1. “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” Vocabulary

2. 1. DEDUCTION

3. deduction noun the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle; a conclusion that has been deduced suspicion, reasoning The detective must uncover the murderer by deduction from facts.

4. 2. ARISTOCRATIC

5. aristocratic adjective distinguished in manners or bearing; grand; stylish noble, elite, posh The gentleman was a descendant of a stately, aristocratic family.

6. 3. HEREDITARY

7. hereditary adjective based on inheritance; determined by genetic factors and therefore able to be passed on from parents to their descendants bequeathed, ancestral, genetic Members of the royal aristocracy had the hereditary right to elect the king.

8. 4. SUBTLE

9. subtle adjective so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something understated, acute, perceptive, cunning The pick pocket thief utilized a subtle approach to hoodwink his victims.

10. 5. WRITHE

11. writhe verb make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body; respond with great emotional or physical discomfort contort, wriggle, worm She bit her lip, writhing in suppressed fury.

12. 6. NOTORIOUS

13. notorious adjective famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed infamous, scandalous, legendary He was notorious for his temper, and neighbors feared his erratic tantrums.

14. 7. SINISTER

15. sinister adjective giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen wicked, threatening, villainous The sinister plan involved the murder of two innocent young women.

16. 8. BLANDLY

17. blandly adverb showing no strong emotion; lacking strong features or characteristics flatly, unemotionally The detective blandly dismissed the suspect’s alibi and presented incriminating evidence.

18. 9. AMIABLE

19. amiable adjective having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner warmhearted, agreeable, charming The young lad smiled and nodded his head in amiable agreement.

20. 10. GABLE

21. gable noun the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof

22. 11. CUNNING

23. cunning adjective having or showing skill in achieving a goal by deceit; ingenious The cunning fox is known for its sly and clever nature. noun skill in being subtle and crafty It took cunning to pull that crime!

24. 12. HOMELY

25. homely adjective British: (of a place) simple but cozy and comfortable unsophisticated, homey, plain The local bed-and-breakfast provided a homely atmosphere.

26. 13. TANGIBLE

27. tangible adjective having physical existence; capable of being grasped by the mind clear, definite, real Tangible evidence indicated the suspect, including a weapon and clothing. noun a thing that is perceptible by touch

28. 14. RUTHLESS

29. ruthless adjective having or showing no pity or compassion for others cruel, heartless, vicious He was a ruthless and merciless man who acquired many enemies.