A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Vocabulary 1
1. Serene- [page 5] calm and peaceful
The lake was so calm that I found myself becoming as serene as the water, despite my previous anxious
feelings.
2. Somber- [page 5] dark or dull in color or mood; gloomy
It is a custom to wear somber colors at a funeral because it is a sad time and it seems respectful.
3. Vivid- [page 12] creating powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind
The unicorn’s vividly pink horn shone out brightly against the somber forest.
4. Fascinate- [page 16] to irresistibly draw attention and interest of someone
When I saw the dragon, I found that I could not look away- it was so fascinating!
*5. Revolted- [page 16] strong disgust (grossed out)
When I saw the dead zombie, I almost threw up because I was so revolted.
6. Resignation- [page 19] retiring or giving up
I resignedly started washing the dishes; I knew that no matter how much I argued with my mother, she was
not going to let me get out of my responsibilities.
7. Inspiration- [page 19] feeling motivated or creative etc.
Skakira is my inspiration- it is because of her amazing moves that I wanted to learn how to dance.
*8. Inquire- [page 20] to ask
I wanted to inquire more about the zombie attack, but I knew that it would look suspicious, so I didn’t ask
any more questions.
9. Languid- [page 20] slow and relaxed
I languidly lay by the pool, soaking up the sun.
*10. Stupendous- [page 20] amazing
Your paper was simply stupendous! I loved how your thesis statement was so clear!
11. Anticipation- [page 21] to look forward to
The four year old could not hold down her anticipation regarding opening her birthday presents; as soon as
she was excused from dinner, she rushed over to the pile and ripped open the first package she could.
12. Dismal- [page 25] depressing
The sun is hidden behind so many clouds that today is simply dismal.
13. Vivacious- [page 29] attractively lively
While Bob was talking to Mary, he couldn’t help but fall in love with her vivacious personality: she was just
so full of life and charisma, he was instantly drawn to her.
14- Persistent- [page 29] continuing firmly in a course of action in spite of difficulty
The persistent puppy would not give up on trying to get the treat out of the box- she ripped it until the treat
finally came out.
15. Endure- [page 36] to suffer patiently
I will endure a year without you as long as you promise to marry me when you get home.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Vocabulary 2
1. Avid- [page 39] being extremely interested in something
Tatiana was an avid movie-goer: sometimes she would go to the theater and see four straight movies.
2. Essential- [page 40] absolutely necessary
It is essential that I brush and floss my teeth, or I will ultimately loose them.
3. Invariably- [page 41] always
My cats invariably hide when the vacuum cleaner comes out.
4. Resembled- [page 41] having common features; esp. physical
I am told that I resemble my mother: both of us have high cheekbones and heart-shaped lips.
*5. Bitter- [page 47] having a sharp taste or smell; not sweet
Dark chocolate seems bitter after having eaten milk chocolate.
*6. Monotony- [page 49] lack of variety; boring
School can sometimes feel monotonous, so I try to take notes to keep my mind from wandering.
7. Mingle- [page 49] to mix together
I mingled with everyone at the party.
*8. Odor- [page 49] a distinctive smell; especially an unpleasant one
The garbage gave off a very unpleasant odor.
9. Mutual- [page 49] (a feeling or action) experienced by each of two or more parties
Gina and I mutually agreed to not date Brad since we both wanted him, but knew that either of our dating
him would ruin our friendship.
10. Mimic- [page 50] imitate
The parrot mimicked my words by repeating each one.
11. Soothe- [page 52] to gently calm
The Aloe Vera soothed my sunburn.
12. Efficient- [page 53] maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort
The efficient student uses any time left in class to work on their homework, thus creating more time to relax
at home.
13. Accurate- [page 53] correct
Could you tell me the time on your phone? I want to make sure that my watch is accurate.
14. Distinct- [page 54] recognizably different
That is my unicorn; you can tell by the distinct line of red in its tail that other do not have.
15. Dismissal- [page 59] order or allow to leave
My boss dismissed me from his office without words; he merely began typing an e-mail, thus signaling me to
leave.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Vocabulary 3
1. Delight- [page 60] to please someone greatly
I was delighted to find $100!
2. Piteous- [page 60] deserving pity (pity = feeling sadness and compassion for someone)
John piteously begged Maggie not to leave him; he even got down on his knees.
3. Condone- [page 62] to accept and allow
I cannot condone your behavior- you ate my cheesecake, and for that you must die!
4. Frequent- [page 62] occurring often
Mrs. Fuentes frequently refers to unicorns because they are amazing and she likes talking about them.
5. Enigma- [page 66] someone or something that is mysterious
The killer left an enigmatic note for the police- it was clear that the mysterious letter would not make sense
until the murderer killed again.
*6. Rigid- [page 66] unable to bend; not flexible
The soldier stood rigidly as his commanding officer walked by.
*7. Nurture- [page 67] to care for and encourage the growth of someone or something
The gorillas nurtured Tarzan as a baby, but when he was fully grown, he was on his own.
8. Ambitious- [page 68] having a strong desire to succeed
Brian’s ambitious attitude helped him succeed at the Fortune 500 company.
9. Indignity- [page 68] treatment that causes one to feel shame or lose one’s dignity
Sarah decided not to suffer the indignity of wearing the fuchsia and orange bridesmaid dress Janine wanted
her to wear- she politely asked Janine if she could wear another.
10. Reluctant- [page 68] unwilling and hesitant
Jessica was reluctant to wash the dishes when her mother asked her to, but she did them anyway.
*11. Reminisce- [page 77] to enjoyably remember past events
Haley and Jason reminisced about when they first met and remembered it happily.
12. Surreptitious- [page 78] done sneakily  like a ninja
Mira surreptitiously looked at Nikki’s paper; Mrs. Fuentes, however, saw her and gave her a 0.
13. Scrupulous- [page 78] to pay attention to details and avoid wrongdoing
Heather scrupulously cleaned the house, making sure to even scrub the walls.
14. Skeptical- [page 87] not easily convinced; having doubts
Jill was skeptical that Jake would be able to go to the movies tonight; he had looked ill at school, and Jill
figured he would be too sick to go.
15. Intricate- [page 89] very complicated or detailed
The lace was woven with an intricate design that showed clearly the skill involved in making it.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Vocabulary 4
1. Thrive- [page 92] to grow or develop well
The previously dying plant began to thrive when it received water and sunlight.
2. Optimistic- [page 94] hopeful and confident about the future
Bryant was optimistic that Maria would say “yes!” when he asked her to marry him- he knew her well
enough to know that she loved him as he loved her.
3. Commiserate- [page 94] to express sympathy
Ashley received a 20 on her essay; I felt awful for her and commiserated with her.
4. Dignity- [page 95] being worthy of honor or respect
The professor lost her dignity when everyone discovered she had plagiarized her book.
5. Contempt- [page 95] the feeling that a person or thing is beneath consideration; worthless
I felt nothing but contempt for the man after I saw him beat his wife.
*6. Quarrel- [page 95] an argument
My mother and I quarreled over who would do the dishes: I wanted my sister to, but mom insisted I do
them.
7. Devious- [page 96] showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals
The devious ninja crept over the rooftops of the city in order to get into the jewelry store quietly and steal
its contents.
8. Consideration- [page 103] thoughtfulness for others
Brianna showed much consideration when she helped Kyle with his homework.
9. Affluent- [page 107] having a great deal of money
The Senator is quite affluent- I hear he lives in a mansion!
10. Eccentric- [not in book] unconventional and slightly strange
The inventor was a genius but also quite eccentric- he would always eat his chicken with honey!
11. Accumulate- [page 109] to acquire an increasing quantity
The accumulated snow earned every school within Clifton a snow day.
12. Ardent- [page 112] enthusiastic or passionate
The man ardently prayed that God would cure his son with cancer.
*13. Meager- [page 113] lacking in quantity or quality
The man who had not eaten in days was so upset to discover he would not be able to eat again for many
more days: only a meager amount of food was left in his house.
14. Waver- [page 115] to be undecided between two opinions
My mother wavered between grounding me and allowing me to go to my piano lesson; ultimately she
decided on having me fulfill my obligation to my piano teacher and let me go.
15. Precocious- [page 116] (of a child) having developed certain abilities at an earlier age than other children
The precocious child understood that her dog had not truly gone to a farm like her mother told her- she
realized that the dog had actually died.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Vocabulary 5
1. Regret- [page 122] to feel sad and repentant over something
I regret stealing the car; it was wrong, and I wish I hadn’t done it.
*2. Advantage- [page 122] something that puts one in a favorable or superior position
The tennis player had an advantage on his opponent: he had the sun behind him, so the sun shone directly
into his opponent’s eyes.
*3. Delicate- [page 128] easily damaged
I need to speak with you about a delicate matter: it is regarding your cheating. I cannot keep this secret any
longer.
4. Segregate- [page 128] to set apart from the rest
Handicapped people should not be segregated from the rest of society- we need to be sure that there are
proper handicap-friendly facilities.
5. Disillusion- [page 129] disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one
believed it to be
I felt so disillusioned when my parents told me that I was adopted.
6. Capacity- [page 129] the maximum amount something can contain
Francisca had the capacity to achieve straight-As, but her laziness prevented her from obtaining them.
*7. Scorn- [page 136] the feeling that someone or something is worthless
Helga scornfully looked at Anthony; he had tried to copy off her test, but she moved it away from him
angrily.
8. Contemplate- [page 137] to look thoughtfully for a long time
Brian contemplated what Brittany had said for a while, looking off into the distance.
9. Poignant- [page 155] evoking a keen sense of sadness
After James’ grandfather’s death, the poignant memorial caused James to cry.
10. Tremble- [page 155] to shake involuntarily
The house trembled during the earthquake.
11. Exaggerate- [page 157] to represent something of being larger, greater, better, or worse than it really is
“The building was COVERED in snow!!!” James exaggerated.
12. Reconciliation- [page 159] to restore friendly relations between
Miranda and Renee reconciled after their fight by hugging and apologizing to one another.
*13. Shun- [page 160] persistently avoid or ignore
Regina told everyone to shun Christina- no one was to talk to her.
14. Vital- [page 164] absolutely necessary
It is vital that you do well in school- life is much harder without a good education.
15. Futile- [page 240] pointless
After zombies bit Jimmy, we knew it would be futile for us to try to save him.