Gatsby Vocab. List #2
Terms
undefined, object
copy deck
- meretricious
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adj.
superficially attractive: attractive in a superficial or vulgar manner but without real value (formal)
misleadingly plausible: seemingly plausible or significant, but actually insincere or false
of prostitutes: relating to or like a prostitute (archaic) - ineffable
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adj.
indescribable: incapable of being expressed in words (formal) - turgid
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adj.
pompous and overcomplicated: pompous, boring, and overcomplicated - brothel
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noun
house of prostitution: a place where people pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes - antecedents
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noun
thing coming before: something that happened or existed before something else - ingratiate
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verb
seek to please somebody: to try to enter somebody’s favor, especially in order to gain an advantage - obtrusive
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adj.
annoying: tending to force your presence or opinions on other people
highly noticeable: highly noticeable, often with a bad or unwelcome effect
sticking out: projecting or sticking out - contralto
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noun
low speaking voice: a naturally low speaking voice in a woman
lowest female vocal range: the lowest vocal range for women’s voices, below soprano and mezzo-soprano - caravansary
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noun
desert inn for traveling caravans: a large inn with a central courtyard, found in some eastern countries and used by caravans crossing the desert - harrowing
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adj.
upsetting: evoking feelings of fear, horror, or disgust - contingency
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noun
something that may happen: an event that may occur in the future, especially a problem, emergency, or expense that might arise unexpectedly, needs to be dealt with, and therefore must be prepared for
dependence upon chance: dependence upon chance or factors and circumstances that are presently unknown - inexplicable
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adj.
incomprehensible: incapable of being explained or justified - inviolate
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adj.
unaltered: not subject to change, damage, or destruction
kept pure: kept pure, untouched, or unblemished - precipitously
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adj.
done rashly: done or acting too quickly and without enough thought - portentous
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adj.
significant: very serious and significant, especially in terms of future events
amazing: inspiring wonder and amazement - libertine
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noun
philanderer: somebody, usually a man, who indulges in pleasures that are considered immoral and who has sexual relationships with many people - prig
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noun
smugly well-behaved person: somebody who is thought to take pride in behaving in a very correct and proper way, and in feeling morally superior to people with more relaxed standards (insult) - rancor
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noun
resentment: bitter, deeply held, and long-lasting ill will or resentment - expostulation
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noun
the act of expostulating; remonstrance; earnest and kindly protest - truculent
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adj.
aggressively defiant: aggressively or sullenly refusing to accept something or do what is asked - luminosity
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noun
Also called luminosity. the quality or condition of radiating or reflecting light - cahoots
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noun
be in cahoots (with somebody) to have a secret agreement with somebody, especially to do something dishonest or illegal (informal) - pneumatic
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adj.
using compressed air: operated by compressed air in a tool or machine
filled with air: filled with air, especially compressed air
physics involving compressed gases: relating to, involving, operated by, or typical of the pressure of compressed gases, especially air pressure or compressed air
of gases or wind: concerning, involving, or typical of air, gases, or wind
religion of the soul: concerning or involving the soul or spirit
birds with air-filled cavities in the bones: used to describe birds that have air-filled cavities in the bones
full-breasted: having large breasts (informal) (offensive in some contexts) - fortuitously
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adj.
accidental or unplanned: happening by chance
lucky: bringing or indicating good fortune - amorphous
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adj.
without shape: without any clear shape, form, or structure - adventitious
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adj.
from outside: added from an outside and often unexpected source rather than intrinsic - pasquinade
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noun
satire: an often anonymous lampoon or satire that traditionally was left displayed in a public place (archaic) - superfluous
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adj.
more than necessary: that is in excess of what is needed - complacent
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adj.
satisfied: self-satisfied, usually in an unreflective way and without being aware of possible dangers - transitory
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adj.
not permanent or lasting: not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time - aesthetic
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adj.
Relating to the philosophy or theories of aesthetics.
Of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste
Characterized by a heightened sensitivity to beauty.
Conforming to accepted notions of good taste. - commensurate
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adj.
equal in size: of the same size or extent
in proportion: properly or appropriately proportionate - orgiastic
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adj.
marked by wild revelry: full of a spirit of wild revelry
lacking restraint: showing extravagance or lack of restraint