Vocabulary Flashcards
Familiarize myself with vocabulary presented in "The Scarlet Letter". (127 cards)
indulgent
“Indulgent” means allowing yourself or someone else to have or do something enjoyable, even if it’s not necessary or might be considered excessive.
For example, if a parent lets their child have ice cream before dinner even though they know it’s not the healthiest choice, that parent is being indulgent. Or if someone buys themselves expensive gifts just because they feel like it, that’s indulgent too.
Some synonyms in English are: lenient, permissive, tolerant, pampering.
In Spanish, you could use: indulgente, permisivo, tolerante, consentidor.
scarcely
“Scarcely” means hardly or barely. It’s used when something happens in such a small amount or degree that it’s almost not noticeable.
For example, if you say “I scarcely ate anything at the party,” it means you ate very little, almost nothing.
Here are some synonyms in English: barely, hardly, just, almost not.
In Spanish, you could use: apenas, casi no, apenas si, escasamente.
Here’s a sentence using “scarcely”:
“I was so tired that I could scarcely keep my eyes open during the boring lecture.”
decorous
“Decorous” means behaving or acting in a proper, dignified, and socially acceptable manner.
For example, if someone attends a formal event and speaks politely, dresses appropriately, and behaves with respect, they are being decorous.
Here are some synonyms in English: proper, respectable, polite, well-mannered.
In Spanish, you could use: decoroso, respetuoso, educado, correcto.
Here’s a sentence using “decorous”:
“At the wedding, everyone was dressed elegantly and behaved decorously during the ceremony.”
benumbed
“Benumbed” means to be numb or deprived of feeling, typically due to cold or shock.
For example, if someone stays outside in freezing temperatures for too long, their fingers and toes might become benumbed, meaning they lose sensation in them.
Here are some synonyms in English: numb, desensitized, insensitive, deadened.
In Spanish, you could use: entumecido, insensible, amortecido.
Here’s a sentence using “benumbed”:
“After sitting in the chilly room for hours, Sarah’s feet were benumbed and she struggled to move them.”
apprehensive
“Apprehensive” means feeling anxious or fearful about something that is going to happen.
For example, if you’re apprehensive about an upcoming test, it means you’re feeling nervous or worried about how you’ll perform.
Here are some synonyms in English: anxious, uneasy, worried, concerned.
In Spanish, you could use: aprensivo, preocupado, inquieto, temeroso.
Here’s a sentence using “apprehensive”:
“Sarah felt apprehensive about her job interview tomorrow because she really wanted to impress the hiring manager.”
thawed
“Thawed” refers to the process of something, typically ice or frozen food, returning to its natural state as it becomes warmer and melts.
For example, if you take a frozen piece of meat out of the freezer and leave it on the kitchen counter, it will gradually thaw, meaning it will soften and become unfrozen.
Here are some synonyms in English: melted, defrosted, softened.
In Spanish, you could use: descongelado, derretido, deshelado.
Here’s a sentence using “thawed”:
“The ice on the lake thawed in the warm spring sunshine, allowing people to go ice skating.”
prate
“Prate” means to talk foolishly or at length about trivial matters, often in a boring or annoying way.
For example, if someone is constantly prating about their new diet without actually taking any action, it means they are talking endlessly about it without accomplishing anything meaningful.
Here are some synonyms in English: babble, chatter, blather, ramble.
In Spanish, you could use: charlar, parlotear, chacharear.
Here’s a sentence using “prate”:
“During the meeting, he prated on and on about his weekend plans, completely ignoring the agenda.”
prolix
“Prolix” means using too many words and being long-winded, often to the point of being tedious or boring.
For example, if someone writes a prolix essay that could have been much shorter and more concise, it means they have used an excessive amount of words to convey their message.
Here are some synonyms in English: verbose, long-winded, wordy, rambling.
In Spanish, you could use: prolijo, prolija.
Here’s a sentence using “prolix”:
“The professor’s lectures tend to be prolix, filled with unnecessary details that make it difficult for students to stay focused.”
heretofore
“Heretofore” means up to the present time or before the moment being referred to.
For example, if a company announces a new policy and states that all employees must adhere to it from this point forward, they might say, “Heretofore, employees were allowed to dress casually, but now a business attire policy will be enforced.”
Here are some synonyms in English: hitherto, previously, formerly.
In Spanish, you could use: hasta ahora, hasta el momento, anteriormente.
Here’s a sentence using “heretofore”:
“Heretofore, the factory had been operating smoothly, but recent supply chain disruptions have caused delays in production.”
bustling
“Bustling” describes a place or situation that is full of energetic and noisy activity, with many people moving around and being busy.
For example, a bustling city street during rush hour would be crowded with pedestrians, vehicles, and various sounds of activity.
Here are some synonyms in English: busy, lively, active, bustling.
In Spanish, you could use: bullicioso, animado, concurrido, lleno de actividad.
Here’s a sentence using “bustling”:
“The marketplace was bustling with vendors selling their goods and shoppers browsing through the stalls.”
dilapidated
“Dilapidated” describes something, typically a building or structure, that is in a state of disrepair or ruin due to neglect or age.
For example, a dilapidated house might have broken windows, a sagging roof, and peeling paint.
Here are some synonyms in English: rundown, decrepit, deteriorated, ramshackle.
In Spanish, you could use: ruinoso, deteriorado, en mal estado, destartalado.
Here’s a sentence using “dilapidated”:
“The old farmhouse stood in a dilapidated state, its walls crumbling and its windows boarded up.”
adown
“Adown” is an archaic or poetic term that means “down” or “toward the ground.” It’s used to describe movement in a downward direction.
For example, in a poetic context, you might find a line like “The leaves fell adown from the tree,” meaning the leaves fell downward from the tree.
However, it’s not commonly used in modern English and is mostly found in older literature or poetic writing.
Here are some synonyms in modern English: downward, downwards, down.
In Spanish, you could use: hacia abajo, hacia el suelo, abajo.
Here’s a sentence using “adown” in a poetic context:
“The sun sank adown behind the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink.”
thence
archaic term replaced by “from there”. For example, it could be used in old literature as: “And thence across the harbour”. Which would be in modern English, “and from there across the harbour”.
lofty
“Lofty” describes something that is impressive or grand in nature, often in a way that inspires admiration or awe. It can refer to physical height or metaphorical greatness.
For example, a “lofty mountain peak” refers to a tall and majestic mountain summit, while a “lofty goal” might describe an ambitious and noble aspiration.
Here are some synonyms in English: high, towering, elevated, grand, noble, majestic.
In Spanish, you could use: elevado, alto, imponente, noble, grandioso.
Here’s a sentence using “lofty”:
“The cathedral’s lofty spires reached toward the sky, casting long shadows over the city streets below.”
hover
“Hovers” refers to the action of remaining suspended in the air, typically by moving back and forth or up and down without making any significant progress in a particular direction.
For example, a hummingbird hovers near a flower while feeding, or a helicopter hovers in the sky while waiting for clearance to land.
Here are some synonyms in English: floats, hangs, drifts, levitates.
In Spanish, you could use: flota, planea, se mantiene suspendido.
Here’s a sentence using “hovers”:
“The butterfly hovers above the colorful garden, fluttering its wings gracefully as it searches for nectar.”
intermingled
“Intermingled” means mixed together or blended in such a way that it’s difficult to distinguish between individual elements.
For example, in a crowd of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, their languages and accents might intermingle, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere.
Here are some synonyms in English: mixed, blended, mingled, fused, commingled.
In Spanish, you could use: entremezclado, mezclado, fusionado, combinado.
Here’s a sentence using “intermingled”:
“At the international festival, the aromas of various cuisines intermingled in the air, creating an enticing and multicultural culinary experience.”
customary
“Customary” refers to something that is usual, typical, or commonly practiced according to the customs or traditions of a particular place or group.
For example, it is customary to shake hands when meeting someone in many Western cultures, or it is customary to bow when greeting someone in certain Asian cultures.
Here are some synonyms in English: traditional, usual, typical, habitual, conventional.
In Spanish, you could use: habitual, usual, acostumbrado, tradicional.
Here’s a sentence using “customary”:
“It is customary to exchange gifts during the holiday season in many cultures around the world.”
truculency
“Truculency” refers to a disposition or attitude that is fierce, cruel, or aggressively savage. It describes behavior or speech that is harsh, brutal, or menacing.
For example, a person who speaks with truculency might use threatening language or display aggressive behavior towards others.
Here are some synonyms in English: ferocity, savagery, brutality, aggression, fierceness.
In Spanish, you could use: ferocidad, brutalidad, agresividad, fiereza.
Here’s a sentence using “truculency”:
“The dictator’s truculency was evident in his ruthless suppression of dissent and his willingness to use violence to maintain power.”
tenderness
“Tenderness” refers to a gentle and affectionate feeling, expression, or behavior towards someone or something. It involves being caring, loving, and showing warmth and concern.
For example, a mother may show tenderness towards her child by hugging them tightly and comforting them when they’re upset.
Here are some synonyms in English: affection, warmth, kindness, gentleness, fondness, compassion.
In Spanish, you could use: ternura, cariño, afecto, bondad, dulzura.
Here’s a sentence using “tenderness”:
“The couple exchanged looks of tenderness as they danced together under the moonlight.”
apt
Suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation. For example, “She has an aptitude for teaching” means she is well-suited for the job of teaching.
Having a tendency or inclination to do something. For example, “He’s apt to forget things if he doesn’t write them down” means he tends to forget things easily.
Quick to learn or understand. For example, “She’s an apt student” means she learns quickly and easily.
Here are some synonyms in English:
Suitable/appropriate: fitting, appropriate, suitable, proper.
Inclined/tending: likely, prone, disposed.
Quick to learn: talented, gifted, clever, adept.
In Spanish, you could use:
Adecuado (suitable/appropriate).
Propenso (inclined/tending).
Hábil (quick to learn).
Here’s a sentence using “apt” in the first meaning:
“Her calm demeanor makes her apt for handling stressful situations.”
scorned
“scorn,” which means to feel or express contempt or disdain towards someone or something. It implies a strong feeling of disrespect, disdain, or rejection.
For example, if someone is scorned by their peers, it means they are treated with contempt or are looked down upon by others.
Here are some synonyms in English: disdain, disrespect, reject, deride, despise.
In Spanish, you could use: despreciar, desdeñar, menospreciar.
Here’s a sentence using “scorned”:
“After being scorned by her colleagues for her unconventional ideas, she decided to pursue her own path independently.”
careworn
“Careworn” is an adjective that describes someone who looks tired, exhausted, or worried due to prolonged stress or anxiety. It suggests a person who has experienced hardship or distress, often visible in their appearance.
For example, “Her careworn face showed the effects of years of hard work and worry.”
In this context, “worn” emphasizes the physical or emotional exhaustion evident in the person’s appearance.
If you meant “careworn,” here are some synonyms: weary, haggard, fatigued, worn-out, troubled, anxious.
In Spanish, you could use: desgastado por la preocupación, fatigado por las preocupaciones, cansado por la ansiedad.
sturdy/sturdily
“Sturdy” is an adjective that describes something that is strong, robust, and well-built. It implies that the object or person is able to withstand rough treatment or harsh conditions without easily being damaged or broken.
For example, a sturdy table is one that is solidly constructed and can support heavy weight without wobbling or breaking. Similarly, a sturdy person is physically strong and resilient.
Here are some synonyms for “sturdy”: strong, robust, durable, solid, resilient, rugged.
In Spanish, you could use: sólido, resistente, robusto, fuerte.
Here’s a sentence using “sturdy”:
“The old oak tree in the backyard is still standing tall and sturdy after decades of weathering storms.”
En español:
“El viejo roble en el patio trasero todavía se mantiene alto y resistente después de décadas de enfrentar tormentas.”
bed-ridden
“Bedridden” is an adjective that describes a person who is confined to bed due to illness, injury, or disability and is unable to move around or perform normal daily activities.
For example, someone who has undergone major surgery may be bedridden during their recovery period, or a person with a severe illness may become bedridden due to weakness and fatigue.
Here are some synonyms for “bedridden”: confined to bed, immobile, incapacitated, housebound.
In Spanish, you could use: postrado en cama, encamado.
Here’s a sentence using “bedridden”:
“After breaking her leg, she was bedridden for several weeks until she could walk again.”
En español:
“Después de romperse la pierna, estuvo postrada en cama durante varias semanas hasta que pudo caminar de nuevo.”