"Animal Farm" Vocabulary

pervading

Definition: (especially of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of

vivacious

Definition: (especially of a woman) attractively lively and animated

indefatigable

Definition: (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly

taciturn

Definition: (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little

flourished

Definition: (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment

parasitical

Definition: (of an organism) living as a parasite

fortnight

Definition: A fortnight is a unit of time equal to 14 days (2 weeks)

comrades

Definition: a companion who shares one's activities or is a fellow member of an organization

oration

Definition: a formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion

deputation

Definition: a group of people appointed to undertake a mission or take part in a formal process on behalf of a larger group

intermediary

Definition: a person who acts as a link between people in order to try to bring about an agreement or reconciliation; a mediator

countenance

Definition: a person's face or facial expression

pretext

Definition: a reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.

machinations

Definition: a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end <backstage machinations

maxim

Definition: a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct

repose

Definition: a state of rest, sleep, or tranquility

stratagem

Definition: a trick or plan for deceiving an enemy or for achieving a goal

bon mot

Definition: a witty remark

watchword

Definition: a word or phrase expressing a person's or group's core aim or belief

counteract

Definition: act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it

posthumously

Definition: after the death of the originator

ecstasy

Definition: an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement

indignation

Definition: anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

flanked

Definition: be situated on each side of or on one side of (someone or something)

cynical

Definition: believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity

treachery

Definition: betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature

tyranny

Definition: cruel and oppressive government or rule

scored

Definition: cut or scratch a notch or line on (a surface)

preliminary

Definition: denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important

ignominious

Definition: deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

disinterred

Definition: dig up (something that has been buried, especially a corpse)

canvassing

Definition: discuss thoroughly

impromptu

Definition: done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed

ensconced

Definition: establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place

censure

Definition: express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement.

vices

Definition: immoral or wicked behavior

conciliatory

Definition: intended or likely to placate or pacify

sordid

Definition: involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt

skulking

Definition: keep out of sight, typically with a sinister or cowardly motive

incumbent

Definition: necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility

procured

Definition: obtain (something), especially with care or effort

retribution

Definition: punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal actions

obstinate

Definition: stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so

morose

Definition: sullen and ill-tempered

innovations

Definition: the act or process of inventing or introducing something new

proprietors

Definition: the owner of a business, or a holder of property

complicity

Definition: the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing

benevolent

Definition: well meaning and kindly

categorically

Definition: without exceptions or conditions; absolute; unqualified and unconditional