“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” Vocabulary

1. DEDUCTION

deduction noun the inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle; a conclusion that has been deduced suspicion, reasoning The detective must uncover the murderer by deduction from facts.

2. ARISTOCRATIC

aristocratic adjective distinguished in manners or bearing; grand; stylish noble, elite, posh The gentleman was a descendant of a stately, aristocratic family.

3. HEREDITARY

hereditary adjective based on inheritance; determined by genetic factors and therefore able to be passed on from parents to their descendants bequeathed, ancestral, genetic Members of the royal aristocracy had the hereditary right to elect the king.

4. SUBTLE

subtle adjective so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something understated, acute, perceptive, cunning The pick pocket thief utilized a subtle approach to hoodwink his victims.

5. WRITHE

writhe verb make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body; respond with great emotional or physical discomfort contort, wriggle, worm She bit her lip, writhing in suppressed fury.

6. NOTORIOUS

notorious adjective famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed infamous, scandalous, legendary He was notorious for his temper, and neighbors feared his erratic tantrums.

7. SINISTER

sinister adjective giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen wicked, threatening, villainous The sinister plan involved the murder of two innocent young women.

8. BLANDLY

blandly adverb showing no strong emotion; lacking strong features or characteristics flatly, unemotionally The detective blandly dismissed the suspect’s alibi and presented incriminating evidence.

9. AMIABLE

amiable adjective having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner warmhearted, agreeable, charming The young lad smiled and nodded his head in amiable agreement.

10. GABLE

gable noun the part of a wall that encloses the end of a pitched roof

11. CUNNING

cunning adjective having or showing skill in achieving a goal by deceit; ingenious The cunning fox is known for its sly and clever nature. noun skill in being subtle and crafty It took cunning to pull that crime!

12. HOMELY

homely adjective British: (of a place) simple but cozy and comfortable unsophisticated, homey, plain The local bed-and-breakfast provided a homely atmosphere.

13. TANGIBLE

tangible adjective having physical existence; capable of being grasped by the mind clear, definite, real Tangible evidence indicated the suspect, including a weapon and clothing. noun a thing that is perceptible by touch

14. RUTHLESS

ruthless adjective having or showing no pity or compassion for others cruel, heartless, vicious He was a ruthless and merciless man who acquired many enemies.

British slang pray – a preface to polite requests Pray, continue your story. knock up – wake up “Very sorry to knock you up, Watson.”

dog-cart a two-wheeled cart, used in Europe for delivering milk

trap light, two-wheeled or four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage