Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Vocab

Question 1

Jocular

Answer 1

meant lightly or humorously; facetious

Question 2

Syllogism

Answer 2

a deductive inference of certain other forms with two premises, such as the hypothetical syllogism: if P then Q; if Q then R; so if P then R

Question 3

Postulate

Answer 3

to claim or assume the existence or truth of, especially, as a basis for reasoning or arguing

Question 4

Equanimity

Answer 4

mental/emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain; calmness

Question 5

Fortuitous

Answer 5

happening or produced by chance; accidental

Question 6

Expiate

Answer 6

to atone for; make amends or reparation for

Question 7

Inexorable

Answer 7

unyielding; unalterable

Question 8

Enigma

Answer 8

a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation

Question 9

Portentous

Answer 9

ominously significant or indicative

Question 10

Remonstrate

Answer 10

to present reasons in complaint; plead in protest

Question 11

Wry

Answer 11

devious in course or purpose; misdirected

Question 12

Tableaux

Answer 12

a representation of a picture, state, scene, etc., by one or more persons suitably costumed and posed

Question 13

Arbitrary

Answer 13

subject to individual will judgment without restriction, solely upon one’s discretion

Question 14

Usurpation

Answer 14

an act of usurping; wrongful or illegal encroachment, infringement, or seizure

Question 15

Appurtenance

Answer 15

something subordinate to another, more important thing; adjunct; accessory

Question 16

Dogmatic

Answer 16

asserting opinions in a doctrinaire or arrogant manner; opinionated

Question 17

Pragmatism

Answer 17

a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining, truth, or value

Question 18

Mincing

Answer 18

to walk or move with short, affectedly dainty steps

Question 19

Interminable

Answer 19

incapable of being terminated; unending

Question 20

Morose

Answer 20

gloomily or sullenly ill-humored, as a person or mood

Question 21

Squalling

Answer 21

to blow as a sudden disturbance or commotion

Question 22

Avuncular

Answer 22

resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful

Question 23

Sordid

Answer 23

morally ignoble or base; vile

Question 24

Petard

Answer 24

an explosive device formerly used in warfare to blow in a door or gate, form a breach in a wall etc.. Idiom: “hoist by their own petard” - ruined/destroyed by the very device or plot one had intended for another

Question 25

Galvanized

Answer 25

to startle into sudden activity; stimulate

Question 26

Extemporize

Answer 26

to perform, speak, or compose (an act, speech, piece of music, etc) without planning or preparation

Question 27

surreptitiously

Answer 27

obtained, done, made etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine

Question 28

Fortnight

Answer 28

the space of fourteen nights and days; two weeks

Question 29

Ventage

Answer 29

a small hole or vent, as one of the fingerholes of a flute

Question 30

Phlegmatic

Answer 30

not easily excited to action or display of emotion; apathetic; sluggish; composed