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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. burlesque
    relating to a broadly humorous theatrical entertainment
    A burlesque oration in mock Puerto Rican accent. Bernardo starts the first line with her.
  2. oration
    an instance of formal speaking
    A burlesque oration in mock Puerto Rican accent. Bernardo starts the first line with her.
  3. nostalgic
    unhappy about being away and longing for familiar things
    [She sings nostalgically:]
    Puerto Rico...
    You lovely island...
    Island of tropical breezes.
  4. wistfully
    in a pensively sad manner
    ANYBODYS [wistfully.]
    A telephone call girl!
  5. frenetic
    fast and energetic in an uncontrolled or wild way
    This leads into a frenetic dance in which the hoys and girls release their emotions and get “cool.”
  6. segregation
    the act of keeping apart
    Instantly, they shift positions so they are mixed up: no segregation.
  7. deliberately
    in a careful unhurried manner
    Riff deliberately starts for the door, followed by the others, except Tony.
  8. cocky
    overly self-confident or self-assertive
    Now he just looks at Schrank and cockily saunters out.
  9. saunter
    walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
    Now he just looks at Schrank and cockily saunters out.
  10. garb
    clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
    Hot late-afternoon sun coloring the workroom. One or two sewing machines. Several dressmaker dummies, male and female, in bridal-party garb.
  11. prospect
    the possibility of future success
    Mama will make him ask about your prospects, if you go to church.
  12. ruefully
    in a manner expressing pain or sorrow
    They smile tenderly, ruefully, and slowly put the dummies back into position.
  13. expectant
    marked by eager anticipation
    All are waiting expectantly for the coming of night, but for very different reasons.
  14. rumpus
    a noisy disturbance
    We said, “O.K., no rumpus,
    No tricks”—
    But just in case they jump us,
    We’re ready to mix
    Tonight!
  15. reprise
    a repetition of a short musical passage
    She reprises the same chorus Tony has just sung.
  16. exultant
    joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
    The lights build with the music to the climax, and then blackout at the final exultant note.
  17. sprawl
    sit or lie with one's limbs spread out
    Bernardo knocks the hand away and gives Tony a shove that sends him sprawling.
  18. yellow-bellied
    easily frightened
    Come on, you yellow-bellied Polack bas—
  19. reel
    walk as if unable to control one's movements
    As Bernardo reels back to his feet, he reaches for his back pocket.
  20. jockey
    compete or struggle for an advantage or a position
    They jockey for position, feinting, dueling; the two gangs shift position, now and again temporarily obscuring the fighters.
  21. feint
    deceive by a mock action
    They jockey for position, feinting, dueling; the two gangs shift position, now and again temporarily obscuring the fighters.
  22. obscure
    make unclear or less visible
    They jockey for position, feinting, dueling; the two gangs shift position, now and again temporarily obscuring the fighters.
  23. waver
    pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
    Then a distant police siren: the kids waver, run one way, another, in panic, confusion.
  24. anguish
    suffer great pains or distress
    Then Tony raises his voice in an anguished cry.
  25. insistent
    demanding attention
    Anybodys’ insistent tugging brings Tony to the realization of the danger.
Created on Wed Jun 12 10:46:51 EDT 2019 (updated Wed Jun 12 10:55:11 EDT 2019)

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