Vocabulary for 3/23 & 3/26

27.    indulge (v)— Allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of; become involved in (an

                  activity, typically one that is undesirable or disapproved of)

SAMPLE:  At the end of the story, Mrs. Sommers indulges her desire to splurge the cash on herself.  Reflect on this question: does this decision negate all of her previous virtuous actions?

28.  hedonism (n)—an idea or way of life that suggests that pleasure should be the chief

        goal

§         hedonist(n)—a person

§         hedonistic (adj)—self indulgent; pleasure seeking

29.  convoluted (adj)—complicated; elaborate

SAMPLE: Although the reader first sees Mrs. Sommers’ decision as hedonistic, her reasoning seems much more convoluted upon further analysis.

30.  abstention (n)—to abstain/withhold from an action or practice

§         abstain (v)—refrain; withhold; withdraw

§         abstinence (n)—self-denial; self-restraint (typically used to discuss alcohol, drugs, sex)

SAMPLE:  Mrs. Sommers is dedicated mother; surely, one frivolous purchase doesn’t outweigh a lifetime of abstention and dedication.