situations.”
scorned
“scorn,” which means to feel or express contempt or disdain towards someone or something. It implies a strong feeling of disrespect, disdain, or rejection.
For example, if someone is scorned by their peers, it means they are treated with contempt or are looked down upon by others.
Here are some synonyms in English: disdain, disrespect, reject, deride, despise.
In Spanish, you could use: despreciar, desdeñar, menospreciar.
Here’s a sentence using “scorned”:
“After being scorned by her colleagues for her unconventional ideas, she decided to pursue her own path independently.”
careworn
“Careworn” is an adjective that describes someone who looks tired, exhausted, or worried due to prolonged stress or anxiety. It suggests a person who has experienced hardship or distress, often visible in their appearance.
For example, “Her careworn face showed the effects of years of hard work and worry.”
In this context, “worn” emphasizes the physical or emotional exhaustion evident in the person’s appearance.
If you meant “careworn,” here are some synonyms: weary, haggard, fatigued, worn-out, troubled, anxious.
In Spanish, you could use: desgastado por la preocupación, fatigado por las preocupaciones, cansado por la ansiedad.
sturdy/sturdily
“Sturdy” is an adjective that describes something that is strong, robust, and well-built. It implies that the object or person is able to withstand rough treatment or harsh conditions without easily being damaged or broken.
For example, a sturdy table is one that is solidly constructed and can support heavy weight without wobbling or breaking. Similarly, a sturdy person is physically strong and resilient.
Here are some synonyms for “sturdy”: strong, robust, durable, solid, resilient, rugged.
In Spanish, you could use: sólido, resistente, robusto, fuerte.
Here’s a sentence using “sturdy”:
“The old oak tree in the backyard is still standing tall and sturdy after decades of weathering storms.”
En español:
“El viejo roble en el patio trasero todavía se mantiene alto y resistente después de décadas de enfrentar tormentas.”
bed-ridden
“Bedridden” is an adjective that describes a person who is confined to bed due to illness, injury, or disability and is unable to move around or perform normal daily activities.
For example, someone who has undergone major surgery may be bedridden during their recovery period, or a person with a severe illness may become bedridden due to weakness and fatigue.
Here are some synonyms for “bedridden”: confined to bed, immobile, incapacitated, housebound.
In Spanish, you could use: postrado en cama, encamado.
Here’s a sentence using “bedridden”:
“After breaking her leg, she was bedridden for several weeks until she could walk again.”
En español:
“Después de romperse la pierna, estuvo postrada en cama durante varias semanas hasta que pudo caminar de nuevo.”
withdraw
“To withdraw” is a verb that means to remove or take back something, to retreat or remove oneself from a situation or place, or to draw or take out money from a bank account.
For example:
- “He decided to withdraw his support for the project.”
- “The troops were ordered to withdraw from the battlefield.”
- “She withdrew $200 from her bank account.”
Here are some synonyms for “withdraw”:
- Remove
- Retire
- Extract
- Recede
- Extract
- Abstain
In Spanish, “withdraw” can be translated as “retirar”, “sacar”, “abstenerse”, or “alejarse”, depending on the context.
withhold
“To withhold” is a verb that means to hold back or refrain from giving or granting something, to keep something back or retain it, or to refuse to release or disclose something.
For example:
- “The company withheld payment until the work was completed satisfactorily.”
- “She decided to withhold her decision until she had more information.”
- “He withheld information from the police during the investigation.”
Here are some synonyms for “withhold”:
- Retain
- Keep back
- Refuse
- Conceal
- Suppress
- Hold back
In Spanish, “withhold” can be translated as “retener”, “ocultar”, “negar”, or “guardar”, depending on the context.
hoarsely
con voz ronca/ roncamente. HOarse is ronco
ought
“Ought” is a modal verb used to indicate duty, obligation, or moral correctness. It is often used to express what is expected or advisable.
For example:
- “You ought to apologize for your behavior.”
- “We ought to arrive early for the meeting.”
In these sentences, “ought” implies that it is the right or proper thing to do.
“Ought” can also be used to indicate probability or expectation, similar to “should.”
For example:
- “He ought to be here by now.”
In this sentence, “ought” suggests an expectation or likelihood that he should be here by now.
In Spanish, “ought” can be translated as “debería” or “tendría que.”
altogether
“Altogether” is an adverb that means completely, entirely, or in total. It is often used to emphasize the entirety of something or to indicate the sum of various parts.
For example:
“She decided to quit her job altogether.”
“Altogether, there were ten people at the party.”
In these sentences, “altogether” emphasizes the complete action or the total number of people.
“Altogether” can also mean considering everything or all factors taken into account.
For example:
“Altogether, it was a successful project.”
In this sentence, “altogether” indicates that when considering all factors, the project was successful.
In British English, “altogether” can also mean “in total” or “summing up,” similar to “overall” or “in summary.”
In Spanish, “altogether” can be translated as “en total,” “en conjunto,” or “del todo.”
mouldy
mohoso
sagaciously
“Sagaciously” is an adverb that means in a wise or shrewd manner, showing good judgment, intelligence, or discernment.
For example:
- “She sagaciously advised her friend on how to handle the situation.”
- “The CEO sagaciously navigated the company through the economic downturn.”
In these sentences, “sagaciously” emphasizes the wise and intelligent manner in which someone provides advice or makes decisions.
Synonyms for “sagaciously” include: wisely, shrewdly, astutely, intelligently, discerningly.
In Spanish, you could use “sagazmente” or “con sagacidad” to convey a similar meaning.
fuss
escándalo
obstuseness
“Obstuseness” is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being obtuse, which can have a couple of different meanings:
- Lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect; dull, insensitive, or slow to understand.
- Characterized by a lack of intellectual acuity or moral insight; not clear or sharp in perception or intellect.
For example:
- “His obstuseness made it difficult for him to grasp the complexities of the situation.”
- “The obstuseness of the student was evident in his inability to comprehend the lesson.”
In these sentences, “obstuseness” refers to a lack of sharpness or clarity in understanding or perception.
Synonyms for “obstuseness” include: dullness, insensitivity, obtusity, stupidity, slowness, density.
In Spanish, you could use “obtusidad” or “torpeza” to convey a similar meaning.
alacrity
“Alacrity” is a noun that refers to a cheerful readiness or willingness to do something, often characterized by promptness or eagerness.
For example:
- “She accepted the invitation with alacrity.”
- “He tackled the task with alacrity, eager to prove himself.”
In these sentences, “alacrity” emphasizes the cheerful and eager willingness with which someone accepts an invitation or tackles a task.
Synonyms for “alacrity” include: eagerness, enthusiasm, readiness, promptness, willingness, briskness.
In Spanish, you could use “prontitud” or “entusiasmo” to convey a similar meaning.
eager
“Eager” is an adjective that describes someone who is enthusiastic, keen, or excited about something and is eagerly looking forward to it or eager to do it.
For example:
- “She was eager to start her new job.”
- “The children were eager to open their presents on Christmas morning.”
In these sentences, “eager” emphasizes the enthusiastic and excited attitude of someone who is looking forward to something or keen to do it.
Synonyms for “eager” include: enthusiastic, keen, excited, eager, avid, eager, impatient.
In Spanish, you could use “ansioso” or “entusiasta” to convey a similar meaning.
promptitude
“Promptitude” is a noun that refers to the quality or characteristic of being prompt, punctual, or ready to act without delay. It implies a quick and timely response to a situation or task.
For example:
“His promptitude in responding to emails earned him praise from his colleagues.”
“The delivery service prided itself on its promptitude in delivering packages on time.”
In these sentences, “promptitude” emphasizes the quality of being prompt and timely in responding to emails or delivering packages.
Synonyms for “promptitude” include: promptness, punctuality, timeliness, readiness, quickness, efficiency.
witticisms
“Witticisms” is a noun that refers to clever and witty remarks or jokes, especially those that are characterized by humor, intelligence, and quick thinking.
For example:
“She entertained the crowd with her witty witticisms.”
“His conversation was filled with clever witticisms that kept everyone laughing.”
In these sentences, “witticisms” emphasizes the clever and humorous remarks or jokes made by someone.
Synonyms for “witticisms” include: quips, jests, jokes, bon mots, repartee, humor.
In Spanish, you could use “ocurrencias” or “agudezas” to convey a similar meaning.
jollity
“Jollity” is a noun that refers to a state or quality of being cheerful, lively, and full of high spirits. It implies a sense of merriment, joy, and festive enjoyment.
For example:
- “The party was filled with music, laughter, and jollity.”
- “Despite the rainy weather, there was an atmosphere of jollity at the outdoor picnic.”
In these sentences, “jollity” emphasizes the cheerful and lively atmosphere characterized by laughter, music, and festive enjoyment.
Synonyms for “jollity” include: merriment, cheerfulness, gaiety, joviality, festivity, joyfulness.
In Spanish, you could use “alegría” or “jovialidad” to convey a similar meaning.
mirth
Synonyms for “mirth” include: hilarity, amusement, laughter, gaiety, cheerfulness, merriment.
Alegría, risa
termed
labeled
wool
lana
thereabouts
“Thereabouts” is an adverb that means near or approximately a particular place, number, or time. It is used to indicate a rough estimate or approximation.
For example:
- “The meeting will start at 3:00 PM or thereabouts.”
- “The population of the city is around 100,000, give or take a few thousand, thereabouts.”
In these sentences, “thereabouts” emphasizes the approximate or rough estimate of the time, place, or quantity mentioned.
Synonyms for “thereabouts” include: around, about, approximately, roughly, near.
In Spanish, you could use “aproximadamente” or “más o menos” to convey a similar meaning.
brisk
Synonyms for “brisk” include: quick, lively, energetic, active, fast-paced, brisk.
hale
“Hale” is an adjective that describes someone who is healthy, robust, and vigorous, especially in old age.
For example:
- “Despite being in his 80s, he remains remarkably hale and hearty.”
- “She lived to be a hundred and was hale and hearty until the end.”
In these sentences, “hale” emphasizes the person’s good health, robustness, and vigor, particularly in their older age.
Synonyms for “hale” include: healthy, robust, vigorous, hearty, strong, fit.
In Spanish, you could use “sano” or “robusto” to convey a similar meaning.
contrivance
“Contrivance” is a noun that refers to the act or process of devising or planning something, typically with ingenuity or cunning. It can also refer to a device or mechanism created for a specific purpose, often using skillful or clever methods.
For example:
- “The contrivance of a new method for water purification revolutionized public health.”
- “She admired the contrivance of the intricate clockwork mechanism.”
In these sentences, “contrivance” emphasizes the act of devising or creating something with ingenuity, as well as the resulting device or mechanism.
Synonyms for “contrivance” include: invention, device, creation, scheme, plan, design.
In Spanish, you could use “artificio” or “invento” to convey a similar meaning.
tremulous
slight shaking or trembling
utterance
speech, expression. Expressing or speaking oneself.
thorough
meticulous, exhaustive
trifling
unimportant, trivial
reminiscences
“Reminiscences” is a noun that refers to memories or recollections of past events, experiences, or moments. It is often used to describe personal anecdotes or reflections on one’s own past.
For example:
- “In her memoir, she shared touching reminiscences of her childhood.”
- “The old photo album brought back a flood of reminiscences from our family vacations.”
In these sentences, “reminiscences” emphasizes the act of recalling or reflecting on past memories or experiences.
Synonyms for “reminiscences” include: memories, recollections, reflections, anecdotes, reminiscing.
In Spanish, you could use “recuerdos” or “evocaciones” to convey a similar meaning.