Vocabulary Understanding Flashcards

Front

"You told Baker in that end-of-the-year five-page paper what was up with Esperanza’s dreams and the symbolism of the Mango Street house, and you pulled down a 96 percent—second highest grade in the class."

What does the word 'symbolism' most likely mean?

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas

Front

"Between sentences you daydreamed finger rolls over outstretched hands."

What does the word 'outstretched' most likely mean?

Back

Stretched out or extended

Front

"While you wait for gym manager Jimmy to arrive by bicycle with his massive ring of rattling keys, listen to the grown men around you. To the uninitiated they are uneducated."

What does the word 'uninitiated' most likely mean?

Back

People who are new or not familiar with something

Front

"They’re poor. Black. Crass. Shifty. Steely-eyed. A reason to cross the street."

What does the word 'crass' most likely mean?

Back

Lacking sensitivity or refinement

Front

"They’re poor. Black. Crass. Shifty. Steely-eyed. A reason to cross the street."

What does the word 'shifty' most likely mean?

Back

Deceitful or untrustworthy

Front

"And you will hear the brilliance. The poetry. The philosophy. The verbal dance of on-court banter."

What does the word 'banter' most likely mean?

Back

Playful teasing or conversation

Front

"You will laugh your way through all of this, sensing that their digs are some warped version of acceptance."

What does the word 'warped' most likely mean?

Back

Twisted or distorted

Front

"They’re prejudiced against Mexicans. Or soon-to-be ninth graders. Or both."

What does the word 'prejudiced' most likely mean?

Back

Having an unfair dislike based on group

Front

"You’re confused almost to the point of paralysis."

What does the word 'paralysis' most likely mean?

Back

Inability to move or act

Front

"You grab your stuff off the bleachers and start toward the door, but for some unexplainable reason you stop.

What does the word 'unexplainable' most likely mean?

Back

Impossible to explain