The Future Is in Eggs — Vocabulary
Eugene Ionesco
from Rhinoceros & Other Plays beginning p. 119
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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spectaclespectacle → spectacles:events that attract attention
She argues that the Olympic Games have become indistinguishable from other commercialized sports spectacles.more
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FATHER-JACQUES: They're making a proper spectacle of themselves!3 more
a notable or unusual event that attracts attention
Show general definition for spectacle (as in: made a spectacle of herself) a notable or unusual event that attracts attention
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refrainlines repeated in a song
The song has a catchy refrain.more
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After this last remark, the refrain becomes: 'Yes, yes, yes!2 more
something repeated regularly
Show general definition for refrain (as in: a repeated refrain) something repeated regularly -- especially a word, phrase, line, or idea repeated in music, poetry, or speech
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contrastpoint to differences between
Contrast winter in Panama with winter in Alaska.more
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In his frame, GRANDFATHER-JACQUES looks sullen and moody in contrast to his air of gaiety at the beginning of the play.
contrast → in contrast:in a comparison that shows differences
Show general definition for contrast (as in: contrast their writing styles) point to differences between; or compare to show differences
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yieldproduce (lead to)
The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more
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We shall soon see whether these last three years are going to yield good results.
produce or give
Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
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varybe different
Your mileage may vary.more
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Whatever disappears must be replaced by new products, more numerous and varied than before.
vary → varied:differing (having a variety)
Show general definition to be different, or to change
Show editor's word notes Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."
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engrossedwith all attention focused
She was so engrossed in her conversation; she didn't realize the bell had rung.more
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Engrossed in each other, JACQUES and ROBERTA do not even see them.
Show general definition for engrossed (as in: engrossed in the book) with all attention focused
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consoleconsole → consoled:comforted
She consoled him after his mother died.more
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We must all console each other!
comfort
Show general definition for console (as in: console her grief) to comfort (emotionally)
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pessimisticexpecting that things will turn out badly;
Despite the team's losing streak, the coach tried to remain optimistic, while the players grew increasingly pessimistic.more
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[JACQUES is heard to say in a feeble voice:] JACQUES: And pessimists!
pessimistic → pessimists:people who expect things will turn out badly; or who focus on the bad part of things
Show general definition expecting that things will turn out badly; or focusing on the bad part of things
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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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Come on, Jacqueline, show some initiative .
determining what should be done and doing it without instruction
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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docileeasily led or managed
It is a gentle old horse, docile and obedient.more
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FATHER-ROBERT and MOTHER-ROBERT speak to their daughter; ROBERTA is heard to say docilely from time to time: 'Yes, papa, yes mamma, yes papa, yes mamma, yes papa, yes mamma.'†
docile → docilely:in an easily managed manner
Show general definition easily led or managed -- perhaps submissive or well-behaved
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obstinatestubbornly not doing what others want
She is an obstinate child who will not follow the family rules.more
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GRANDMOTHER-JACQUES: Still as obstinate as ever!†
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sullenunhappy and withdrawn
She changed from a happy, outgoing child to sullen teenager.more
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In his frame, GRANDFATHER-JACQUES looks sullen and moody in contrast to his air of gaiety at the beginning of the play.
Show general definition for sullen (as in: a sullen mood) being unhappy (and often withdrawn)
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famishedextremely hungry
I'm famished. I need something to eat.more
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JACQUES and ROBERTA, famished, dive into the potatoes.
Show general definition extremely hungry
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intonesay in a chanting voice
"Fair is foul and foul is fair" intone the witches in Macbeth.more
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[Then, when FATHER-JACQUES has said: We mustn't forget the departed':] [intone in chorus, turned towards the portrait of GRANDFATHER-JACQUES, with their backs to the audience:] Cordolences!
say
Show general definition to speak; or (less commonly) to sing or play music
The exact meaning of intone can depend upon its context. It can mean:
  • to say something somberly (slowly and seriously without much change in pitch)
  • to speak or sing in a careful manner as with rising and falling pitch
  • to say in a particular tone or pitch
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instigateinstigate → instigating:starting
The group is accused of instigating the violence in the area.more
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It's up to you to instigate production ... MOTHER-JACQUES: [to her son] My son, if you want me to be proud of you, try and instigate, instigate production ...[ROBERTA looks embarrassed.]†
start something or take actions that cause it to happen
Show general definition start or set into motion -- typically some kind of conflict
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continuityconsistency
Despite maintaining continuity in an alternate world, each episode can stand alone as a complete story.more
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FATHER-JACQUES: We must assure the continuity of our race.†1 more
Show general definition consistency or lacking interruption
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materialistictoo concerned with wealth and possessions
She thinks Americans are too materialistic.more
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JACQUELINE: Essentialists and materialists.†
materialistic → materialists:overly concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
Show general definition overly concerned with wealth and possessions at the expense of other interests
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qualmsfeelings of uneasiness
She has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to win.more
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MOTHER-JACQUES: Eat them up JACQUES: [suddenly the victim of an old qualm, timidly interrupts his gesture towards the potatoes] No ...I ... JACQUELINE: [to JACQUES] Aren't you hungry any more?†
qualms → qualm:feeling of uneasiness
Show context notes Qualm is much more commonly used in the plural form, qualms.
Show general definition feelings of uneasiness -- especially about whether it is right to do something
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surmountsurmount → surmounted:overcame
She surmounted many challenges on her way to becoming a successful business owner.more
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'Production!' become a chorused refrain whilst, without interrupting the action and the comings and goings, one hears, in voices loud enough to surmount the tumult, the following speeches:
overcome
Show general definition overcome (to successfully deal with an obstacle)
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anarchistsomeone who opposes government or authority
At the protest, one anarchist set off fireworks and shouted that all rules were meant to be broken.more
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JACQUES: Anarchists.†
anarchist → anarchists:someone who favors eliminating all government or authority
Show general definition someone who favors eliminating all government or authority