Definitions for Tonal Quality Terms

The Catcher in the Rye and the Synthesis Essay

#1 - repulsive (adj.)

• Causing strong dislike or disgust – tending to repel or reject

#2 – moderate (adj.)

• Avoiding extremes fo behavior or expression• Calm• Limited in scope or effect

#3 – digress (v.)

• To turn aside especially form the main subject of attention or course of argument

#4 – precarious (adj.)

• Depending on the will of another• Characterized by a lack of

security or stability that threatens with danger

#5 – provocative (adj.)

• Causing discussion, thought, argument

#6 – harrowing (adj.)

• Tormenting; vexing

#7 – reciprocal (adj.)

• Used to describe a relationship in which two people or groups agree to do something similar for each other • To allow each other to have the

same rights

#8 – brilliant (adj.)

• Striking, distinctive• Very impressive/successful• Extremely intelligent

#9 – humility (n.)

• The quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people (humble)

#10 – blasé (adj.)

• Apathetic (indifferent) to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence or enjoyment: world-weary

#11 – nauseate (v.)

• To cause to feel disgusted

#12 – brutal (adj.)

• Very direct and accurate in a way that is harsh or unpleasant

#13 – sacrilegious (adj.)

• Gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing

#14 – bitter (adj.)

• Causing painful emotions: felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way• Angry and unhappy because of

unfair treatment

#15 – noble (adj.)

• Having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire (honesty, generosity, courage)

#16 – inane (adj.)

• Empty, insubstantial• Lacking significance, meaning,

point

#17 – boisterous (adj.)

• Stormy, tumultuous•Marked by or expressive of

exuberance and high spirits

#18 – crooked (adj.)

• dishonest

#19 – nonchalant (adj.)

• Having an air of easy unconcern or indifference

#20 – sophisticated (adj.)

• Having a refined knowledge of the ways of the world cultivated especially through wide experience

#21 – nuanced (adj.)

• A subtle quality of distinction or variation• Sensibility to, awareness of, or

ability to express delicate shadings of meaning, feeling, value

#22 – genuine (adj.)

• Free from hypocrisy or pretense: SINCERE

#23 – bourgeois (adj.)

•Middle-class•Marked by a concern for

material interests and respectability and a tendency toward mediocrity

#24 – unscrupulous (adj.)

• Unprincipled, dishonest, illegal: UNETHICAL

#25 – witty (adj.)

• Quick or ready to see or express illuminating or amusing relationships or insights

#26 – stark (adj.)

• Very obvious• Very plain and easily seen

#27 – hysterical (adj.)

• A state in which your emotions (such as fear) are so strong that you behave in an uncontrolled way

#28 – conscientious (adj.)

• Governed by or conforming to the dictates of conscience: SCRUPULOUS

#29 – modest (adj.)

• Placing a moderate estimate on one’s abilities or worth

#30 – ironic (adj.)

• Strange or funny because something (such as a situation) is different from what is expected

#31 – suave (adj.)

• Smoothly though often superficially gracious and sophisticated

#32 – psychic (adj.)

• Sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences: marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding

#33 – putrid (adj.)

•Morally corrupt• Totally objectionable

#34 – sterling (adj.)

• Conforming to the highest standard (character)

#35 – splendid (adj.)

•Marked by showy magnificence

#36 – phony (adj.)

• Not genuine or real• Intended to deceive

#37 – ostracize (v.)

• To exclude from a group by common consent

#38 – privilege (n.)

• A right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, favor

#39 – sarcastic (adj.)

• Having the character of a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain

#40 – qualm (n.)

• A feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety

#41 – compulsory (adj.)

•Mandatory, enforced

#42 – liberate (v.)

• To give freedom

#43 – monotonous (adj.)

• Tediously uniform or unvarying

#44 – detrimental (adj.)

• Harmful• Intending to harm