list 11 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- Blasphemous
uttering, containing, or exhibiting impious action concerning sacred things; irreverent; profane.
This is a highly negative word. If you’re acting or speaking blasphemously, you’re probably trying to offend someone (or at least saying it despite knowing it will be negatively received). Because it’s such an intensely negative word, it’s very unlikely that someone would be blasphemous on accident (although the human condition is complex, and anything is possible). This word carries a religious connotation, but it can also apply to subjects that are generally considered sacred.
Enoch’s unmasking of the Egwugwu in Things Fall Apart is considered blasphemous because the Egwugwu are so highly revered in Umuofian culture.
- Capricious
subject to, led by, or indicative of a sudden, odd notion or unpredictable change; erratic.
Someone who is capricious is constantly changing their mind. Someone speaking in a capricious tone is likely changing positions frequently or indicating a lack of stable opinion. While this is a pretty mild word in terms of connotation, it’s still negative. You’re certainly not complimenting someone if you refer to them as capricious; it means they’re unpredictable and that you’re sure what they’ll do next.
Duke Orsino’s open monologue in Twelfth Night deals with capriciousness: his tone is capricious as he is abruptly and vehemently changing his attitude toward love throughout it, and he also points out that love, by nature, is capricious and ever-changing.
- Indulgent
characterized by submitting to an inclination or desire; lenient or permissive.
Remember that time you neglected studying because you just wanted to binge-watch that show on Netflix? You were being indulgent. Indulgent can be a tricky word in terms of connotation. Indulgence can bring us great satisfaction and pleasure, but it can also suggest a lack of restraint. Unchecked indulgence can be pretty damaging. For example, a child whose parents are constantly allowing them to indulge will probably grow up to be spoiled and untitled. This word is a strong antonym for abstemious.
In Lord of the Flies, Jack’s tribe breaks away from the rest of the group, so that they can fully indulge in their primal desires;
- Innocuous
not harmful or injurious; harmless; unlikely to harm or offend.
You might freak out when you see a spider, but chances are that little critter is innocuous and isn’t going to hurt you. If you’re speaking in an innocuous tone, you’re aiming to present yourself as harmless; you might speak to a small child who’s scared or nervous in this way to let them know there’s nothing to fear. While mild in connotation, this word is positive. It means you’re safe!
Lord of the Flies, Simon realizes that the beast is actually an innocuous dead parachutist.
- Inscrutable
incapable of being investigated, analyzed, or scrutinized; impenetrable; not easily understood; mysterious
On its own, this word is neutral in connotation. Although it might be frustrating for you to encounter something or someone that is inscrutable, the word doesn’t necessarily suggest anything negative about the person or thing itself. Something could be inscrutable because it’s complicated, unfamiliar, constantly changing, or just straight up unusual.
Simon himself and his conversation with the Lord of the Flies.
- Insidious
intended to entrap or beguile; stealthily treacherous or deceitful.
Yikes! This is a highly negative word. Someone who is insidious is devious, sneaky, and treacherous. Insidiousness is even worse than regular old maliciousness because it’s sneaky and involves some degree of betrayal. Something insidious may come off as innocuous, but in reality, it’s malignant. It’s that sneaky quality that makes it so dangerous.
- Serene
calm, peaceful, or tranquil; unruffled
This is a positive word for sure. People often travel to serene locales for a quiet, relaxing getaway. Picture a calm lake in some quiet woods or a beautiful mountain sunset. In literature, the serene countryside is often contrasted with the bustling city. If someone is using a serene tone, they are totally at ease and likely want their audience to feel the same way.
In Chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies, Ralph has a flashback to a serene childhood memory.
- Vitriolic
very caustic or scathing; intensely and bitingly critical
Ouch! If someone is speaking to you in a vitriolic tone, they want you to feel belittled and insulted. This isn’t a subtle descriptor; something vitriolic is intended to be noticed. Satire can sometimes be vitriolic, especially if the satirist is just fed up with something that needs to change. If you’re particularly angry at your sibling, you might speak to them in a vitriolic tone, really intending to get under their skin.
Just about everything Jack says to Piggy
- Wanton
1) done, shown, or used maliciously or unjustifiably; 2) without regard for what is right, just, humane; careless; reckless; 3) sexually lawless or unrestrained
Wanton has some slightly different definitions, but they all indicate a lack of moral soundness and a tendency to blindly fulfill personal satisfaction without consideration of consequence. The word suggests a lack of sound judgment and restraint. Clearly, the connotation of this one is negative.
Jack’s tribe setting the island on fire at the end of Lord of the Flies
- Zealous
full of or characterized by eager desire; ardently active, devoted, or diligent
Someone who is zealous is extremely enthusiastic about something or someone. This word carries with it a connotation of obsession and is often used to describe people are so vehemently following a person or belief that they might come off as a little crazy. This is beyond being just a little excited about something.
Enoch (who unmasks the Egwugwu in Things Fall Apart) is zealously following the new religion;
