1. The Crucible
Act III Vocabulary

2. Parris is a contentious person because he is always on the defensive.
1. Contentious (Adj.): Argumentative
Parris is a contentious person because he is always on the defensive.
2. Imperceptible (Adj.): Barely noticeable
The beggars of the town were imperceptible until some people needed to blame others.

3. 3. Anonymity (N): The condition of being unknown or unacknowledged
Francis wanted to keep the anonymity of those sticking up for him so that they wouldn’t be accused.
3. Anonymity (N): The condition of being unknown or unacknowledged

4. The accusations of the good people of Salem confounded the community.
4. Effrontery (N): Shameless boldness
Abigail demonstrates an incredible amount of effrontery when speaking to Judge Danforth; her words were considered disrespectful to all.
5. Confounded (V): Confused; dismayed
The accusations of the good people of Salem confounded the community.

5. The judges incredulously listened to Proctor’s defense.
6. Incredulously (Adv): Skeptically
The judges incredulously listened to Proctor’s defense.
7. Contemptuous (Adj): Showing or expressing disdain; scornful
Proctor’s contemptuous outbursts about Parris got him in trouble with the court.