English 11                           short story vocabulary

  1. metaphor (noun)
  • an implied comparison between two different things;
  • a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily means one thing is   used to describe another thing in order to suggest a likeness between the two.

 

  1. inexorable (adjective)
  • unyielding; unalterable.
  • Not to be persuaded, moved or affected by prayers or requests.
  1. cupidity (noun)
  • eager or excessive desire, especially to possess something; greed; avarice.

 

  1. utopia (also Utopia) (noun)
  • An ideal community or society possessing a perfect socio-politico-legal system.
  1. dystopia (noun)
  • An imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror.
  • dystopian (adjective)

 

  1. ramifications (noun)
  • Implications or results associated with an idea.
  1. calibrate (verb)
  • Determine, check or adjust the scale of a thermometer, gauge or other measuring instrument.

 

  1. irony (noun)
  • The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.
  • An expression or utterance marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning.
  •  Inconsistency between what might be expected and what actually occurs.
    ironic (adjective)

 

  1. satire  (noun) 
  • A literary genre characterised by the use of irony to attack a vice or foolishness.
  1. paraphernalia (noun)
  • personal belongings; equipment; outfit

 

  1. fictitious (adjective)
  • Not real or true.  Being imaginary or having been fabricated.
  • Of, relating to, or denoting the imaginary characters and events found in a fiction.

 

12. paradox (noun)

  • A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.

 

  1. vernacular (noun)
  • The native language of a country or region, especially as distinct from literary language.
  • The words or language of a particular trade or profession.

 

14. succinct (adjective)

  • Marked by compact, precise expression without wasted words.

 

15. vice (noun)

  • Immoral or wicked behaviour
  • A weakness of character or behaviour; a bad habit.

16. susurrus (noun)

  • Whispering, murmuring or rustling.

The susurrus of the stream soothed the stressed-out city dwellers.

 

17. handicap (noun)

  • An artificial advantage or disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize the chances of winning.

18. cower (verb)

  • To shrink away or crouch behind protection, especially from something that threatens or dominates.

 

19. doozy (noun)

  • An extraordinary one of its kind.
  • Ex: The noise of the classroom gave Mr. Bennett a doozy of a headache.

 

20. verger (noun)

  • An official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant.

 

 

 

 


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