Short Story Vocab

Question 1

Wicker

Answer 1

a small pliant twig or branch

Question 2

Notion

Answer 2

an individual’s conception or impression of something known, experienced, or imagined

Question 3

Protuberant

Answer 3

Thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface

Question 4

Galleon

Answer 4

a heavy square sailing ship used for war or commerce

Question 5

Dolorous

Answer 5

caused, marked by, or expressing misery or grief

Question 6

Contrition

Answer 6

in a state of feeling remorse and sorrow for one’s actions

Question 7

Perfunctory

Answer 7

Characterized by routine or superficiality

Question 8

Denomination

Answer 8

a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices

Question 9

Gale

Answer 9

a strong current of air/wind

Question 10

Indifferent

Answer 10

marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something

Question 11

Immersed

Answer 11

to plunge into something that surrounds or covers; to engross or absorb oneself

Question 12

Purported

Answer 12

reputed; alleged; supposed

Question 13

Silage

Answer 13

fodder such as hay or corn converted into feed for livestock

Question 14

Connoisseur

Answer 14

one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is comopetent to act as a critical judge

Question 15

Assimilation

Answer 15

to absorb into the cultural tradition of a population or group

Question 16

Estranged

Answer 16

having lost former closeness and affection; in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship

Question 17

Subservient

Answer 17

useful in an inferior capacity; subordinate; serving to promote some end

Question 18

Complicity

Answer 18

association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act

Question 19

Chastise

Answer 19

to censure severely; inflict punishment on

Question 20

Infidelity

Answer 20

the act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one’s husband, wife, or partner; cheating

Question 21

Altruism

Answer 21

unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others

Question 22

Supplication

Answer 22

to make a humble entreaty, especially to pray to God

Question 23

Spumy

Answer 23

frothy matter on liquids; foam

Question 24

Nostalgic

Answer 24

longing for or thinking fondly of a past time or condition

Question 25

Complaisance

Answer 25

disposition to please or comply

Question 26

Beseeching

Answer 26

expressing or marked by earnest pleading or entreaty

Question 27

Subjugation

Answer 27

to bring under control and governance as a subject

Question 28

Retribution

Answer 28

the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment; recompense, reward

Question 29

Foreboding

Answer 29

an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil

Question 30

Meritocracy

Answer 30

a system, organization, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on the basis of their demonstrated abilities and merit