Vocabulary in The One and Only Ivan

An adult male gorilla, named for the patch of silver-gray hair that grows across his back when he reaches maturity. In a gorilla group, the silverback is the dominant leader.

The territory or space that belongs to someone and that they consider their own. Ivan uses this word for his glass enclosure in the mall.

A fenced or walled-in area where animals are kept, usually in a zoo or similar attraction, so they cannot leave.

Causing great fear or dread; terrifying to look at or think about. Mack uses it to make Ivan sound dangerous and exciting to customers.

A wild, dangerous animal, especially one seen as savage or threatening. The word is used here to describe how humans want to see Ivan, not how he sees himself.

Living freely in nature, without human control or captivity. Ivan contrasts his tame, mall life with the idea of being truly wild.

The state of being kept confined and unable to live freely in the wild. Animals in zoos or malls live in captivity.

Extremely old, or seeming to carry the weight of long experience and suffering. Ivan uses it to describe Stella's eyes as holding deep, hard-won wisdom.

A natural, inborn impulse or way of behaving that does not come from thinking or learning. Ivan draws from instinct rather than from a plan.

Something new and unusual that attracts attention or amusement, often only briefly. Mack gives Ivan crayons as a novelty to entertain mall visitors.

Coldly thinking ahead about how to use a situation for personal gain, without showing genuine feeling or warmth.

A person who is skilled at putting on entertaining performances and attracting an audience, often with flair and exaggeration.

A very large outdoor sign, usually beside a road, used to advertise something to passing drivers and pedestrians.

Describing a type of bright, artificial lighting produced by gas-filled tubes, common in large indoor spaces like malls. The light is harsh and very different from natural sunlight.

A serious, solemn promise that the speaker feels deeply bound to keep, stronger than an ordinary promise.

A feeling of being thankful toward someone who has done something kind or meaningful for you.

The condition of being shut inside a small or restricted space and not allowed to move freely. Ivan and the other animals live in confinement inside the mall.

A strong feeling of shock and anger, especially at something felt to be deeply unfair or cruel. The public feels outrage when they learn how the animals are kept.

Done slowly and carefully, with full awareness of each movement, rather than quickly or carelessly.

Confused about where you are or what is happening around you, especially after being moved to an unfamiliar place.

The natural environment where an animal normally lives and finds everything it needs to survive, such as food, space, and shelter.

To throw something carelessly or without much thought. Ivan uses it to describe how humans throw words away without caring about their meaning.

To decay and break down over time, becoming useless or worthless. Ivan uses it to say that wasted words decay like discarded food.

Someone who follows through on every commitment they make, no matter how difficult. Ivan uses the phrase to define his own character after making his vow to Ruby.

Emotionally close to someone in a way that makes losing them painful. Ivan has learned to hold back this feeling to protect himself from grief.