Vocabulary in Context

Unit 1: Origins

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1. conjured
But we never conjured spirits.

summoned by oath or spell

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2. inert
But Betty collapses in her
hands and lies inert on the bed.

unable to move or act

3. partisan and 4.
hypocrite
The
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He need not have been a partisan of

any faction in the town, but there is
evidence to suggest that he had a
sharp and biting way with hypocrites.
militant supporter of a party, cause,
faction or idea
people who say they believe one way, but
whose actions show they believe
another

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5. calumny
In Proctor's presence a fool felt
his foolishness instantly -- and a
Proctor is always marked for
calumny therefore.

false statements knowingly made

to injure someone

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6. prodigious
That is a notorious sign of
witchcraft afoot, Goody Nurse, a
prodigious sign!

Impressively great in extent, size,

or degree

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7. ascertain
This is a beloved errand for him; on
being called here to ascertain witchcraft
he felt the pride of the specialist whose
unique knowledge has at least been
publicly called for.

find out; detect

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8. condemnation
Proctor, holding back a full
condemnation of her: It is a fault,
it is a fault, Elizabeth--you're the
mistress here, not Mary Warren.

An expression of strong disapproval

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9. pallor
Her strangeness throws him off,
and her evident pallor and
weakness.

Extreme paleness

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10. indignant
Mary Warren, with an indignant
edge: She tried to kill me many
times, Goody Proctor!

Feeling or showing anger at what

is perceived as unfair treatment

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11. blasphemy
Were there murder done, perhaps,
and never brought to light?
Abomination? Some secret blasphemy
that stinks to Heaven? Think on cause,
man, and let you help me to discover
it.

The act of insulting or showing

contempt for a religious deity

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12. lechery
Abby'll charge lechery on you,
Mr. Proctor!

Excessive sexual desire;

lustfulness; promiscuity

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13. beguile
Now hear me, and beguile
yourselves no more.

delude; cheat; divert

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14. reprieve
. . . reprieve or pardon must
cast doubt upon the guilt of them
that died till now.

postponement of punishment

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15. penitence
I have confessed myself! Is
there no good penitence but it
be public?

Regret for wrongdoing