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‘Of Mice and Men’ Terms & Vocabulary
Of Mice and Men Vocabulary Guide (2026 Edition): Below is the complete list of essential vocabulary words from the text, complete with definitions, parts of speech, and contextual examples for study.
► juncture
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The shape or manner in which things come together.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
Definition: The shape or manner in which things come together.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
► debris
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The remains of something that has been destroyed.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
Definition: The remains of something that has been destroyed.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
► mottled
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Having spots or patches of color.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
Definition: Having spots or patches of color.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
► recumbent
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Lying down; in a position of comfort or rest.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
Definition: Lying down; in a position of comfort or rest.
Example: On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees— willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
► tramp
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A foot traveler; someone who goes on an extended walk.
Example: There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water.
Definition: A foot traveler; someone who goes on an extended walk.
Example: There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water.
► emerge
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Come out into view, as from concealment.
Example: For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool.
Definition: Come out into view, as from concealment.
Example: For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool.
► companion
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A friend who is frequently with another.
Example: His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse.
Definition: A friend who is frequently with another.
Example: His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse.
► embrace
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Definition: The state of taking in or encircling.
Example: Then he replaced his hat, pushed himself back from the river, drew up his knees and embraced them.
Definition: The state of taking in or encircling.
Example: Then he replaced his hat, pushed himself back from the river, drew up his knees and embraced them.
► despair
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A state in which all hope is lost or absent.
Example: He looked down at the ground in despair.
Definition: A state in which all hope is lost or absent.
Example: He looked down at the ground in despair.
► drone
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Talk in a monotonous voice.
Example: Lennie droned to himself softly, “I ain’t gonna say nothin’ .
Definition: Talk in a monotonous voice.
Example: Lennie droned to himself softly, “I ain’t gonna say nothin’ .
► current
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A steady flow of a fluid or gas.
Example: The reeds jerked slightly in the current.
Definition: A steady flow of a fluid or gas.
Example: The reeds jerked slightly in the current.
► lumber
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Move heavily or clumsily.
Example: Lennie lumbered to his feet and disappeared in the brush.
Definition: Move heavily or clumsily.
Example: Lennie lumbered to his feet and disappeared in the brush.
► brusquely
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: In a blunt direct manner.
Example: “Awright,” he said brusquely.
Definition: In a blunt direct manner.
Example: “Awright,” he said brusquely.
► elaborate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Marked by complexity and richness of detail.
Example: But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence.
Definition: Marked by complexity and richness of detail.
Example: But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence.
► pantomime
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A performance using gestures and movements without words.
Example: But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence.
Definition: A performance using gestures and movements without words.
Example: But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence.
► contemplate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Consider as a possibility.
Example: Lennie hesitated, backed away, looked wildly at the brush line as though he contemplated running for his freedom.
Definition: Consider as a possibility.
Example: Lennie hesitated, backed away, looked wildly at the brush line as though he contemplated running for his freedom.
► quiver
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Shake with fast, tremulous movements.
Example: Lennie’s lip quivered and tears started in his eyes.
Definition: Shake with fast, tremulous movements.
Example: Lennie’s lip quivered and tears started in his eyes.
► scoff
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Laugh at with contempt and derision.
Example: George scoffed.
Definition: Laugh at with contempt and derision.
Example: George scoffed.
► mimic
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Imitate, especially for satirical effect.
Example: He took on the elaborate manner of little girls when they are mimicking one another.
Definition: Imitate, especially for satirical effect.
Example: He took on the elaborate manner of little girls when they are mimicking one another.
► anguish
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Extreme distress of body or mind.
Example: He looked across the fire at Lennie’s anguished face, and then he looked ashamedly at the flames.
Definition: Extreme distress of body or mind.
Example: He looked across the fire at Lennie’s anguished face, and then he looked ashamedly at the flames.
► bait
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition: Lure, entice, or entrap.
Example: Lennie avoided the bait.
Definition: Lure, entice, or entrap.
Example: Lennie avoided the bait.
► plead
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Appeal or request earnestly.
Example: Lennie pleaded, “Come on, George.
Definition: Appeal or request earnestly.
Example: Lennie pleaded, “Come on, George.
► gesture
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Definition: Show, express, or direct through movement.
Example: George gestured with his spoon.
Definition: Show, express, or direct through movement.
Example: George gestured with his spoon.
► glimmer
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition: A flash of light.
Example: They made their beds on the sand, and as the blaze dropped from the fire the sphere of light grew smaller; the curling branches disappeared and only a faint glimmer showed where the tree trunks were.
Definition: A flash of light.
Example: They made their beds on the sand, and as the blaze dropped from the fire the sphere of light grew smaller; the curling branches disappeared and only a faint glimmer showed where the tree trunks were.
► occupant
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Someone who lives at a particular place for a long period.
Example: Over each bunk there was nailed an apple box with the opening forward so that it made two shelves for the personal belongings of the occupant of the bunk.
Definition: Someone who lives at a particular place for a long period.
Example: Over each bunk there was nailed an apple box with the opening forward so that it made two shelves for the personal belongings of the occupant of the bunk.
► vial
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A small bottle that contains liquid medicine.
Example: And there were medicines on the shelves, and little vials, combs; and from nails on the box sides, a few neckties.
Definition: A small bottle that contains liquid medicine.
Example: And there were medicines on the shelves, and little vials, combs; and from nails on the box sides, a few neckties.
► laden
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Filled with a great quantity.
Example: At about ten o’clock in the morning the sun threw a bright dust-laden bar through one of the side windows, and in and out of the beam flies shot like rushing stars.
Definition: Filled with a great quantity.
Example: At about ten o’clock in the morning the sun threw a bright dust-laden bar through one of the side windows, and in and out of the beam flies shot like rushing stars.
► indicate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Designate a place, direction, person, or thing.
Example: “You can have them two beds there,” he said, indicating two bunks near the stove.
Definition: Designate a place, direction, person, or thing.
Example: “You can have them two beds there,” he said, indicating two bunks near the stove.
► scourge
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Something causing misery or death.
Example: “Says ‘positively kills lice, roaches and other scourges.’
Definition: Something causing misery or death.
Example: “Says ‘positively kills lice, roaches and other scourges.’
► relish
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition: Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment.
Example: He paused in relish of the memory.
Definition: Vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment.
Example: He paused in relish of the memory.
► deliberately
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: In a careful unhurried manner.
Example: The boss deliberately put the little book in his pocket.
Definition: In a careful unhurried manner.
Example: The boss deliberately put the little book in his pocket.
► promptly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: With little or no delay.
Example: “Job was done,” said George promptly.
Definition: With little or no delay.
Example: “Job was done,” said George promptly.
► abruptly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: Quickly and without warning.
Example: He turned abruptly and went to the door, but before he went out he turned and looked for a long moment at the two men.
Definition: Quickly and without warning.
Example: He turned abruptly and went to the door, but before he went out he turned and looked for a long moment at the two men.
► peer
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Look searchingly.
Example: He stopped suddenly, stepped to the open front door and peered out.
Definition: Look searchingly.
Example: He stopped suddenly, stepped to the open front door and peered out.
► reassure
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Cause to feel confident.
Example: But he was reassured by the swamper’s defense.
Definition: Cause to feel confident.
Example: But he was reassured by the swamper’s defense.
► bristle
Part of Speech: Noun / Adjective
Definition: A stiff hair.
Example: He stood his broom against the wall and he rubbed his white bristled cheek with his knuckles.
Definition: A stiff hair.
Example: He stood his broom against the wall and he rubbed his white bristled cheek with his knuckles.
► calculate
Part of Speech: Verb / Adjective
Definition: Predict in advance.
Example: His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
Definition: Predict in advance.
Example: His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
► pugnacious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Ready and able to resort to force or violence.
Example: His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
Definition: Ready and able to resort to force or violence.
Example: His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
► gingerly
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: With extreme care or delicacy.
Example: Curley stepped gingerly close to him.
Definition: With extreme care or delicacy.
Example: Curley stepped gingerly close to him.
► slough
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers.
Example: He’d slough me.
Definition: Cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers.
Example: He’d slough me.
► derogatory
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Expressive of low opinion.
Example: He had drawn a derogatory statement from …
Definition: Expressive of low opinion.
Example: He had drawn a derogatory statement from …
► basin
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A bowl-shaped vessel used for holding food or liquids.
Example: “I gotta be settin’ out the wash basins for the guys.
Definition: A bowl-shaped vessel used for holding food or liquids.
Example: “I gotta be settin’ out the wash basins for the guys.
► tangle
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Disarrange or rumple (slang for fight).
Example: “If he tangles with you, Lennie, we’re gonna get the can.
Definition: Disarrange or rumple (slang for fight).
Example: “If he tangles with you, Lennie, we’re gonna get the can.
► decisive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Characterized by resoluteness and firmness.
Example: His tone grew decisive.
Definition: Characterized by resoluteness and firmness.
Example: His tone grew decisive.
► contorted
Part of Speech: Adjective / Verb
Definition: Twisted, especially as in pain or struggle.
Example: His face contorted with thought.
Definition: Twisted, especially as in pain or struggle.
Example: His face contorted with thought.
► rouge
Part of Speech: Verb / Adjective
Definition: Redden by applying makeup to.
Example: She had full, rouged lips and wide- spaced eyes, heavily made up.
Definition: Redden by applying makeup to.
Example: She had full, rouged lips and wide- spaced eyes, heavily made up.
► cluster
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A grouping of a number of similar things.
Example: Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages.
Definition: A grouping of a number of similar things.
Example: Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages.
► brittle
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Lacking warmth and generosity of spirit.
Example: Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality.
Definition: Lacking warmth and generosity of spirit.
Example: Her voice had a nasal, brittle quality.
► apprehensive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: In fear or dread of possible evil or harm.
Example: She was suddenly apprehensive.
Definition: In fear or dread of possible evil or harm.
Example: She was suddenly apprehensive.
► disengage
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Release from something that holds fast or entangles.
Example: Lennie tried to disengage his ear.
Definition: Release from something that holds fast or entangles.
Example: Lennie tried to disengage his ear.
► gravity
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A manner that is serious and solemn.
Example: There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.
Definition: A manner that is serious and solemn.
Example: There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.
► profound
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth.
Example: There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.
Definition: Showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth.
Example: There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.
► authority
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The power or right to give orders or make decisions.
Example: His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.
Definition: The power or right to give orders or make decisions.
Example: His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.
► complacently
Part of Speech: Adverb
Definition: In a self-satisfied manner.
Example: Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment.
Definition: In a self-satisfied manner.
Example: Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment.
► compliment
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A remark expressing praise and admiration.
Example: Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment.
Definition: A remark expressing praise and admiration.
Example: Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment.
► douse
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Wet thoroughly.
Example: His head still dripped water from the scrubbing and dousing.
Definition: Wet thoroughly.
Example: His head still dripped water from the scrubbing and dousing.
► precede
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Be earlier in time.
Example: Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door.
Definition: Be earlier in time.
Example: Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door.
► derision
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: The act of treating with contempt.
Example: Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound of voices raised in approval or derision.
Definition: The act of treating with contempt.
Example: Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound of voices raised in approval or derision.
► nuisance
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A bothersome annoying person.
Example: “’Course Lennie’s a God damn nuisance most of the time,” said George.
Definition: A bothersome annoying person.
Example: “’Course Lennie’s a God damn nuisance most of the time,” said George.
► stride
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition: A step in walking or running.
Example: He walked over with his heavy-legged stride and looked down at the dog.
Definition: A step in walking or running.
Example: He walked over with his heavy-legged stride and looked down at the dog.
► subdued
Part of Speech: Verb / Adjective
Definition: Quieted and brought under control.
Example: Slim gazed at him for a moment and then looked down at his hands; he subdued one hand with the other, and held it down.
Definition: Quieted and brought under control.
Example: Slim gazed at him for a moment and then looked down at his hands; he subdued one hand with the other, and held it down.
► deliberate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Carefully thought out in advance.
Example: George laid out his deliberate solitaire hand— seven cards, and six on top, and five on top of those.
Definition: Carefully thought out in advance.
Example: George laid out his deliberate solitaire hand— seven cards, and six on top, and five on top of those.
► creep
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Move slowly.
Example: Lennie crept to his bunk and sat down, trying not to attract attention.
Definition: Move slowly.
Example: Lennie crept to his bunk and sat down, trying not to attract attention.
► chamber
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A natural or artificial enclosed space.
Example: He laid them on his bed and then brought out the pistol, took out the magazine and snapped the loaded shell from the chamber.
Definition: A natural or artificial enclosed space.
Example: He laid them on his bed and then brought out the pistol, took out the magazine and snapped the loaded shell from the chamber.
► rapt
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Feeling great delight and interest.
Example: He looked raptly at the wall over Lennie’s head.
Definition: Feeling great delight and interest.
Example: He looked raptly at the wall over Lennie’s head.
► subside
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Wear off or die down.
Example: He subsided, grumbling to himself, threatening the future cats which might dare to disturb the future rabbits.
Definition: Wear off or die down.
Example: He subsided, grumbling to himself, threatening the future cats which might dare to disturb the future rabbits.
► bemused
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Deeply absorbed in thought.
Example: They all sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing, each mind was popped into the future when this lovely thing should come about.
Definition: Deeply absorbed in thought.
Example: They all sat still, all bemused by the beauty of the thing, each mind was popped into the future when this lovely thing should come about.
► retreat
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Definition: The act of withdrawing or going backward.
Example: Lennie looked helplessly at George, and then he got up and tried to retreat.
Definition: The act of withdrawing or going backward.
Example: Lennie looked helplessly at George, and then he got up and tried to retreat.
► poised
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action.
Example: Curley was balanced and poised.
Definition: Marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action.
Example: Curley was balanced and poised.
► cower
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Crouch or curl up.
Example: He crouched cowering against the wall.
Definition: Crouch or curl up.
Example: He crouched cowering against the wall.
► accumulate
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Get or gather together.
Example: And scattered about the floor were a number of personal possessions; for, being alone, Crooks could leave his things about, and being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men, and he had accumulated more possessions than he could carry on his back.
Definition: Get or gather together.
Example: And scattered about the floor were a number of personal possessions; for, being alone, Crooks could leave his things about, and being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men, and he had accumulated more possessions than he could carry on his back.
► civil
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals.
Example: And he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905.
Definition: Of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals.
Example: And he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905.
► aloof
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Distant, cold, or detached in manner.
Example: This room was swept and fairly neat, for Crooks was a proud, aloof man.
Definition: Distant, cold, or detached in manner.
Example: This room was swept and fairly neat, for Crooks was a proud, aloof man.
► meager
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Deficient in amount or quality or extent.
Example: In the stable buck’s room a small electric globe threw a meager yellow light.
Definition: Deficient in amount or quality or extent.
Example: In the stable buck’s room a small electric globe threw a meager yellow light.
► fawning
Part of Speech: Adjective / Verb
Definition: Attempting to win favor by flattery.
Example: Lennie gulped and his smile grew more fawning.
Definition: Attempting to win favor by flattery.
Example: Lennie gulped and his smile grew more fawning.
► persuasive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Intended or having the power to induce action or belief.
Example: His voice grew soft and persuasive.
Definition: Intended or having the power to induce action or belief.
Example: His voice grew soft and persuasive.
► apprehension
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Fearful expectation or anticipation.
Example: Lennie’s face wrinkled with apprehension.
Definition: Fearful expectation or anticipation.
Example: Lennie’s face wrinkled with apprehension.
► scornful
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Expressing extreme contempt.
Example: Crooks was scornful.
Definition: Expressing extreme contempt.
Example: Crooks was scornful.
► conceal
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Prevent from being seen or discovered.
Example: It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger.
Definition: Prevent from being seen or discovered.
Example: It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger.
► indignation
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A feeling of righteous anger.
Example: She was breathless with indignation.
Definition: A feeling of righteous anger.
Example: She was breathless with indignation.
► retire
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Withdraw from active participation.
Example: Crooks had retired into the terrible protective dignity of the Negro.
Definition: Withdraw from active participation.
Example: Crooks had retired into the terrible protective dignity of the Negro.
► scorn
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition: Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike.
Example: She turned on him in scorn.
Definition: Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike.
Example: She turned on him in scorn.
► ego
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others.
Example: There was no personality, no ego— nothing to arouse either like or dislike.
Definition: An inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others.
Example: There was no personality, no ego— nothing to arouse either like or dislike.
► avert
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Turn away or aside.
Example: For a moment she stood over him as though waiting for him to move so that she could whip at him again; but Crooks sat perfectly still, his eyes averted, everything that might be hurt drawn in.
Definition: Turn away or aside.
Example: For a moment she stood over him as though waiting for him to move so that she could whip at him again; but Crooks sat perfectly still, his eyes averted, everything that might be hurt drawn in.
► appraise
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Consider in a comprehensive way.
Example: She appraised him coolly.
Definition: Consider in a comprehensive way.
Example: She appraised him coolly.
► crestfallen
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Brought low in spirit.
Example: Candy was crestfallen.
Definition: Brought low in spirit.
Example: Candy was crestfallen.
► jeer
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Definition: Laugh at with contempt and derision.
Example: From outside came the clang of horseshoes on the playing peg and the shouts of men, playing, encouraging, jeering.
Definition: Laugh at with contempt and derision.
Example: From outside came the clang of horseshoes on the playing peg and the shouts of men, playing, encouraging, jeering.
► woe
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Misery resulting from affliction.
Example: Then all of Lennie’s woe came back on him.
Definition: Misery resulting from affliction.
Example: Then all of Lennie’s woe came back on him.
► console
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Give moral or emotional strength to.
Example: She consoled him.
Definition: Give moral or emotional strength to.
Example: She consoled him.
► writhe
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Move in a twisting or contorted motion.
Example: Her feet battered on the hay and she writhed to be free; and from under Lennie’s hand came a muffled screaming.
Definition: Move in a twisting or contorted motion.
Example: Her feet battered on the hay and she writhed to be free; and from under Lennie’s hand came a muffled screaming.
► cringe
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Draw back, as with fear, pain, or embarrassment.
Example: She whimpered and cringed to the packing box, and jumped in among the puppies.
Definition: Draw back, as with fear, pain, or embarrassment.
Example: She whimpered and cringed to the packing box, and jumped in among the puppies.
► hover
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Hang, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing.
Example: As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment.
Definition: Hang, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing.
Example: As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment.
► retort
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Answer back.
Example: Now Lennie retorted belligerently, “He ain’t neither.
Definition: Answer back.
Example: Now Lennie retorted belligerently, “He ain’t neither.
► monotonous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Sounded or spoken in a tone unvarying in pitch.
Example: His voice was monotonous, had no emphasis.
Definition: Sounded or spoken in a tone unvarying in pitch.
Example: His voice was monotonous, had no emphasis.
► advance
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Move forward.
Example: He advanced a step into the room, then remembered and backed to the door again.
Definition: Move forward.
Example: He advanced a step into the room, then remembered and backed to the door again.
► confide
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Reveal in private.
Example: And because she had confided in him, she moved closer to Lennie and sat beside him.
Definition: Reveal in private.
Example: And because she had confided in him, she moved closer to Lennie and sat beside him.
► bewildered
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Extremely confused and uncertain what to do.
Example: For a moment he seemed bewildered.
Definition: Extremely confused and uncertain what to do.
Example: For a moment he seemed bewildered.
► discontent
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A longing for something better than the present situation.
Example: And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face.
Definition: A longing for something better than the present situation.
Example: And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face.
► snivel
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: Cry or whine with snuffling.
Example: He sniveled, and his voice shook.
Definition: Cry or whine with snuffling.
Example: He sniveled, and his voice shook.
► coarse
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Rough to the touch.
Example: “Some people got kinda coarse hair,” she said complacently.
Definition: Rough to the touch.
Example: “Some people got kinda coarse hair,” she said complacently.
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