Greenglass House by Kate Milford Vocabulary List, Chapters 4-6

able to be imagined : imaginable or possible

There were bits in every conceivable shade of green.

to attract (someone) especially by offering or showing something that is appealing, interesting, etc.

Irresistible Blandishment: you can entice even the most reluctant to do as you ask.

things that are important or useful for only a short time : items that were not meant to have lasting value

The spaces between these makeshift partitions had been filled in little by little with the ephemera of years upon years,...

an exciting act or action

Surely Negret’s father would’ve made certain his son could pull this exploit off.

feeling sad and lonely especially because of being left alone

Negret looked at the old lady sitting forlornly over her tea.

not intended or planned

“Startled, Julian dropped his walking stick and turned in a circle, but there didn’t seem to be anyone there. He looked toward the dunes, in case he’d inadvertently wished upon another star..."

impossible to see, hear, or know clearly

“Plus, it has pockets! Gotta have a way to carry your gear on a campaign. I shall name it the Cloak of Golden Indiscernibility.”

not easily seen, heard, or recognized : not distinct or clear

He pulled that one, and then another farther in, and then the next, but even once all four bulbs had carved out their individual pockets of illumination, he and Sirin were still standing in a mostly dim and indistinct space.

not easily described : having no special or interesting qualities, parts, etc. : typical and uninteresting

There was the nondescript Mr. Vinge swirling his fork in the last dregs of maple syrup on his plate.

quietly sad or thoughtful

He’d meant it jokingly, but Clem’s feet stilled and her face took on a pensive expression.

not safe, strong, or steady

...here a collection of iron-banded teak chests piled up like a giant’s discarded luggage; there a bank of chairs of all sorts, balanced precariously one atop the next;...

very foolish or silly

“Sounds like it is in this story, Doc. I mean, I’ve heard of wishing trees, so I don’t know that wishing sticks sound all that preposterous. Also, it’s a story,” she said pointedly.

something that is from a past time, place, culture, etc.

“A relic is a trace of something—something that survives or remains to remind us of something that once was. That’s why some religious articles are called relics. They remind us of saints or martyrs. But anything can be a relic.”

to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin

"...My means are limited by this weather, but if there’s something that would salvage Christmas for you, we’ll give it a try. I mean, we’ll do the Yule log and sing carols and stuff, definitely, but other than that. Think about it, and let me know.”

having or showing an ability to understand things and to make good judgments : mentally sharp or clever

Clem gave him a shrewd look as footsteps sounded on the staircase.

old and respected : valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc.

“Mine is a very old, very venerable family.” The old lady stirred her tea meditatively.