The Tell Tale Heart Vocabulary Flashcard

Front

DISSIMULATION

Back

hiding one's thoughts or feelings

Answer explanation

"You should have seen how wisely I proceeded - with what caution - with what foresight - with what dissimulation I went to work!"

Front

SAGACITY

Back

wisdom

Answer explanation

"Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers - of my sagacity."

Front

ACUTE

Back

having a sharp sense or perception

Answer explanation

"Above all was the sense of hearing acute."

Front

VEX

Back

to trouble or bother you

Answer explanation

"...for it was not the old man who vexed me, but his Evil Eye."

Front

GESTICULATION

Back

a gesture, used instead of speaking

Answer explanation

"I arose and argued about trifles, in a high key and with violent gesticulations."

Front

SCANTLING

Back

a piece of lumber or wood of a small section

Answer explanation

"I then took up three planks from the flooring of the chamber, and deposited all between the scantlings."

Front

FANCY

Back

a thought or mental image

Answer explanation

"You fancy me mad."

Front

VEHEMENTLY

Back

forcefully or with strong emotions

Answer explanation

"I talked more quickly - more vehemently, but the noise steadily increased."

Front

FURY

Back

violent anger

Front

ENVELOP

Back

to surround something completely