1. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 1. portal- a doorway (especially a large one) 2. inauspicious- unfavorable 3. augury- an omen or prophecy 4. betoken- to give a sign of 5. vagrant- a wanderer who does not have a home 6. propriety- correct conduct

2. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 7.rotund-very plump, round 8.malefactor- a criminal 9.ignominy-disgraceful or dishonorable conduct 10.gentility- state of refinement, member of the upper class or gentry

3. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 11.revere-to honor, to regard with respect 12.remonstrate-to protest, to make objections 13.abate-to reduce in intensity or amount 14.append-to add in supplementary manner 15.virtuous-having excellent morals; righteous 16.grievous-characterized by severe suffering or sorrow, serious or grave

4. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 17.plaintive- mournful or expressing sorrow 18.lurid-sensational, gruesome and causing shock or horror 19.amenable-open or willing to follow advice or suggestion, tractable, malleable 20.infamous- having a reputation of the worst kind, vicious, notoriously bad

5. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 21.inscrutable- difficult to understand; mysterious 22.requite- to make repayment or to return 23.alchemist-one who practices medieval chemistry or tries to change metals into gold 24.ascetic-one who leads a life of self- denial and contemplation; absent of luxury 25.superfluous-beyond what is required, an overflow

6. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 26.voluptuous –pleasurable to the senses, sensuous 27.penitent-showing or feeling regret for wrongdoing, repentant 28.discern-to differentiate between two or more things 29.imbibe-to absorb or to drink in 30.insidious-treacherous or dangerous in a secret sort of way

7. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 31.inopportune- inconvenient, poorly timed 32.piety-devotion and reverence to God 33.prolific-abundantly fruitful, marked by great productivity 34.regimen-the regular process, procedure or system of doing something 35.malicious-motivated by hate or deliberate intent to harm

8. The Scarlet Letter Vocabulary 36.inviolable-secure from violation or from being profaned 37.placid-peaceful, calm, serene, tranquil 38.enmity-absolute hatred, hostility, animosity 39.balm-a soothing substance which gives relief 40.abyss- bottomless hole, a vast expanse or depth