Post #5: Vocabulary

 Throughout Hollow City, Ransom Riggs uses great vocabulary. On multiple occasions, I've had to look up the definitions for some of the words he uses. Here is a list of dazzling diction found on pages 52-82 in the book. (I put the best words in bold and defined them using http://dictionary.reference.com/.)

meager (52)
waterlogged (52)
wisp (52)
menagerie (54) - 1. a collection of wild or unusual animals, especially for exhibition. 2. a place where they are kept or exhibited. 3. an unusual and varied group of people.
springy (55)
nestled (55)
twinge (56)
forsaken (56)
imperceptible (56) - 1. very slight, gradual, or subtle: the imperceptible slope of the road. 2. not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.
labyrinth (57)
congealed (57) - 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid. 3. to make or become fixed, as ideas, sentiments, or principles: Some philosophic systems lost their vitality and congealed.
sullen (57)
gelatinous (57) - having the nature of or resembling jelly, especially in consistency; jellylike.
quivering (66)
churning (66)
faltering (66)
coalesce (66) - 1. to grow together or into one body: The two lakes coalesced into one. 2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc.: The various groups coalesced into a crowd. 3. to blend or come together: Their ideas coalesced into one theory.
taut (66)
guffaw (68)
inauspicious (68) - not auspicious; boding ill; ill-omened; unfavorable.
writhing (72)
acrid (72) - 1. sharp or biting to the taste or smell; bitterly pungent; irritating to the eyes, nose, etc.: acrid smoke from burning rubber. 2. extremely or sharply stinging or bitter; exceedingly caustic: acrid remarks.

sputter (79)

jowly (81)

illustrious (81) - 1. highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2. glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements.

prowess (82) - 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker. 3. a valiant or daring deed.

Here is the link to Thesaurus.com if you would like to look up synonyms for the words above: http://thesaurus.com/

I hope you found this list helpful! I challenge you to use some of these words in our upcoming writing units.