The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary1. portal- a doorway (especially a large one)

2. inauspicious- unfavorable

3. augury- an omen or prophecy

4. betoken- to give a sign of

5. vagrant- a wanderer who does not have a home

6. propriety- correct conduct

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary7. rotund-very plump, round

8. malefactor- a criminal

9. ignominy-disgraceful or dishonorable conduct

10.gentility- state of refinement, member of the upper class or gentry

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary11. revere-to honor, to regard with respect

12. remonstrate-to protest, to make objections

13. abate-to reduce in intensity or amount

14. append-to add in supplementary manner

15. virtuous-having excellent morals; righteous

16. grievous-characterized by severe suffering or sorrow, serious or grave

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary17. plaintive- mournful or expressing

sorrow18. lurid-sensational, gruesome and

causing shock or horror19. amenable-open or willing to follow

advice or suggestion, tractable, malleable

20. infamous- having a reputation of the worst kind, vicious, notoriously bad

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary21. inscrutable- difficult to understand;

mysterious22. requite- to make repayment or to return23. alchemist-one who practices medieval

chemistry or tries to change metals into gold24. ascetic-one who leads a life of self-

denial and contemplation; absent of luxury25. superfluous-beyond what is required, an

overflow

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary26. voluptuous –pleasurable to the senses,

sensuous27. penitent-showing or feeling regret for

wrongdoing, repentant28. discern-to differentiate between two or

more things29. imbibe-to absorb or to drink in30. insidious-treacherous or dangerous in a

secret sort of way

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary31. inopportune- inconvenient, poorly timed32. piety-devotion and reverence to God33. prolific-abundantly fruitful, marked by

great productivity34. regimen-the regular process, procedure

or system of doing something35. malicious-motivated by hate or

deliberate intent to harm

The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary36. inviolable-secure from violation or from

being profaned

37. placid-peaceful, calm, serene, tranquil

38. enmity-absolute hatred, hostility, animosity

39. balm-a soothing substance which gives relief

40. abyss- bottomless hole, a vast expanse or depth