Invisible Man Prologue- Chapter 7 Vocab

foliage

(architecture) leaf-like architectural ornament

Sabotage

a deliberate act of destruction or disruption in which equipment is damaged

Prestige

a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

anteroom

a large entrance or reception room or area

Balustrade

a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling

Portent

a sign of something about to happen

anarchy

a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)

affirmation

a statement asserting the existence or the truth of something

Precarious

affording no ease or reassurance

reverie

an abstracted state of absorption

Fallacious

based on an incorrect or misleading notion or information

Degradation

changing to a lower state (a less respected state)

Fathom

come to understand

vespers

evening prayers

Impunity

exemption from punishment or loss

Subleties

fine point, delicate distinction

Lucidity

free from obscurity and easy to understand

Disillusioned

freed from illusion

fastidious

giving and careful attention to detail

prone

having a tendency (to)

amorphous

having no definite form or distinct shape

stolid

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility

Incantatory

having the effect of a verbal charm or spell

profusely

in an abundant manner

Bilious

irritable as if suffering from indigestion

languid

lacking spirit or liveliness

Bland

lacking stimulating characteristics

Gesticulating

making gestures while speaking

Trustee

members of a governing board

Shirked

neglected or avoided a responsibility

Yokel

not very intelligent or interested in culture

Overt

open and observable

Degenerates

people who have declined, as in morals or characters, from a type or standard considered normal

imploring

pleading; begging

poignant

profoundly moving; touching

surreal

resembling a dream

Furtive

secret and sly or sordid

Covert

secret or hidden

recoiled

shrank away; drew back

emissary

someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else

Hoax

something intended to deceive

Epidermis

the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates

Ingenuity

the power of creative imagination

pragmatists

they believed that the true value of an idea was in its ability to solve problems

denounce

to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful

pamper

treat with excessive indulgence

irrevocably

unable to be changed or reversed

Indignantly

without respect, expressing anger at unjust treatment