Candide: Chapters 9–11

by Voltaire
In this satirical French novella, a wide-eyed optimist gradually becomes disillusioned. Learn these words from the Modern Library translation. Read the full text here.

Here are links to our lists for the novella: Chapters 1–3, Chapters 4–8, Chapters 9–11, Chapters 12–15, Chapters 16–20, Chapters 21–30
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. choleric
    quickly aroused to anger
    This Issachar was the most choleric Hebrew that had ever been seen in Israel since the Captivity in Babylon.
  2. poniard
    a dagger with a slender blade
    In saying this he drew a long poniard which he always carried about him; and not imagining that his adversary had any arms he threw himself upon Candide: but our honest Westphalian had received a handsome sword from the old woman along with the suit of clothes.
  3. prelate
    a senior clergyman and dignitary
    "Yet again!" said Cunegonde, "now there is no mercy for us, we are excommunicated, our last hour has come. How could you do it? you, naturally so gentle, to slay a Jew and a prelate in two minutes!"
  4. inter
    place in a grave or tomb
    While they were journeying, the Holy Brotherhood entered the house; my lord the Inquisitor was interred in a handsome church, and Issachar's body was thrown upon a dunghill.
  5. reverend
    worthy of adoration or respect
    "Alas!" said the old woman, "I have a shrewd suspicion of a reverend Grey Friar, who stayed last night in the same inn with us at Badajos. God preserve me from judging rashly, but he came into our room twice, and he set out upon his journey long before us."
  6. expedition
    the property of being prompt and efficient
    Candide having been in the Bulgarian service, performed the military exercise before the general of this little army with so graceful an address, with so intrepid an air, and with such agility and expedition, that he was given the command of a company of foot.
  7. nuptials
    the social event at which the marriage ceremony is performed
    The nuptials were prepared.
  8. fete
    an elaborate party, often outdoors
    There was surprising pomp and magnificence; there were fêtes, carousals, continual opera bouffe; and all Italy composed sonnets in my praise, though not one of them was passable.
  9. bagatelle
    something of little value or significance
    He died in less than two hours of most terrible convulsions. But this is only a bagatelle.
  10. absolution
    the act of being formally forgiven
    Our men defended themselves like the Pope's soldiers; they flung themselves upon their knees, and threw down their arms, begging of the corsair an absolution in articulo mortis.
  11. gentry
    the most powerful members of a society
    It is amazing with what expedition those gentry undress people.
  12. immemorial
    long past
    This is the practice established from time immemorial, among civilised nations that scour the seas.
  13. vitriol
    a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide
    It seems that you Europeans have only milk in your veins; but it is vitriol, it is fire which runs in those of the inhabitants of Mount Atlas and the neighbouring countries.
  14. scimitar
    a curved saber used in Eastern countries
    My captain concealed me behind him; and with his drawn scimitar cut and slashed every one that opposed his fury.
  15. repose
    the absence of mental stress or anxiety
    Immediately after, my senses, overpowered, gave themselves up to sleep, which was yet more swooning than repose.
Created on Mon Nov 18 16:27:08 EST 2019 (updated Mon Jul 28 15:36:59 EDT 2025)

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