Word Meanings of VISTAS------- LESSON -------THE ENEMY

 Meanings of Unfamiliar Words

Stepping Stones ----an action or event that helps one to make progress towards a specified goal.

in the palm of his hand ---in full control

his mouth a bitter line---   expressing anger        (  bitter is angry)

time and again----again and again

paid no heeds---paid no attention

under the knife--being operated

the rustling of footsteps--the soft sound of footsteps    (rustle  --make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves )

ought not --must not 

badly torn---seriously wounded

heedlessly --carelessly 

assuage---to relieve, to calm

voluble ---talkative

breaker---wave that breaks on the shore

staggered---  walk unsteadily

tended ----taken care of 

solemn---not cheerful or smiling; serious

stanch---stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound.

contemptuously---in a scornful way that shows disdain.

timid---showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.

evidently --obviously, clearly

stupor---a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

steadily --firmly

resolution---determination

impulsively ---without thinking

pallor---an unhealthy pale appearance

menace--danger, threat

ebbing---decreasing, diminishing

concise- brief but comprehensive.

colour of sulphur-   yellow

retching--vomiting

indispensable...that cannot be replaced, important

prejudice-----preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.

despised----dislike

consented---agreed

ruthless ----merciless

intricate details--complicated details

brusquely  - blunt in manner

bough----thick branch of a tree

Eaves---the part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building.

fathom ---a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 metre), chiefly used in reference to the depth of water.

pawnshop--the shop of a pawnbroker, especially one where unredeemed items are displayed and sold. 

dereliction of duty ---negligence

slatternly---dirty and untidy