The Kite Runner: Chapters 5–7

by Khaled Hosseini
Set in Afghanistan during a time of political and social upheaval, this novel traces the decades-long friendship of two boys from different social classes.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–4, Chapters 5–7, Chapters 8–12, Chapters 13–19, Chapters 20–25
15 words 6420 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. staccato
    a series of sharp, distinct sounds
    A white light flashed, lit the sky in silver. It flashed again and was followed by a rapid staccato of gunfire.
  2. entourage
    the group following and attending to some important person
    Flanked by his obeying friends, he walked the neighborhood like a Khan strolling through his land with his eager-to-please entourage.
  3. falter
    move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
    “Have you heard the news, boys?” Assef said, his grin never faltering.
  4. nuance
    a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
    To an outsider, he didn’t look scared. But Hassan’s face was my earliest memory and I knew all of its subtle nuances, knew each and every twitch and flicker that ever rippled across it. And I saw that he was scared.
  5. akin
    similar in quality or character
    Wali and Kamal watched this exchange with something akin to fascination.
  6. trepidation
    a feeling of alarm or dread
    Neither one of us said much of anything as we walked home in trepidation, certain that Assef and his friends would ambush us every time we turned a corner.
  7. impassive
    having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
    We both looked to Ali, but of course with him you could never tell. His face was impassive as ever, though something sober had melted into his eyes.
  8. coveted
    greatly desired
    For kite runners, the most coveted prize was the last fallen kite of a winter tournament. It was a trophy of honor, something to be displayed on a mantle for guests to admire.
  9. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
    “I’d sooner eat dirt,” he said with a look of indignation.
  10. viable
    capable of being done with means at hand
    I was going to win. There was no other viable option.
  11. blistering
    extremely hot
    I felt his glare on me like the heat of a blistering sun.
  12. vindication
    the act of defending against criticism or censure
    Then the old warrior would walk to the young one, embrace him, acknowledge his worthiness. Vindication. Salvation. Redemption. And then? Well...happily ever after, of course.
  13. defiant
    boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
    Hassan was standing at the blind end of the alley in a defiant stance: fists curled, legs slightly apart.
  14. imminent
    close in time; about to occur
    I imagine the animal sees that its imminent demise is for a higher purpose.
  15. guileless
    innocent and free of deceit
    Did he know I knew? And if he knew, then what would I see if I did look in his eyes? Blame? Indignation? Or, God forbid, what I feared most: guileless devotion?
Created on Tue May 14 13:41:19 EDT 2013 (updated Fri Aug 08 12:11:17 EDT 2025)

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