Question

Read these excerpts from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and identify the meaning of each bolded word based on its context.

Answer 1

Temerity - Boldness

Ignominious - Disgraceful

diminutive - Short

These are all synonyms of each other.

Answer 2

In the first paragraph, the narrator puts emphasis on the state of desperation brought by hunger to the child. This situation forces him to take a risk, asking for more food to the master. The word "temerity" is attributed here to the child's display of audacity and boldness.

Next up we have to identify the word "ignominious", which is being used to describe the intentions of embarrassing Noah publicly by the shop-boys who call him names in the streets. The term "ignominious" indicates something that's shameful.

Lastly, the third excerpt describes Oliver Twist's physical state as he turns nine years old. This one is pretty straight forward: the word "diminutive" directly refers to his short stature.

Hope this helps!