Vocabulary from The Count of Monte Cristo - List 3

1. Panacea (noun)

• Definition: A remedy for all diseases or problems; a cure-all.
• Example in CMC: Valentine mentions her grandfather believes a medicine is a panacea.
• Example: Chicken noodle soup as a cure for all ailments.

2. Exile (verb, noun)

• Definition: To force someone to live elsewhere; the state or period of living away from one’s country.
• Example in CMC: The Emperor is mentioned as being exiled from France.
• Example: Soviet citizens exiled to Siberia.

3. Timorous (adj)

• Definition: Easily frightened; full of fear.
• Example in CMC: Valentine calls Maximilien too timorous for a soldier.
• Example: Callie was once a timorous public speaker.

4. Strident (adj)

• Definition: Harsh or unpleasant sounding; forceful opinions.
• Example in CMC: Strident laughter described.
• Example: Alarm clock’s strident screeching.

5. Ascendancy (noun)

• Definition: A position of power or influence over others.
• Example in CMC: Monte Cristo’s control over those around him.
• Example: Hypnotist's ascendancy over mesmerized subjects.

6. Austere (adj)

• Definition: Simple, plain; harsh.
• Noun form: Austerity: Plain quality, economic measures.
• Example in CMC: Description of an Italian priest.
• Example: Nuns and priests’ austere lifestyle.

7. Myriad (adj)

• Definition: A very large number; diverse.
• Example in CMC: Myriads of candles described.
• Example: A myriad of colors in a crayon box.

8. Consternation (noun)

• Definition: Surprise or disappointment causing confusion.
• Example in CMC: Police appearance causes consternation.
• Example: Car engine failure causing consternation.

9. Veritable (adj)

• Definition: True or real, often used for emphasis.
• Example in CMC: Eugenie described as a veritable Amazon.
• Example: Francine has a veritable mountain of work.

10. Stupefy (verb)

• Definition: To shock or surprise greatly; cause confusion.
• Example in CMC: Andrea’s reaction described.
• Example: Bennett’s shock at seeing his sister.

11. Injunction (noun)

• Definition: A court order to do or not do something.
• Example in CMC: A warning to be silent to avoid danger.
• Example: Court injunction to stop construction.

12. Torpor (noun)

• Definition: A state of inactivity, low energy.
• Example in CMC: Valentine’s torpor described.
• Example: Post-Thanksgiving meal torpor.

13. Mercenary (noun, adj)

• Definition: Soldier for hire; motivated by money.
• Example in CMC: Valentine’s situation with the nurse.
• Example: German mercenaries in the American Revolution.

14. Sinister (adj)

• Definition: Evil in appearance; likely harmful.
• Example in CMC: Servants’ sinister mutterings.
• Example: Witch’s sinister laugh.

15. Paroxysm (noun)

• Definition: Sudden attack or violent emotion.
• Example in CMC: Villefort’s grief described.
• Example: Paroxysms in a medical emergency.

16. Complaisant (adj)

• Definition: Willing to please others; easily convinced.
• Example in CMC: d’Avrigny’s complaisance aiding a murderer.
• Example: Julia’s transformation from complaisant to strong.

17. Nonchalant (adj)

• Definition: Relaxed, calm, unconcerned.
• Example in CMC: Andrea’s nonchalant demeanor.
• Example: Wanda’s calmness in emergencies.

18. Prosaic (adj)

• Definition: Dull, ordinary.
• Example in CMC: Procession seemed prosaic.
• Example: Hattie's essay was prosaic and unoriginal.

19. Ingrate (noun)

• Definition: An ungrateful person.
• Example in CMC: Mentioned as an accusation.
• Example: Ungrateful behavior towards gifts.

20. Disciple (noun)

• Definition: Follower of a famous person’s teachings.
• Example in CMC: Maximilien likened to a disciple.
• Example: Yoga teacher’s disciplined students.

21. Fugitive (noun, adj)

• Definition: A person escaping capture; temporary.
• Example in CMC: Fugitive dreams and ideas.
• Example: Tracking fugitives by credit card use.

22. Infatuate (verb)

• Definition: Inspire with foolish love or admiration.
• Example in CMC: Baroness's infatuation mentioned.
• Example: Lucy’s infatuation leading to choices.

23. Phlegmatic (adj)

• Definition: Not easily upset or excited.
• Example in CMC: Describes a patient wait.
• Example: Emergency room workers need a phlegmatic nature.

24. Oblique (adj)

• Definition: Not direct; slanting.
• Example in CMC: Sun shines obliquely.
• Example: Indirectly addressing issues.

25. Infamy (noun)

• Definition: Known for being evil; notorious acts.
• Adjective: Infamous: Famous for bad deeds.
• Example in CMC: Avoiding taints of infamy.
• Example: Infamous attack on Pearl Harbor.

26. Throng (noun, verb)

• Definition: A large crowd; to gather in numbers.
• Example in CMC: People thronging the courtroom.
• Example: Thronging outside for a product release.

27. Machination (noun)

• Definition: Crafty schemes or plots.
• Example in CMC: Andrea seen as a victim of machinations.
• Example: Odysseus resisting Circe’s machinations.

28. Presentiment (noun)

• Definition: A feeling something will happen.
• Example in CMC: Foreboding storm prediction.
• Example: Fortune teller’s presentiment about flying.

29. Infallible (adj)

• Definition: Incapable of error; guaranteed success.
• Antonym: Fallible: Capable of errors.
• Noun: Fallacy: Mistaken belief.
• Example in CMC: Infallible remedy discussed.
• Example: Myth of unsinkable Titanic.

30. Phosphorescence (noun)

• Definition: Being luminous without heat.
• Example in CMC: Describes Paris at night.
• Example: Glowing jellyfish.

Practice Quiz

• The quiz includes filling in the blanks using the vocabulary words. It tests understanding of where these words fit contextually.
• Answers range from identifying a fugitive to explaining a nonchalant behavior.