Vocab Workshop #2

The following words come from The Blind Assassin,

POROUS \ˈpȯr-əs\ adj - permeable to outside influences

LIMPID \ˈlim-pəd\ adj - 1 a marked by transparency, b clear and simple in style. 2 absolutely serene and untroubled.

CONFLAGRATION \ˌkän-flə-ˈgrā-shən\ n - 1 a large disastrous fire. 2 conflict, war.

RECALCITRANT \ri-kal-si-truhnt\ adj - 1 obstinately defiant of authority or restraint.
2 a difficult to manage or operate, b not responsive to treatment.

LUGUBRIOUS \lu̇-ˈgü-brē-əs\ adj - exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful

RIPOSTE \ri-ˈpōst\ n - 1 retaliatory verbal sally, retort. 2 a retaliatory maneuver or measure. +/-

EPERGNE \i-ˈpərn\ n - an often ornate tiered centerpiece consisting typically of a frame of wrought metal (as silver or gold) bearing dishes, vases, or candle holders or a combination of these

WINSOME \ˈwin(t)-səm\ adj - generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence

LUMPEN \ˈlu̇m-pən\ adj - of or relating to dispossessed and uprooted individuals cut off from the economic and social class with which they might normally be identified

DIRIGIBLE \ˈdir-ə-jə-bəl\ adj - capable of being steered

PALLID \ˈpa-ləd\ adj - deficient in color or lacking sparkle or liveliness

ABSTEMIOUS \ab-ˈstē-mē-əs\ adj - marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol; also : reflecting such restraint.

STULTIFY \ˈstəl-tə-ˌfī\ - 1 to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical. 2 a to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective, b to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on.

INSOUCIANCE \in-ˈsü-sē-ən(t)s\ n - lighthearted unconcern, nonchalance

RANCOR \ˈraŋ-kər\ n - bitter deep-seated ill will

FILIGREE \ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē\ n - ornamental work especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper. 2 ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design.

BALLAST \ˈba-ləst\ n - something that gives stability (as in character or conduct)

MORASS \mə-ˈras\ n - 1 a a situation that traps, confuses, or impedes, b an overwhelming or confusing mass or mixture. 1 marsh, swamp.