Scarlet Letter Ch. 12-19

Question 1

What does ‘Abase’ mean?

Answer 1

To behave in a way that belittles or degrades someone.

Synonyms: Slander, belittle, demean

Question 2

What is ‘Repose’?

Answer 2

A state of rest, sleep, or tranquility.

Synonyms: Hibernate, meditation, relaxation

Question 3

What does ‘Accost’ mean?

Answer 3

To approach and address someone boldly or aggressively.

Synonym: leer

Question 4

What does ‘Despotic’ describe?

Answer 4

Of or typical of a ruler or person who holds absolute power.

Synonyms: Tyrannical, iron-fisted

Question 5

What does ‘Benign’ mean?

Answer 5

Gentle and kind.

Synonyms: Well-mannered, warm, good-natured

Question 6

What is ‘Austerity’?

Answer 6

Sternness or severity of manner or attitude.

Synonyms: Seriousness, gravity

Question 7

What does ‘Effluence’ refer to?

Answer 7

A substance that flows out of something.

Synonym: waste

Question 8

What does ‘Obviate’ mean?

Answer 8

To remove a need or difficulty.

Synonym: wean

Question 9

What is a ‘Precipice’?

Answer 9

A very steep rock face or cliff, especially a tall one.

Example: ‘Now turned aside by an insurmountable precipice’

Question 10

What does ‘Propinquity’ mean?

Answer 10

The state of being close to someone or something; proximity.

Synonyms: Adjacency, closeness

Question 11

What does ‘Implore’ mean?

Answer 11

To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.

Synonyms: plead, beseech

Question 12

What does ‘Sedulous’ describe?

Answer 12

Showing dedication and diligence.

Question 13

What does ‘Deleterious’ mean?

Answer 13

Causing harm or damage.

Question 14

What does ‘Upbraid’ mean?

Answer 14

To find fault with someone.

Synonyms: Scold, rebuke

Question 15

What does ‘Capricious’ mean?

Answer 15

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

Synonyms: Bipolar, moody, fickle

Question 16

What does ‘Petulant’ describe?

Answer 16

Childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

Synonym: ill-tempered

Question 17

What does ‘Precocious’ mean?

Answer 17

Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual.

Synonyms: Advanced, forward, ahead

Question 18

What does ‘Acute’ mean?

Answer 18

Having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; shrewd.

Question 19

What is an ‘Enigma’?

Answer 19

A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Synonyms: Paradox, riddle

Question 20

What does ‘Propensity’ mean?

Answer 20

An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

Synonyms: Tendency, readiness

Question 21

What does ‘Primeval’ describe?

Answer 21

Of or resembling the earliest ages in the history of the world.

Synonyms: Antique, ancient

Question 22

What does ‘Scintillating’ mean?

Answer 22

Sparkling or shining brightly.

Synonyms: Shining, glittering

Question 23

What is ‘Loquacity’?

Answer 23

The quality of talking a great deal; talkativeness.

Synonym: volubility

Question 24

What does ‘Prophetic’ mean?

Answer 24

Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future.

Synonyms: Clairvoyant, prognostic

Question 25

What is 'Lamentation'?

Answer 25

The passionate expression of grief or sorrow; weeping. ## Footnote Synonyms: Wail, shriek, sobbing

Question 26

What does 'Haggard' describe?

Answer 26

Looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering. ## Footnote Synonyms: Drained, spent, unwell

Question 27

What does 'Despondent' mean?

Answer 27

In low spirits from loss of hope or courage. ## Footnote Synonyms: Disheartened, defeatist, debbie downer

Question 28

What does 'Listless' mean?

Answer 28

Lacking energy or enthusiasm. ## Footnote Synonyms: Lethargic, apathetic, dull

Question 29

What does 'Vehement' mean?

Answer 29

Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.

Question 30

What does 'Malevolent' describe?

Answer 30

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Question 31

What is 'Contiguity'?

Answer 31

The state of being in direct contact or proximity.

Question 32

What does 'Misanthropy' mean?

Answer 32

A general dislike, distrust, or hatred of the human species or human nature.

Question 33

What is 'Consecration'?

Answer 33

The action of making or declaring something sacred.

Question 34

What does 'Doleful' mean?

Answer 34

Expressing sorrow; mournful or melancholic.

Question 35

What does 'Buoy' mean?

Answer 35

To keep someone or something afloat or support; to lift or raise.

Question 36

What does 'Estranged' mean?

Answer 36

No longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated.

Question 37

What is 'Colloquy'?

Answer 37

A conversation or dialogue, especially a formal one.

Question 38

What does 'Trammel' refer to?

Answer 38

A restriction or limitation on someone's freedom or movement.

Question 39

What is a 'Citadel'?

Answer 39

A fortress or stronghold, typically on high ground, protecting a city.

Question 40

What does 'Solace' mean?

Answer 40

Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

Question 41

What does 'Stigma' refer to?

Answer 41

A mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

Question 42

What does 'Irrevocable' mean?

Answer 42

Not able to be changed, reversed, or undone.

Question 43

What does 'Subjugate' mean?

Answer 43

To bring under control, often by force; to conquer or dominate.