The Great Gatsby

Vocabulary1 | Practice at tinyurl.com/FullGatsbyList

Write an original definition; find an example sentence; draw an illustration; research five etymologies.

  1. levitynouna manner lacking seriousness
  2. epigramnouna witty saying
  3. TeutonicadjectiveRelating to Germany, Germans, or the German language
  4. superciliousadjectivehaving or showing arrogant superiority to
  5. fractiousadjectiveeasily irritated or annoyed
  6. wistfuladjectiveshowing pensive sadness
  7. reciprocaladjectiveconcerning each of two or more persons or things
  8. wanadjectivedeficient in color suggesting physical or emotional distress
  9. compelverbforce somebody to do something
  10. languidadjectivelacking spirit or liveliness
  11. unobtrusiveadjectivenot undesirably noticeable
  12. desolateadjectiveproviding no shelter or sustenance
  13. extemporizeverbperform or speak without preparation
  14. devoidadjectivecompletely wanting or lacking
  15. peremptoryadjectivenot allowing contradiction or refusal
  16. libelnoun or verba false and malicious publication
  17. fantasticadjectivefanciful and unrealistic; foolish
  18. grotesqueadjectivedistorted and unnatural in shape or size
  19. transcendentadjectiveexceeding or surpassing usual limits
  20. contiguousadjectivehaving a common boundary or edge
  21. sumptuousadjectiverich and superior in quality
  22. pastoraladjectiveidyllically rustic
  23. incessantadjectiveuninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
  24. proprietaryadjectiveprotected by trademark or patent or copyright
  25. mincingadjectiveaffectedly dainty or refined
  26. simultaneousadjectiveoccurring or operating at the same time
  27. cataractnouna large waterfall; violent rush of water over a precipice
  28. ravageverbcause extensive destruction or ruin utterly
  29. fortnightnouna period of fourteen consecutive days
  30. gaudyadjectivetastelessly showy
  31. innuendonounan indirect and usually malicious implication
  32. prodigalitynounexcessive spending
  33. credulitynountendency to believe readily

The Great Gatsby

Vocabulary2 | Practice at tinyurl.com/FullGatsbyList

Write an original definition; find an example sentence; draw an illustration; research five etymologies.

  1. incredulousadjectivenot disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
  2. staidadjectivecharacterized by dignity and propriety
  3. impetuousadjectivecharacterized by undue haste and lack of thought
  4. tortuousadjectivehighly complex or intricate and occasionally devious
  5. vacuousadjectivedevoid of significance or point
  6. corpulentadjectiveexcessively fat
  7. fraternaladjectivelike or characteristic of or befitting a brother
  8. convivialadjectiveoccupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
  9. ineptadjectivegenerally incompetent and ineffectual
  10. dissensionnoundisagreement among those expected to cooperate
  11. deplorableadjectiveof very poor quality or condition
  12. indignantadjectiveangered at something unjust or wrong
  13. discordantadjectivenot in agreement or harmony
  14. caterwaulverbmake a shrill and unpleasant screeching sound
  15. haughtyadjectivehaving or showing arrogant superiority to
  16. affectationnouna deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
  17. subterfugenounsomething intended to misrepresent the nature of an activity
  18. insolentadjectivemarked by casual disrespect
  19. cardinaladjectiveserving as an essential component
  20. fluctuateverbmove or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern
  21. sporadicadjectiverecurring in scattered or unpredictable instances
  22. punctiliousadjectivemarked by precise accordance with details
  23. terraceverbform a slope into level flat areas resembling a series of steps
  24. evokeverbcall forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
  25. insignianouna badge worn to show official position
  26. elicitverbcall forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
  27. vitalitynounthe property of being able to survive and grow
  28. somnambulantadjectivehaving the habit of walking while asleep
  29. succulentadjective full of juice
  30. gratifiedadjectivehaving received what was desired
  31. benedictionnouna ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
  32. denizennouna person who inhabits a particular place
  33. unfathomableadjectiveimpossible to come to understand

The Great Gatsby

Vocabulary3 | Practice at tinyurl.com/FullGatsbyList

Write an original definition; find an example sentence; draw an illustration; research five etymologies.

  1. blearyadjectiveindistinct or hazy in outline
  2. routnouna state of wild confusion or disorderly retreat
  3. defunctadjectiveno longer in force or use; inactive
  4. distraughtadjectivedeeply agitated especially from emotion
  5. vestigenounan indication that something has been present
  6. confoundingadjectivethat confounds or contradicts or confuses
  7. posternnouna back or side entrance, particularly of a castle
  8. corrugatedadjectiveshaped into alternating parallel grooves and ridges
  9. nebulousadjectivelacking definite form or limits
  10. laudableadjectiveworthy of high praise
  11. meretriciousadjectivetastelessly showy
  12. conceitnouna fanciful expression in writing or speech
  13. ineffableadjectivedefying expression or description
  14. turgidadjectiveostentatiously lofty in style
  15. ingratiateverbgain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
  16. oblivionnounthe state of being disregarded or forgotten
  17. septicadjectiveof or relating to or caused by putrefaction
  18. lethargicadjectivedeficient in alertness or activity
  19. obliterateadjectiveremove completely from recognition or memory
  20. morbidadjectivesuggesting the horror of death and decay
  21. boisterousadjectivenoisy and lacking in restraint or discipline
  22. sensuousadjectivetaking delight in beauty
  23. sensualadjectivemarked by the appetites and passions of the body
  24. vicariousadjectiveexperienced at secondhand
  25. portentousadjectiveof momentous or ominous significance
  26. derangedadjectivedriven insane
  27. luminousadjectivesoftly bright or radiant
  28. redolentadjectivehaving a strong pleasant odor
  29. interminableadjectivetiresomely long; seemingly without end
  30. garrulousadjectivefull of trivial conversation
  31. fortuitousadjectiveoccurring by happy chance
  32. amorphousadjectivehaving no definite form or distinct shape
  33. pasquinadenouna composition that humorously imitates somebody's style
  34. superfluousadjectivemore than is needed, desired, or required