SB Vocab - Madeira City Schools

“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” Vocabulary

1. DEDUCTION

deduction noun  the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle; a conclusion that has been deduced  suspicion, reasoning  The detective must uncover the murderer by deduction from facts. 

2. ARISTOCRATIC

aristocratic adjective  distinguished in manners or bearing; grand; stylish  noble, elite, posh  The gentleman was a descendant of a stately, aristocratic family. 

3. HEREDITARY

hereditary adjective  based on inheritance; determined by genetic factors and therefore able to be passed on from parents to their descendants  bequeathed, ancestral, genetic  Members of the royal aristocracy had the hereditary right to elect the king. 

4. SUBTLE

subtle adjective  so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something  understated, acute, perceptive, cunning  The pick pocket thief utilized a subtle approach to hoodwink his victims. 

5. WRITHE

writhe verb  make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body; respond with great emotional or physical discomfort  contort, wriggle, worm  She bit her lip, writhing in suppressed fury. 

6. NOTORIOUS

notorious adjective  famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed  infamous, scandalous, legendary  He was notorious for his temper, and neighbors feared his erratic tantrums. 

7. SINISTER

sinister adjective  giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen  wicked, threatening, villainous  The sinister plan involved the murder of two innocent young women. 

8. BLANDLY

blandly adverb  showing no strong emotion; lacking strong features or characteristics  flatly, unemotionally  The detective blandly dismissed the suspect’s alibi and presented incriminating evidence. 

9. AMIABLE

amiable adjective  having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner  warmhearted, agreeable, charming  The young lad smiled and nodded his head in amiable agreement. 

10. GABLE

gable noun  the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof 

11. CUNNING

cunning adjective  having or showing skill in achieving a goal by deceit; ingenious  The cunning fox is known for its sly and clever nature. 

noun  skill in being subtle and crafty  It took cunning to pull that crime! 

12. HOMELY

homely adjective  British: (of a place) simple but cozy and comfortable  unsophisticated, homey, plain  The local bed-and-breakfast provided a homely atmosphere. 

13. TANGIBLE

tangible adjective  having physical existence; capable of being grasped by the mind  clear, definite, real  Tangible evidence indicated the suspect, including a weapon and clothing. 

noun  a thing that is perceptible by touch 

14. RUTHLESS

ruthless adjective  having or showing no pity or compassion for others  cruel, heartless, vicious  He was a ruthless and merciless man who acquired many enemies. 