““The Adventure The Adventure of the of the

Speckled Band”Speckled Band”

Vocabulary

1. DEDUCTION1. DEDUCTION

deductiondeductionnounthe inference of particular

instances by reference to a general law or principle; a conclusion that has been deduced

suspicion, reasoningThe detective must uncover the

murderer by deduction from facts.

2. ARISTOCRATIC2. ARISTOCRATIC

aristocraticaristocraticadjectivedistinguished in manners or

bearing; grand; stylishnoble, elite, poshThe gentleman was a descendant

of a stately, aristocratic family.

3. HEREDITARY3. HEREDITARY

hereditaryhereditaryadjectivebased on inheritance; determined

by genetic factors and therefore able to be passed on from parents to their descendants

bequeathed, ancestral, geneticMembers of the royal aristocracy

had the hereditary right to elect the king.

4. SUBTLE4. SUBTLE

subtlesubtleadjectiveso delicate or precise as to be

difficult to analyze or describe; making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something

understated, acute, perceptive, cunning

The pick pocket thief utilized a subtle approach to hoodwink his victims.

5. WRITHE5. WRITHE

writhewritheverbmake continual twisting,

squirming movements or contortions of the body; respond with great emotional or physical discomfort

contort, wriggle, wormShe bit her lip, writhing in

suppressed fury.

6. NOTORIOUS6. NOTORIOUS

notoriousnotoriousadjectivefamous or well known, typically

for some bad quality or deedinfamous, scandalous, legendaryHe was notorious for his temper,

and neighbors feared his erratic tantrums.

7. SINISTER7. SINISTER

sinistersinisteradjective giving the impression that

something harmful or evil is happening or will happen

wicked, threatening, villainousThe sinister plan involved the

murder of two innocent young women.

8. BLANDLY8. BLANDLY

blandlyblandlyadverbshowing no strong emotion;

lacking strong features or characteristics

flatly, unemotionallyThe detective blandly dismissed

the suspect’s alibi and presented incriminating evidence.

9. AMIABLE9. AMIABLE

amiableamiableadjectivehaving or displaying a friendly

and pleasant mannerwarmhearted, agreeable,

charmingThe young lad smiled and

nodded his head in amiable agreement.

10. GABLE10. GABLE

gablegablenounthe part of a wall that encloses

the end of a pitched roof

11. CUNNING11. CUNNING

cunningcunningadjectivehaving or showing skill in achieving

a goal by deceit; ingeniousThe cunning fox is known for its sly

and clever nature.

nounskill in being subtle and craftyIt took cunning to pull that crime!

12. HOMELY12. HOMELY

homelyhomelyadjectiveBritish: (of a place) simple but

cozy and comfortableunsophisticated, homey, plainThe local bed-and-breakfast

provided a homely atmosphere.

13. TANGIBLE13. TANGIBLE

tangibletangibleadjectivehaving physical existence; capable

of being grasped by the mindclear, definite, realTangible evidence indicated the

suspect, including a weapon and clothing.

nouna thing that is perceptible by touch

14. RUTHLESS14. RUTHLESS

ruthlessruthlessadjectivehaving or showing no pity or

compassion for otherscruel, heartless, viciousHe was a ruthless and merciless

man who acquired many enemies.