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Quizzes > Books & Literature

The Outsiders vocabulary quiz: Test key words from the novel

Quick The Outsiders vocab practice. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Emo VeselinovUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of open book and floating vocabulary cards unfathomable roguishly on coral background.

Use this The Outsiders vocabulary quiz to check word meanings, see context, and build recall before a test. You will meet terms like unfathomable and roguishly, with instant feedback on each question. When you finish, try our The Outsiders book quiz, explore quiz on The Outsiders, or tackle The Outsiders trivia questions for more practice.

What does the word "unfathomable" mean as used in The Outsiders?
Regular or predictable
Impossible to understand or measure
Easily explained or understood
Lighthearted or trivial
In The Outsiders, "unfathomable" describes something that cannot be understood or measured, emphasizing the depth of Ponyboy's feelings. The term conveys an emotional or conceptual abyss. It underscores how certain experiences are beyond comprehension.
In the context of The Outsiders, what does "roguishly" mean when describing Dally's grin?
With fearful hesitation
With serious intent
With deep sadness
With playful mischief
"Roguishly" means behaving in a mischievous or playful manner. Dally's grin reflects his impish, daring personality. It highlights a sense of playful defiance in his character.
What does "nonchalantly" convey when Ponyboy describes someone's manner?
Highly anxious
Casually unconcerned
Angrily aggressive
Eagerly enthusiastic
"Nonchalantly" suggests a casual lack of concern or indifference. Ponyboy often observes this trait in characters who try to appear unaffected. The word underscores a calm, unconcerned attitude.
What is the best definition of "aloofness" as seen in The Outsiders?
Physical exhaustion
Open friendliness
Emotional distance or detachment
Excessive enthusiasm
In the novel, "aloofness" refers to a deliberate emotional distance or reserve. Characters like Johnny show aloofness when protecting themselves. It emphasizes separation from others' feelings or events.
When a character is "acquitted," what has happened to them?
They have been arrested
They have been deported
They have been declared not guilty
They have been sentenced to jail
"Acquitted" means that a person has been found not guilty of a crime in a court of law. In The Outsiders, it reflects legal resolution for a character. The term denotes formal exoneration.
If someone is described as "incredulous," how are they feeling?
Overwhelmingly happy
Completely indifferent
Unwilling or unable to believe
Deeply saddened
The word "incredulous" indicates skepticism or disbelief. Ponyboy feels incredulous when confronted with shocking events. It stresses the mind's refusal to accept something as true.
What does the adverb "vaguely" imply when used in narration?
With great enthusiasm
Unclear or without definite shape
Very quickly
Extremely clearly
"Vaguely" suggests that something is not clearly or precisely understood. In The Outsiders it often describes fuzzy or indistinct memories. The term underlines a lack of clarity.
A "rueful" expression most closely shows what emotion?
Angry resentment
Regret or sorrow for one's actions
Joyful excitement
Confident assurance
In the novel, a "rueful" look indicates regret and sadness over past actions. It often appears when characters reflect on mistakes. The term captures a bittersweet acknowledgment of wrongdoing.
What does "contemptuously" mean when someone reacts in the story?
With disdain or scorn
With delight
With polite curiosity
With pity and sympathy
"Contemptuously" indicates a feeling of strong dislike or disrespect. Characters use this tone to show superiority. It underscores harsh judgment toward others.
When Ponyboy speaks of "defiance," what is being described?
Willing cooperation
Indifferent obedience
Timid acceptance
Open resistance to authority
"Defiance" means bold disobedience or resistance. The Greasers often display defiance against social norms. It conveys rebellion and challenge.
The word "wistfully" in the narrative best translates to looking how?
With fury and anger
With playful mischief
With complete indifference
With longing or yearning
"Wistfully" suggests a sad or regretful longing for something. Ponyboy gazes at sunsets wistfully, missing what he can't have. It emphasizes a tender melancholy.
What is a "premonition" as used in The Outsiders?
A strong feeling that something will happen
An official verdict
A formal accusation
An encouraging speech
"Premonition" is a forewarning or intuitive feeling about a future event. Johnny has premonitions about danger. The term adds tension by hinting at what's to come.
If a character is "indignant," how are they feeling?
Completely satisfied
Angry at unfair treatment
Deeply saddened
Surprisingly amused
In The Outsiders, "indignant" captures anger and frustration over perceived injustice. Ponyboy often feels indignant when S.E. Hinton highlights socioeconomic divides. The word underscores protests against unfairness.
What does the adverb "gallantly" mean in the context of the novel?
Sarcastically or mockingly
Bravely or chivalrously
Lazily or carelessly
Secretly or quietly
"Gallantly" denotes courageous, noble behavior. Characters like Johnny act gallantly when protecting Ponyboy. It highlights valor and honor in difficult moments.
To "wince" when hearing bad news means to what?
Smile broadly
Laugh out loud
Lift one's head triumphantly
Flinch or draw back in pain
"Wince" means to make a slight involuntary grimace or movement due to pain or distress. Ponyboy winces at painful truths. The action reflects physical or emotional discomfort.
What does it mean to "hesitate" before speaking or acting?
Pause due to uncertainty
Rush into action
Ignore completely
Speak loudly and clearly
"Hesitate" means to pause or delay action because of uncertainty. Characters in The Outsiders hesitate when confronted with tough choices. The hesitation shows internal conflict.
What is the meaning of "stupor" when Ponyboy describes his state?
Extreme excitement
Complete happiness
A state of near-unconsciousness
A joyful celebration
In the novel, "stupor" refers to a dazed or semi-conscious state often caused by shock or trauma. Ponyboy enters a stupor after violent events. The term highlights mental numbness.
When Johnny is described as "leery," what does that imply?
Overly trusting
Extremely joyful
Cautious or suspicious
Deeply affectionate
"Leery" means wary or suspicious of something. Johnny remains leery around the Socs after past trauma. The word suggests guarded mistrust.
What does "sullenly" indicate about a character's mood?
Joyfully exuberant
Casually indifferent
Gloomy or silently resentful
Energetically optimistic
A "sullen" demeanor is marked by silent resentment or gloom. In The Outsiders, sullenly shows emotional withdrawal. It underscores anger and sadness.
How is "gallantry" characterized in The Outsiders?
Rude and disrespectful conduct
Casual indifference
Courageous and polite behavior
Timid and fearful reaction
"Gallantry" refers to brave and courteous behavior. Characters display gallantry when risking themselves for friends. It highlights nobility under pressure.
What does "imploringly" mean when used in a character's plea?
Laughing lightly
Singing softly
Speaking critically
Begging earnestly
"Imploringly" describes a pleading, urgent request. In the story, characters use it when desperate for help. It conveys deep vulnerability.
If someone "eluded" capture, what happened?
They turned themselves in
They escaped or avoided being caught
They were quickly arrested
They confessed immediately
"Eluded" means to escape detection or capture. Ponyboy and Johnny elude the police when hiding. The term highlights successful evasion.
What does it mean for something to "veer" in the text?
Stand perfectly still
Spin in place
Move slowly forward
Change direction suddenly
"Veer" indicates a sudden change in course or direction. In the novel it often describes vehicles or plans that shift quickly. The word underscores unpredictability.
How would you define "delirious" as used after a traumatic event?
In an acutely disturbed state of mind
Deeply asleep
Fully aware and calm
Cheerfully optimistic
When someone is "delirious," they may be confused and irrational due to illness or shock. Ponyboy becomes delirious after being trapped in the church. The term indicates severe mental disturbance.
What is a "reformatory" as mentioned in The Outsiders?
An old-fashioned schoolhouse
A correctional institution for juveniles
A type of public library
A community recreation center
In The Outsiders, a "reformatory" refers to a juvenile detention facility where young offenders are sent for correction. It reflects the novel's themes of justice and rehabilitation. The term highlights the legal consequences faced by Ponyboy and his friends.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key Vocabulary -

    Identify and explain the meanings of essential vocab in The Outsiders, including challenging terms like 'unfathomable' and 'roguishly'.

  2. Apply Vocabulary in Context -

    Use vocab words from The Outsiders correctly in original sentences, demonstrating how each term fits into the novel's themes and scenes.

  3. Recall Tricky Spellings and Uses -

    Strengthen memory of the outsiders book vocabulary by practicing spelling, pronunciation, and proper usage of each word.

  4. Differentiate Word Connotations -

    Analyze subtle nuances by answering questions like "what does unfathomable mean in The Outsiders" and exploring how word choice shapes characters.

  5. Evaluate Vocabulary's Impact -

    Assess how specific vocabulary words for The Outsiders enhance mood, tone, and reader engagement with S.E. Hinton's storytelling.

  6. Reinforce Learning with a Quiz -

    Test your retention of vocab in The Outsiders through an engaging free quiz challenge that tracks your progress and highlights areas for review.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Unfathomable -

    According to Merriam-Webster, "unfathomable" means impossible to understand fully; in The Outsiders, Ponyboy describes Johnny's pain as unfathomable to highlight depth of emotion. Use the mnemonic "un-+ fathomable" to recall "not measurable," and practice with the example sentence: "The grief was unfathomable after the rumble."

  2. Roguishly -

    Oxford English Dictionary defines "roguishly" as playfully mischievous; in S.E. Hinton's text, Dally's grin is described roguishly to show his daring streak. Remember it by picturing a "little rogue" plotting a harmless prank, then apply in context: "He grinned roguishly before challenging Johnny to a dare."

  3. Slang and Dialect -

    Research in the Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy emphasizes how Hinton's use of slang ("tuff," "jacked") grounds The Outsiders book vocabulary in authentic teenage voices. Jot down each term with its page reference and cross-check with a YA lit glossary to master the social nuances behind the words.

  4. Context Clues Strategy -

    Purdue OWL recommends circling unfamiliar words and underlining surrounding clues; apply this to vocab in The Outsiders by dissecting sentences around "unfathomable" or "roguishly." For example, note how Ponyboy's reaction or characters' actions illuminate meaning without a dictionary.

  5. Retention with Spaced Repetition -

    According to Oxford Research Encyclopedia, spaced repetition dramatically boosts long-term recall, so turn your vocabulary words from the outsiders into digital flashcards. Review daily, then gradually increase intervals - seeing "roguishly" on Day 1, Day 3, Day 7 helps cement it in memory.

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