Study Words from The Secret Garden

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CHAPTER I

ayah
n. nursemaid or nanny employed by Europeans in India

fretful
a. nervous and unable to relax a. habitually complaining

toddling
a. walking unsteadily

tyrannical
a. having absolute sovereignty a. marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior

cross
a. annoyed or angry

stammer
v. speak with unusual pauses or repeated sounds, either because of speech problems or nervousness

veranda
n. a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

mutter
v. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

disdain
v. reject with contempt

imploring
a. making earnest or desperate appeal

wailing
a. crying with pain, grief, or anger

gasp
v. breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

appalling
a. shocking and very bad

cholera
n. a serious infection of the bowels caused by drinking infected water or eating infected food

bungalow
n. a small house with a single story

affectionate
a. having or displaying warmth or affection

desolation
n. sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned

wink
v. close and open one eye quickly

CHAPTER II

shabby
a. showing signs of wear and tear a. mean and unworthy and despicable

impudent
a. improperly forward or bold a. marked by casual disrespect

rockery
n. a garden or an area within a garden that has plants growing between piles of stones

tease
v. laugh at someone or say unkind things about them

contrary
a. resistant to guidance or discipline

hunchback
n. back deformed by sharp forward angle, forming hump

horrid
a. grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

naughty
a. behaving badly and not being obedient

mantle
n. a piece of clothing without sleeves that was worn over other clothes

fringe
n. the outside boundary or surface of something

bonnet
n. a hat tied under the chin

crepe
n. thin cloth with a surface that has small, thin folds

pettish
a. easily irritated or annoyed

discomfit
v. make someone feel uncomfortable, especially mentally

moor
n. an open area of hills covered with rough grass

crooked
a. irregular in shape or outline a. not straight; dishonest or immoral or evasive

sour
a. unfriendly or easily annoyed

dreary
a. lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

slanting
a. having an oblique direction

frock
n. a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

poke
v. appear or stretch out from behind or through something else

CHAPTER III

glistening
a. shining with sparkling light

lull
v. make calm or still

jerk
v. move with abrupt, seemingly uncontrolled motions

brougham
n. horse-drawn carriage with roof, four wheels

burly
a. muscular and heavily built

whitewash
n. white liquid that is a mixture of lime or powdered chalk and water, used for making walls or ceilings white

vicarage
n. an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

jolt
n. a sudden violent movement

gorse
n. very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers

broom
n. a bush with small yellow flowers

dreary
a. lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

bleak
a. offering little or no hope a. unpleasantly cold and damp

ramble
v. walk for pleasure, especially in the countryside

husky
a. deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion

CHAPTER IV

rake out
v. look for something and find it, usually among various things you have stored

cinder
n. a fragment of incombustible matter left after a wood or coal or charcoal fire

tapestry
n. a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric with pictorial designs

embroider
v. add details to

turret
n. a small tower extending above a building

grate
n. a metal structure that holds coal or wood in a fireplace

obsequious
a. attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery

servile
a. submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior

presume
v. take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

salaam
n. a way of greeting someone by bending low from the waist with the right hand against the top of the face

sturdy
a. having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

haughtily
ad. in an unfriendly way and seeming to consider yourself better than other people

scullery
n. a small room (in large old British houses) next to the kitchen

imperious
a. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

stoutly
ad. with courage and determination; in strong and sturdy manner

wait on
v. do everything for someone so that that person does not have to do anything for himself or herself

indignantly
ad. in a manner indicating anger or annoyance

impudent
a. improperly forward or bold a. marked by casual disrespect

disdainfully
ad. without respect ad. in a proud and domineering manner

humiliation
n. depriving one of self-esteem n. state of disgrace or loss of self-respect

rattle
v. make short successive sounds

tumble
v. suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat v. fall suddenly and sharply

totter
v. move without being stable, as if threatening to fall

dawning
n. the first light of day

victuals
n. food and drink

can't abide
v. dislike very much

marmalade
n. a soft food made by cooking fruit, esp. oranges, with sugar

coax
v. persuade someone gently to do something or go somewhere, by being kind and patient

desolate
a. extremely sad and feeling alone

surly
a. often in a bad mood, unfriendly, and not polite

alight
v. (of a bird) descend from the air and settle

clod
n. a compact mass

cheeky
a. offensively bold

fledgling
a. (of a young bird) having acquired its flight feathers

brood
n. a family of young animals, especially of a bird, produced at one hatching or birth

blunt
a. not sharp

ripple
v. flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise

dang
a. used for emphasis

mumble
v. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

CHAPTER V

gleam
n. an appearance of reflected light

tilt
v. incline or bend from a vertical position

chirp
n. a sharp sound made by small birds or insects

twitter
v. make high-pitched sounds, as of birds

patter
v. make light, rapid and repeated sounds

preen
v. (bird) clean and arrange feathers using beak

languid
a. lacking spirit or liveliness

cobweb
n. a structure like a net of sticky silk threads made by a spider for catching insects

shuddering
a. characterized by violent shaking n. action or fact of shaking violently

buffet
v. hit something repeatedly and with great force

bang
v. close violently v. strike violently

CHAPTER VI

resent
v. feel bitter or indignant about v. wish ill or allow unwillingly

collie
n. a silky-coated sheepdog with a long ruff and long narrow head developed in Scotland

perplexed
a. full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment

pewter
n. any of various alloys of tin with small amounts of other metals

romp
v. play in a rough, excited, and noisy way

scowl
n. a very annoyed expression

flight
n. a stairway (set of steps) between one floor or landing and the next

satin
n. a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

frock
n. a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

ruff
n. an external body part consisting of feathers or hair about the neck of a bird or other animal

brocade
n. a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, typically with gold or silver thread

embroidered
a. (of cloth) decorated with patterns sewn on with thread

inlaid
a. having a decorative pattern put into a surface

mantel
n. shelf that projects from wall above fireplace

mahout
n. the driver and keeper of an elephant

palanquin
n. a structure for transporting one person that consists of a box carried by people with two long poles

ramble
v. move about aimlessly or without any destination

fretful
a. nervous and unable to relax

whine
n. an unpleasant high sound or voice

muffle
v. deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping v. conceal or hide

CHAPTER VII

blazing
a. shining intensely

sparkle
v. shine brightly with a lot of small points of light

fleece
n. the wool of a sheep, or a soft, artificial material that looks like wool

wistfully
ad. with feeling of vague or regretful longing

far off
a. happening a long way from the present, either in the past or the future, or at a great distance away

reflective
a. devoted to matters of the mind

recollection
n. the process of remembering (especially the process of recovering information by mental effort)

vixen
n. a malicious woman with a fierce temper

pert
a. (a young woman) energetic, enthusiastic, and confident

slyly
ad. in cunning manner

wench
n. informal terms for a (young) woman

hunch
v. round one's back by bending forward and drawing the shoulders forward

perennial
n. a plant that lives for more than two years

mole
n. a small mammal that is almost blind, has dark fur, and lives in passages that it digs underground

CHAPTER VIII

baffling
a. hard to comprehend or solve or believe

fumble
v. make a mess of, destroy or ruin v. handle clumsily

tuppence
n. a former United Kingdom silver coin; United Kingdom bronze decimal coin worth two pennies

skipping loop
n. a rope that is used for skipping sport

impudence
n. the quality of being rude and not showing respect

clumsy
a. difficult to handle especially because of shape a. showing lack of skill or aptitude

gust
n. a strong current of air

trill
n. a series of quickly repeated high notes such as those sung by a bird

trail
v. hang down so as to drag along the ground v. move, proceed, or walk draggingly or slowly

thump
v. hit hard with the hand, fist, or some heavy instrument

tilt
v. incline or bend from a vertical position

CHAPTER IX

wintry
a. devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain

tendril
n. slender stem-like structure by which some twining plants attach themselves to an object for support

hazy
a. filled or abounding with fog or mist

mantle
n. a layer of something that covers a surface

fastening
n. device that closes or secures something

tangle
n. an untidy mass of things that are not in a state of order, or a state of confusion or difficulty

alcove
n. a small recess opening off a larger room

moss
n. tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

urn
n. a container, especially a large, round one on a stem, that is used for decorative purposes in a garden

smother
v. kill someone by covering their face so that they cannot breathe

bulb
n. a round root of some plants from which the plant grows

parsley
n. annual or perennial herb with aromatic leaves

eyetooth
n. either of the two pointed teeth that are found one on each side of the top of the mouth

CHAPTER X

intimate
a. having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere

flatter
v. praise somewhat dishonestly

grunt
n. a short, low sound that an animal or person makes

hobnailed boot
n. a heavy boot or shoe that has nails fixed into the bottom to make it last longer

pluck
v. remove the feathers from a chicken or other bird so that it can be cooked and eaten

wrinkle
n. a slight depression in the smoothness of a surface

sarcastic
a. marked by or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt

currant
n. a small, round fruit that grows on bushes and is eaten fresh or cooked

scowl
v. look at someone or something with a very annoyed expression

grumbling
n. a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone

pheasant
n. a large bird with a rounded body and long tail

scamper
v. move about or proceed hurriedly

stoop
v. bend the top half of the body forward and down

trowel
n. a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade; used for scooping or spreading plaster

chap
n. a boy or man

sidle
v. walk towards or away from someone, trying not to be noticed

imperious
a. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

defiantly
ad. in a way that proudly refuses to obey authority

CHAPTER XI

lichen
n.a grey, green, or yellow plant-like organism that grows on rocks, walls, and trees

shoot
n. a young branch or sucker springing from the main stock of a tree or other plant

reverent
a. feeling or showing profound respect or veneration

exultant
a. joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

unpromising
a. unlikely to bring about favorable results or enjoyment

bough
n. any of the larger branches of a tree

swish
v. move with or cause to move with a whistling or hissing sound

thorn
n. a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or leaf

trowel
n. a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade; used for scooping or spreading plaster

crumble
v. fall apart v. fall into decay or ruin

stifle
v. prevent something from happening, being expressed, or continuing

lump
n. a piece of a solid substance, usually with no particular shape

naught
n. complete failure n. a quantity of no importance

distend
v. become wider

thrush
n. a brown bird with a pale breast with spots on it that is known for its singing

CHAPTER XII

ruffle
v. disturb the smoothness of

crabbed
a. annoyed and irritable

brooch
n. a decorative pin worn by women

slip
n. go somewhere or put something somewhere quickly

streak
n. a narrow marking of a different color or texture from the background

fretful
a. nervous and unable to relax a. habitually complaining

stick up
v. point up above the surface of something and not lie flat

quaver
v. give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency

falter
v. walk unsteadily

romp
v. play in a rough, excited, and noisy way

woeful
a. affected by or full of grief

CHAPTER XIII

lull
v. make calm or still

ajar
a. slightly open

brocade
n. rich fabric woven with raised pattern

agate
n. a hard stone with strips of colour, used in jewellery

invalid
n. someone who is sick and unable to take care of himself or herself, especially for a long time

tramp
v. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

clamber
v. climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling

shyly
ad. in a timid or bashful manner

footstool
n. a low seat or a stool to rest the feet of a seated person

chant
v. repeat or sing a word or phrase continuously

CHAPTER XIV

tantrum
n. a display of bad temper

agitate
v. make someone feel worried or angry

rave
v. talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner

raging
a. very severe or extreme a. very strong or violent

downright
ad. thoroughgoing

brocade
n. heavy, decorative cloth with a raised design often of gold or silver threads

grandly
ad. in a way suggesting that something or someone has great importance

bob
v. move quickly in a particular direction

burrow
v. move through by or as by digging

gorse
n. very spiny and dense evergreen shrub with fragrant golden-yellow flowers

resentful
a. feeling angry because you have been forced to accept someone or something that you do not like

boast
v. wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner

typhoid
n. serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration

sod
n. soil or ground

reproachful
a. expressing criticism

CHAPTER XV

sly
a. deceiving people in a clever way in order to get what you want

tantrum
n. a display of bad temper

whine
v. make a long, high, sad sound

slanting
a. sloping in one direction

waft
n. a smell or smoke that moves through the air

flute
v. speak in a melodious way

scramble
v. move or climb quickly but with difficulty, often using your hands to help you

pearly
a. of a white the color of pearls

unfurl
v. becomes open from a rolled position

stoop
v. bend the top half of the body forward and down

tousle
v. disarrange or rumple

caw
v. utter a cry, characteristic of crows, rooks, or ravens

rapture
n. a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

tumble
v. suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat v. fall suddenly and sharply

flare
n. a sudden outburst of emotion n. a sudden increase in the brightness of a fire

meddle
v. intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly

gauze
n. a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave

CHAPTER XVI

prune
v. weed out unwanted or unnecessary things

caw
v. utter a cry, characteristic of crows, rooks, or ravens

glowing
a. highly enthusiastic

exultant
a. joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

stringy
a. resembling string in being long and thin

doleful
a. filled with or evoking sadness

tantrum
n. an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child

condescend
v. behave in a way which shows that you consider yourself to be better than other people

retort
v. answer back

clench
v. hold in a tight grasp

rough and tumble
n. fighting between children that is not serious

sneer
v. smile contemptuously

ferocious
a. marked by extreme and violent energy

indignation
n. anger about a situation that you think is wrong or not fair

nasty
a. disgustingly dirty; filled or smeared with offensive matter

pamper
v. give someone special treatment, making that person as comfortable as possible

vixen
n. a malicious woman with a fierce temper

hysterics
n. uncontrolled behaviour or crying, usually caused by extreme fear or sadness

ail
v. cause difficulty and problems for someone or something

unrelenting
a.extremely determined; never becoming weaker or admitting defeat

monogram
n. a graphic symbol consisting of 2 or more letters combined (usually your initials)

CHAPTER XVII

restrain
v. keep under control; keep in check

swollen
a. larger than usual

writhe
v. move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

wail
v. emit long loud cries

huddle
v. crowd or draw together

twitch
v. make a sudden small movement with a part of the body, usually without intending to

crossly
ad. in an annoyed or angry way

gulp
v. eat or drink food or liquid quickly by swallowing it in large amounts

tumble
v. suffer a sudden downfall, overthrow, or defeat v. fall suddenly and sharply

resent
v. feel bitter or indignant about

drop off
v. start to sleep

reluctance
n. a certain degree of unwillingness

relent
v. give in, as to influence or pressure; do something you had refused to do before

drone
n. a low continuous noise that does not change its note

CHAPTER XVIII

chap
n. a boy or man

typhus
n. an infectious disease spread by lice, small insects that live on the body, causing a high body temperature

bough
n. a large branch of a tree

graidely
ad. well, in Yorkshire dialect

shaggy
a. used of hair; thick and poorly groomed

nuzzle
v. dig out with the snout

velvet
n. a cloth with a soft, furry surface

wiry
a. (of people and animals) thin but strong, and often able to bend easily

snort
v. make a snorting sound by exhaling hard

muzzle
n. the mouth and nose of an animal, especially a dog

detest
v. hate someone or something very muc

implore
v. ask for something in a sincere and emotional way

indignantly
ad. in manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair

enrapture
v. give someone very great pleasure

CHAPTER XIX

sulky
a. depressingly dark

blood-vessel
n. any of the tubes through which blood flows in the body

indulgence
n. an occasion when you allow someone or yourself to have something enjoyable, even not good for you

spire
n. a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple)

unscrupulous
a. without scruples or principles

soothing
a. affording physical relief a. freeing from fear and anxiety

signet
n. a seal (especially one used to mark documents officially)

ruby
n. a deep and vivid red color n. a transparent deep red variety of corundum; used as a gemstone and in lasers

voluble
a. talking fluently, readily, or incessantly

preach
v. speak, plead, or argue in favor of v. deliver a sermon

waft
n. a smell or smoke that moves through the air

wick
n. a piece of string in the centre of a candle, or a similar part of a light, that supplies fuel to a flame

primrose
n. a wild plant with pale yellow flowers

stifling
a. very hot and causing difficulties in breathing; making one feel constrained or oppressed

recluse
n. one who lives in solitude

gasp
v. breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

austere
a. severely simple

shudder
v. tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement

flush
v. become red in the face, especially as a result of strong emotions, heat, or alcohol

nuzzle
v. dig out with the snout

butt
v. lie adjacent to another or share a boundary

ravenous
a. devouring or craving food in great quantities a. extremely hungry

ecstasy
n. a state of extreme happiness, especially when feeling pleasure

speck
n. a slight but appreciable amount n. a tiny piece of anything

CHAPTER XX

burrow
n. a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter

intimate
a. having or fostering a warm or friendly and informal atmosphere

scuffle
v. walk by dragging one's feet

uncanny
a. surpassing the ordinary or normal

hitherto
ad. until now or until a particular time

lenient
a. not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected

impudence
n. the quality of being rude and not showing respect

Rajah
n. Indian king or prince

servitor
n. person who serves or attends on social superior

trample
v. walk on and flatten

morbid
a. suggesting the horror of death and decay a. suggesting an unhealthy mental state

garland
n. a circle made of flowers and leaves worn around the neck or head as a decoration

witch
v. cast an evil spell on

tendril
n. slender stem-like structure by which some twining plants attach themselves to an object for support

CHAPTER XXI

slanting
a. sloping in one direction

reign
v. rule a country, or to have power or control

canopy
n. the umbrellalike part of a parachute that fills with air

rhododendron
n. shrub or small tree of heather family, with large clusters of bell-shaped flowers

crumpet
n. a thick soft cake with a porous texture; cooked on a griddle

errand
n. a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

mellow
a. smooth and soft, or not too sharp, bright, new, or rough

lance
n. a long weapon for thrusting, having a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head

ail
v. cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed

scramble
v. bring into random order

indignant
a. angered at something unjust or wrong

harangue
v. speak for a long time, in a forceful and sometimes angry way, especially to persuade someone

abide
v. put up with something or somebody unpleasant

beckon
v. signal with the hands or nod

imperious
a. having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

haughtily
ad. in an unfriendly way and seeming to consider yourself better than other people

gnarled
a. used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knots

quaver
v. give off unsteady sounds, alternating in amplitude or frequency

disentangle
v. smoothen and neaten with or as with a comb v. free from involvement or entanglement

gabble
v. speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly

falter
v. walk unsteadily

CHAPTER XXII

exultation
n. the utterance of sounds expressing great joy n. a feeling of extreme joy

pluck
n. courage and a strong wish to succeed

condescend
v. agree to do something that you do not consider to be good enough for your social position

grumpy
a. annoyed and irritable

obstinacy
n. resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires

hobble
v. walk in an awkward way, usually because the feet or legs are injured

mould
n. soft loose earth

chatter
v. click repeatedly or uncontrollably v. noisy talk

CHAPTER XXIII

overexert
v. engage in too much or too strenuous exertion

impartial
a. free from undue bias or preconceived opinions a. showing lack of favoritism

crevice
n. a long narrow depression in a surface n. a long narrow opening

mortar
n. a mixture of sand, water, and cement or lime that is used to fix bricks or stones

clinging
a. fitting closely to body and showing its shape; too dependent on someone emotionally

tint
n. a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color

garland
n. a circle made of flowers and leaves worn around the neck or head as a decoration

mole
n. a small mammal that is almost blind, has dark fur, and lives in passages that it digs underground

mound
n. a large pile of earth, stones, etc. like a small hill

fakir
n. a Muslim or Hindu mendicant monk who is regarded as a holy man

imposing
a. impressive in appearance

orator
n. a person who delivers a speech or oration

enrapture
v. give someone very great pleasure

dervish
n. a member of a Muslim religious group that has an energetic dance as part of its worship

chant
n. a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone

testily
in a way that shows you are easily annoyed and not patient

entrance
v. fill (someone) with wonder and delight, holding their entire attention

soothe
v. give moral or emotional strength to v. cause to feel better

doze
n. a light fitful sleep

mumble
v. talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice

hobble
v. walk in an awkward way, usually because the feet or legs are injured

stumbling
a. tripping or losing balance while walking

sternly
ad. in a severe manner

snub
v. insult someone by not giving them any attention

CHAPTER XXIV

mignonette
n. herbaceous plant with spikes of small fragrant greenish flowers

crevice
n. a long narrow depression in a surface n. a long narrow opening

lass
n. a girl or young woman who is unmarried

plump up
v. make something fuller or fatter

revelation
n. the speech act of making something evident

pother
n. an excited state of agitation

bloat
v. swell up, or to make someone or something swollen

feverish
a. having or affected by a fever

soothe
v. gently calm (a person or their feelings)

sizzling
a. hot enough to burn with or as if with a hissing sound

pantry
n. a small storeroom for storing foods or wines

pail
n. a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

currant
n. small dried fruit made from small seedless variety of grape

napkin
n. a small square piece of cloth or paper, used while you are eating to protect clothes or to clean mouth

bounteous
a. given or giving freely

copious
a. affording an abundant supply a. large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)

draught
a. (of drinks such as beer) stored in and served from large containers

burst
v. break open or apart suddenly, or to make something do this

reproachful
a. expressing reproof especially as a corrective; expressing criticism

downright
ad. thoroughgoing

glum
a. showing a brooding ill humor a. moody and melancholic

CHAPTER XXV

whirl
v. turn in a twisting or spinning motion

gibberish
n. unintelligible talking

outset
n. the time at which something is supposed to begin

disconcerting
a. causing an emotional disturbance

fledge
v. feed, care for, and rear young birds for flight v. grow feathers

indulgent
a. having or indicating a tendency to be overly generous

atrophied
a. having lost effectiveness or vigour due to underuse or neglect;

brood
v. hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing

entertaining
a. funny and enjoyable

restive
a. being in a tense state a. impatient especially under restriction or delay

inordinately
ad. unusually or disproportionately large degree

brocade
n. rich fabric woven with raised pattern

boudoir
n. a lady's bedroom or private sitting room

pilgrimage
n. a journey to a sacred place

ramble
v. move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

CHAPTER XXVI

abiding
a. lasting long time

incantation
n. a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect

entrance
v. hold the complete interest and attention of someone

ruddy
a. inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

exultant
a. joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success

rapturous
a. showing extreme pleasure and happiness or excitement

reverence
n. a feeling of profound respect for someone or something

perceive
v. become conscious of v. to become aware of through the senses

rasping
a. harsh-sounding and unpleasant

vigor
n. forceful exertion n. active strength of body or mind

dapple
v. colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

mist
n. thin fog produced by very small drops of water

stoop
v. bend the top half of the body forward and down

gloat
v. gaze at or think about something with great self-satisfaction, gratification, or joy

CHAPTER XXVII

astounding
a. so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm

thistle
n. a wild plant with sharp points on the leaves and, typically, purple flowers

fiord
n. a long narrow inlet of the sea between steep cliffs, common in Norway

rift
n. a narrow fissure in rock

brood
v. hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing

luscious
a. extremely pleasing to the sense of taste a. having strong sexual appeal

stagnant
a. not growing or changing; without force or vitality a. not circulating or flowing

reposeful
a. affording physical or mental rest

verdure
n. the lush appearance of flourishing vegetation n. green foliage

bowered
a. shaded or enclosed

salver
n. a tray (or large plate) for serving food or drinks; usually made of silver

rave
v. talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner

languid
a. lacking spirit or liveliness

vicious
a. marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful

bob
v. move up and down quickly and gently, especially on the surface of water

sturdy
a. having rugged physical strength

ecstasy
n. a state of extreme happiness, especially when feeling pleasure

nudge
v. push against gently

soothing
a. affording physical relief a. freeing from fear and anxiety

shudder
v. shake suddenly with very small movements because of a very unpleasant thought or feeling

fluster
v. cause to be nervous or upset

bloat
v. become swollen with fluid or gas

smother
v. kill someone by covering their face so that they cannot breathe

headlong
a. with the head foremost a. excessively quick

shrewdly
ad. in way that shows sharp powers of judgement;

bolt
v. move very fast, especially as a result of being frightened

Words of The Secret Garden