The Secret Life of Walter Mitty — Vocabulary
James Thurber
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fleetinglasting a short time
Her moments of happiness were few and fleeting.more
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"We only live once, Sergeant," said Mitty, with his faint, fleeting smile.†1 more
Show general definition lasting a short time
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disdainlack of respect
She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more
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Then, with that faint, fleeting smile playing about his lips, he faced the firing squad; erect and motionless, proud and disdainful, Walter Mitty the Undefeated, inscrutable to the last.†
disdain → disdainful:full of disrespect
Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
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initiativewillingness to act independently
She is smart, dedicated and has initiative. I expect to see her promoted soon.more
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No. Tooth paste, toothbrush, bicarbonate, Carborundum, initiative and referendum?†
the ability and tendency to determine what should be done and to start doing it without instruction; or to start something
Show general definition the ability and tendency to determine what should be done and to start doing it without instruction

or:

to start something
The exact meaning of starting something depends upon the context. For example:
  • "She did it on her own initiative." -- started it without anyone telling her to
  • "She seized the initiative." -- started actions that force others to react to her rather than her having to react to them
  • "the peace initiative" -- a plan or the start of actions to bring about something
  • "a ballot initiative" -- a proposed law that is started by citizen petition rather than by the legislature (applicable in many jurisdictions such as California)
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deridederide → derides:criticizes with strong disrespect
She relentlessly mocks and derides the younger students.more
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They went out through the revolving doors that made a faintly derisive whistling sound when you pushed them.†
deride → derisive:contemptuous (treating as inferior and unworthy of respect)
Show general definition to criticize with strong disrespect -- often with humor
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distraughtextremely distressed
She's too distraught to know what she's saying.more
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He looked distraught and haggard.†
Show general definition extremely distressed--typically with worry or grief that interferes with clear thinking
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insolentrudely disrespectful
Even though the officer remained calm, the driver continued to be insolent and uncooperative.more
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The attendant vaulted into the car, backed it up with insolent skill, and put it where it belonged.†
rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority
Show general definition rudely disrespectful -- especially toward someone in authority
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defendanta person (or institution) legally accused or sued in court
The defendant is confident she will be found innocent.more
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We have shown that the defendant could not have fired the shot.†
a person or institution legally accused or sued in court
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scornscorn → scorned:rejected
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more
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"To hell with the handkerchief," said Waker Mitty scornfully.†
scorn → scornfully:in a disrespectful or rejecting manner
Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
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pandemoniuma state of noisy confusion and disorder
Pandemonium broke out after the announcement.more
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Pandemonium broke loose in the courtroom.†
Show general definition a state of noisy confusion and disorder