Maeve Binchy’s, “The Builders” – Vocabulary List

Word Page Definition

Number
Fussy 6 too concerned or worried about details or standards,
especially unimportant ones

Reared 6 which means to bring up, nurture, or raise, especially in the context
of children or animals.

Parcels 6 referring to a package or bundle that is wrapped or tied for delivery

or transportation.

Gloomiest 7 describing something or someone that is characterized by darkness,

sadness
Timid 7 Adjective used to describe a person or animal who lacks confidence
or courage, often being hesitant, shy, or fearful in their actions or
interactions.

Solicitor 7 A legal professional, typically a lawyer or attorney, who advises

clients on legal matters, prepares legal documents, and represents
them in legal proceedings.

In vain 7 An idiomatic expression meaning without success or without

achieving the desired outcome, despite one's efforts or actions.

Terraced 7 used to describe a type of housing or landscape characterized by a

series of attached or adjoining houses

Rubbish 9 Noun referring to waste, discarded or unwanted materials, or things

of little value or worth.
Surge of pride 9 An intense or sudden feeling of pride that rises or swells within a
person, often triggered by a sense of accomplishment, recognition,
or satisfaction.

Preyed 9 The past tense of the verb "prey," which means to hunt, pursue, or
feed on other animals as a predator.

Intruders 11 Noun referring to individuals or things that enter a place without

permission or authorization
Trembling 13 describing the act of shaking or quivering involuntarily, usually due
to fear, cold, weakness, or excitement.
 Blush 14 describe a reddening of the face, typically as a physiological
response to embarrassment, shyness, or being flattered.

Proceeds 14 referring to the money or profits obtained from a sale, transaction,

or event after deducting expenses or costs.

Savour 15 meaning to enjoy or appreciate something fully, often with a sense

of relishing or delighting in its taste
Matinee 15 Noun referring to a daytime performance, typically in a theater or
cinema, taking place in the afternoon or early evening.

Mutton 15 used to denote the meat of a fully-grown sheep, usually used as

food and distinguished from the meat of a lamb.

Scuttle 16 describing the act of moving quickly with short, hurried steps or
making a scrambling or hasty exit
Jigsaw 18 a picture printed on cardboard or wood, that has been cut up into a
lot of small pieces of different shapes that you have to fit together
again