The Magic Mountain Glossary

The Magic Mountain Glossary

allegory

a story, poem, or picture which can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning

mediocre

of only average quality

platitudes

a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content

rambling

lengthy and confused speech

epoch

a particular period of time in history or a person's life.

contemporaries

a person existing at the same time as another.

stimulating

arousing interest

presumption

Believed to be so without any proof that it actually is so.

pedagogy

The study of teaching.

advocate

To publically support a stance or issue or belief; the person who works in support of that stance, issue or belief.

contrary

The opposite point of view.

ambiguous

When the meaning is unclear because there could be two or more different and equally valid interpretations.

affectation

A showy exhibition designed to draw attention to one that is not a typical characteristic of one's personality.

wretched

Miseraby unfortunate; having fallen from a place of normalcy to the lowest point.

adjacent

Nearby; often very close to where something else is located.

epoch

A unit of geographical time that is shorter than a period but longer than an age.

pallid

Exceptionally pale.

mirth

A feeling of joy and happiness marked by a sense fun a quick trigger for laughter.

sequential

Happening in a specific order.

martyr

Some who sacrifices or suffers for their principles or beliefs.

subordinate

Placed in a position of less importance or lower priority.

disparage

Public criticism in a particularly disparaging or scornful manner.

embodiment

The physical manifestation of an abstract concept.

furtive

In a sneaky manner that conveys a sense of behaving suspiciously.

abrogate

To abolish.

sanctification

A holy ceremony to endow an object with a sacred quality.

venerable

Deemed worthy of respect, usually within the context of age or experience.

empirical

Arrived at through scientific experimentation or observation rather than accepted as true in theory.

languid

Characterized by slow movement or a lack of vigor and energy.

colloquy

A forma term for a dialogue in conversation.

nihilism

A philosophy driven by the assumption that nothing really matters because, in the end, life has no meaning.

feasible

Deemed capable of being carried out.

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