Definitions from the Great Gatsby Flashcards

1
Q

Elaborate

A

Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning (elaborate security precautions)

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2
Q

Supercilious

A

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others (a supercilious lady’s maid)

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3
Q

Effeminate

A

(of a man) having or showing characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; unmanly.

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4
Q

Leverage

A

the power to influence a person or situation to achieve a particular outcome (the right wing had lost much of its political leverage in the Assembly)

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5
Q

Fractious

A

irritable and quarrelsome (fractious children fight and squabble)

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6
Q

Paternal

A

of or appropriate to a father

showing a fatherly kindness and care

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7
Q

Contempt

A

The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn
(he showed his contempt for his job by doing it very badly)

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8
Q

Wistful

A

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing (a wistful smile)

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9
Q

Abruptly

A

Sudden and unexpected

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10
Q

Ajar

A

Slightly open

or out of harmony

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11
Q

Conscientious

A

Wishing to do what is right, to do ones duty well and thoroughly

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12
Q

Incredulous

A

unwilling or unable to believe something

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13
Q

Imperative

A

of vital importance, crutial

giving an authoritative command, peremptory

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14
Q

Infinitesimal

A

extremely small

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15
Q

Complacency

A

a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.

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16
Q

Acute

A

Present or experienced to a severe or intense degree.

17
Q

Extemporize

A

Compose, perform, or produce something such as music or a speech without preperation; improvise.

18
Q

Subdued

A

Quiet and rather reflective or depressed

soft and restrained

19
Q

Rotogravure

A

a Printing system using a rotary press with intaglio cylinders, typically running at high speed and used for long print runs of magazines and stamps.

20
Q

Peremptory

A

insisting on immediate attention or obedience

21
Q

Libel

A

a published false statement that is damaging to a person’s reputation , a written defamation

22
Q

Beaux

A

a rich, fashionable young man; a dandy.

23
Q

Armistice

A

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce

24
Q

Effectual

A

Successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective

25
Q

Unfathomable

A

Incapable of being fully explored or understood.

Impossible to measure the extent of.