Lessons in Chemistry (by Bonnie Garmus) Vocabulary (269 words)

Boost Your Vocabulary While Reading Lessons in Chemistry

One of the best ways to expand your vocabulary is by learning new words as you read. While you can often guess meanings from context, understanding the precise definitions can deepen your comprehension and enhance your reading experience. Plus, once you learn these words, you’ll start noticing them in other books, movies, and conversations!

To help you get the most out of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (See the post about this book here), I’ve created a handpicked vocabulary list with definitions and example sentences. These words were carefully selected as I read the book, ensuring that they are not only useful but also essential for fully grasping the story.

What’s Included?

I have compiled 269 words from Lessons in Chemistry, categorized by chapters:

• Chapters 1–3: 58 words
• Chapters 4–7: 51 words
• Chapters 8–14: 51 words
• Chapters 15–24: 52 words
• Chapters 25–45: 57 words

Since the beginning of a book is often the most challenging, I focused on selecting more words from the earlier chapters. I highly recommend learning these words first before reading the book—it will make a noticeable difference in your understanding!

To make learning easy and efficient, I’ve created two resources:

✅ PDF file – Includes all 269 words, the page numbers where they appear, definitions, and two example sentences for each word.
✅ Quizlet flashcards – An interactive way to practice and reinforce your learning.

[See a sample vocabulary set on Quizlet (click here)]

A sample vocabulary list

		Word	IPA	Definition	Example Sentence
1	p.1	legions	/ˈliːdʒənz/	A large number of people or things.	Legions of fans gathered outside the stadium to catch a glimpse of the superstar. / Legions of soldiers marched across the battlefield.
2	p.2	irrefutable	/ɪˈrɛfjʊtəbəl/	Impossible to deny or disprove.	The evidence presented in court was irrefutable, leading to a swift conviction. / His alibi was irrefutable, so he was cleared of all charges.
3	p.3	thermos	/ˈθɜːrməs/	A container that keeps liquids hot or cold.	She poured the hot coffee into her thermos to keep it warm for her morning hike. / He carried a thermos of soup to stay warm during the snowstorm.
4	p.4	inconceivable	/ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbəl/	Unimaginable or impossible to comprehend.	The idea of living without electricity is inconceivable in today’s world. / It was inconceivable that he could finish the project in just one day.
5	p.4	onset	/ˈɒnsɛt/	The beginning or start of something.	The onset of winter brought heavy snow and freezing temperatures. / The onset of the disease was sudden and unexpected.
6	p.4	alarmist	/əˈlɑːrmɪst/	Someone who exaggerates dangers or spreads panic.	The media was accused of being alarmist about the potential economic downturn. / She dismissed his warnings as alarmist and exaggerated.

Start mastering these words today and enjoy a richer reading experience with Lessons in Chemistry!