A Thousand Splendid Suns Vocab

Impassively

• With great enthusiasm; excited; animated.

• Without emotion; apathetic; unmoved.

• In a cheerful manner; joyful; lively.

• With intense passion; fervent; zealous.

Façade

• The side of a building that faces the street.

• The back of a building.

• The front of a building, especially an imposing or decorative one.

• The roof of a building.

Recrimination

• The act of accusing in return; opposing another charge.

• A formal accusation of wrongdoing.

• A defensive strategy in legal terms.

• A method of negotiation in disputes.

Lapis-Lazuli

• A deep-blue mineral composed mainly of lazurite, used mainly as a gem or as a pigment.

• A type of blue dye made from indigo plants.

• A rare gemstone found only in South America.

• A synthetic material used in jewelry making.

Penance

• A celebration of joy and happiness.

• A punishment undergone in token of penitence for sin.

• A form of meditation and reflection.

• A ritual of purification and cleansing.

Minarets

• Tall structures used for observation

• Slender towers of mosques from which Muslims are called to prayer.

• Decorative elements on buildings

• Types of Islamic art

Carnelian

• A blue or bluish variety of quartz, often used in sculptures.

• A red or reddish variety of chalcedony, used in jewelry.

• A green gemstone known for its healing properties.

• A type of volcanic rock used in construction.

Culpable

• Deserving praise and recognition; commendable.

• Deserving blame or censure; blameworthy.

• Indifferent or apathetic; lacking interest.

• Innocent and free from guilt; blameless.

Vaulted

• Having an arched roof.

• A type of flooring material.

• A method of painting ceilings.

• A style of furniture design.

Incoherent

• Without logical or meaningful connection; disjointed; rambling.

• Clear and concise; easy to understand.

• Well-structured and organized; logical flow.

• Coherent and connected; having a clear meaning.