The Lottery — Vocabulary
Shirley Jackson
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Exemplary sample Uses Broad Use
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precedeprecede → preceded:were before in time
Stone tools preceded bronze tools.more
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There was a story that the present box had been made with some pieces of the box that had preceded it, the one that had been constructed when the first people settled down to make a village here.p.6.3
precede → preceded:come before
Show general definition to go or do before
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soberingmakes one serious about an issue
It's sobering to think that more Americans die from opioid abuse than in car accidents.more
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"Well, now," Mr. Summers said soberly, "guess we better get started, get this over with, so's we can go back to work."p.9.8
sobering → soberly:seriously
Show general definition for sobering (as in: a sobering thought) serious or calm (not silly or excited); or making one serious or less excited
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recitalsolo performance
As part of her degree requirements, the music major performed a challenging piano recital, showcasing her technical skills and musical interpretation.more
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There was the proper swearing in of Mr. Summers by the postmaster, as the official of the lottery; at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, ... some people believed that the official of the lottery used to stand just so when he said or sang it,p.7.9
performance (as of a song or poem)
Show general definition a performance such as music, dance, or a poetry reading
Show editor's word notes A music recital is usually done solo or with a single accompanist. A dance recital may include many dancers.
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petulantunreasonably annoyed or upset
She stomped her foot like a petulant child.more
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"There's always been a lottery," he added petulantly.p.13.3
petulant → petulantly:in an annoyed or upset manner
Show general definition unreasonably annoyed or upset

or:

easily annoyed or upset
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jovialcheerful and friendly
She walked in with a jovial smile.more
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He was a round-faced, jovial man and he ran the coal business, and people were sorry for him, because he had no children and his wife was a scold.p.5.3
Show general definition cheerful and friendly
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interminableseemingly endless (and probably boring)
Her speech was interminable.more
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Mr. Summers was very good at all this; in his clean white shirt and blue jeans, with one hand resting carelessly on the black box, he seemed very proper and important as he talked interminably to Mr. Graves and the Martins.p.8.5
interminable → interminably:seemingly without end
Show general definition seemingly endless; or long and unpleasant (often boring or annoying)
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lapseend or terminate
She allowed her membership at the club to lapse.more
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…at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year; ... but years and years ago this part of the ritual had been allowed to lapse.p.8.2
end
Show general definition for lapse (as in: allowed the policy to lapse) end or terminate -- often of legal rights or of a person's association with an organization
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perfunctorydone without much interest or effort
She gave us menus and a perfunctory smile.more
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There was the proper swearing in of Mr. Summers by the postmaster, as the official of the lottery; at one time, some people remembered, there had been a recital of some sort, performed by the official of the lottery, a perfunctory, tuneless chant that had been rattled off duly each year;p.7.9
Show general definition done without much interest or effort -- especially as when dispensing with a formality
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paraphernaliaitems that accompany a given activity
The state has a law against possessing certain paraphernalia associated with illegal drugs.more
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The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, and the black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born.p.5.9
Show general definition items that accompany a given activity
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althougheven though -- used to connect contrasting ideas
Although she knows a lot about the business, she still has a lot to learn from her mother.more
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Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones.p.18.61 more
even though (used to connect contrasting ideas)
Show general definition even though -- used to introduce an idea that contrasts with or makes the main statement surprising
Show editor's word notes At the start of a sentence, although can play a role similar to words like however, yet, still, even so, on the other hand, or nonetheless—all of which signal contrast. In the middle of a sentence, although can sometimes be used where but or though might also work, but though or but often sound more natural. For example, "She's a great teacher, though not the most popular" is usually smoother than "She's a great teacher, although not the most popular."
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traditiona long-established practice
My family's Thanksgiving tradition is to gather together and eat turkey.more
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Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box.p.6.2
long-established practice
Show general definition a long-established or previously long-established practice or belief

and/or:

one or more practices, beliefs, or stories passed down through generations within a specific culture or group
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directinstruct
On the SAT test, some questions direct you to look at an underlined or numbered portion of a passage.more
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"Put them in the box, then," Mr. Summers directed.p.16.1
direct → directed:instructed
Show general definition for direct (as in: direct a question; or direct a film) to guide, aim, or manage -- such as actions, attention, speech, a project or company
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gravegrave → gravity:seriousness or importance (weightiness)
Her smile disappeared as she suddenly realized the gravity of her situation.more
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She watched while Mr. Graves came around from the side of the box, greeted Mr. Summers gravely, and selected a slip of paper from the box.p.12.5
grave → gravely:in a serious and solemn manner
Show general definition for grave (as in: Her manner was grave.) serious and/or solemn
The exact meaning of this sense of grave can depend upon its context. For example:
  • "This is a grave problem," or "a situation of the utmost gravity." -- important, dangerous, or causing worry
  • "She was in a grave mood upon returning from the funeral." -- sad or solemn
  • "She looked me in the eye and gravely promised." -- in a sincere and serious manner
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approachapproach → approaching:getting nearer
Winter is approaching.more
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There had been, also, a ritual salute, which the official of the lottery had had to use in addressing each person who came up to draw from the box, but this also had changed with time, until now it was felt necessary only for the official to speak to each person approaching.p.8.4
approach → approaching:as they come near
Show general definition for approach (as in: approached the city) to get closer to (near in space, time, quantity, or quality)