Scarlet Letter Vocabulary (Chapters 1-7)

Utopia refers to an ideally perfect place. It is often used to describe an imaginary society or community that is characterized by ideal political, social, and economic conditions. The term was coined by Sir Thomas More in his book "Utopia" published in 1516, where he described a fictional island with a perfect social and political system. Utopia represents an idealized vision of a society that is free from flaws and problems, offering an ideal way of life.

The word "irk" means to irritate or annoy someone. It refers to the act of causing someone to feel frustrated, bothered, or agitated. This word is often used to describe situations or actions that provoke annoyance or frustration in individuals.

The word "demeanor" refers to the way a person behaves or carries themselves. It encompasses their attitude, appearance, and overall behavior.

Ignominy refers to a state of personal dishonor or humiliation. It is a noun that describes the feeling of shame or disgrace that one experiences when their actions or behavior are seen as disgraceful or morally wrong by others. This word suggests a deep sense of humiliation and loss of reputation, often resulting from public exposure or condemnation. It implies a tarnished reputation or a stain on one's character, causing great embarrassment and shame.

Infamy means having an extremely bad reputation. It is the state of being well-known for something negative or disgraceful. This word accurately describes the given phrase "extremely bad reputation". Demeanor refers to a person's behavior or conduct, obstinate means stubborn or refusing to change, and "none of these" indicates that none of the previous options are correct. Therefore, infamy is the most suitable answer.

The term "hussy" is used to describe a brazen or immoral woman. It is a derogatory term that implies promiscuity or loose morals. In this context, "hussy" is the correct answer as it aligns with the given description. The other options, "beadle" and "papist," do not have the same connotation and are unrelated to the given description. Therefore, "none of these" is also not the correct answer.

To transgress means to go beyond or over a limit. It implies crossing a boundary or breaking a rule or law. This word suggests that someone has exceeded the acceptable or expected limits of behavior or action. It can also imply a violation of moral or ethical standards. Therefore, transgress is the correct answer as it aligns with the given definition.

The word "edifice" refers to a building, particularly a large one. It implies that the structure is significant in size and may have architectural or historical importance. The word "especially" suggests that while edifices can vary in size, the focus is on larger buildings. This explanation aligns with the given answer choice "a building, especially a large one."

Sepulcher means a burial vault, which is a small room or underground chamber used for burying the dead. It is typically made of stone or concrete and is designed to provide a final resting place for deceased individuals. Sepulchers are commonly found in cemeteries or burial grounds and are used by various cultures and religions as a way to honor and remember the deceased.

Exhort means to strongly urge or advise someone earnestly. It involves encouraging or persuading someone to take a particular action or to adopt a certain belief or attitude. It implies a sense of urgency and importance in the advice or urging being given.

Abate means to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc. This word is used to describe the act of decreasing or lessening something, such as reducing the intensity of pain or decreasing the amount of noise. It implies a decrease or weakening of something that was previously present or intense.

The word "behoove" means to be appropriate or necessary. It suggests that a certain action or behavior is required or expected in a particular situation. In this context, "behoove" is the correct answer because it aligns with the meaning of the given words and best fits the overall theme of appropriateness and necessity.

The word "auspicious" means promising success or favorable. It suggests that something is likely to bring good fortune or have a positive outcome. In this context, "auspicious" is the most suitable word as it accurately describes the meaning of the given phrase "promising success; favorable". The other options do not convey the same idea and are therefore not the correct answer.

Venerable means commanding respect because of great age. This term is used to describe someone who is highly respected and esteemed due to their advanced age and wisdom. It implies that the person has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience over the years, earning them admiration and reverence from others.

Propriety refers to behaving in a manner that is socially acceptable and follows established standards or norms. It involves adhering to proper behavior, manners, and etiquette. The word "propriety" suggests a sense of appropriateness and correctness in one's actions, speech, or conduct. It implies behaving in a way that is respectful, considerate, and in line with societal expectations.

A beadle is a former minor parish official in an English church. This person would assist the clergy during religious ceremonies and maintain order in the church. The term "papist" refers to a Roman Catholic, and "reverend" is a title used for clergy members. Since the question asks for a former minor parish official, "beadle" is the most fitting answer.

The word "betoken" means to give evidence of or indicate something. It suggests that there are signs or indications that point to a particular outcome or meaning. This word implies that there is a clear indication or evidence of something, making it the most appropriate choice among the given options.

A Papist refers to a Roman Catholic. The term "Papist" is often used in a derogatory or offensive manner by those who do not belong to the Catholic faith. It originated during the Reformation period when Protestant reformers criticized the practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church. Therefore, the correct answer is "a Roman Catholic."

Peremptory means leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal. It suggests a commanding or authoritative tone that expects immediate compliance. This word implies a sense of urgency and insistence, making it the most suitable choice among the given options. "Abate" means to reduce or lessen, "behoove" means to be necessary or proper, and "obstinate" means stubborn or resistant to change. None of these options convey the same meaning as peremptory.

The word "obstinate" means stubborn or refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. It does not mean being easy to get along with, following strict religious practices, or being open to suggestion. Therefore, none of these options accurately describe the meaning of "obstinate".