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Gatsby Vocab. List #2

Terms

undefined, object
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meretricious
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
adj.

indescribable: incapable of being expressed in words (formal)
turgid
adj.

pompous and overcomplicated: pompous, boring, and overcomplicated
brothel
noun

house of prostitution: a place where people pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes
antecedents
noun

thing coming before: something that happened or existed before something else
ingratiate
verb

seek to please somebody: to try to enter somebody’s favor, especially in order to gain an advantage
obtrusive
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
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
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
adj.

upsetting: evoking feelings of fear, horror, or disgust
contingency
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
adj.

incomprehensible: incapable of being explained or justified
inviolate
adj.

unaltered: not subject to change, damage, or destruction

kept pure: kept pure, untouched, or unblemished
precipitously
adj.

done rashly: done or acting too quickly and without enough thought
portentous
adj.

significant: very serious and significant, especially in terms of future events

amazing: inspiring wonder and amazement
libertine
noun

philanderer: somebody, usually a man, who indulges in pleasures that are considered immoral and who has sexual relationships with many people
prig
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
noun

resentment: bitter, deeply held, and long-lasting ill will or resentment
expostulation
noun

the act of expostulating; remonstrance; earnest and kindly protest
truculent
adj.

aggressively defiant: aggressively or sullenly refusing to accept something or do what is asked
luminosity
noun

Also called luminosity. the quality or condition of radiating or reflecting light
cahoots
noun

be in cahoots (with somebody) to have a secret agreement with somebody, especially to do something dishonest or illegal (informal)
pneumatic
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
adj.

accidental or unplanned: happening by chance

lucky: bringing or indicating good fortune
amorphous
adj.

without shape: without any clear shape, form, or structure
adventitious
adj.

from outside: added from an outside and often unexpected source rather than intrinsic
pasquinade
noun

satire: an often anonymous lampoon or satire that traditionally was left displayed in a public place (archaic)
superfluous
adj.

more than necessary: that is in excess of what is needed
complacent
adj.

satisfied: self-satisfied, usually in an unreflective way and without being aware of possible dangers
transitory
adj.

not permanent or lasting: not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time
aesthetic
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
adj.

equal in size: of the same size or extent

in proportion: properly or appropriately proportionate
orgiastic
adj.

marked by wild revelry: full of a spirit of wild revelry

lacking restraint: showing extravagance or lack of restraint

Deck Info

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