Vocabulary Definitions / Examples 9/30/2016 – Grammar and Vocab Quiz

Foreboding NOUN fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen ADJECTIVE implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen. Synonyms: Apprehension Worry Fear Bad Omen

Foreboding As the clouds in the sky began to gather, I had a sudden sense of foreboding that the picnic may have to be cancelled.

Foreboding in “The Most Dangerous Game” We talked about the foreshadowing in the first few pages of the piece. How is the description of the setting foreboding?

Vitriolic ADJECTIVE Filled with bitter criticism or malice; mean and spiteful Related word: Vitriol NOUN - Cruel and bitter criticism

Vitriolic What was supposed to be a civil debate turned into a debate reaching vitriolic levels, ending with both participants screaming obscenities.

Vitriolic in “The Lottery” Once she knew that someone in her family was going to “win” the lottery, Mrs. Hutchinson starting spewing vitriol at Mr. Summers, the man administering the lottery. What is the most vitriolic thing she said?

To really, really dislike someone Abhor VERB To regard with disgust or hatred In other words: To really, really dislike someone

Abhor If you abhor the teacher so much, why not switch out of that class?

Abhor in “The Most Dangerous Game” Once Rainsford figured out that Zaroff was hunting humans, his tone reflected his abhorrence of Zaroff’s revelation. Why does Rainsford abhor what Zaroff is doing on his island?

Haughty “Honestly, am I the only person who’s ever bothered to read Hogwarts, A History?” -Hermione Granger ADJECTIVE Arrogantly superior or disdainful

Haughty Although it is always good to be smart, haughty has a negative connotation. Even though I tried really hard to like my new boss, her haughty, know-it-all attitude made her an outsider.

Haughty in “The Most Dangerous Game” As Zaroff and Rainsford get to know each other, Zaroff takes his time to brag and elaborate on his hunting successes. What is the most haughty detail that Zaroff includes in these conversations?

Solicitous ADJECTIVE Showing interest or concern Careful or particular

Solicitous The solicitous teacher did not want her students to run during the unexpected fire drill; no one knew whether or not it was a false alarm. *Solicitous sounds negative, but it’s really not. *Solicit and Solicitous DO NOT mean the same thing.

Solicitous in “The Lottery” Mrs. Hutchinson is the only person in the crowd of villagers that is really given any personality. How does the author characterize Mrs. Hutchinson as solicitous?

Looking back to a happier time Nostalgic ADJECTIVE A sentimental longing for the past Related word: Nostalgia In other words: Looking back to a happier time

Nostalgic I have this app called Timehop that I really like because it tells you what pictures and video you took on today’s date for the last several years. I get nostalgic when I find baby videos of my kids.

Nostalgic in “The Lottery” In the story, there are a lot of details that support the assertion that the lottery is an old ritual in their community. How does the ubiquitous black box add to the nostalgia for these villagers?

Disingenuous ADJECTIVE Not sincere, sometimes that means by lying, and sometimes it means by not admitting something that you know (intentionally keeping a secret)

Disingenuous I hated to lie, but I had to be disingenuous to hide the fact that I had to get him out of the house so they could set up his surprise party!

Disingenuous in “The Lottery” In the story, Mr. Summers is administering the lottery as he is surrounded by villagers. At one point, Mr. Summers and the Hutchinsons disagree over rules. Who is being disingenuous here?

Not caring because you’re not a part of something anymore Detached ADJECTIVE Disconnected or separate; aloof and objective In other words: Not caring because you’re not a part of something anymore

Detached He claimed that he was detached from party politics, but a look at the candidate’s fundraising contributors let the voters know that he was anything but independent.

Detached in “The Lottery” Old Man Warner is a minor character in this story. How does Old Man Warner contribute to the story’s somewhat detached tone?