Word Spotlight (#1-The Book Thief)

Welcome to Word Spotlight, a segment where I bring the meanings of useful vocabulary words to light. Today I'll be presenting some words from the book I'm currently reading, The Book Thief. This wonderful story that takes place during Nazi Germany not only concocts a complex, artistic story but also has countless words vital for your vocab list. Here are three that I really like! Definitions from Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary

stoic

adjective

[more stoic, most stoic]

1. showing no emotion especially when something bad is happening

Example sentences:

• She remained stoic [=she did not complain or become upset] even as he continued to insult her.

• He had a stoic expression on his face.

--stoically

adverb

Example sentence:

• He accepted the punishment stoically.

2. noun

plural stoics

[count]

a person who accepts what happens without complaining or showing emotion

trepidation

noun

[noncount] formal

a feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

Example sentence:

• He had/felt some trepidation about agreeing to their proposal.

quell

verb

[quells; quelled, quelling]

1. to end or stop (something) usually by using force

Example sentence:

• Police quelled [=quashed] the riot.

2. to calm or reduce (something, such as fear or worry)

Example sentence:

• The president's remarks quelled [=eased] employees' fears.