to kill a mockingbird vocabulary words 1-25
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TRANSCRIPT
SAT VOCABULARY PART 1
To Kill a Mockingbird
CONTENTIOUS
Likely to argue with someone SYNONYMS: quarrelsome,
argumentative Brothers and sisters often have
contentious relationships in that they argue and fight a lot.
Contenders
TENTATIVE
Uncertain, not final; not fully worked out
SYNONYMS: unconfirmed; indefinite; unsettled
We have tentative plans for Homecoming; however, the plans could still change if it begins to rain while we are outside.
DICTUM
an authoritative statement or decree SYNONYMS: a command, an order Hitler created inhumane dictums while
he was the leader of Germany. (A person does not have to be a dictator to hand down dictums.)
Dictator
TACITURN
inclined to silence; reluctant to join in conversation.
SYNONYMS: quiet, shy, reserved
A shy person is usually taciturn.
QUAINT 1. strange or unusual in an interesting
or amusing way 2. having an old-fashioned charm or
attractiveness SYNONYMS: 1.strange, peculiar, odd
2. enchanting, charming He had a quaint sense of humor which
only his friends understood.
A quaint
cottage
MALEVOLENT
having an evil influence SYNONYMS: wicked, malicious Your parents may be fearful of you
walking the streets alone at night due to malevolent strangers possibly lurking in the shadows.
PREDILECTION
preference toward something; strong fondness for
SYNONYMS: preference, fondness, liking
Some people have a predilection for ice-cream and eat it every day.
DOMICILE
Place of residence SYNONYMS: home or residence For many students their domicile has
been Carmel, Indiana since they were born.
PROFANE
immoral, disrespectful of religion SYNONYMS: disrespectful, sinful, vulgar The principal made it clear that
students who use profane language at the game will be asked to leave.
Profanity
AUSPICIOUS
Promising success, favored by fortune SYNONYMS: favorable, encouraging,
lucky After reading her horoscope in the
paper, Mary felt it was an auspicious time to purchase a lottery ticket.
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INDIGENOUS
native to or characteristic of a certain area
SYNONYMS: native, local Gray squirrels are indigenous to the
Midwest, and if you travel to California, you will see different species of squirrels.
DIMINUTIVE
Smaller than average size SYNONYMS: tiny, small, miniature The store which specialized in selling
doll houses was filled with diminutive versions of the houses one will find on Main Street. BIG CAT DIMINUTIVE CAT
FRACTIOUS
Difficult to control; unruly, disobedient
SYNONYMS: disobedient; irritable
During the pep-rally the fractious students began to push each other, and soon there was a big fight among them.
DISAPPROBATION
Strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds
SYNONYMS: disapproval
The unruly child faced the disapprobation of her parents when they learned she hit her brother.
FURTIVE
Attempting to avoid attention due to fear of getting caught
SYNOYMS: secretive, sneaky, sly
During the test, Blaine made furtive glances at Greyson’s test answers.
A furtive
fox
IMPUDENT
Not showing due respect for another person
SYNONYMS: disrespectful, rude The student’s impudent act of
swearing at his teacher and then skipping school lead to his expulsion.
BENEVOLENCE
desire to do good to others SYNONYMS: kindness, generosity Donating to the poor or needy is an act
of benevolence.
Clothing
Drive
IRASCIBLE
Easily made angry SYNONYMS: irritable, touchy Just about anything could set off his
irascible temper.
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CARICATURE
a drawing of a person which exaggerates his traits for comic effect
SYNONYMS: cartoon, parody
Cartoonists draw many caricatures of presidents.
INORDINATE
not within reasonable limits
SYNONYMS: excessive, extravagant
Mike took an inordinate amount of candy when trick or treating.
INGENUOUS
Innocent; free from restraint
SYNONYMS: innocent, naïve, sincere, honest
Because of the ingenuous nature of young children, they most often tell the truth when questioned by an adult.
INNATE
existing in one from birth; a natural quality
SYNONYMS: inborn, native
Many researchers believe that personality is an innate quality rather than a series of traits we learn from our parents and society.
Is personality innate?
GUILELESS
Innocent and without deception
SYNONYMS: honest, straightforward
Is it possible to find a guileless politician in Washington D.C., or do they all have the potential for dishonesty? Guileless or Not
Guileless?
FANATIC
A person with extreme and uncritical enthusiasm for something
SYNONYMS: extremist
A Colt’s fanatic will paint his body blue and white for every game, even if they are on a losing streak.
PIETY
devotion to God and observance of religious principles
SYNONYMS: faithfulness, holiness
The reverend’s pious sermon motivated the congregation to pray with piety.
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