BSEB Class 12 English Rainbow Book Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters
BSEB Class 12 English Word Meaning of all Chapters. Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of the BSEB Class 12 English Rainbow Book have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the fiction, poem and drama from the Rainbow book for BSEB Class 12 English. The difficult words’ meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.
Chapter 1 Indian Civilization and Culture
1.Civilization– the stage of human social and cultural development and organization that is considered most advanced
2.Evolved – caused to develop
3.Beaten– having been defeated
4.Fate– destiny
5.Pharaohs– rulers of ancient Egypt
6.Westernized– be in the process of adopting or being influenced by the systems of the West
7.Glory– magnificence, beauty
8.Pitiable condition- a sad or weak state that makes you feel pity for someone
9.In the midst– in the middle of
10.Immovable– unwavering; firm
11.Uncivilized– (of a place or people) not socially, culturally, or morally advanced
12.Stolid– slow-witted
13.Induce– succeed in leading someone to do something (convince)
14.Anvil– a metal block on which a blacksmith shapes metal objects with hammer
15.Thrust– push suddenly in a specific direction
16.Sheet anchor– security
17.Mode of conduct– a manner or way of doing, acting or existing
18.Morality– the standard of society used to decide what is right or wrong behavior
19.Convertible– that can be converted; exchangeable
20.Equivalent– equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.
21.Indulge– allow someone to enjoy something desired
22.Unbridled– Unrestrained; uncontrolled
23.Dissuaded– advised against, persuaded against
24.Plough– a farm tool that breaks earth and soil; furrow
25.Former times– preceding in time; prior or earlier
26.Indigenous– native; home-grown
27.Life–corroding– destroying life gradually
28.Moral fibre– character
29.Deliberation– reflection, consideration and discussion
30.Reasoned– based on logic or good sense
31.Snare– trap
32.Encumbrance– burden
33.Prostitution– the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment
34.Vice– evil; wickedness
35.Flourishing– thriving, growing in a healthy manner
36.Ethics– moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity
37.Sovereigns– (here) a person who has supreme power or authority
38.Inferior– lower in rank, status or quality
39.Rishis– a Hindu sage or saint
40.Fakirs– a Hindu holy man
41.Superior– higher in rank, status or quality
42.Tolerably– moderately good or agreeable
43.Touts– persons employed in soliciting customers
44.Lure– entice, tempt
45.Home Rule– a political arrangement in which a part of a country governs itself independently of the central government of the country
46.Votaries– devotees
47.Attained– succeed in achieving something one has worked for
48.Tendency– proneness to a particular kind of thought or action
49.Elevate– raise; exalt
50.Propagate– spread ideas, beliefs etc more widely
51.Immorality– evil, sinful or wrong behavior
52.Latter– denoting the second or second mentioned of two people or things
53.Behoves– be right or necessary
54.Cling– adhere; stick
55.Frankly– in an open, honest or direct manner
56.Shun– keep away from
57.Brute– one who lacks intelligence, sensitivity or compassion
58.Unadulterated– complete
59.Materialism– a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values
60.Triumph– achieve a victory; be successful
61.Distinguishing– characteristic of one thing or person that tells the difference between them
62.Indefinite– lasting for an unknown length of time
63.Multiplicity– a large number of variety
64.Imperative– of vital importance; crucial
65.Restriction– an act of limiting someone’s actions or movement
66.insatiableness (n): state of not being satisfied
67.Divinity– the quality or nature of God’s being; the state of being divine
68.Maddening– extremely annoying
69.Resist– withstand the action or effect of
70.Bartering– exchanging goods, property etc
71.Momentary– lasting for a very short time, brief
72.Hinduism– A religion of India that emphasizes freedom from the material world through purification of desires and elimination of personal identity
73.Marvelous– extremely good or pleasing; splendid
74.Dazzled– amaze or overwhelm someone with a particular impressive quality
75.Enamoured– be in love with, delighted with
76.Progressing– develop towards an improved or more advanced condition
77.Onrush– surge, flow
78.Witnessed– to see an event happen
79.Babylonian– an inhabitant of Babylon or Babylonia
80.Syrian– a native or inhabitant of Syria
81.Persian– a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Persia (or Iran)
82.Cast a look – look quickly in the prescribed direction
83.Gibbon– the English historian of the eighteenth century who authored the famous book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
84.Attic– of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Athens or its ancient civilization
85.Constrained– severely restrict in scope, extent or activity
86.Dungheaps– a heap of dung or refuse, especially in a farmyard
87.Buried– covered up
88.Swaraj– self-government or independence for India
89.Self-indulgence- the act of allowing yourself to have or do anything you enjoy excessively
90.Self-denial– the denial of one’s own interests and needs; self-sacrifice
91.Ruin– destruction
92.Endeavour– an attempt to achieve a goal?
93.Assimilation– integration
94.Crept– move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being heard or noticed
95.Incessant– continuing without pause or interruption
96.Remodel– change the structure or form of something
97.Perish– lose it’s normal qualities; rot or decay
98.Golden Fleece– an object very difficult to attain. The Golden Fleece of Greek mythology was well protected by snakes and flames, and to secure it Jason had to employ the magic of Media
99.Profess– claim
100.Deliberate– done consciously and intentionally
101.Contentment– a state of happiness and satisfaction
102.Harmony– agreement of ideas, feelings or actions
103.Hindrance– something or somebody that obstructs
104.Delusion– misleading; misconception
105.Degenerates– decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally
106.Voluptuousness– relating to or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure
Chapter 2 – Bharat is my Home
- Confess – to own or admit as true
- Overwhelmed – to cause to be overcome with emotion as a result of an amount of something that’s too much to handle
- Electing – choose (someone) to hold public office or some other position by voting
- Mental equipment – the personal qualities that you need in order to be able to do something
- Erudition – great knowledge or learning
- Devoted – to give or direct (Time, money, or effort, etc) to a cause, enterprise or activity
- Pursuit – process of trying to achieve something
- Ceased – stopped
- Champion – stand up for, support
- Dignity – the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect
- Humility – the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance; humbleness, modesty
- Dedication – the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose
- Oath – a solemn promise, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future action or behaviour
- Millennia – an anniversary of a thousand years
- Diverse – showing a great deal of variety; very different
- Ethnic – racial, cultural
- Striven – past participle of strive (make great efforts to achieve or obtain something)
- Timeless – not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion
- Absolute values – actual magnitude
- Peculiar – different to what is normal or expected; strange
- Pledge – swear, an oath
- Inadequate – insufficient for a purpose
- Eternally – in a way that continues or lasts forever; permanently
- Static – lacking in movement, action, or change, especially in an undesirable or uninteresting way
- Dynamic – (of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity or progress
- Prospects – the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring
- Renewal – an instance of resuming something after an interruption
- Forgiven – stop feeling angry or resentful towards (Someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake
- Presumption – an idea that is taken to be true on the basis of probability
- Inescapably – in a way that cannot be avoided or ignored; undeniably
- Distinctions – a distinction or contrast between similar things or people
- Creed – a system of religious belief; a faith
- Endeavour – earnest attempt
- Earnest – resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction
- Fascinating – extremely interesting
- Prosperous – successful in material terms; flourishing financially
- Graceful – having or showing grace or elegance
- Inconveniently – in a way that causes trouble or problems, or that makes something more difficult
- Unsparingly – without having mercy
- Sheer – nothing other than; unmitigated (used for emphasis)
- Frustration – the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something
- Endemic – (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area
- Reconstruction – the process of building or creating something again that has been damaged or destroyed
- Mutually – in a way that shows that two or more people or groups feel the same emotion, do the same thing with or for each other
- Fruitful – producing good or helpful results; productive
- Urge – a strong desire or impulse
- Self-imposed – (of a task or circumstance) imposed on oneself, not by an external force
- Neglect – fail to care for properly
- Peril – serious and immediate danger
- Sustain – strengthen or support physically or mentally
- Approximation – coming near but not exactly
- Juster – comparative degree of ‘just’ (more just)
- Corresponding – analogous or equivalent in character, form, or function; comparable
- Collective – done by people acting as a group
- Social existence – living or preferring to live in a community rather than alone
- Resolve – settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter)
- Whole-heartedly – with complete sincerity and commitment
- Dual – consisting of two parts, elements or aspects
- Temperament – a person’s or animal’s nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior
- Inheritance – something passed down from your parents to you
- Liberation – the action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release
- Dedicate – devote (time or effort) to a particular task or purpose
- Forth – out and away from a starting point
- Requisite – required, necessary
- Privilege – a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
- Enchanting – delightfully charming or attractive
Chapter 3 – A Pinch of Snuff
- Wire– send telegram or message
- Transferred– to move from one place to another
- Reassuringly– in a way that removes someone’s doubts and fears
- Loyal– giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution
- Complex– a feeling that you are not as good, as intelligent, as attractive, etc as other people
- Probation– a process of testing or observing the character or abilities of a person who is new to a role or job
- Under-Secretary– a subordinate official, a person who works for and has a slightly lower rank than the secretary
- Doorway– an entrance to a place through a door
- Striking– attracting attention by reason of being unusual, extreme, or prominent
- Impressive– make a strong positive impression
- Pugree– a light turban worn in India
- Deccani brahmin– Deccani caste is a last name of many people in the South Indian subcontinent
- Drapes– arrange (cloth or clothing) loosely or casually on or round something
- Angocha– towel, napkin, waistcloth
- Tucked– to put something into a safe or convenient place
- Enormous– very large in size, quanity, height or extent
- Marwari– a native or inhabitant of Rajasthan in India
- Burka– a long, loose garment covering the whole body from head to feet, worn in public by women
- Drowned– (here) got lost in
- Emanating– originate from; be produced by
- Outraged– to cause someone to feel very angry, shocked, or upset
- Ducked– lower the head or body quickly to avoid a blow or missile or so as not to be seen
- Mingled– mix or cause to mix together
- Station yard- the station area which lies within the specified place and/or specified distance (as prescribed by Railway Board) at either end of the station
- Tonga- a light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle used in India
- Emerged- move out of or away from something and become visible
- Escorted- accompany (someone or something) somewhere as an escort
- Fawning- displaying exaggerated flattery or affection
- Reservation– an arrangement by which something such as a seat in the train is kept for you to use later
- Amicably– in a friendly manner
- Frankness– the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing
- Merely– just; only
- Snuff– the charred part of a candle wick
- Delicately– in a very careful or finely judged manner; gently
- Puckering– knitting together
- Clucked– (of a person) make a short, low sound with one’s tongue to express concern or disapproval
- Pity– the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others
- Wreathed– adorned
- Squeals– a long, high-pitched cry or noise
- Fuss– a display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity or interest
- Charpoy– a bed used especially in India consisting of a frame strung with tapes or light rope
- Insistence– the fact or quality of insisting that something is the case or should be done
- Mumbling- speaking or spoken in a quiet and indistinct way.
- Swearwords- bad language
- Chaprasi- a junior office worker who carries messages
- Tramping- marching; slogging
- Expletives- bad language
- Linguistic – relating to language
- Garnish– pretty
- Flashed- move or pass very quickly
- Chap- a boy or a man who’s a friend, acquaintance or a friendly stranger
- A.D.C. – aide-de-camp – a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer
- Cautioned– warn or advise against (doing something)
- Convention– a meeting of people for a common purpose
- Zamindars– a landowner, especially one who leases his land to tenant farmers
- Cable– send a message to someone by cablegram
- Trailed off– used to say that someone’s voice becomes softer and softer and then stops
- Seldom– not often, rarely
- Adjoining– (of a building, room or piece of land) next to or joined with
- Unhurried– moving, acting, or taking place without haste or urgency
- Gurgle– make a bubbling sound like that made by water running out of a bottle
- Haughty- arrogantly superior and disdainful (proud)
- Steady– regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity
- Waddling– strolling; walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion
- At his heels- following someone very closely
- Smothered- to conceal, suppress or hide
- Saccharine- excessively sweet or sentimental
- Courtesy- the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior towards others
- Bustling- moving about in an energetic and busy manner
- Sweetmeats- an items of confectionery or sweet food
- Pan- an Indian after-dinner treat that consists of a betel leaf filled with chopped betel
- Sparred– talked, argued
- Guardedly- in a careful way that does not show feelings or give much information
- Brass tacks- hidden course
- Ingratiating- flattering
- Grin- smile broadly
- Touching– arousing feelings of sympathy or gratitude
- Humble– of low social, administrative or political rank
- Wheels within wheels- used to indicate that a situation is complicated and affected by secret or indirect influences
- Poisoned- to exert a baneful (harmful or destructive) influence on
- Evacuee-property- property of someone who has moved away from his home because of dangerous situation
- Legitimate- lawful, fair
- In the public eye– the state of being known or of interest to people in general
- Snuffbox- a small ornamental box for holding snuff
- Flicking- tapping
- Vanished- disappear suddenly and completely
- Ingratitude- a discreditable lack of gratitude
- At daggers drawn- at odds, quarrelling
- Snorted– make a sudden explosive sound through one’s nose, especially to express indignation
- Faugh- express disgust
- Confidential- intended to be kept secret
- Burnt his boats- destroy all possible ways of going back to that situation
- Auspicious- favorable, promising
- Disgraceful- shockingly unacceptable
- Twopenny- costing or worth two pence
- Bowing– to bend your head or body forward, especially as a way of showing someone respect
- Porch- a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building
- Chirpy– cheery, happy
- Appealed- make a serious, urgent, heartfelt request
- Liveried- uniformed
- Chauffeur- a person employed to drive a private or hired car
- Acquaintance- a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend
- Stately- impressive or grand in size, appearance, or manner
- Outlandish- extremely strange and unusual
- Breezily- lively and somewhat carefree
- Tout- (here) a person who is trying to sell, typically by a direct or persistent approach
- Blandly– unexcitingly
- Dhobi- a washerman or washerwoman
- Barely– only just
- Brandishing- waving so that others can see it
- Panted- breathe with short, quick breaths, typically from exertion or excitement
- Bearer cheque- the one in which the payment is made to the person bearing or carrying the cheque. These cheques are transferable by delivery, that is, if you are carrying the cheque to the bank, you can be issued the payment to.
- Regally- relating to or suitable for a king or queen
- Hereditary- (of a title, office, or right) conferred by or based on inheritance
- Stickler– perfectionist, hard taskmaster
- Entrusted- assign the responsibility for doing something to (someone)
- Glanced– take a brief or hurried look
- Khaddar-clad- someone clothed in khadi
- Peering- the exchange of data directly between internet service providers, rather than via the internet
- House-break- to train (a pet) to live cleanly in a house by excreting outdoors or in a specific place
- Puddle- a small pool of liquid
Chapter 4 – I have a Dream
- Symbolic– representing something else
- Momentous- of great importance or significance, especially in having a bearing on future events, significant
- Decree- an official order that has the force of law, pronouncement
- Beacon light – a tower with a light that gives warning of shoals (of fish) to passing ships
- Negro- a word that is used in the past to refer to someone with dark skin who comes from Africa or whose ancestors came from Africa
- Seared- burnt
- Withering- devastating; humiliating
- Injustice- lack of fairness or justice
- Daybreak- the time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn
- Captivity- the condition of being imprisoned or confined
- Tragic– causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow
- Crippled- severely damaged or malfunctioning
- Manacles- handcuffs, restricting freedom
- Segregation- the act of isolating people according to race, religion and sex
- Discrimination- unfair treatment to a person or group
- Lonely island- isolated, without companions
- Prosperity- the state of being prosperous, successful and having a lot of money
- Languishing- to fail to be successful or improve
- Exile- deportee; refugee
- Dramatize- exaggerate the seriousness or importance of (an incident or situation)
- Appalling- causing shock or dismay; shocking
- Defaulted- fail to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or to appear in law of court (that you legally have to do)
- Promissory note– a signed note containing a written promise to pay a stated sum to a specified person or the bearer at a specified date or on demand
- Insofar- to the extent that
- Sacred- considered to be holy and deserving respect
- Obligation- an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment
- Vaults- a large room or chamber used for storage, especially an underground one
- Hallowed- made holy
- Fierce- having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness
- Urgency- importance requiring swift action
- Tranquilizing- to make someone become calm, sleepy or unconscious by means of a drug
- Gradualism- a policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change or revolution
- Desolate- (of a place) uninhabited and giving an impression of bleak emptiness
- Quicksands- loose wet sand that yields easily to pressure and sucks in anything resting on or falling into it
- Brotherhood- an association of community of people linked by a common interest, religion, or trade
- Fatal– leading to failure or disaster
- Sweltering- uncomfortably hot
- Legitimate- to give legal status or authorization to
- Discontent- dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances; lack of contentment
- Invigorating- making one feel strong, healthy and full of energy
- Blow off steam– get rid of pent-up energy or strong emotion
- Business as usual- an ongoing and unchanging state of affairs despite difficulties or disturbances
- Grated- to reduce to shreds, fragments or powder by rubbing against an abrasive surface
- Whirlwinds- a column of air moving rapidly round and round in a cylindrical or funnel shape
- Revolt- take violent action against an established government or ruler; rebel
- Threshold- a strip of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway and crossed in entering a house or room
- Deeds- an action that is performed intentionally or consciously
- Bitterness- anger and disappointment at being treated unfairly; resentment
- Hatred- intense dislike; hate
- High plane- being more spiritual and less concerned with ordinary things
- Creative protest– a way to express your feelings to help the community around you without violence
- Degenerate- to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition
- Majestic- having or showing impressive beauty or scale
- Marvellous- extremely good or pleasing; splendid
- Militancy- the fact of using, or being willing to use, force or strong pressure to achieve your aims, especially to achieve social or political change
- Engulfed- powerfully affect (someone); overwhelm
- Inextricably- in a way that is impossible to disentangle or separate; closely
- Pledge- a solemn promise or undertaking
- Devotees- a person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something
- Civil rights– the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality
- Fatigue- extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness
- Lodging- temporary accommodation
- Motels- a roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically having the rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside
- Mobility- the ability to move between different levels in society or employment
- Ghetto- slum area densely populated by an isolated community
- Righteousness- the quality of being morally right or justifiable
- Unmindful– not conscious or aware
- Trials- a formal examination of evidence by a judge, typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings
- Tribulations- a cause of great trouble or suffering
- Quest- a long search for something
- Battered- worn out, crushed, whacked
- Persecution- hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs; oppression
- Staggered- reeling, dropped, fallen
- Police brutality– Police brutality is an offense which is a violation of civil rights of an individual. The brutality done by the police occurs when a police officer acts with excessive force by using more force towards a civilian or public or an individual which is not necessary.
- Veterans- a person who has had long experience in a particular field
- Unearned- not earned or deserved
- Redemptive- giving salvation, releasing
- Wallow– to spend time experiencing something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc
- Creed– a system of religious belief; a faith
- Sweltering– hot and perspiring
- Oasis- a fertile or green area in an arid region (such as a desert); refuge; haven or safe place
- Interposition– to come between things; an intervening position
- Nullification- the action of attempting to prevent the operations and enforcement within its territory of a law of the US
- Exalted– in a state of extreme happiness
- Crooked- bent or twisted out of shape or out of place
- Glory- magnificence or great beauty
- Hew– chop or cut with an ax/, pick, or other tool
- Despair- the complete loss or absence of hope
- Jangling- harsh or unpleasant sound
- Discords- disagreement between people
- Symphony- a usually long musical composition for a full orchestra
- Tis– it is
- Thee- you
- Pilgrim- a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons
- Prodigious– very great in size
- Curvaceous- having an attractively curved shape
- Molehill– a small mound of earth thrown up by a mole burrowing near the surface
- Hamlet– a very small village
- Jews- everybody will someday see each others as equals and that no one is better than the other.
- Gentiles- a person who is not Jewish
- Protestants- everybody will someday see each other as equals and that no one is better than the other.
- Catholics- everybody will someday see each other as equals and that no one is better than the other.
Chapter 5 – Ideas That Have Helped Mankind
- Mankind– human beings considered collectively; the human race
- Diversity- variety, multiplicity
- Conception- idea, notion
- Preliminary- introductory, initial
- Indubitable– which cannot be doubted
- Homo-sapiens– a Latin term for the human race
- Species- a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding
- Subsisting- to get enough food or money to stay alive, but no more
- Precariously- in a way that is uncertain or dependent on chance.
- Terrified- cause to feel extreme fear
- Cumulative- increasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions.
- Scarcely- only a very short time before
- Overweigh– oppress, outweigh
- Infancy- the early stage in the development or growth of something
- Agility- ability to move quickly and easily
- Hirsute- covered with hair, furry
- Intention- a thing intended; an aim or plan
- Rejoice- feel or show great joy or delight
- Progressively– in forward- looking, innovative manner
- Congenital- present from birth
- Dominates- (here) be greater in significance than
- Impulse- a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act
- Foresee- be aware of beforehand; predict
- Catastrophe- sudden great disaster
- Befell- to happen especially as if by fate
- Starvation- suffering or death caused by lack of food
- Preceded- come before in order or position
- Forethought- careful consideration of what will be necessary or may happen in the future
- Averts- turn away (one’s eyes or thoughts)
- Learned- well educated
- Acquaintance- a person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend
- Curbing- restriction
- Erudite- intellectual, cultured
- Diversity– the state of being diverse; variety
- Depredation- destruction
- Spectacle- a visually striking performance or display
- Liability- a person or thing whose presence or behaviour is likely to put one at a disadvantage
- Boredom- the state of feeling bored
- Multiplicity- a large number or a great variety of things
- Glory- a state of high honor gained from great achievements
- Intellectual- relating to thought or understanding
- Brutes- animals especially large and fierce
- Civilization- the process by which a society or place reaches an advanced stage of social and cultural development and organization
- Robins- any of a number of birds that resemble the European robin, especially in having a red breast
- Peck- (of a bird) strike or bite something with its beak
- Pension- a regular payment made by the state to people of or above the official retirement age
- Herd- a large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live together or are kept together as livestock
- Moralists- a person who teaches or promotes morality
- Ferocious- savagely fierce, cruel, or violent
- Savage- fierce, violent and uncontrolled
- Humane- compassionate, kind
- Prevail- prove more powerful or superior
- Omens- an event regarded as a portent of good or evil
- Propitious- prophetic significance
- Borne– carried or transported by the thing specified
- Dawn– (here) the beginning of a phenomenon or period of time, especially one considered favourable
- Chiefly– for the most part, mostly
- Agreeable- quite enjoyable and pleasurable; pleasant
- Presumably- used to say what you think is likely to happen or be true even though you are not sure
- Taming– domesticate (an animal)
- Pleasanter- more pleasant, enjoyable
- Anthropologists- expert in anthropology
- Sacred- connected with God or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving great respect
- Prospered- flourish; grow strong and healthy
- Liberty- the power or scope to act as one pleases (freedom)
- Domestication– the process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or on a farm
- Blood-thristy – having or showing a desire to kill
- Fertility rites– religious rituals that are intended to stimulate reproduction in humans and abundance of food
- Cannibalism- the practice of eating flesh of one’s own species
- Moloch- an ancient Hebrew deity to whom children were offered as sacrifices
- Evangelicals- a sect of orthodox Christian Protestants
- Prehistoric– relating to or denoting the period before written records
- Prerequisite- a thing required as a condition for something
- Thence– from there
Chapter 6 – The Artist
- Gourds- large fleshy fruits of a trailing plant
- Sen- Japanese currency
- Sizeable- fairly large
- Bore- make (a hole) in something with a tool or by digging
- Unpleasant- unlikeable
- Fetched- go for and then bring back something
- Sake- a Japanese drink made from rice
- Dregs- the last few drops left in a glass
- Passionately- keenly, fervently
- Strolling- walk in a leisurely way
- Startled- feeling or showing sudden shock or alarm
- Unusual- remarkable or interesting because different from or better than others
- Glimpse- a momentary or partial view
- Elongated- long in relation to width, especially unusually so
- Splendid- magnificent; very impressive
- Wagging- move or cause to move rapidly to and fro
- Pine- (here) long and sharp
- Pate- head
- Curio-shop- a souvenir shop that sells curios (strange or interesting collectible object) and other novelty items Confectioner’s sweet seller’s
- Appraising- assessing, reviewing
- Fashioned- make into a particular form
- Damp- slightly wet
- Overnight- for the duration of a night
- Adoringly- in a way that shows you love someone very much
- Set out for- to begin a journey
- Harbour- an area next to water coast
- Gnarled- twisted or wrinkled
- Peculiarly- odd, strange and unique
- Favoured- preferred or recommended
- Appealed- the power to attract, please, stimulate or interest
- Symmetrical- well-shaped
- Lad- a boy or young man
- Disgusted- shocked, stunned
- Inwardly- within the mind
- Stir- a feeling of excitement
- Clumsy- awkward
- Back-street- a street apart from the main or business area of town
- persimmons (n): yellow fruits, date plum
- Commonplace- not unusual, ordinary
- Panting- breathing with short, quick breaths; out of breath
- Dashed- run or move very quickly or hastily
- Incensed- angry, infuriated
- Ethics- the study of morality
- Offensive- causing someone to feel upset or angry
- Effeminate- womanish
- Pastimes- an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby
- Naniwabushi- a sob story
- Ballads- any light, simple song, especially one of sentimental or romantic character
- Raucously- harshly, roughly
- Trembled- (of a person, or part of the body or voice) shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement or fear
- Fury- extreme anger
- Confiscated- took away, seized
- Pale- used to describe a person’s face or skin if it has less color probably due to illness or fear
- Stern- very serious; not smiling
- Agony- great pain or suffering
- Muttered- top speak in a low, quiet voice that is often difficult to hear
- Inconspicuous- not easily noticed, ordinary
- Terrified- very afraid
- Vindictive- determined to punish
- Rhetoric- forceful speech
- Stamped- to put your foot down very heavily and noisily
- a sigh- to let out a deep breath
- Querulous- complaining in a rather whining manner
- Whine- moan
- Grabbed- took hold of, seized
- Bawled- cried, roared
- Confiscated- to take something away from someone as a punishment
- Porter- attendant
- Sooty- covered with or coloured like soot (black powder that comes from burning things and collects in chimneys)
- Hard-pressed- having a lot of difficulties, especially too much work and too little money
- Coppers- brown coins of low value made of copper
- Yen- units of currency in Japan
- Astounded- amazed
- Astute- clever, smart
- Adamant- unyielding, resolute
- Engrossed- absorbed, engaged
Chapter 7 – A Child is Born
- Childbirth– the process of giving birth to a child
- Varied- incorporating a number of different types or elements; showing variation or variety
- Psychic- mental, related to the laws of the mind
- Reinvention- the action or process through which something is changed so much that it appears to be entirely new
- Catastrophes- disaster, extreme suffering
- Rituals- activities which are part of a religious ceremony
- Index- a sign or measure of something
- Hems- surrounds or hedges something to control
- Taboos- culturally forbidden activities
- Prohibitions- works not allowed by law to be done
- Anxiety- worry or nervousness
- Reinforcements- acts of making something stronger
- Rites- a social custom, practice or conventional act
- Bay- at a distance, at arm’s length
- Kinsfolk- a group of people related by birth
- Conviction- a firmly held belief or opinion
- Remnants- remains
- Prophylaxis- action which is taken to prevent a disease
- Persistence- the fact of continuing in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition
- Superrational- beyond the scope or range of reason; intuitional
- Acquaintance– a person who knows slightly, but who is not a close friend
- Meticulously- in a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly
- Footnote- an explanatory or documenting note or comment at the bottom of a page
- Clung- adhere or stick firmly or closely to; be hard to part or remove from
- Pre-natal – before birth
- Physical exploit- a brave, exciting act
- Virtually– nearly, almost
- Unattended- not supervised or looked after
- Non-technocratic– not so expert in science or technology
- Remarkable- worthy of attention; striking
- Infant mortality– the death of an infant before his or her first birthday
- Mother mortality– deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth
- Obstetric– branch of medicine concerned with birth of children
- Perverse– contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice
- Perinatal– relating to to the time, usually a number of weeks, immediately before and after birth
- Truism– a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting
- Anthropology- the study of human race (the origins, beliefs, etc)
- Borne- carried or transported by the thing specified
- Interpretation- the action of explaining the meaning of something
- Mores- conventions
- Perfunctory- done as duty without real interest
- Unjust- not based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair
- Vindictive- spiteful, harmful
- Feminists– the believers of the idea that women and men should have equal rights and opportunties
- Chauvinistic- related to an aggressive belief that one’s own country or culture is better
- Opposition- resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument
- Fora- places of meeting for exchange of ideas
- Sudanese- relating to or characteristic of Sudan or its people
- Tremendous- very great in amount, scale or intensity
- Outrageous– shocking and unacceptable
- Lineage– direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree
- Kin-group– a group of people related by blood or marriage
- Permitted- authorize or allow (something)
- Intimacy- close familiarity or friendship
- Deliberately- consciously and intentionally; on purpose
- Enforced- caused by necessity or force; compulsory
- Abstinence- the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something
- Whim- a sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.
- Longings– a yearning desire
- Dramatise- exaggerate the seriousness or importance of (an incident or situation)
- Sylheti- a native or inhabitant of the region around Sylhet, a city in north-eastern Bangladesh
- Feasting- eat and drink sumptuously
- Garlands- a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration
- Ward off – prevent someone or something from harming or affecting one
- Pan- betel leaves prepared and used as a stimulant
- Nostalgic– related to fascination for the past
- Tinged- added
- Contrast- when compared to another
- Embrace-hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection
- Rearing- the process of raising, feeding and taking care of a child
- Modernization– the process of adapting something to modern needs or habits
- Prestige- widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality
- White-coats – a long white protective garment worn by doctors, hospital attendants
- Miraculous- like a miracle, extraordinary
- Hypodermics- related to the science of injection
- Withstand- remain undamaged or unaffected by; resist
- Enormous– huge, immense
- Ghettos- suffocating separations
- Groaning- sound emitted involuntarily under pressure of pain or suffering
- Whirling- characterized by rapid movement round and round
- Oxytocin drip- a natural hormone that causes the uterus to contract used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth
- Widespread- found or distributed over a large area or number of people
- Sacrificial out–pourings- blood offered as a sacrifice to spiritual agencies
- Sophisticated- advanced and of a higher standard
- Plethora- a large or excessive amount of something
- Climactic– acting as a culmination or resolution to a series of events; forming an exciting climax
- Levelheaded– having or showing sound judgment
- Sceptical- having doubts
- Intrusion- the process of intruding
- Hovel- a small home, especially one that is dirty and in bad condition
- Hegemony- dominance
- Humming– to make the buzzing noise of a flying insect
- Throbbing- beating with a strong, regular rhythm; pulsating
- Population explosion- a sudden, large increase in the size of a population
Chapter 8 – How Free Is The Press
- Free Press- the rights of newspapers, magazines, etc., to report news without being controlled by the government
- Take for granted- assume, accept without questioning
- Restrictions- limitations
- Liberties- the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views
- Wholesome- good, healthy
- Tyranny- cruel and oppressive government or rule
- Impose- force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone
- Censorship– the policy of suppressing publication of any item
- Diplomacy- the management of relationship between countries
- Subvert- cause the downfall of
- Incite- stir to action
- Discontent- dissatisfaction
- Rebellion- opposition to one in authority or dominance
- Scandals- rumors, gossips, serious breach of social or moral behavior
- Foment- provoke, excite
- Harry- harass, bother
- Belabour- attack someone physically and verbally
- Coerce- force, intimidate
- Conform- comply with rules, standards, or laws
- Asserts- state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
- Disastrous– causing great loss
- Hesitations- doubt or reluctance
- Inconsistencies- the quality or state of not being in agreement or not being regular
- Hamper- hinder the movement or progress of
- Swift- happening quickly or promptly
- Execution- the carrying out of a plan, order, or course of action
- Doctrine- the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief
- Democracy- a system of government in which people choose their rulers by voting for them in elections
- Contrive– arrange, cook up, invent
- Forum- a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged
- Gravely- to a degree that gives cause for alarm
- Shackled- chained up, fettered
- Overlords- absolute rulers
- Unmerciful- cruel or harsh; showing no mercy
- Bondage- the state of being a slave
- Editorial– relating to the commissioning or preparing of material for publication
- Advertisers- a person or company that advertises a product, service, or even
- Circulation- the public availability or knowledge of something.
- Vested- confer or bestow (power, authority, property, etc.) on someone.
- Oppose- disagree with and attempt to prevent, especially by argument.
- Lofty- rising to a great height
- Denounced- publicly declare to be wrong or evil
- Smashed- violently or badly broken or shattered
- Dissociates- disconnect or separate
- Bankruptcy- having no money at all
- Revenue- income
- Perpetual- constant, everlasting
- Subserve- serve as a means in promoting
- Precarious- dangerous
- Spite– grudge
- Ambitions- something a person hopes to do or achieve
- Proprietor- owner
- Magnate- a wealthy and influential businessman or businesswoman
- Unleashing- turn loose or free from restraint
- Virulent- venomous, spiteful
- Bias- a tendency to prefer one person or thing to another, and to favor that person or thing
- Savage- extremely cruel, violent and uncontrolled
- Persistent- continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
- Condemnation- the expression of a very strong disapproval (criticism)
- Exceptionally- to a greater degree than normal; unusually
- Shrewd- intelligent, cunning
- Cynical- skeptical
- Resolute- determined
- Exceptionally- to a greater degree than normal; unusually
- Scarcely- barely, hardly
- Subtle– not obvious and therefore, difficult to notice
- Disseminates- spread
- Exploits- make use of (a situation) in a way considered unfair or underhand
- Wit- keen intelligence; cleverness
- Falsehood- the state of being untrue
- Flattering- pleasing or gratifying
- Titillating- pleasantly stimulating
- Lord Northcliffe, Alfred Charles William Harmshort (1865-1922)- British newspaper proprietor who acquired a chain of newspapers and founded the Daily Mail (1896) — the first cheap, popular English daily. Through this he influenced public opinion especially during the First World War
- Slipshod– careless, casual
- Tendentious- deliberately biased
- Illustrate– serve as an example of
- Trivial- of little value or importance
- Distorted- giving a misleading or false account or impression, misrepresented
- Smear- damage the reputation (of someone) by fake accusations
- Unreality- the quality of being imaginary, illusory or unrealistic
- Sensational– causing great public interest and excitement
- Emphasis- special importance, value, or prominence given to something
- Suppression- to put down by authority or force
- Theological- relating to the study of the nature of God and religious belief
- Complementary- given or supplied free of charge
- Pietism- The stressing of personal feelings rather than the dogma of intellectual truth
- Caesarism- absolute dictatorship
- Incarnation doctrine- the theory of the union of god and man in the person of Christ
- Undue- excessive
- Contrasted- compare in such a way as to emphasize differences
- Allusion- indirect reference
- To wit- that is to say; namely
- Fornication- voluntary sexual relationship between an unmarried man and unmarried woman
- Pressman- a journalist
- Ecclesiastical- religious, related to the Christian church
- Emanated- issue or spread out from (a source)
- Remonstrated- to present and urge reasons in opposition
- Disavow- refuse to accept responsibility of
- Garbling– giving a confused version of
- Notwithstanding- in spite of
- Canterbury Festival- a festival of plays held at Canterbury, a city in Kent, England
- Bland perversions- outright and deliberate distortions
- Attributing- regard something as being caused by
- Vivid- producing a clear or strong impression on the senses
- Oxford– the main town of Oxfordshire, England, the seat of Oxford University
- Alleged- said, without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified illegal or undesirable quality.
- King’s Garden Party– a social gathering at the lawns of Buckingham Palace, with the ruling British Crown as host /hostess where social celebrities are invited
- Intruders- a person who intrudes, especially into a building with criminal intent.
- Probable- likely to happen or be the case.
- Mis-statements– an incorrect statement, or giving of false information
- Conceal- prevent (something) from being known; keep secret
- Snob- value– value attached to something for its power to indicate supposed social superiority.
- Altered- changed
- Blunder- a stupid or careless mistake
- Adorned- make more beautiful or attractive
- Buckingham Palace- The London home of the British sovereign constructed by Nash (1821-36) and partly designed early in the 20th century
- Summons– an order to appear before a judge or magistrate, or the writ containing such an order.
- Unshaded- not having a shade or cover
- Distress- extreme anxiety
- Gratuitous– intentional
- Consulting- seek information or advice from
- Detest- hate, despise
- Peculiarly- in an unusual way
- Detest- dislike intensely
- Handyman- a person able or employed to do occasional domestic repairs and minor renovations
- Daily woman- female who performs housework
- Deliberate– done consciously and intentionally
- Miracle-mongering– intentional spreading of stories, outstanding achievement etc.
- Libel– defamation, false or insulting statement
- Veracity- habitual truthfulness
- Monopolize– have or take the greatest share of
- Provincial- belonging to a province
- Manoeuvre- carefully guide or manipulate (someone or something) in order to achieve an end
- Honoris causa- intended to do honour
- Fleet street- a street in Central London where most British newspapers have their offices
- Entails– to make something necessary
- Correspondence- communication by means of letters or email
- Syndicated- expressed, collectively circulated
- Fuss- the condition of being annoyed or not satisfied about something
- Ventures- a risky or daring journey or undertaking
- Accuse- charge (someone) with an offence or crime
- Lurks- be or remain hidden so as to wait in ambush for someone or something
- Genteel- characterized by exaggerated or affected politeness, refinement, or respectability.
- Allusions– an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference
- Sneering- mocking
- Libellous- defamatory
- Dissemination– the action or fact of spreading something, especially information, widely
- Concerted- concentrated, combined
- Howl- make a long, loud cry sound
- Despairing– showing the loss of all hope
- Indiscretion- behaviour or speech that is indiscreet or displays a lack of good judgement
- Symptomatic– suggestive, indicative
- Disquieting- inducing feelings of anxiety or worry
- Wresting- forcibly pull (something) from a person’s grasp (snatch; grab)
- Propagandist- a person who tries to persuade people to support a particular idea or group, often by giving inaccurate information
- All-pervading- occurring or having an effect through or into every part of something.
- Trifling- unimportant or trivial
- Smudging- make blurred or indistinct
- Blurring- make or become unclear or less distinct
- Cynicism- an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism
- Mistrust- be suspicious of; have no confidence in
- Frivolous– (of a person) carefree and superficial
- Resent- feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person)
- Contempt– disregard for something that should be considered
- Withheld- suppress or hold back (an emotion or reaction)
- Smothered- covered completely
- Absurdity- the quality or state of being ridiculous or wildly unreasonable
- Badger– making unclear
- Heckle- harass
- Invoked- appealed
Chapter 9 – The Earth
- Possessions – the state of having, owning, or controlling something.
- Plough – a large farming implement with one or more blades fixed in a frame, drawn over soil to turn it over and cut furrows in preparation for the planting of seeds.
- Acre- a piece of land measuring 480 sq yards
- Bony – very thin
- Mare – the female of a horse or other equine animal.
- Surrendered – to give up
- imbecile– weak in mind, stupid
- Insane – mad
- Anxious – feeling or showing worry
- Simplicity -the quality or condition of being easy to understand or do.
- Gradually – slowly
- Cunning – clever
- persuaded – convinced
- Strengthen – make or become stronger.
- Occupation – a job or profession.
- Development – a process that creates growth or progress
- wire coop– an enclosed place shut in with wire netting
- Dozen- group or set of twelve.
- Speckled- spotted
- Scraps- food left in pates
- seeded cabbages– cabbages which had been left in the ground too long and had flowered and produced seeds
- on corn-ears- husk of corns
- Gleaned- collected, gathered, picked up
- Stubble- a stalk of grain
- Thrives- prospers, flourishes
- Commercialized- made commercial, run on strict business lines so as to make as much money as possible
- Mysteriously- in a way that is strange, not known, or not understood
- pecked nourishment- picked up food
- Nesting-box– nest made of box or box like nest
- Basin- bowl
- in scores- a score is a group of twenty
- Half -scores- half of in score which is ten
- Fivers- five
- Religiously- regularly
- laying pullets -young hens that have begun laying eggs
- Hawk – unload
- Castol -a small wheel
- Segregate-separate
- white leghorn- Rhode island: two famous breeds of hen
- Coops- cage
- Hygienic- clean or sanitary
- Precious- important
- vainly – uselessly, without success
- Belief- trust, faith,
- Cherished- protect and care lovingly
- Stubbornly- obstinately
- yielded- produced or provided
- Preacher – a person who preaches
- Congregations- assembly (of worshipers)
- Chapel – a small building or room used for Christian worship
- Gnawed- nibbled, sank teeth into
- Thistles- a widely distributed herbaceous plant of the daisy family,
- Providence- the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power.
- Steadfastly- firmly
- Quivering – trembling or shaking with a slight rapid motion.
- Chequer-board– a square board divided into a number of small black and white square patches for playing certain games. The rectangular hen coops, each containing a different colour of hen, made part of the field resemble a chequer board
- Supper– evening meal
- diligent-: hard-working, industrious
- Thrift- the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully.
- Industry – hard work
- Tremor– quiver, shudder
- Peculiar- different to what is normal or expected; strange.
- Amassed- gather together or accumulate
- Finality- a tone or manner which indicates that no further comment or argument is possible
- Concession- a thing that is granted
- Momentarily- for a very short time
- Acquired– buy or obtain
- Scarcely- only a very short time before.
- Stock–market– where investors buy and sell shares of companies.
- Tenancy– possession of land or property as a tenant
- Pulpit- podium, dais
- Distracted– sidetracked
- Vague- uncertain or unclear
- Rear- at the back
- Infinite- limitless
- Fertilizers- chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility.
- Inviolate- not open to any threat or attack
- Michaelmas– the feast of St Michael, 29 September.
- Assurance– a positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise
- Former– prior, earlier
- Possessed- controlled
- Lorries- a large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods or troops; a truck.
- Gauge- an instrument that measures and gives a visual display of the amount, level, or contents of something.
- Unreflective- not reflecting light.
- Apparent- clear
- Smock- a dress or top for a woman or girl, gathered at the chest and having a loosely fitting lower part.
- Undistinguished– lacking distinction; unexceptional
- Lad– a boy or a young man
- Vacated– leave
- Chronicle– account, record
- Antagonism- ill feeing
- Scoured- rubbed, cleaned
- Scour- clean
- Confined– restricted
- Enormous- Big
- Antagonism- active hostility or opposition
- Bewilderment– the quality or state of being lost,
- Despair- the complete loss
- Lodgings– temporary accommodation.
- Immobile– motionless
- Stupefied- bewildered, stunned
- Grief- intense sorrow
- Allowances- something that is permitted
- Alighted- to come down from something (such as a vehicle)
- Pavement- the hard surface of a road or street.
Chapter 10 – India Through a Traveller’s Eyes
- Hue– a colour or shade.
- Barbarian- savage, uncivilized
- Invaders- to enter for conquest or plunder
- Penetrated- go into or through (something), especially with force or effort.
- Auburn-haired– having hair of golden brown colour
- Classic- standard
- Reckoned- establish by calculation.
- Caucasian race- a fair skinned race, belonging to the Caucasus region in the USSR
- Dramatic- relating to drama or the performance or study of drama.
- Passionate- having, showing, or caused by strong feelings or beliefs.
- Permeating- penetrating
- exquisitely enunciated- pronounced in an extremely fine way
- Blustering- angry talk
- Idealism- he unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection.
- Accusations- a charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong.
- Glories- magnificence or great beauty.
- Intellectuals- a person who engages in critical thinking, research, and reflection about the reality of societ
- Peasants- a poor smallholder or agricultural laborer of low social status
- Inevitable- certain to happen; unavoidable.
- Bitterly- in an angry, hurt, or resentful way
- Tutelage- instruction especially of an individual.
- Conquerors- a people ruled over by a foreign conqueror
- Restless- unable to relax
- Embittered- resentful
- Rebel- a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or leader.
- Complication- the difficult situation
- Reckon- establish by calculation.
- Savagery- barbaric cruelty
- Perceived- become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand
- Nazism- The philosophy believed in by the National Socialist German Workers Party, reorganised on military lines by Hitler
- Aggression- anger
- Prophecy- forecast
- blood bath- bloodshed
- Invincible- unconquerable
- Triumph- a great victory or achievement.
- Peril- serious and immediate danger.
- Noble- having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles.
- Indictment- charge or accusation of a serious crime
- Colonisation- the process by which colonies are set up and governed
- Rot- a process of deterioration; a decline in standards.
- Civil service- the body of government officials who are employed in civil occupations that are neither political nor judicial.
- Frothing- bubbling
- Superstructure- structure built on top of something else
- Evil- profoundly immoral and wicked
- Profound- very great or intense.
- Innately- Naturally
- Miserable- wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable
- Philosophical- relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
- Famished- starved
- artesian wells– wells through which water comes to the surface due to high water level.
- Enervated- weakened
- Reverence- deep respect
- Renunciation- process of giving up self interest
- Venal- corrupt
- Devotion– love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity.
- Homage- special honour or respect shown publicly.
- Thatch- a roof covering of straw, reeds, palm leaves, or a similar material.
- Curious- Strange; unusual.
- Posts- a long, sturdy piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground and used as a support or marker.
- Amazement- a feeling of great surprise or wonder.
- Stroke– an act of hitting or striking someone or something; a blow.
- Paralysis- the loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything) in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury.
- Scrupulously– in a very careful and thorough way
- Seldom– not often; rarely.
- Squatting- crouch or sit with one’s knees bent and one’s heels close to or touching one’s buttocks or the back of one’s thighs.
- Earnestly- with sincere and intense conviction; seriously.
- Saint- very virtuous, kind, or patient person.
- Condiments– a substance such as salt, mustard, or pickle that is used to add flavour to food.
- Ewer- jar
- Homespun- made at home
- Preliminary- prior
- Lowly- to a low degree; in a low manner
- Stimulates– activates, arouses
- Inhospitality– the quality of being unfriendly and unwelcoming towards people
- Fanaticism- the quality of being fanatical.
- Evil- sin, wrong
- Missionaries- persons sent to propagate religion
- Alas- used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
- Creed- system of religious belief; a faith.
- Idealism- belief in ideal ways of life
- Puzzlement- confusion, bafflement
Poems
Poem 1 – Sweetest Love, I Do Not Goe
- Wearinesse- weariness (modern spelling) tiredness
- Jest- something done to amuse, joke
- Dye- die (Donne’s special way of writing ‘y’ for ‘i’ )
- Yesternight– last night
- Spurres- spurs (ME) motive, appendage (example of pun)
- Then- than
- Feeble– frail, weak
- Fortune- chance or luck as an arbitrary force affecting human affairs.
- Sigh’st- sighs, moan, groan
- Divining– perceiving, heavenly (example of pun)
- Part- favour you, take your role
- Parted- left
Poem 2 – Song of Myself
- Celebrate- rejoice, have a good time
- Assume- accept that something is true, suppose
- Atom- the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist.
- loafe (old spelling): loaf (modern spelling), wander, walk or move in a leisurely or aimless way.
- Lean- take support, rest
- Spear- mast, spike, top point
- Cease- come or bring to an end
- Creeds- religious beliefs
- Schools– systems of thought
- in abeyance- suspended, withheld
- Sufficed- to be enough
- Harbour- believe, keep feelings or thoughts in mind
- hazard- peril, danger
Poem 3 – Now the leaves are falling fast
- Nurse’s flowers– flowers growing under or beside a supporting tree called ‘nurse’.
- Prams- (perambulators) a four wheeled baby carriage.
- Pluck- detach, take away
- Freeze- become ice cold after death
- Wooden– in wooden coffins
- Stiffly- in a hardened, difficult way
- Reprove- rebuke
- Attitudes- ways of thinking
- Starving– suffering or dying from hunger.
- Trolls- wicked and ugly creatures in Scandinavian mythology.
- Nightingale- a small migratory bird
- Angle– artistic or human perspective.
- last distress- end of life, death
Poem 4 – Ode To Autumn
- Mists- a cloud of tiny water droplets
- Mellow- soft and sweet in taste
- Fruitfulness- abundance
- Bosom-friend– a very close or intimate friend
- Conspiring- scheming
- Vines- climbing plants whose fruit is the grape
- Thatch-eaves- a sheltering cover such as a house roof made of such material
- Gourd- a kind of vegetable or fruit that swells up like balloons. Cucumbers belong to the gourd family, as well as pumpkins and melons.
- Plump- make fleshy or fat
- Hazel- small trees that produce small nuts
- Kernel- seed, core
- o’er brimm’d- filled so much that some spills over
- Granary- store-house for grain
- Winnowing- blowing a current of air to remove its outer covering
- Swath- a long strip of land on which crops have been cut
- Gleaner- one who collects or gathers
- Cyder-press- a device that squeezes the juice out of apples, to make wine
- Choir– chorus
- Gnats- a small fly with two wings that bite
- Sallows- of an unhealthy yellow colour
- Bourn- domain, land
- Hedge-cricket- brown green pink insect which makes shrill noise in the bush
- Redbreast- a bird called robin
- Ripeness– ready to be gathered
Poem 5 – An Epitaph
- Epitaph– inscription on a tomb in memory of the dead
- light of step and heart– had the habit of moving here and there and had no commitment
- Vanishes– disappears
- Rare- not common
- Crumble– fall down in pieces, here, die
Poem 6 – The Soldier
- Foreign- a land or country other than one’s own
- Concealed- hidden
- Vanishes– hidden
- Bore- gave birth
- Roam- walk or travel without a definite aim
- Pulse– vibration
- Eternal– lasting forever
- Gentleness– mildness, tenderness
Poem 7 – Macavity: The Mystery Cat
- Defy- flout, disobey, challenge
- Bafflement– bewilderment, perplexity
- Scotland Yard- headquarters of London Police
- Law of gravity– every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
- Levitation- capacity to rise and float in air (esp. by magic)
- Fakir- a holy man who lives by begging
- Ginger- tall and thin
- Domed– shaped like a dome
- Fiend- an evil spirit
- Feline- (of or like) an animal of the cat family
- Depravity- corruption, wickedness
- Outwardly- superficially
- Larder- a cupboard used for storing food
- Rifled- searched thoroughly
- Stifled- suffocated, strangled
- Trellis- framework to support climbing plants
- Treaty’s gone astray- agreement contravened or violated
- Disclosed- revealed, made known
- a-licking of thumbs– evaluation of success of one’s deed
- Deceitfulness– fraudulence, dishonesty
- Suavity– treachery; he is deceitful but conceals it with great skill and elegance
- Alibi- excuse, defence
Poem 8 – Fire-Hymn
- Phosphorescence– light emitted by a substance without combustion or perceptible heat.
- Hymn- a song of praise
- Erupted- break out, thrown out
- Scuttled- scurry, run fast
- Strolling- walking, leisurely
- Embers- pieces of wood or coal that are not burning but are still red
- Debauchery- immoral behaviour
- Stubs- the remains that have not been burnt
- Zoroastrian- a Parsi, who believes that there is a continuing struggle in the world between the forces of light and dark
- Clenched- closed into a tight ball
- Consigned- sent off, delivered
- Tower of Silence– The Parsis dispose of the dead bodies on this structure
- Hymn- a religious song or poem of praise to God or a god.
- Rebellious- unwilling to obey rules
- Swore– took oath (for something)
Poem 9 – Snake
- Water-trough- a container for animals to eat and drink from
- Carob tree- a southern European tree with dark brown fruit
- Fissure- a long deep crack, gap
- Gloom- feeling of being sad and without hope
- Trailed- pulled behind
- Vaguely- not clearly
- Flickered- kept going on and off as it shone
- Mused- thought
- Sicilian July with Etna smoking- extreme heat like the one caused when Etna erupted
- Venomous- poisonous, full of venom
- Bowels- the tube in the stomach along which the food passes
- Cowardice- lack of courage
- Perversity- wrong or immoral thinking
- Longed- wanted eagerly
- Humility- the quality of being humble
- Hospitality- receiving with warmth
- Horrid- horrible
- Deliberately- intentionally
- clumsy Iog- awkward/ not proper piece of wood
- Clatter- a loud noise
- Convulsed- caused a sudden shaking movement
- Undignified- appearing foolish and unseemly
- Haste- excessive speed or urgency of movement or action
- Writhed- twisted or moved body out of pain
- Fascination- strong attraction
- Paltry- meagre, two small
- Vulgar- not decent
- Despised- hated strongly
- Accursed- having a curse, a bad magic spell
- Albatross- a large white sea-bird, it is sportingly killed in Coleridge’s the Ancient Mariner resulting in psychological and spiritual crisis
- Exile- the state of being barred from one’s native country
- Expiate- to accept punishment for sin
- Pettiness- small and unimportant
Poem 10 – My Grandmother’s House
- Peer- observe closely, carefully or with attention
- Wild- strong feelings, untamed
- Brooding- contemplative, threatening
- Despair- anguish, hopelessness