A
accompany: go or travel along with
But many came to the stage accompanied by another child beaming with pride to receive a little brother or sister, the way Jonas had when he was about to be a Five.
But many came to the stage accompanied by another child beaming with pride to receive a little brother or sister, the way Jonas had when he was about to be a Five.
admonition: cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness)
He was very aware of his own admonition not to discuss his training.
He was very aware of his own admonition not to discuss his training.
agony: intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
In his agony he perceived the word “fire” and felt flames licking at the torn bone and flesh.
In his agony he perceived the word “fire” and felt flames licking at the torn bone and flesh.
anguish: extreme distress of body or mind
“Put your hands on me,” he directed, aware that in such anguish The Giver might need reminding.
“Put your hands on me,” he directed, aware that in such anguish The Giver might need reminding.
apprehensive: mentally upset over possible misfortune or danger etc
“I’m feeling apprehensive,” he confessed, glad that the appropriate descriptive word had finally come to him.
“I’m feeling apprehensive,” he confessed, glad that the appropriate descriptive word had finally come to him.
assimilate: take in and understand fully (information or ideas)
“They really suffered for a while. Finally it subsided as the memories were assimilated. But it certainly made them aware of how they need a Receiver to contain all that pain. And knowledge."
“They really suffered for a while. Finally it subsided as the memories were assimilated. But it certainly made them aware of how they need a Receiver to contain all that pain. And knowledge."
assuage: provide physical relief, as from pain
It was not enough to assuage the pain that Jonas was beginning, now, to know.
It was not enough to assuage the pain that Jonas was beginning, now, to know.
astonishing: so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
Jonas glanced around at the astonishing array of volumes. From time to time, now, he could see their colors.
Jonas glanced around at the astonishing array of volumes. From time to time, now, he could see their colors.
attribute: a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished
Sometimes we worry that the one assigned might not develop, through training, every attribute necessary.
Sometimes we worry that the one assigned might not develop, through training, every attribute necessary.
augmented: added to or made greater in amount or number or strength
The journey had become automatic: the sleep by day, hidden in underbrush and trees; the finding of water; the careful division of scraps of food, augmented by what he could find in the fields.
The journey had become automatic: the sleep by day, hidden in underbrush and trees; the finding of water; the careful division of scraps of food, augmented by what he could find in the fields.
awkward: hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
He knew him, of course, since they had always been groupmates, but they had never talked about the boys' accomplishments because such a conversation would have been awkward for Benjamin.
He knew him, of course, since they had always been groupmates, but they had never talked about the boys' accomplishments because such a conversation would have been awkward for Benjamin.
B
bewilderment: confusion resulting from failure to understand
He probably should have brought up his feeling of bewilderment that very evening when the family unit had shared their feelings of the day.
He probably should have brought up his feeling of bewilderment that very evening when the family unit had shared their feelings of the day.
bitter: harsh or corrosive in tone
The Giver turned to him. “Well, there you are, Jonas. You were wondering about release,” he said in a bitter voice.
The Giver turned to him. “Well, there you are, Jonas. You were wondering about release,” he said in a bitter voice.
brace: prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
Jonas braced himself and entered the memory which was torturing The Giver.
Jonas braced himself and entered the memory which was torturing The Giver.
brutal: harsh
The brutal slice of pain was gone.
The brutal slice of pain was gone.
burden: an onerous or difficult concern
"But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don’t want that. And that’s the real reason The Receiver is so vital to them, and so honored. They selected me—and you—to lift that burden from themselves.”
"But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don’t want that. And that’s the real reason The Receiver is so vital to them, and so honored. They selected me—and you—to lift that burden from themselves.”
C
capacity: capability to perform or produce
Most of the people on the night crew had not even been given spouses because they lacked, somehow, the essential capacity to connect to others, which was required for the creation of a family unit.
Most of the people on the night crew had not even been given spouses because they lacked, somehow, the essential capacity to connect to others, which was required for the creation of a family unit.
carnage: the savage and excessive killing of many people
The colors of the carnage were grotesquely bright: the crimson wetness on the rough and dusty fabric, the ripped shreds of grass, startlingly green, in the boy’s yellow hair.
The colors of the carnage were grotesquely bright: the crimson wetness on the rough and dusty fabric, the ripped shreds of grass, startlingly green, in the boy’s yellow hair.
chastisement: verbal punishment
Lily, he decided, would have to learn that soon, or she would be called in for chastisement because of her insensitive chatter.
Lily, he decided, would have to learn that soon, or she would be called in for chastisement because of her insensitive chatter.
chortle: laugh quietly or with restraint
Maybe they’d study it,” Jonas said slyly, and Larissa chortled with laughter.
Maybe they’d study it,” Jonas said slyly, and Larissa chortled with laughter.
compel force somebody to do something
Reading it again, however, he realized that it didn’t compel him to be rude; it simply allowed him the option.
Reading it again, however, he realized that it didn’t compel him to be rude; it simply allowed him the option.
complicated: difficult to analyze or understand
His feelings were too complicated this evening.
His feelings were too complicated this evening.
comprehension: an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired)
Jonas swallowed hard, trying without success to imagine what such pain might be like, with no medication at all. But it was beyond his comprehension.
Jonas swallowed hard, trying without success to imagine what such pain might be like, with no medication at all. But it was beyond his comprehension.
condemn: pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law
He thought of the rules he had broken so far: enough that if he were caught, now, he would be condemned.
He thought of the rules he had broken so far: enough that if he were caught, now, he would be condemned.
conspicuous: obvious to the eye or mind
But the most conspicuous difference was the books.
But the most conspicuous difference was the books.
contorted: twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)
The Giver looked up at him, his face contorted with suffering.
The Giver looked up at him, his face contorted with suffering.
correspond: be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
All of the factors—disposition, energy level, intelligence, and interests—had to correspond and to interact perfectly.
All of the factors—disposition, energy level, intelligence, and interests—had to correspond and to interact perfectly.
D
defiant: boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
She held up a clenched fist and the rest of the family smiled at her small defiant gesture.
She held up a clenched fist and the rest of the family smiled at her small defiant gesture.
deft: skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
This one had a switch, which the man deftly snapped to the end that said OFF.
This one had a switch, which the man deftly snapped to the end that said OFF.
dejected: affected or marked by low spirits
“Me,” Jonas said in a dejected voice. He was not looking forward to the end of the training, when he would become the new Receiver. It was clear to him what a terribly difficult and lonely life it was, despite the honor.
“Me,” Jonas said in a dejected voice. He was not looking forward to the end of the training, when he would become the new Receiver. It was clear to him what a terribly difficult and lonely life it was, despite the honor.
deliverance: recovery or preservation from loss or danger
There was always a daub of anesthetic ointment, or a pill; or in severe instances, an injection that brought complete and instantaneous deliverance.
There was always a daub of anesthetic ointment, or a pill; or in severe instances, an injection that brought complete and instantaneous deliverance.
desperately: in intense despair
The realization made him feel desperately lonely, and he rubbed his throbbing leg.
The realization made him feel desperately lonely, and he rubbed his throbbing leg.
devastate: overwhelm or overpower
I was so devastated by my own grief at her loss, and my own feeling of failure, that I didn’t even try to help them through it.
I was so devastated by my own grief at her loss, and my own feeling of failure, that I didn’t even try to help them through it.
disgrace: bring shame or dishonor upon
The room was absolutely silent, and for a moment Jonas feared that he might disgrace himself now, on the first day of his training, by falling asleep.
The room was absolutely silent, and for a moment Jonas feared that he might disgrace himself now, on the first day of his training, by falling asleep.
dismayed: struck with fear, dread, or consternation
But he was a little dismayed that his schedule left no time, apparently, for recreation.
But he was a little dismayed that his schedule left no time, apparently, for recreation.
diminish: decrease in size, extent, or range
The failure of the previous selection was ten years ago, and my energy is starting to diminish.
The failure of the previous selection was ten years ago, and my energy is starting to diminish.
distinguish: be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
Jonas never found the Ceremony of Ten particularly interesting—only time-consuming, as each child’s hair was snipped neatly into its distinguishing cut: females lost their braids at Ten, and males, too, relinquished their long childish hair and took on the more manly short style which exposed their ears
Jonas never found the Ceremony of Ten particularly interesting—only time-consuming, as each child’s hair was snipped neatly into its distinguishing cut: females lost their braids at Ten, and males, too, relinquished their long childish hair and took on the more manly short style which exposed their ears
distraught: deeply agitated especially from emotion
I guess I just got distraught, watching them.
I guess I just got distraught, watching them.
dutiful: willingly obedient out of a sense of duty and respect
Jonas could see them applauding dutifully as the Nines, one by one, wheeled their new bicycles, each with its gleaming name tag attached to the back, from the stage.
Jonas could see them applauding dutifully as the Nines, one by one, wheeled their new bicycles, each with its gleaming name tag attached to the back, from the stage.
E
efficient: being effective without wasting time, effort or expense
She’s very efficient at her work, your red-haired friend.
She’s very efficient at her work, your red-haired friend.
embedded: enclosed firmly in a surrounding mass
He watched the landscape for glimpses of the green that he knew was embedded in the shrubbery; when it came flickering into his consciousness, he focused upon it, keeping it there, darkening it, holding it in his vision as long as possible until his head hurt and he let it fade away.
He watched the landscape for glimpses of the green that he knew was embedded in the shrubbery; when it came flickering into his consciousness, he focused upon it, keeping it there, darkening it, holding it in his vision as long as possible until his head hurt and he let it fade away.
emblem: a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
The bicycle, at Nine, would be the powerful emblem of moving gradually out into the community, away from the protective family unit.
The bicycle, at Nine, would be the powerful emblem of moving gradually out into the community, away from the protective family unit.
emerge: come up to the surface of or rise
Jonas felt a ripping sensation inside himself, the feeling of terrible pain clawing its way forward to emerge in a cry.
Jonas felt a ripping sensation inside himself, the feeling of terrible pain clawing its way forward to emerge in a cry.
emphatically: without question and beyond doubt
Jonas shook his head emphatically. “No, Giver,” he said. “I want you to keep that, to have with you, when I’m gone.”
Jonas shook his head emphatically. “No, Giver,” he said. “I want you to keep that, to have with you, when I’m gone.”
envy: be jealous of; set one's heart on
And he didn't envy Laborers at all.
And he didn't envy Laborers at all.
eventually: after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
"Lie down," he said. "It’s time, I suppose. I can’t shield you forever. You’ll have to take it all on eventually."
"Lie down," he said. "It’s time, I suppose. I can’t shield you forever. You’ll have to take it all on eventually."
exasperated: greatly annoyed; out of patience
Jonas always chuckled when he heard a parent, exasperated, call sharply to a whining toddler, “That’s enough, Twenty-three!”
Jonas always chuckled when he heard a parent, exasperated, call sharply to a whining toddler, “That’s enough, Twenty-three!”
excruciating: extremely painful
"Why?" Jonas asked him after he had received a torturous memory in which he had been neglected and unfed; the hunger had caused excruciating spasms in his empty, distended stomach.
"Why?" Jonas asked him after he had received a torturous memory in which he had been neglected and unfed; the hunger had caused excruciating spasms in his empty, distended stomach.
exempt: grant relief or an exemption from a rule or requirement to
From this moment you are exempted from rules governing rudeness.
From this moment you are exempted from rules governing rudeness.
exhilarating: making lively and joyful
The snow was piled now around it, and he pushed with his body, moving it forward, not wanting the exhilarating ride to end.
The snow was piled now around it, and he pushed with his body, moving it forward, not wanting the exhilarating ride to end.
exuberant: joyously unrestrained
The audience applause, which was enthusiastic at each Naming, rose in an exuberant swell when one parental pair, glowing with pride, took a male newchild and heard him named Caleb.
The audience applause, which was enthusiastic at each Naming, rose in an exuberant swell when one parental pair, glowing with pride, took a male newchild and heard him named Caleb.
F
falter: be unsure or weak
His voice faltered and trailed off.
His voice faltered and trailed off.
feeble: lacking strength or vigor
Gabriel moved feebly against him and whimpered briefly into the silence that surrounded them.
Gabriel moved feebly against him and whimpered briefly into the silence that surrounded them.
fleeting: lasting for a markedly brief time
This time it was not a fleeting impression. This time the sled had—and continued to have, as he blinked, and stared at it again—that same mysterious quality that the apple had had so briefly.
This time it was not a fleeting impression. This time the sled had—and continued to have, as he blinked, and stared at it again—that same mysterious quality that the apple had had so briefly.
fond: (followed by `of' or `to') having a strong preference or liking for
I’ve never been fond of public speaking.
I’ve never been fond of public speaking.
forsake: leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch; abandon
Again and again he dreamed of the anguish and the isolation on the forsaken hill.
Again and again he dreamed of the anguish and the isolation on the forsaken hill.
fortunate: having unexpected good fortune; favoured by or involving good luck; lucky.
I felt very fortunate.
I felt very fortunate.
fracture: breaking of hard tissue such as bone
The agony of the fractured leg began to seem no more than a mild discomfort as The Giver led Jonas firmly, little by little, into the deep and terrible suffering of the past.
The agony of the fractured leg began to seem no more than a mild discomfort as The Giver led Jonas firmly, little by little, into the deep and terrible suffering of the past.
frustration: the feeling that accompanies an experience of being thwarted in attaining your goals
But when the conversation turned to other things, Jonas was left, still, with a feeling of frustration that he didn’t understand.
But when the conversation turned to other things, Jonas was left, still, with a feeling of frustration that he didn’t understand.
fugitive: someone who is sought by law officers; someone trying to elude justice
Together the fugitives slept through the first dangerous day.
Together the fugitives slept through the first dangerous day.
G
H
haphazard: marked by great carelessness
They came less often, and flew, when they did come, less slowly, as if the search had become haphazard and no longer hopeful.
They came less often, and flew, when they did come, less slowly, as if the search had become haphazard and no longer hopeful.
humiliation: strong feelings of embarrassment; state of disgrace or loss of self-respect
Everyone had known, he remembered with humiliation, that the announcement attention, this is a reminder TO MALE ELEVENS THAT OBJECTS ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE RECREATION AREA AND THAT SNACKS are TO BE eaten, not hoarded had been specifically directed at him, the day last month that he had taken an apple home.
Everyone had known, he remembered with humiliation, that the announcement attention, this is a reminder TO MALE ELEVENS THAT OBJECTS ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE RECREATION AREA AND THAT SNACKS are TO BE eaten, not hoarded had been specifically directed at him, the day last month that he had taken an apple home.
I
immobilise: cause to be unable to move
One of Jonas’s arms was immobilised with pain, and he could see through his own torn sleeve something that looked like ragged flesh and splintery bone.
One of Jonas’s arms was immobilised with pain, and he could see through his own torn sleeve something that looked like ragged flesh and splintery bone.
impede: be a hindrance or obstacle to
But the hill was treacherously steep; he was impeded by the snow and his own lack of strength.
But the hill was treacherously steep; he was impeded by the snow and his own lack of strength.
implore: call upon in supplication; entreat; beg
Finally, when the container was open, he extended his arm slowly across the blood-soaked earth, inch by inch, and held it to the lips of the boy. Water trickled into the imploring mouth and down the grimy chin.
Finally, when the container was open, he extended his arm slowly across the blood-soaked earth, inch by inch, and held it to the lips of the boy. Water trickled into the imploring mouth and down the grimy chin.
impose: compel to behave in a certain way
She would enjoy the three years of being pampered that would follow her brief training; she would give birth easily and well; and the task of Laborer that would follow would use her strength, keep her healthy, and impose self-discipline.
She would enjoy the three years of being pampered that would follow her brief training; she would give birth easily and well; and the task of Laborer that would follow would use her strength, keep her healthy, and impose self-discipline.
inadequate: lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
Normally such a new child would be labeled Inadequate and released from the community.
Normally such a new child would be labeled Inadequate and released from the community.
incision: a depression scratched or carved into a surface
The runners sliced through the snow and the wind whipped at his face as they sped in a straight line through an incision that seemed to lead to the final destination, the place that he had always felt was waiting, the Elsewhere that held their future and their past.
The runners sliced through the snow and the wind whipped at his face as they sped in a straight line through an incision that seemed to lead to the final destination, the place that he had always felt was waiting, the Elsewhere that held their future and their past.
indolence: inactivity resulting from a dislike of work
What we observe as playfulness and patience—the requirements to become Nurturer—could, with maturity, be revealed as simply foolishness and indolence.
What we observe as playfulness and patience—the requirements to become Nurturer—could, with maturity, be revealed as simply foolishness and indolence.
inflict: impose something unpleasant
I couldn’t bring myself to inflict physical pain on her.
I couldn’t bring myself to inflict physical pain on her.
infraction: a crime less serious than a felony
Jonas said the standard phrase automatically, and tried to pay better attention while his mother told of a dream fragment, a disquieting scene where she had been chastised for a rule infraction she didn’t understand.
Jonas said the standard phrase automatically, and tried to pay better attention while his mother told of a dream fragment, a disquieting scene where she had been chastised for a rule infraction she didn’t understand.
infringe: go against, as of rules and laws
But each such error reflected negatively on his parents’ guidance and infringed on the community’s sense of order and success.
But each such error reflected negatively on his parents’ guidance and infringed on the community’s sense of order and success.
intently: with strained or eager attention
But he was alert at night, too, on the road, always listening intently for the sound of the engines.
But he was alert at night, too, on the road, always listening intently for the sound of the engines.
interdependence: a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups)
Fours, Fives, and Sixes all wore jackets that fastened down the back so that they would have to help each other dress and would learn interdependence.
Fours, Fives, and Sixes all wore jackets that fastened down the back so that they would have to help each other dress and would learn interdependence.
intricate: having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
The bed, in an alcove at the far end of the room, was draped with a splendid cloth embroidered over its entire surface with intricate designs.
The bed, in an alcove at the far end of the room, was draped with a splendid cloth embroidered over its entire surface with intricate designs.
intrigue: cause to be interested or curious
Occasionally, when supplies were delivered by cargo planes to the landing field across the river, the children rode their bicycles to the riverbank and watched, intrigued, the unloading and then the takeoff directed to the west, always away from the community.
Occasionally, when supplies were delivered by cargo planes to the landing field across the river, the children rode their bicycles to the riverbank and watched, intrigued, the unloading and then the takeoff directed to the west, always away from the community.
irrational: not consistent with or using reason
He found that he was often angry, now: irrationally angry at his groupmates, that they were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on.
He found that he was often angry, now: irrationally angry at his groupmates, that they were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on.
J
jeer: laugh at with contempt and derision
Even the children were scolded if they used the term lightly at play, jeering at a teammate who missed a catch or stumbled in a race.
Even the children were scolded if they used the term lightly at play, jeering at a teammate who missed a catch or stumbled in a race.
K
L
languid: lacking spirit or liveliness
Before he had left the dwelling, he had laid his hands firmly on Gabe’s back and transmitted to him the most soothing memory he could: a slow- swinging hammock under palm trees on an island someplace, at evening, with a rhythmic sound of languid water lapping hypnotically against a beach nearby.
Before he had left the dwelling, he had laid his hands firmly on Gabe’s back and transmitted to him the most soothing memory he could: a slow- swinging hammock under palm trees on an island someplace, at evening, with a rhythmic sound of languid water lapping hypnotically against a beach nearby.
lapse: a mistake resulting from inattention
He couldn’t seem to stop, though for each lapse the discipline wand came again, escalating to a series of painful lashes that left marks on Asher’s legs.
He couldn’t seem to stop, though for each lapse the discipline wand came again, escalating to a series of painful lashes that left marks on Asher’s legs.
lethargy: weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy
Warming himself ever so briefly had shaken away the lethargy and resignation and restored his will to survive.
Warming himself ever so briefly had shaken away the lethargy and resignation and restored his will to survive.
M
meager [meagre]: deficient in amount or quality or extent
They finished the meager store of potatoes and carrots they had saved from the last agricultural area, and now they were always hungry.
They finished the meager store of potatoes and carrots they had saved from the last agricultural area, and now they were always hungry.
meticulous: marked by extreme care in treatment of details
The community was so meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made
The community was so meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made
mimic: imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
"I will take care of that, sir. I will take care of that, sir,” Jonas mimicked in a cruel, sarcastic voice.
"I will take care of that, sir. I will take care of that, sir,” Jonas mimicked in a cruel, sarcastic voice.
modified: changed in form or character
But the Receiver-in-training cannot be observed, cannot be modified.
But the Receiver-in-training cannot be observed, cannot be modified.
mystified: utterly bewildered or perplexed
Jonas had been completely mystified.
Jonas had been completely mystified.
N
numb: so frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror; petrified
I do know that I sat here numb with horror.
I do know that I sat here numb with horror.
O
obscure: make less visible or unclear
But now the rapidly deepening snow obscured the narrow road and made the ride impossible.
But now the rapidly deepening snow obscured the narrow road and made the ride impossible.
obsolete: no longer in use
It wasn’t a practical thing, so it became obsolete when we went to Sameness.
It wasn’t a practical thing, so it became obsolete when we went to Sameness.
ominous: threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
Now it was ominous. It meant, he knew, that nothing could be changed.
Now it was ominous. It meant, he knew, that nothing could be changed.
overwhelming: very intense
To see him brought before her a second time caused her overwhelming feelings of frustration and anger. And even guilt, that she hadn’t made a difference in his life.
To see him brought before her a second time caused her overwhelming feelings of frustration and anger. And even guilt, that she hadn’t made a difference in his life.
P
palpable: capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt
Now, thinking about the feeling of fear as he pedaled home along the river path, he remembered that moment of palpable, stomach-sinking terror when the aircraft had streaked above.
Now, thinking about the feeling of fear as he pedaled home along the river path, he remembered that moment of palpable, stomach-sinking terror when the aircraft had streaked above.
parched: dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight
“Water,” the voice said in a parched, croaking whisper.
“Water,” the voice said in a parched, croaking whisper.
perceive: to become aware of through the senses
You should be able to perceive the name without being told.
You should be able to perceive the name without being told.
peril: a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
But now there were new fears; the unfamiliar landscape held hidden, unknown perils.
But now there were new fears; the unfamiliar landscape held hidden, unknown perils.
permeate: spread or diffuse through
And his new, heightened feelings permeated a greater realm than simply his sleep.
And his new, heightened feelings permeated a greater realm than simply his sleep.
petulant: easily irritated or annoyed
I think I’d like that,” Lily said petulantly.
I think I’d like that,” Lily said petulantly.
precision: the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
And precision of language was one of the most important tasks of small children.
And precision of language was one of the most important tasks of small children.
profound: far-reaching and thoroughgoing in effect especially on the nature of something
The speech was much the same each year: recollection of the time of childhood and the period of preparation, the coming responsibilities of adult life, the profound importance of Assignment, the seriousness of training to come.
The speech was much the same each year: recollection of the time of childhood and the period of preparation, the coming responsibilities of adult life, the profound importance of Assignment, the seriousness of training to come.
prohibited: forbidden by law
From this moment you are prohibited from dream-telling.
From this moment you are prohibited from dream-telling.
prompt: performed with little or no delay
His corrections and apologies are very prompt.
His corrections and apologies are very prompt.
puncture: pierce with a pointed object; make a hole into
To his surprise, his father began very carefully to direct the needle into the top of the newchild’s forehead, puncturing the place where the fragile skin pulsed
To his surprise, his father began very carefully to direct the needle into the top of the newchild’s forehead, puncturing the place where the fragile skin pulsed
Q
quizzically: in a quizzical and questioning manner
“The Chief Elder told me—she told everyone—and you told me, too, that it would be painful. So I was a little scared. But it didn’t hurt at all. I really enjoyed it.” He looked quizzically at the old man.
“The Chief Elder told me—she told everyone—and you told me, too, that it would be painful. So I was a little scared. But it didn’t hurt at all. I really enjoyed it.” He looked quizzically at the old man.
R
reassured: having confidence restored; freed from anxiety
Though he had been reassured by the talk with his parents, he hadn’t the slightest idea what Assignment the Elders would be selecting for his future, or how he might feel about it when the day came.
Though he had been reassured by the talk with his parents, he hadn’t the slightest idea what Assignment the Elders would be selecting for his future, or how he might feel about it when the day came.
receptacle: a container that is used to put or keep things in
He turned aside and dropped the syringe into a waste receptacle.
He turned aside and dropped the syringe into a waste receptacle.
reflective: deeply or seriously thoughtful
The evening proceeded as all evenings did in the family unit, in the dwelling, in the community: quiet, reflective, a time for renewal and preparation for the day to come.
The evening proceeded as all evenings did in the family unit, in the dwelling, in the community: quiet, reflective, a time for renewal and preparation for the day to come.
relinquish: release, as from one's grip
Each family member, including Lily, had been required to sign a pledge that they would not become attached to this little temporary guest, and that they would relinquish him without protest or appeal when he was assigned to his own family unit at next year’s Ceremony.
Each family member, including Lily, had been required to sign a pledge that they would not become attached to this little temporary guest, and that they would relinquish him without protest or appeal when he was assigned to his own family unit at next year’s Ceremony.
reluctant: not eager
Together they agreed that it probably resulted from her feelings when she had reluctantly dealt punishment to the citizen who had broken the major rules a second time.
Together they agreed that it probably resulted from her feelings when she had reluctantly dealt punishment to the citizen who had broken the major rules a second time.
remorse: a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
No one had mentioned it, not even his parents, because the public announcement had been sufficient to produce the appropriate remorse.
No one had mentioned it, not even his parents, because the public announcement had been sufficient to produce the appropriate remorse.
reprieve: a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
He had been given an unusual and special reprieve from the committee, and granted an additional year of nurturing before his Naming and Placement.
He had been given an unusual and special reprieve from the committee, and granted an additional year of nurturing before his Naming and Placement.
resolve: understand the meaning of; reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation
Lily’s feelings were always straightforward, fairly simple, usually easy to resolve.
Lily’s feelings were always straightforward, fairly simple, usually easy to resolve.
restriction: an act of limiting or restricting (as by regulation)
The restriction of medication unnerved him.
rigid: fixed and unmoving
The Giver was rigid in his chair, his face in his hands.
The Giver was rigid in his chair, his face in his hands.
rueful: feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
The Giver gave a rueful, anguished, empty laugh.
The Giver gave a rueful, anguished, empty laugh.
S
scrupulous: characterized by extreme care and great effort
Like the Matching of Spouses and the Naming and Placement of newchildren, the Assignments were scrupulously thought through by the Committee of Elders.
Like the Matching of Spouses and the Naming and Placement of newchildren, the Assignments were scrupulously thought through by the Committee of Elders.
self-conscious: excessively and uncomfortably conscious of your appearance or behaviour
He felt self-conscious, realizing that he, too, had that look.
He felt self-conscious, realizing that he, too, had that look.
serene: not agitated; without losing self-possession
It was a serene and slow-paced place, unlike the busy centers of manufacture and distribution where the daily work of the community occurred.
It was a serene and slow-paced place, unlike the busy centers of manufacture and distribution where the daily work of the community occurred.
shudder: tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
Then they were all silent, standing awkwardly, and the only sound was the sound of Jonas’s shuddering breaths.
Then they were all silent, standing awkwardly, and the only sound was the sound of Jonas’s shuddering breaths.
sift: check and sort carefully
He wanted to share them, but he wasn’t eager to begin the process of sifting through his own complicated emotions, even with the help that he knew his parents could give.
He wanted to share them, but he wasn’t eager to begin the process of sifting through his own complicated emotions, even with the help that he knew his parents could give.
solemnly: in a grave and sedate manner
“Have you checked the rules, Jonas?” Pierre was always whispering solemnly. “I’m not sure that’s within the rules.”
“Have you checked the rules, Jonas?” Pierre was always whispering solemnly. “I’m not sure that’s within the rules.”
solitude: the state or situation of being alone
Although he had through the memories learned about the pain of loss and loneliness, now he gained, too, an understanding of solitude and its joy.
Although he had through the memories learned about the pain of loss and loneliness, now he gained, too, an understanding of solitude and its joy.
somber: grave or even gloomy in character
The entire community had performed the Ceremony of Loss together, murmuring the name Caleb throughout an entire day, less and less frequently, softer in volume, as the long and somber day went on, so that the little Four seemed to fade away gradually from everyone’s consciousness.
The entire community had performed the Ceremony of Loss together, murmuring the name Caleb throughout an entire day, less and less frequently, softer in volume, as the long and somber day went on, so that the little Four seemed to fade away gradually from everyone’s consciousness.
soothe: cause to feel better
Soon she smiled, thanked them, and murmured that she felt soothed.
Soon she smiled, thanked them, and murmured that she felt soothed.
stealthy: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
It was terribly dangerous because some of the work crews were still about, but he moved stealthily and silently, staying in the shadows, making his way past the darkened dwellings and the empty Central Plaza, toward the river.
It was terribly dangerous because some of the work crews were still about, but he moved stealthily and silently, staying in the shadows, making his way past the darkened dwellings and the empty Central Plaza, toward the river.
stench: a distinctive odour that is offensively unpleasant
Overwhelmed by pain, he lay there in the fearsome stench for hours, listened to the men and animals die, and learned what warfare meant.
Overwhelmed by pain, he lay there in the fearsome stench for hours, listened to the men and animals die, and learned what warfare meant.
successor: a person who inherits some title or office
But that does not mean I am perfect, and when I tried before to train a successor, I failed.
But that does not mean I am perfect, and when I tried before to train a successor, I failed.
sympathetic: expressing or feeling or resulting from sympathy or compassion or friendly fellow feelings
“Oh, no,” Mother murmured sympathetically. “I know how sad that must make you feel.”
Jonas and Lily both nodded sympathetically as well.
“Oh, no,” Mother murmured sympathetically. “I know how sad that must make you feel.”
Jonas and Lily both nodded sympathetically as well.
T
tentative: unsettled in mind or opinion
Tentatively he opened his eyes—not his snow-hill-sled eyes, for they had been open throughout the strange ride.
Tentatively he opened his eyes—not his snow-hill-sled eyes, for they had been open throughout the strange ride.
torrent: an overwhelming number or amount
He could see a bright, whirling torrent of crystals in the air around him, and he could see them gather on the backs of his hands, like cold fur.
He could see a bright, whirling torrent of crystals in the air around him, and he could see them gather on the backs of his hands, like cold fur.
transgression: the act of transgressing; the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
His transgressions were small ones, always: shoes on the wrong feet, schoolwork misplaced, failure to study adequately for a quiz.
His transgressions were small ones, always: shoes on the wrong feet, schoolwork misplaced, failure to study adequately for a quiz.
transmit: transfer to another
“Simply stated,” he said, “although it’s not really simple at all, my job is to transmit to you all the memories I have within me.
“Simply stated,” he said, “although it’s not really simple at all, my job is to transmit to you all the memories I have within me.
trudge: walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
The top of the hill seemed so far away, and he did not know what lay beyond. But there was nothing left to do but continue. He trudged upward.
The top of the hill seemed so far away, and he did not know what lay beyond. But there was nothing left to do but continue. He trudged upward.
U
unaccustomed: not habituated to; unfamiliar with
He saw the Tens stroking their new shortened hair, the females shaking their heads to feel the unaccustomed lightness without the heavy braids they had worn so long.
He saw the Tens stroking their new shortened hair, the females shaking their heads to feel the unaccustomed lightness without the heavy braids they had worn so long.
unanimous: in complete agreement
It must be a unanimous choice of the Committee.
It must be a unanimous choice of the Committee.
unendurable: incapable of being put up with
It was not unendurable, as the pain on the hill had been.
It was not unendurable, as the pain on the hill had been.
V
vigilant: carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger
As he pedaled through the nights, through isolated landscape now, with the communities far behind and no sign of human habitation around him or ahead, he was constantly vigilant, looking for the next nearest hiding place should the sound of engines come.
As he pedaled through the nights, through isolated landscape now, with the communities far behind and no sign of human habitation around him or ahead, he was constantly vigilant, looking for the next nearest hiding place should the sound of engines come.
violation: a crime less serious than a felony
But invariably the grinning Nines, who in technical violation of the rule had been practicing secretly for weeks, would mount and ride off in perfect balance, training wheels never touching the ground.
But invariably the grinning Nines, who in technical violation of the rule had been practicing secretly for weeks, would mount and ride off in perfect balance, training wheels never touching the ground.
W
weary: physically and mentally fatigued
He seemed terribly weary.
He seemed terribly weary.
wheedle: influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
But like all parents—all adults—they didn’t fight and wheedle for their turn.
But like all parents—all adults—they didn’t fight and wheedle for their turn.
wretched: very unhappy; full of misery
Wretched with helplessness.
Wretched with helplessness.
writhe: to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
Then, suddenly, he was in the Annex room again, writhing on the bed.
Then, suddenly, he was in the Annex room again, writhing on the bed.
wry: humorously sarcastic or mocking
Then he smiled wryly. “You’ve come very quickly to that conclusion,” he said. “It took me many years. Maybe your wisdom will come much more quickly than mine.”
Then he smiled wryly. “You’ve come very quickly to that conclusion,” he said. “It took me many years. Maybe your wisdom will come much more quickly than mine.”
X
Y
yearn: desire strongly or persistently
Once he had yearned for choice. Then, when he had had a choice, he had made the wrong one: the choice to leave.
Once he had yearned for choice. Then, when he had had a choice, he had made the wrong one: the choice to leave.