| Altercation (pg. 131)”After on altercation when Jem hollered, ‘It’s time you started bein’ a girl…'” | a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public. |
| Compensation (pg. 132)”The fact that I had permanent fiancé was little compensation for his absence.” | something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering. |
| Qualms (pg. 137)”I did likewise with no qualms” | an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one’s own conduct; a misgiving. |
| Tedious (pg. 141)”The Reverend took a long time unwidin’ this morning, he’s not usually so tedious.” | too long, slow, or dull: tiresome or monotonous. |
| Formidable (pg. 146)”From any angle, it was formidable.” | inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable. |
| Prerogative (pg. 147)”…given the slightest chance she would exercise her royal prerogative…” | a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class. |
| Obscure (pg. 154)’…was one obscure observation we met head on from a skinny gentlemen when he passed us.” | not discovered or known about; uncertain. |
| Myopic (pg. 149)’…because Sinkfield reduced his guests to myopic drunkenness one evening…” | nearsighted |
| Antagonize (pg. 157)”Scout, try not to antagonize Aunty, hear?” | cause (someone) to become hostile. |
| Reverent (pg. 159) “God Almighty.” Jem’s voice was reverent.” | feeling or showing deep and solemn respect. |
| Subpoena (pg.183)”Better be careful he doesn’t hand you a subpoena” | a writ ordering a person to attend a court. |
| Elucidate (pg. 183)”We asked Miss Maudie to elucidate: she said Miss Stephanie seemed to know so much about the case…” | make (something) clear; explain. |
| Scrutiny (pg. 190)”The jury, thinking themselves under close scrutiny, paid attention.” | critical observation or examination. |
| Perpetual (pg. 209)”…the younger children had perpetual colds and suffered fro chronic ground-itch…” | never ending or changing. |
| Articulate (pg. 214)”Suddenly Mayella became articulate” | having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently. |
| Caliber (pg. 223)’…an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber.” | the quality of someone’s character or the level of someone’s ability |
| Vengeance (pg. 238)”She just rearranged food on her plate, … while Calpurnia served, Jem, Dill and me with a vengeance.’ | punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. |
| Pauper (pg. 234)” ‘…there is one human institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller…'” | a very poor person. |
| Acquit (pg. 237)” ‘You think they’ll acquit him fast?'” | free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. |
| Indignant (pg. 237)”…we glimpsed Calpurnia’s indignant profile…” | poor; needy |
| Pensive (pg. 154)”Atticus looked pensive” | engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. |
| Strenuous (pg. 204)”…She became what she was, a thick-bodied girl accustomed to strenuous labor.” | requiring or using great exertion. |
| Discreet (pg. 228)”Mr. Raymond chuckled, not at all offended, and I tried to frame a discreet question:” | careful and circumspect in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. |
| Seldom (pg. 229)”When I come to town, which is seldom, if I weave a little and drink out of this sack,” | not often; rarely. |
| Toying (pg. 230)”…because they were on his table. Tom Robinson was toying with them.” | move or handle (an object) absentmindedly or nervously. |
| Detachment (pg. 231)”Atticus was speaking easily, with the kind of detachment he used when he dictated a letter.” | the state of being objective or aloof. |
| Aridity (pg. 231)”His voice had lost its aridity, its detachment, and he was talking to the jury as if they were folks on the post office corner.” | lacking interest or imaginativeness; sterile; jejune. |
| Circumstantial (pg. 232)”We don’t know, but there is circumstantial evidence to indicate that Mayella Ewell was beaten savagely by someone..” | find a way around (an obstacle) |
| Unmitigated (pg. 233)”And so a quiet respectable, humble Negro who had the unmitigated temerity to ‘feel sorry'” | absolute; unqualified. |
| Contorted (pg. 206)”Mayella’s face contorted, and I was afraid that she would cry again.” | twist or bend out of its normal shape. |
Chapter 12-21 Vocab To Kill a Mockingbird
January 31, 2020