The document contains 40 entries where a student identified unfamiliar words from To Kill a Mockingbird and provided their own definitions and sample sentences for each word before looking up the actual dictionary definitions. For many of the words, the student's guessed definitions were incorrect or only partially correct. The document serves to demonstrate the importance of confirming word definitions with a dictionary rather than making assumptions based on structure or connections to other words.
1. To Kill A Mocking Bird
1. Assuaged: I found this word on the third page. I think it means, “to save an object or final remains”.
This is because it sounds similar to savaged.The dictionary definition for this word is “make (an
unpleasant feeling) less intense”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: after the death of her
father, relatives tried to assuage the situation.
2. Brethren: I found this word on the third page. I think it means a brother. This is because of a similar
word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “fellow Christians or members of a male
religious order”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: Our brethren couldn’t make it in time for
the ceremony.
3. Dictum: I found this word on the fourth page. I think it means to dictate. This is becauseof a similar
word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “a formal pronouncement from an
authoritative source”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:First Amendment dictum that
“Congress shall make no law … slashing the freedom of speech”
4. Chattels: I found this word on the fourth page. I think it means to chat some one. This is because of
a similar word structure. . The dictionary definition for this word is “a personal possession”.This is
how I would use it in a sentence: a lot of my chattels are stored in the bank.
5. Taciturn: I found this word on the fourth page. I think it means turning. This is because of a similar
word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “reserved or uncommunicative in speech;
saying little.”This is how I would use it in a sentence: James always was to himself almost taciturn
like he lived his life.
6. Spittoon: I found this word on the fourth page. I think it means to spit. This is because of a similar
word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “a metal or earthenware pot typically
having a funnel-shaped top, used for spitting into.”This is how I would use it in a sentence: the
governor fiercely spat in the spittoon as the argument progressed.
7. Scowled: I found this word on the seventh page. I think it means scolding. This is becauseof a
similar word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “an angry or bad-tempered
expression.” This is how I would use it in a sentence: the headmaster scowled the child for
disobeying the school’s rules.
8. Repertoire: I found this word on the ninth page. I think it means repetitively. This is becauseof a
similar word structure. The dictionary definition for this word is “items that are regularly
performed”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: the issue bullying was repertoire in our
school.
9. Vapid: I found this word on the ninth page. I think it means quick (rapid). This is becauseof its
similarity with the word rapid. The dictionary definition for this word is “offering nothing that is
stimulating or challenging”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: Microsoft’s products have
started getting repertoire and vapid.
10. Shingles: I found this word on the ninth page. I think it means rhythmic beats. This is because of its
similarity with the word jingles. The dictionary definition for this word is “a rectangular tile of
asphalt composite, wood, metal, or slate used on walls or roofs.” This is how I would use it in a
sentence: the shingles on our neighbor’s home need to be removed due to the leakage.
2. 11. Malevolent: I found this word on the ninth page. I think it means power and supremacy. This is
because of the beginning letter male. The dictionary definition for this word is “having or showing
a wish to do evil to others”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: the teacher was malevolent
because she give a ton of work and if otherwise punished us. Cruelly.
12. Azaleas: I found this word on the ninth page. I think it’s about Alzheimer’s. This is because of the
word structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is “a deciduous flowering shrub
of the heath family with clusters of brightly colored, sometimes fragrant flowers.” This is how I
would use it in a sentence: the azaleas were sparkling under the sun in the Clarkson’s’ backyard.
13. Predilection: I found this word on the tenth page. I think it means preference. This is because of the
word structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is “a preference or special liking
for something; a bias in favor of something”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: a majority of
the British population’s predilection would be tea against coffee.
14. Corsets: I found this word on the tenth page. I think it means. This is because. The dictionary
definition for this word is “a garment worn by men or women to support a weak or injured back.”
This is how I would use it in a sentence: Raj wore a corset for 3 months because of his injured back.
15. Domiciled: I found this word on the tenth page. I think it means doom. This is becauseword
structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is “a person's residence or home”.
This is how I would use it in a sentence: Jasmine’s domiciled is located right behind the Times
Square train station.
16. Assault & Battery: I found this word on the eleventh page. I think it means hurting and threatening.
This is because of the word assault and beating. The dictionary definition for this word is “the crime
of threatening a person together with the act of making physical contact with them.”This is how I
would use it in a sentence: Roger was charged with guilty for assault and battery of an innocent
teen.
17. Nebulous: I found this word on the twelfth page. I think it vogue or unclear. This is because of the
connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this word is “in the form
of a cloud or haze”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: as soon as the prisoner broke free, a
giant nebulous glow dawned across their faces.
18. Ramrod: I found this word on the thirteenth page. I think it means to ram someone with a rod. This
is becauseof the word structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is “a person,
esp. one in a position of leadership, who is strict and uncompromising.”This is how I would use it in
a sentence: Hitler was a ramrod leader who wanted the best for his country.
19. Sawhorses: I found this word on the thirteenth page. I think it means to cut something on a stable
platform. This is because of the word structure links. The dictionary definition for this word is “a
frame or trestle that supports wood for sawing.”This is how I would use it in a sentence: the
carpenter used the sawhorse as he began creating cupboards with drawers.
20. Meditatively: I found this word on the thirteenth page. I think it meanspeaceful. This is because
of the words connection with meditating. The dictionary definition for this word is “of, involving, or
absorbed in meditation or considered thought”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: the priest
meditatively answered the question.
3. 21. Gouges: I found this word on the fifteenth page. I think this is an instrument used to measure
something. This is because of its links with gauges. The dictionary definition for this word is “an
indentation or groove made by gouging.”.This is how I would use it in a sentence: the electrician
made the gouges so that he could place the lighting fixtures.
22.Condescended: I found this word on the seventeenth page. I think it means to be lowered down.
This is because of the word structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is “show
feelings of superiority; be patronizing”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:Our teacher
condescended as she explained the why discipline was important.
23. Seceded: I found this word on the eighteenth page. I think it means take ones position or
throne. This is becauseof the word structure connections. The dictionary definition for this word is
“withdraw formally from membership in a federal union, an alliance, or a political or religious
organization”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:A majority of IIT graduates seceded out of
India to wealthier countries.
24. Illicitly: I found this word on the nineteenth page. I think it means someone who does not
knowledge about anything. This is because of word structure connections with illiterate. The
dictionary definition for this word is “forbidden by law, rules, or custom”. This is how I would use it
in a sentence:
25. Molasses: I found this word on the twenty-first page. I think it has something to do with food.
This is because of the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this
word is “thick, dark brown juice obtained from raw sugar during the refining process.”This is how I
would use it in a sentence: molasses is a commonly used while ingredient in baking.
26. Entailment: I found this word on the twenty-second page. I think it means copy someone. This is
because of the word structure connections with tail (copying). The dictionary definition for this
word is “settle the inheritance of (property) over a number of generations so that ownership
remains within a particular group, usually one family”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:the
shah family was known for its entailment of the Hinduja plot.
27. Delegation: I found this word on the twenty-second page. I think it means short. This is because
of the connections with the rest of the paragraph: “was worth a solitary sprint across the Radley
Place. The dictionary definition for this word is “fully in agreement”. This is how I would use it in a
sentence: The victim and the lawyer were unanimously in sync.
28. Smilax: I found this word on the twenty-third page. I think it means to smile. This is becausethe
word’ssimilarity with the word smiles. The dictionary definition for this word is “a widely
distributed climbing shrub with hooks and tendrils.”This is how I would use it in a sentence: smilax
is extracted and used in root beers.
29. Uninitiated: I found this word on the twenty-fourth page. I think it means something that wasn’t
meant to happen. This is because of the word structure connections with initiative. The dictionary
definition for this word is “without special knowledge or experience”. This is how I would use it in
a sentence: Sam began rock climbing uninitiated, that lead to the injury of himself
30. Sojourn: I found this word on the twenty-fourth page. I think it means a stay. This is because of
the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this word is “a
temporary stay”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: An earthquake ended Tom’s sojourn in a
disaster.
4. 31. Wonderment: I found this word on the twenty-sixth page. I think it means delighted and
enchanting. This is because of the connections with the word wonderful. The dictionary definition
for this word is “a state of awed admiration or respect”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:
The crown stood in wonderment as the president spoke.
32. Tranquility: I found this word on the twenty-seventh page. I think it means a peaceful area. This
is because of the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this word
is “free from disturbance”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: tranquility in a city like Mumbai
can only be found in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
33. Iniquities I found this word on the twenty-eighth page. I think it means strange or unethical
behavior. This is because of the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary
definition for this word is “immoral or grossly unfair behavior”. This is how I would use it in a
sentence: a criminal lawyer could easily identify iniquities in his life.
34. Solitary: I found this word on the twenty-eighth page. I think it means short. This is because of
the connections with the rest of the paragraph: “was worth a solitary sprint across the Radley
Place. The dictionary definition for this word is “fully in agreement”. This is how I would use it in a
sentence: The victim and the lawyer were unanimously in sync.
35. Diminutive: I found this word on the thirtieth page. I think it means very small. This is because of
the word connections with minute. The dictionary definition for this word is “extremely or
unusually small”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: the diminutive basket baller dunked to
seal his team’s victory.
36. Truant: I found this word on the thirtieth page. I think it means a rude comment. This is because
of the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this word is “a
remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.” This is how I would use it in a
sentence: Kim accused (with truant) Jim of stealing the pen.
37. Wisteria: I found this word on the thirty-third page. I think it has something to do with
flowersThis is because of the connections with the rest of the paragraph.The dictionary definition
for this word is “a climbing shrub of the pea family, with hanging clusters of pale bluish-lilac
flowers. Native to North America and eastern Asia, ornamental varieties are widely grown on walls
and pergolas.” This is how I would use it in a sentence: The wisterias grew beautifully in our
neighbors’ back yard.
38. Magnesia: I found this word on the thirty-third page. I think it is a short form for magnesium.
This is because it sounds were similar to magnesium. The dictionary definition for this word is
“hydrated magnesium carbonate used as an antacid and laxative.” This is how I would use it in a
sentence: Magnesia is on of the many compounds that can only be used in a controlled
environment.
39. Auspicious: I found this word on the thirty-sixth page. I think it means very important. This is
because of the connections with the rest of the paragraph. The dictionary definition for this word is
“conducive to success; favorable”. This is how I would use it in a sentence: Moshes (Café)
according to many is the most auspicious place to dine.
40. Unanimous: I found this word on the thirty- ninth page. I think it means when you don’t know
who can be held responsible. This is because word structure connections with anonymous. The
dictionary definition for this word is “fully in agreement”. This is how I would use it in a sentence:
The victim and the lawyer were unanimously in sync.