Johnny Tremain Chapter 1 Vocabulary

crucible

1. severe test or trial (noun) 2. a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. 1. He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics. 2. The apprentice melted the silver in the steel crucible.

autocratic

Absolute in power (adjective) The United States of America does not believe in one person having autocratic power.

formidable

Causing fear, nervousness, or dread (Adjective) The pit pull has a bad formidable reputation. Some families choose to stay away from this type of dog because it can attack easily.

ethereal

Heavenly (Adjective) Her hair fell softly around her face and she had an ethereal glow about her.

venerable

old and respected : valued and respected because of old age and experience (adjective) The wise judge was described by many as being honorable and venerable.

genteel

polite upper class (noun) You can tell by her clothes and speech that she is from the genteel class.

subdue

to get control of (a violent or dangerous person or group) by using force, punishment, etc. (verb) The police had to use force in order to subdue the violent thief.

feeble

weak (adjective) My grandmother is feeble and helpless. Thankfully, she has a caregiver that helps her with day to day activities.

affluence

wealth (noun) Her affluence was obvious because she lived in one of the biggest mansions on the street.

agape

wide open, especially with surprise or wonder. (adjective) The boy's mouth was agape as he watched the man walk across the tight rope suspended one hundred stories above the ground.