The Phantom Tollbooth: Chapters 5–8

by Norton Juster
In this novel filled with wordplay, the eternally bored Milo travels to the Lands Beyond and embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. Learn these words from Norton Juster's beloved classic.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1-4, Chapters 5-8, Chapters 9-12, Chapters 13-16, Chapters 17-20
15 words 1923 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. dank
    unpleasantly cool and humid
    The air was dank and musty — like the smell of wet blankets — and the massive stone walls were slimy to the touch.
  2. commendable
    worthy of high praise
    “A very commendable ambition, young man,” said a small voice from across the cell.
  3. brevity
    the use of concise expressions
    At first I did my best to make sure that only the most proper and fitting words were used. Everything was said clearly and simply and no words were wasted. I had signs posted all over the palace and market place which said: Brevity Is the Soul of Wit.
  4. disconsolate
    sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed
    All talk stopped. No words were sold, the market place closed down, and the people grew poor and disconsolate.
  5. animosity
    a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
    The old king, however, who knew nothing of his sons’ animosity, was very happy in the twilight of his reign and spent his days quietly walking and contemplating in the royal gardens.
  6. grievance
    a complaint about a wrong that causes resentment
    People with problems or grievances or arguments came from all over the land to seek advice, and even the two brothers, who by this time were fighting continuously, often called upon them to help decide matters of state.
  7. arbitration
    the hearing and determination of a dispute by a referee
    They discussed and debated and raved and ranted until they were on the verge of blows, when it was decided to submit the question to arbitration by the princesses.
  8. cordially
    in a politely friendly manner
    “Certainly glad you finally made it, old man,” said the Humbug, cordially pumping Milo’s hand.
  9. famished
    extremely hungry
    “Be quick about it,” suggested the Spelling Bee. “I’m famished—f-a-m-i-s-h-e-d.”
  10. substantial
    providing abundant nourishment
    “Not a very substantial meal,” said the Humbug, rubbing his eyes, “but quite an attractive one. Perhaps you can suggest something a little more filling.”
  11. gusto
    vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
    The waiters reappeared immediately, carrying heavy, hot trays, which they set on the table. Each one contained the exact words spoken by the various guests, and they all began eating immediately with great gusto.
  12. chide
    scold or reprimand severely or angrily
    “If it isn’t one thing, it’s another,” chided the minister.
  13. distraught
    deeply agitated especially from emotion
    The command was entirely unnecessary, for the moment he began to speak everyone but Milo, Tock, and the distraught bug rushed from the hall, down the stairs, and out of the palace.
  14. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    “From there it’s a simple matter of entering the Mountains of Ignorance, full of perilous pitfalls and ominous overtones — a land to which many venture but few return, and whose evil demons slither slowly from peak to peak in search of prey..."
  15. concur
    be in agreement
    “I never realized it would be so simple,” said the king, stroking his beard and smiling broadly.
    “Quite simple indeed,” concurred the bug.
Created on Tue Sep 26 14:57:12 EDT 2017 (updated Fri Jun 13 17:34:00 EDT 2025)

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