Key words · 24 to learn · B2

The Awakening vocabulary

by Kate Chopin, 1899

24 useful words from The Awakening, from easier to harder. Each has a simple meaning and an example sentence, so you learn words you can actually use, not just recognise.

  1. parrotnoun

    a type of bird known for its ability to mimic sounds

    The parrot repeated everything it heard.

  2. cagenoun

    a structure of bars or wires in which birds or animals are kept

    The bird was kept in a cage.

  3. breezenoun

    a gentle wind

    A cool breeze was blowing from the sea.

  4. noisenoun

    a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant

    The noise from the construction site was very loud.

  5. glancenoun

    a quick look

    She took a glance at her watch.

  6. restlessadjective

    unable to rest or relax due to anxiety or boredom

    He felt restless and couldn't sit still.

  7. slenderadjective

    thin in an attractive or graceful way

    She has a slender figure.

  8. stoopverb

    to bend the body forward and down

    He had to stoop to pick up the pen.

  9. chatterverb

    to talk quickly and continuously about unimportant things

    The children chattered excitedly about their day.

  10. duetnoun

    a performance by two people, especially singers or musicians

    They sang a duet at the concert.

  11. bustleverb

    to move in an energetic or busy manner

    She bustled around the kitchen, preparing dinner.

  12. meditativeadjective

    involving deep thought or reflection

    He sat in a meditative pose, thinking about life.

  13. gazeverb

    to look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought

    She gazed at the stars in wonder.

  14. follynoun

    a lack of good sense; foolishness

    It was folly to go out in the storm without an umbrella.

  15. recognitionnoun

    the act of identifying someone or something from previous encounters

    She smiled in recognition of her old friend.

  16. sparkleverb

    to shine brightly with flashes of light

    The diamond ring sparkled in the sunlight.

  17. amuseverb

    to entertain or cause someone to find something funny

    The clown amused the children with his tricks.

  18. shrugverb

    to raise and lower the shoulders, often to show indifference or uncertainty

    He shrugged when asked if he knew the answer.

  19. composurenoun

    the state of being calm and in control of oneself

    She maintained her composure during the interview.

  20. conveyverb

    to transport or carry to a place

    The bus conveys passengers to the city center.

  21. satisfactionnoun

    a feeling of pleasure from achieving something

    She felt satisfaction after completing the project.

  22. generousadjective

    willing to give more of something than is expected

    He was generous with his time, helping everyone who asked.

  23. intentionnoun

    a plan or aim

    Her intention was to finish the book by the weekend.

  24. astonishmentnoun

    great surprise or amazement

    To her astonishment, the cat opened the door by itself.

Learn these words in context

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