The Great Gatsby
Chapter 1: 1. Levity- lightness of mind, character, or behavior; lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness. * “Most of the confidences were unsought- frequently I have feigned sleep, preoccupation or a hostile levity when I realized by some unmistakable sign that an intimate revelation was quivering on the horizon-…” (pg.5) 2. Supercilious- displaying arrogant pride, scorn, or indifference * “Now he was a sturdy, straw haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner.” (pg. 11) 3. Deft- quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous * “Evidently it surprised her as much as it did me, for she yawned and with a series of rapid, deft movements stood up into the room.” (pg.15) 4. Incredulously- indicating or showing unbelief: an incredulous smile. * “No, thanks,” said Miss Baker to the four cocktails just in from the pantry, “I’m absolutely in training.” Her host looked at her incredulously. (pg. 15) 5. Bantering- to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly * “Sometimes she and Miss Baker talked at once, unobtrusively and with a bantering inconsequence that was never quite chatter” (pg.16) 6. Extemporizing- to speak extemporaneously: He can extemporize on any of a number of subjects. * “This was untrue. I am not even faintly like a rose. She was only extemporizing, but a stirring warmth flowed from her, as if her heart was trying to come out to you concealed in one of those breathless, thrilling words.” (pg. 19) 7. Wan- of an unnatural or sickly pallor; pallid; lacking color: His wan face suddenly flushed * “Her gray sun-strained eyes looked back at me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan, charming, discontented face.” (pg. 15) 8. Subdued- quiet; inhibited; repressed; controlled: After the argument he was much more subdued. * “A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond, and Miss Baker leaned forward unashamed, trying to hear.” (pg. 19) 9. Peremptory-