Vocabulary in Ethan Frome

Habitually silent and saying very little; not inclined to talk or share thoughts with others. Used here to describe a person whose quietness feels almost impenetrable.

Complaining in a fretful, whining way, often about petty matters. Describes a tone of persistent, irritable dissatisfaction.

Lifeless or spiritless; drained of any animation or vitality. Used to convey a deadened, hollow quality in a person or scene.

In a very brief, terse manner, using as few words as possible. Describes speech that is clipped and gives away almost nothing.

Said or did something again, repeating it for emphasis or because no answer was given the first time.

Deliberate acts of avoiding a direct answer or a difficult subject; ways of sidestepping questions without outright lying.

Perfectly clear and transparent, allowing light or meaning to pass through without distortion. Used of air, water, or expression that is crystal-clear.

The condition of being unable to express oneself clearly in words; a deep difficulty putting feelings or thoughts into speech.

Basic and undeveloped; existing only in a simple, incomplete form rather than fully worked out.

Gloomy, irritable, and bad-tempered by nature; having a melancholy, sour disposition. An old medical term for a chronically dark mood.

Spoiled, weakened, or made less effective; corrupted so that something no longer works or feels as it should.

Responding or speaking only in single-syllable words; giving the shortest possible answers as a way of shutting down conversation.

A linked chain or series of things — events, causes, or circumstances — each one connected to and leading to the next.

Impossible to understand or interpret; having an expression or manner that gives away nothing about what is being thought or felt.

Showing no emotion or reaction on the face or in behavior; appearing completely unmoved by what is happening around one.

Relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife; a formal, slightly old-fashioned word for marital.

Having a sharp, bitter, unpleasant smell or taste that is irritating to the senses, often from smoke or chemicals.

Sharply cutting or biting in tone; describing humor or a remark that is harshly critical or darkly sarcastic.

To win over or appease someone who is angry or hostile by doing something to please them and reduce their displeasure.

Expressing mild disapproval or an apologetic attempt to ward off criticism; a gesture or tone meant to soften or excuse something.