vocabulary Plus Realism and Naturalism

Dilapidated adj. DEF: old, broken down, barely useful, worn out SYN: decrepit Either you fix up that dilapidated old car, or ___________________.

Conjecture n. DEF: the formulation or expression of a theory or an opinion SYN: supposition Whether you believe that the existence of ghosts is all conjecture, or ______, you have to admit that ___________

Garrulous adj. DEF: excessively talkative especially on trivial matters SYN: loquacious Neither her advanced age nor her large personality can explain her obnoxiously garrulous behavior at the ___________________yesterday.

Interminable adj. DEF: endless, perpetual, going on and on SYN: never – ending This interminable drive is causing me to become irritated, to get a nagging headache, and to __________.

Earnest adj. DEF: showing deep sincerity and seriousness, or zealousness SYN: sincere Although his intentions were in earnest, his _____________ were not.

Finesse n. DEF: refinement, delicacy, grace, ease SYN: dexterity The finesse with which she handled the emergency was not only ________ but also _________.

Cavort v. DEF to jump or dance around excitedy SYN caper You kids quit cavorting around this dynamite factory or I’ll __________________________!

Ornery adj. DEF bad tempered or combative, permantly cranky SYN cantankerous My sister is so ornery when she wakes up in the morning that

lattice n. DEF framework of crossed strips – metal, or pie dough SYN filligree The basket was woven from pure Mongolian bamboo, and the latticework was painted _____________________.

Dialect n. DEF a socially distinct variety of a language that differs from the standard variety SYN patois Zora Neale Hurston wrote her novels in a distinct dialect of African Americans in the early 20 th century.

Motif n. DEF a recurring subject, theme, idea, symbol, etc., especially in an artistic or musical work. SYN archtype I’m sure that the recurring motif of the high french horn in his symphony symbolizes __________________.

Irony n. DEF the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning SYN: sarcasm The usual ironic cliché is that it either ______________ right after you get your car washed or you _______ after you win the lottery.

Diction n. DEF the way a speaker chooses the words they use SYN locution Mark Twain’s diction is not only accurate but also very amusing.