Gatsby Vocab List #1 (words from chapters 1-3)

extemporize

• perform without preparation

• prepare meticulously

• practice extensively

• perform with a script

cordial

• cold and distant

• warm and friendly

• rude and aggressive

• indifferent and aloof

feign

• to pretend

• to reveal

• to conceal

• to exaggerate

levity

• seriousness

• lack of seriousness

• gravity

• solemnity

staid

• (adj.) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct

• (adj.) lively and animated; full of energy

• (adj.) cheerful and optimistic; always looking on the bright side

• (adj.) unpredictable and erratic; prone to sudden changes

vacuous

• lacking ideas or intelligence

• full of innovative thoughts

• deeply insightful

• rich in content

supercilious

• proud and contemptuous; showing scorn because of a feeling of superiority

• humble and modest; lacking in self-importance

• friendly and approachable; easy to talk to

• indifferent and apathetic; showing no interest

hauteur

• arrogance

• humility

• kindness

• patience

vehement

• (adj.) mild, gentle, weak.

• (adj.) intense, forceful, powerful.

• (adj.) calm, peaceful, serene.

• (adj.) vague, unclear, ambiguous.

languid

• (adj.) energetic; full of life

• (adj.) drooping; without energy, sluggish

• (adj.) cheerful; happy and bright

• (adj.) quick; fast-moving