Chapter 20 - Vocabulary
attentive (adj.): paying attention; observant
capital charge (adj. + n.): a charge for a crime that is punishable by death
corroborative evidence (adj. + n.): To corroborate is to strengthen and support. Corroborative evidence, in a trial, is evidence that makes a case stronger. Atticus is telling the jury that there is no evidence to strengthen the case against Tom.
corrupting (vb.): To corrupt someone is to bring that person down to a lower moral level. Since it at first appears that Mr. Raymond has given Dill liquor to drink, it would seem that he is corrupting him.
cynical confidence (adj.): To be cynical, in this case, means to believe that people are only motivated in what they do out of selfishness; that no one truly behaves or does something out of sincerity. Atticus's mention of the witnesses's cynical confidence refers to the fact that they are selfish and self-centered enough to think that everyone will believe their story.
detachment (n.): the state of being disinterested or unemotional
discreet (adj.): carefully phrased; cautious
fraud (n.): a lie; a deception
indicted (vb.): formally accused; charged
iota (n.): a very small amount
minute (adj.): exact; precise (pronounced: my - NEWT)
pauper (n.): an extremely poor person
temerity (n.): foolish or rash boldness
unmitigated (adj.): out-and-out absolute
Chapter 21 - Vocabulary
acquit (vb.): clear of a charge; find not guilty
charged the jury (vb. + n.): When Judge Taylor charges the jury, he gives them instructions in law before they go off to deliberate or decide the case
exhilarated (adj.): cheerful, merry
Chapter 22 - Vocabulary
cynical (adj.): a cynic is someone who often belittles or makes fun of someone else. Aunt Alexandra tells Dill that his remarks about his own aunt's drinking habits are cynical, especially since, as a child, Dill should have more respect for his elders.
fatalistic (adj.): To be fatalistic about something is to accept the event as though it were inevitable; that is, that nothing could be done to change or alter it.
heathen (adj.): unenlightened; without religion or morals