Vocabulary list for Other Rivers by Peter Hessler part 3

Reminisce

  • Definition: To recall or talk about past experiences or events with fondness.
  • Example: They spent the afternoon reminiscing about their childhood adventures.

Sedan

  • Definition: A type of car with a separate trunk and four doors.
  • Example: He drove a sleek black sedan to the office.

Reticent

  • Definition: Reluctant to speak or reveal thoughts.
  • Example: Despite her expertise, she was reticent about sharing her opinions.

Discipline

  • Definition: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.
  • Example: Good discipline is essential for achieving success in any field.

Deviousness

  • Definition: The quality of being deceitful or cunning.
  • Example: Her deviousness was evident in the way she manipulated the situation.

Tenet

  • Definition: A principle or belief, especially one that is part of a larger system of beliefs.
  • Example: One of the main tenets of democracy is the right to free speech.

Recount

  • Definition: To tell a story or describe an event in detail.
  • Example: He recounted his adventures during the trip to his friends.

Repercussion

  • Definition: An unintended consequence or result of an action.
  • Example: The new policy had unforeseen repercussions on the company’s operations.

Bayonet

  • Definition: A knife or blade attached to the end of a rifle.
  • Example: The soldiers were trained to use their bayonets in close combat.

Demeanor

  • Definition: The outward behavior or bearing of a person.
  • Example: Her calm demeanor helped to defuse the tense situation.

Traitor

  • Definition: A person who betrays their country, friends, or principles.
  • Example: He was branded a traitor after leaking sensitive information to the enemy.

Demote

  • Definition: To lower someone to a less senior position.
  • Example: After the performance issues, he was demoted from manager to assistant.

Designate

  • Definition: To officially appoint or assign a role or position.
  • Example: She was designated as the project leader for the new initiative.

Martyr

  • Definition: A person who suffers or dies for a cause or belief.
  • Example: He was considered a martyr for his unwavering commitment to justice.

Tram

  • Definition: A vehicle running on rails, usually in a city, used for public transportation.
  • Example: They took the tram to the city center for a day out.

Mandate

  • Definition: An official order or command.
  • Example: The new law was a mandate from the government to improve public safety.

Scathing

  • Definition: Criticizing someone or something severely.
  • Example: The review was scathing, leaving no room for doubt about the film’s flaws.

Transcend

  • Definition: To go beyond the limits of something.
  • Example: His performance transcended all expectations and earned him critical acclaim.

Delegation

  • Definition: The act of assigning tasks or responsibilities to others.
  • Example: Effective delegation is key to managing a successful team.

Indoctrination

  • Definition: The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
  • Example: The regime’s indoctrination efforts were aimed at ensuring loyalty among the citizens.

Compliance

  • Definition: The act of conforming to rules or standards.
  • Example: The company ensured compliance with all environmental regulations.

Acquiescence

  • Definition: The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
  • Example: Her acquiescence to the new policy was clear, despite her personal reservations.

Alumnus

  • Definition: A graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.
  • Example: The university hosted a reunion for its alumni.

Triage

  • Definition: The process of determining the priority of patients’ treatments based on the severity of their condition.
  • Example: The emergency room staff performed triage to prioritize care for the injured.

Piety

  • Definition: Devotion and reverence to God or religion.
  • Example: Her piety was evident in her daily religious practices.

Strapping

  • Definition: Tall and strongly built.
  • Example: The strapping young man easily lifted the heavy box.

Frugal

  • Definition: Being economical with money or resources.
  • Example: He lived a frugal life, saving money wherever he could.

Flagellation

  • Definition: The act of beating or whipping oneself or others, often for religious reasons.
  • Example: In some religious practices, flagellation is used as a form of penance.

Boloney

  • Definition: Nonsense or foolishness.
  • Example: What he said was pure boloney and had no basis in reality.

Stipulate

  • Definition: To specify or demand a condition in an agreement.
  • Example: The contract stipulated that the work must be completed by the end of the month.

February

  • Definition: The second month of the year.
  • Example: Her birthday falls in February, during the cold winter season.

Intercalary

  • Definition: Inserted or added to a calendar or schedule to keep it in alignment.
  • Example: Leap years have an intercalary day added to February.

Calisthenics

  • Definition: Exercises performed with minimal equipment, focusing on bodyweight movements.
  • Example: The fitness class included various calisthenics exercises to build strength.

Patriarch

  • Definition: The male head of a family or group.
  • Example: He was regarded as the patriarch of the family, leading them through difficult times.

Pummel

  • Definition: To strike repeatedly with fists.
  • Example: The boxer pummeled his opponent with a series of powerful blows.

Capricious

  • Definition: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
  • Example: Her capricious nature made it difficult to predict how she would react.

Sway

  • Definition: To move or influence someone or something in a particular direction.
  • Example: The politician’s speech had the power to sway public opinion.

Vouch

  • Definition: To confirm or guarantee the accuracy or truth of something.
  • Example: I can vouch for his honesty and integrity.

Noncommittal

  • Definition: Not revealing or committing to a particular stance or opinion.
  • Example: Her noncommittal response made it clear she was unsure about the decision.

Deterrent

  • Definition: A factor that discourages or prevents something.
  • Example: The high fines served as a deterrent to speeding.

Meticulously

  • Definition: In a way that shows great attention to detail.
  • Example: She meticulously organized her files, ensuring everything was in order.

Contradiction

  • Definition: A situation where two or more statements or ideas are in conflict with each other.
  • Example: There was a clear contradiction between what he said and what he did.

Contract

  • Definition: A formal agreement between parties, typically written and enforceable by law.
  • Example: They signed a contract outlining the terms of their business partnership.

Diligence

  • Definition: Careful and persistent work or effort.
  • Example: Her diligence in preparing for the exam paid off with high grades.

Stunted

  • Definition: Prevented from growing or developing properly.
  • Example: The plant’s growth was stunted due to the lack of sunlight.

Disparagement

  • Definition: The act of speaking about someone or something in a negative way.
  • Example: His disparagement of her work was uncalled for and hurtful.

Congregation

  • Definition: A group of people gathered for religious worship or any assembly.
  • Example: The congregation gathered at the church for the Sunday service.

Disperse

  • Definition: To spread or distribute over a wide area.
  • Example: The crowd began to disperse after the event ended.

Frenzy

  • Definition: A state of wild excitement or uncontrolled behavior.
  • Example: The announcement caused a frenzy among the fans.

Patronized

  • Definition: To treat with apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority.
  • Example: She felt patronized by the way he spoke to her like she was inexperienced.

Busker

  • Definition: A person who performs music or other entertainment in public places for money.
  • Example: The busker played a lively tune on his guitar in the subway station.

Revealing

  • Definition: Making something known or visible that was previously hidden.
  • Example: The revealing interview shed light on the company’s internal issues.

Grind

  • Definition: To crush or pulverize into small particles.
  • Example: She used a mortar and pestle to grind the spices.

Albatross

  • Definition: A large seabird or a burden or obstacle.
  • Example: The project’s failure became an albatross around his neck.

Horde

  • Definition: A large group of people or things.
  • Example: A horde of tourists descended on the city during the summer.

Bogus

  • Definition: Not genuine; fake.
  • Example: The company was shut down for selling bogus products.

Diligently

  • Definition: In a way that shows care and effort in one’s work or duties.
  • Example: She worked diligently to complete the project before the deadline.

Staggering

  • Definition: Shocking or astonishing due to its size or extent.
  • Example: The amount of money raised was a staggering success.

Surveillance

  • Definition: Close observation, especially of a suspected person.
  • Example: The police kept surveillance on the suspect’s house.

Offhandedly

  • Definition: In a casual or dismissive manner.
  • Example: He mentioned the news offhandedly, without much thought.

Repulsion

  • Definition: A feeling of intense dislike or disgust.
  • Example: She felt a strong repulsion towards the idea of eating insects.

Filial

  • Definition: Relating to the relationship between children and their parents.
  • Example: His filial duty was evident in the way he cared for his aging parents.

Ruefully

  • Definition: In a way that expresses sorrow or regret.
  • Example: He ruefully acknowledged his mistake after seeing the damage.

Tantrum

  • Definition: A sudden outburst of anger or frustration.
  • Example: The child threw a tantrum when he couldn’t get the toy he wanted.

Exorbitant

  • Definition: Unreasonably high in price or amount.
  • Example: The hotel charged an exorbitant fee for a single night’s stay.

Solicit

  • Definition: To seek or request something from someone.
  • Example: They solicited donations to support the local animal shelter.

Savvy

  • Definition: Knowledgeable or perceptive.
  • Example: Her business savvy helped her build a successful company.

Inclination

  • Definition: A natural tendency or preference.
  • Example: He had an inclination towards artistic pursuits from a young age.

Ostensibly

  • Definition: Apparently or seemingly, but not necessarily so.
  • Example: Ostensibly, the meeting was about the new project, but it was actually about layoffs.

Fluorescent

  • Definition: Emitting light as a result of absorbing radiation.
  • Example: The fluorescent lights in the office were very bright.

Matriculation

  • Definition: The process of enrolling or being admitted to a college or university.
  • Example: She completed her matriculation process before the semester began.

Syllabic

  • Definition: Relating to or consisting of syllables.
  • Example: The poem’s syllabic structure gave it a rhythmic flow.

Eaves

  • Definition: The part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building.
  • Example: The eaves of the old house were covered with ivy.

Matriculate

  • Definition: To enroll or be admitted into a college or university.
  • Example: She will matriculate at the university next fall.

Alleviation

  • Definition: The act of reducing pain or discomfort.
  • Example: The medication provided immediate alleviation of her symptoms.

Stipend

  • Definition: A fixed regular sum paid as a salary or allowance.
  • Example: He received a stipend for his role as a research assistant.

Trudge

  • Definition: To walk slowly and with effort.
  • Example: They trudged through the snow to reach their destination.

Pavlovian

  • Definition: Relating to the conditioned reflexes studied by Ivan Pavlov.
  • Example: His Pavlovian response to the sound of the bell showed classical conditioning.

Accredit

  • Definition: To officially recognize or certify as meeting certain standards.
  • Example: The institution is accredited by a national educational board.

Instruct

  • Definition: To teach or provide knowledge to someone.
  • Example: The teacher instructed the students on how to solve the math problems.

Courtship

  • Definition: The period during which a couple develops a romantic relationship before marriage.
  • Example: Their courtship was filled with romantic gestures and shared experiences.

Bicker

  • Definition: To argue about petty and trivial matters.
  • Example: The siblings bickered over who got the last slice of pizza.

Amputated

  • Definition: To surgically remove a limb or part of the body.
  • Example: The injured soldier had his leg amputated to save his life.

Retrieve

  • Definition: To get something back or recover it.
  • Example: The dog was trained to retrieve the ball when thrown.

Dubious

  • Definition: Doubtful or uncertain; suspicious.
  • Example: The company’s claims about their product were dubious and lacked evidence.

Bourgeoisie

  • Definition: The middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values.
  • Example: The bourgeoisie were known for their focus on property and wealth.

Impediment

  • Definition: A hindrance or obstacle to progress.
  • Example: Her lack of experience was an impediment to her promotion.

Tarnished

  • Definition: Made dirty or dull; stained.
  • Example: The silverware was tarnished and needed polishing.

Presbyterian

  • Definition: Relating to a branch of the Protestant Christian church governed by elders.
  • Example: The Presbyterian church held its services every Sunday morning.

Evacuate

  • Definition: To remove people from a dangerous place.
  • Example: The building was evacuated after the fire alarm went off.

Plaque

  • Definition: A flat, typically rectangular piece of metal or wood used for inscription or decoration.
  • Example: A commemorative plaque was installed on the building’s wall.

Alleviate

  • Definition: To make something less severe or more bearable.
  • Example: The doctor gave him medication to alleviate the pain.

Auspices

  • Definition: Support, guidance, or patronage from a person or organization.
  • Example: The event was held under the auspices of the local community center.

Transgression

  • Definition: A violation of a law, command, or duty.
  • Example: His transgression of the company’s policies led to his dismissal.

Pilgrimage

  • Definition: A journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.
  • Example: They undertook a pilgrimage to the holy city as part of their faith.

Unscathed

  • Definition: Not injured or harmed.
  • Example: Despite the accident, she emerged unscathed.

Stucco

  • Definition: A type of plaster used for coating walls and ceilings.
  • Example: The house was finished with a smooth stucco exterior.

Immaculate

  • Definition: Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; free from flaws.
  • Example: The house was immaculate, with everything in its place.

Spindly

  • Definition: Long and thin; weak or frail.
  • Example: The spindly branches of the tree looked fragile.

Cohort
Definition: A group of people banded together or treated as a group.
Example: The research was conducted with a cohort of 50 participants.

Deliberate
Definition: Done with intention and careful consideration.
Example: She made a deliberate decision to change her career path.

Averse
Definition: Having a strong dislike or opposition to something.
Example: He was averse to the idea of working on weekends.

Yahoo
Definition: A person who is considered to be rude or uncultured.
Example: The city slickers thought the country folk were just a bunch of yahoos.

Lecherous
Definition: Having or showing excessive or inappropriate sexual desire.
Example: His lecherous remarks made everyone uncomfortable.

Suspended
Definition: Temporarily prevented from continuing or being in force.
Example: He was suspended from work pending an investigation.

Hail
Definition: To greet or acclaim enthusiastically.
Example: The crowd hailed the champion as he entered the arena.

Augur
Definition: To predict or foretell something, often based on signs or omens.
Example: The dark clouds augur a storm.

Impeccably
Definition: In a manner that is flawless or faultless.
Example: She was impeccably dressed for the formal event.

Tinted
Definition: Having a slight color or shade added.
Example: The windows were tinted to reduce glare and increase privacy.

Cinder
Definition: A small piece of burned coal or wood.
Example: The fireplace was filled with cinders after a long night of burning logs.

Nostalgic
Definition: Experiencing or exhibiting feelings of nostalgia.
Example: He felt nostalgic for the simpler days of his childhood.

Kiosk
Definition: A small, stand-alone booth or structure used for selling goods or providing information.
Example: They bought tickets from the kiosk at the entrance to the park.

Associate
Definition: To connect or link something with another thing; or a colleague or partner.
Example: He is an associate professor at the university.

Lush
Definition: Rich, abundant, or luxurious in growth or appearance.
Example: The garden was filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers.

Ebb
Definition: The movement of the tide away from the shore; or a decline or decrease.
Example: The tide began to ebb, leaving the shore exposed.

Yank
Definition: To pull something with a sharp or sudden movement.
Example: She gave the door a yank to open it.

Perched
Definition: Sitting on a high or elevated position.
Example: The cat was perched on the windowsill, watching the world outside.

Massif
Definition: A large, rugged mountain or rock mass.
Example: The mountain massif dominated the landscape.

Sod
Definition: The surface of the ground with the grass growing on it.
Example: They laid fresh sod in the backyard to create a lush lawn.

Chafed
Definition: To rub or irritate the skin.
Example: The rough shirt chafed his skin during the hike.

Cloistered
Definition: Secluded or isolated from the outside world.
Example: The cloistered monks lived a life of solitude and prayer.

Admission
Definition: The act of entering or being allowed to enter a place or institution.
Example: Admission to the museum is free on Sundays.

Wrapped
Definition: Covered or enclosed in paper or material.
Example: The gift was wrapped in colorful paper with a bow on top.

Bumpkin
Definition: An unsophisticated or socially awkward person from the countryside.
Example: He was called a bumpkin by the city folks for his simple ways.

Protagonist
Definition: The main character in a drama, story, or play.
Example: The protagonist of the novel struggled with personal and external conflicts.

Nondescript
Definition: Lacking distinctive or interesting features.
Example: The building was nondescript, blending in with its surroundings.

Underscore
Definition: To emphasize or highlight something.
Example: The report underscores the importance of early education.

Stagnant
Definition: Not flowing or moving; inactive.
Example: The stagnant water in the pond was a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Podium
Definition: A small platform where someone stands to speak to an audience.
Example: The speaker stood at the podium to address the crowd.

Elaborate
Definition: To explain or describe something in detail.
Example: She elaborated on her proposal during the meeting.

Resplendent
Definition: Shining brilliantly; radiant.
Example: The ballroom was resplendent with glittering chandeliers.

Exhort
Definition: To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
Example: The coach exhorted the team to give their best effort.

Trek
Definition: A long and difficult journey, especially on foot.
Example: They embarked on a trek through the mountains.

Tertiary
Definition: Third in order or level; relating to the third stage.
Example: Tertiary education refers to higher education beyond secondary school.

Shrewd
Definition: Having or showing sharp judgment and intelligence.
Example: Her shrewd business decisions led to significant profits.

Visceral
Definition: Relating to deep, emotional reactions rather than intellectual ones.
Example: The movie had a visceral impact on the audience, stirring deep emotions.

Dividend
Definition: A sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders.
Example: Shareholders received a dividend based on the company’s annual profits.

Proletarian
Definition: Relating to the working class or the proletariat.
Example: The novel depicted the struggles of the proletarian class.

Composition
Definition: The act of putting together or arranging elements; a piece of writing or music.
Example: Her composition for the school play was well-received.

Linger

  • Definition: To stay in a place longer than necessary.
  • Example: After the party ended, she lingered to help clean up.

Gloss

  • Definition: A shiny surface or appearance; an explanation or interpretation.
  • Example: The magazine’s cover had a gloss that made it stand out on the shelf. / The teacher added a gloss to the complex theory to make it easier to understand.

Discord

  • Definition: Disagreement or conflict; lack of harmony.
  • Example: The discord between the team members led to a delay in the project.

Flux

  • Definition: Continuous change or movement.
  • Example: The city’s economy was in a state of flux due to the new regulations.

Unobtrusive

  • Definition: Not attracting attention; discreet.
  • Example: The unobtrusive security cameras blended well with the decor of the store.

Preternaturally

  • Definition: Beyond what is normal or natural; exceptionally.
  • Example: The child’s preternatural ability to solve complex puzzles amazed everyone.

Oxymoron

  • Definition: A combination of contradictory or incongruent words (e.g., “deafening silence”).
  • Example: “Bittersweet” is an oxymoron that describes a feeling of sadness and happiness at the same time.

Homage

  • Definition: Special honor or respect shown publicly.
  • Example: The artist’s new painting is an homage to the classic works of the Renaissance.

Throwback

  • Definition: Something that is reminiscent of or similar to an earlier time.
  • Example: The retro fashion in the latest collection is a throwback to the 1980s.

Tattered

  • Definition: Torn and worn out; ragged.
  • Example: He wore a tattered old jacket that had seen better days.

Facade

  • Definition: The front of a building; a deceptive outward appearance.
  • Example: The building’s ornate facade belied the simplicity of the rooms inside.

Permeate

  • Definition: To spread throughout; to penetrate.
  • Example: The smell of fresh bread permeated the entire house.

Mulberry

  • Definition: A type of tree or its fruit, often used for its leaves in silkworm cultivation.
  • Example: The garden was filled with ripe mulberries that were ready to be picked.

Affiliated

  • Definition: Officially connected or associated with an organization.
  • Example: She is affiliated with a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental issues.

Pragmatism

  • Definition: A practical approach to problems and affairs; the belief that solutions should be based on practical considerations rather than theoretical ones.
  • Example: His pragmatism in dealing with the project helped it stay on track and within budget.

Aloof

  • Definition: Distant or detached; not friendly or forthcoming.
  • Example: He remained aloof during the meeting, not engaging with the other participants.

Tenure

  • Definition: The period during which someone holds a position; the holding of an office.
  • Example: Her tenure as professor was marked by numerous contributions to her field.

Intimacy

  • Definition: Close familiarity or friendship; a private or personal relationship.
  • Example: The couple shared a deep intimacy that was evident to everyone around them.

Distinctive

  • Definition: Characteristic of one person or thing and so serving to distinguish it from others.
  • Example: The artist’s use of vibrant colors was distinctive and easily recognizable.

Slump

  • Definition: A sudden decrease or decline; to fall or droop.
  • Example: There was a slump in sales after the holidays.

Knockoff

  • Definition: A copy or imitation of a designer product, often of lower quality.
  • Example: She bought a knockoff handbag that looked similar to the designer original but was much cheaper.

Chilblain

  • Definition: A painful swelling on the skin caused by exposure to cold weather.
  • Example: She developed chilblains on her fingers after spending hours in the freezing cold.

Waning

  • Definition: Gradually decreasing in size, extent, or degree.
  • Example: The moon was waning, moving from a full moon to a new moon.

Juncture

  • Definition: A particular point in events or time; a place where things join or come together.
  • Example: At this juncture, we need to decide whether to continue with the project or not.

Exuberance

  • Definition: The quality of being full of energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.
  • Example: The child’s exuberance was contagious, lifting everyone’s spirits at the party.

Myrrh

  • Definition: A fragrant gum resin used in perfumes and incense, historically valued in ancient cultures.
  • Example: The ancient Egyptians used myrrh in their embalming practices.

Cinnamon

  • Definition: A spice made from the inner bark of certain trees, commonly used in cooking and baking.
  • Example: She sprinkled cinnamon on her toast for added flavor.

Calamus

  • Definition: A plant with aromatic rhizomes used in perfumes and medicine; also a type of writing reed.
  • Example: The calamus was used in ancient times for both medicinal purposes and as a writing tool.

Garden

  • Definition: A piece of ground used for growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
  • Example: They planted a variety of herbs in their garden to use in cooking.

Saffron

  • Definition: A spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, used in cooking for its distinct color and flavor.
  • Example: The dish was seasoned with saffron, giving it a rich golden hue.

Henna

  • Definition: A plant used to dye skin, hair, and fabrics; often used for temporary body art.
  • Example: She adorned her hands with henna designs for the festival.

Pomegranate

  • Definition: A fruit with a thick red skin and many seeds, often eaten for its juicy seeds.
  • Example: The salad included fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor.

Obscurity

  • Definition: The state of being unknown or not well known; something that is not clear.
  • Example: The artist’s early works were shrouded in obscurity before they gained fame.

Virtue

  • Definition: A quality considered morally good or desirable in a person.
  • Example: Patience is a virtue that she practiced daily in her interactions with others.

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