The Great Gatsby Vocabulary Ch. 8 & 9

Inexplicable It was inexplicable when the shy child stood up and started singing. It was inexplicable how he fell off the roof and didn’t hurt himself.

Inexplicable Definition – (adj.) unable to be explained or accounted for. Synonyms – unaccountable; unexplainable; incomprehensible

Pretense A lot of adults pretend to be children but really join chat rooms under false pretense. Because Frank stutters, he makes no pretense of being a wonderful speaker.

Pretense Definition – (n.) an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true. Synonyms – make-believe; putting on an act; acting

Corroborate The defense attorney could not find anyone to corroborate his client’s alibi. I prayed my friend would corroborate the lie I told my parents!

Corroborate Definition – (v) confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding). Synonyms – confirm; verify; endorse

Ecstatic She was ecstatic when she learned she won the election. The students were ecstatic when they found out school was closed.

Ecstatic Definition – (adj.) feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement. Synonyms – elated; overjoyed; blissful

Tactful Jan was tactful in telling her boss his breath smelled bad Juan is not tactful and always offends people.

Tactful Definition – (adj.) having the ability to do or say things without offending or upsetting other people. Synonyms – diplomatic; considerate; thoughtful

Exasperated Jim’s mother became exasperated when he dropped out of school. Raider fans became exasperated and lost interest after another losing season.

Exasperated Definition – (adj.) irritated or annoyed to a high degree Synonyms – annoyed; irritated; provoked

Garrulous Because Jake is garrulous, asking him to keep a secret is impossible. The garrulous man held up the line as he rambled on about his pet squirrel.

Garrulous Definition – (adj.) excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. Synonyms – talkative; loquacious; voluble

Ch. 9

Superfluous It is superfluous to have 20 pairs of shoes when you only wear the same 5 pairs. Sandy had a superfluous amount of candy, so she shared the rest with her friends.

Superfluous Definition – (adj) unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. Synonyms – unneeded; redundant; excess

Reverent He was a 'Reverent' man in the presence of royalty, showing great respect. You should be reverent if you ever meet the president.

Reverent Definition – (adj.) feeling or showing deep and solemn respect. Synonyms – respectful; reverential; admiring

Complacent Although Chuck wanted an 'A' in the class, he was complacent with a 'B'. After they won their first game, they became complacent and stopped trying.

Complacent Definition – (adj.) satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them Synonyms – confident; satisfied; pleased

Recede If you look at Mr. Abdul’s hair, you can see where his hairline has started to recede. The animals will recede further into the forest as developers continue to cut down trees.

Recede Definition – (v.) go or move back or further away from a previous position. Synonyms – retreat; go back; withdraw