The Great Gatsby Vocabulary Chapters 1-3

Peremptory (adj)

Definition: (especially of a person's manner or actions) insisting on immediate attention or obedience, especially in a brusquely imperious way Synonym: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic Antonym: elective, optional, voluntary Sentence: The general had a very peremptory personality

Conscientious (adj)

Definition: (of a person) wishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly Synonym: conscionable, ethical, honest, honorable Antonym: cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable Sentence: The bible promotes a conscientious was of living

Convivial (adj)

Definition: (of an atmosphere or event) friendly, lively, and enjoyable Synonym: boon, clubbable (also clubable), clubby Antonym: antisocial, insociable, introverted Sentence: The party had convivial atmosphere

Credulity (n)

Definition: a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true Synonym: credulousness, gullibility, naiveness Antonym: incredulity, skepticism Sentence: I admired his credulity

Impetuous (adj)

Definition: acting or done quickly and without thought or care Synonym: brash, brazen, daredevil, foolhardy Antonym: careful, cautious, heedful, prudent Sentence: His impetuous attitude caused him to make mistakes often

Reproach (v)

Definition: address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment Synonym: rebuke, reproof, reproval, admonishment, admonition, scolding Antonym: approve, endorse Sentence: Our teacher reproached us

Supercilious (adj)

Definition: behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others Synonym: arrogant, assumptive, bumptious, cavalier Antonym: bashful, cowering, cringing, demure Sentence: He addressed us in a supercilious manner

Extemporize (v)

Definition: compose, perform, or produce something such as music or a speech without preparation; improvise Synonym: ad-lib, clap (together or up), fake Antonym: arrange, lay, prepare, ready Sentence: His speech was extemporized

Dissension (n)

Definition: disagreement that leads to discord Synonym: conflict, disaccord, discord, discordance Antonym: accord, agreement, concord Sentence: There was dissension among the converts

Confer (v)

Definition: grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right). have discussions; exchange opinions Synonym: consult, have discussions, discuss things, exchange views, talk, have a talk Antonym: withhold, remove Sentence: He conferred with the doctor about his results

Hauteur (n)

Definition: haughtiness of manner; disdainful pride Synonym: arrogance, assumption, bumptiousness, consequence Antonym: humility, modesty, unassumingness Sentence: I disliked his hauteur

Levity (n)

Definition: humor or frivolity, especially the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect Synonym: facetiousness, flightiness, flippancy, frivolit Antonym: dejection, depression, despondency, dispiritedness Sentence: He addressed the crowd with Levity

Vehemently (adv)

Definition: in a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling Synonym: actively, animatedly, briskly, busily Antonym: casually, desultorily, halfheartedly Sentence: He vehemently stated the importance of education

Fractious (adj)

Definition: irritable and quarrelsome Synonym: argumentative, contentious, controversial Antonym: affable, amiable, amicable, Sentence: The president debate was fractious

Obstetrical (adj)

Definition: relating to childbirth and the processes associated with it Synonym: N/A Antonym: N/A Sentence: It was an obstetrical emergency

Vinous (adj)

Definition: resembling, associated with, or fond of wine Synonym: N/A Antonym: N/A Sentence: The air had vinous odor

Contemptuous (adj)

Definition: scornful Synonym: abhorrent, disdainful, scornful Antonym: admiring, applauding, appreciative Sentence: He spoke with a contemptuous

Insolent (adj)

Definition: showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect Synonym: arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash Antonym: meek, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid Sentence: I was an Insolent child

Sumptuous (adj)

Definition: splendid and expensive-looking Synonym: luxe, luxuriant, luxurious, deluxe, lavish Antonym: economical, frugal, meager Sentence: We stoped in front of the sumptuous manor

Permeate (v)

Definition: spread throughout (something); pervade Synonym: interpenetrate, percolate (into), pervade Antonym: N/A Sentence: The smell permeated throughout the building