Roald Dahl’s vocabulary in Matilda is rich and varied — from formal literary words to Dahl’s own invented words. Learning the vocabulary of the novel helps readers understand it more deeply and builds their own writing skills.
| Word | Meaning and Context |
|---|---|
| prodigy | A person (usually a child) with exceptional natural talent or ability. Matilda is described as a prodigy because of her extraordinary intelligence. 'She was a prodigy.' |
| telekinesis | The supposed ability to move objects using only the power of the mind, without physically touching them. Matilda develops this power. Matilda discovers she has telekinesis when she tips over a glass with her eyes. |
| formidable | Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful or capable. Used to describe Miss Trunchbull. "She was a most formidable female." |
| ignoramus | An ignorant or stupid person. Mr Wormwood calls Matilda this when she corrects him. Used by Dahl to show Mr Wormwood's ignorance ironically — he calls her ignorant when she is the clever one. |
| cluttered | Filled with too many things in an untidy way. The Wormwood house is described as cluttered with cheap ornaments. Suggests the family values appearance over substance. |
| lavish | Rich and impressive in quality; given in large amounts. Used to contrast with Miss Honey's bare cottage. "The Wormwood house was a perfectly lavish mansion compared to where Miss Honey lived." |
| revolt / revolting | Causing strong disgust; extremely unpleasant. One of Dahl's favourite words throughout the book. "The parents looked upon Matilda in particular as nothing more than a scab. A scab is something you have to put up with until the time comes when you can pick it off and flick it away." |
| astute | Having an ability to accurately assess situations and people; clever and perceptive. Miss Honey is astute enough to recognise Matilda's gifts immediately. |
| malevolent | Having or showing a wish to do evil to others. Used to describe Miss Trunchbull's attitude to children. Suggests active, conscious cruelty rather than mere thoughtlessness. |
| incumbent | Necessary for someone as a duty or responsibility. Used in a formal register to suggest obligation. "It had therefore become incumbent upon Matilda to make her own amusements." |
| exhilarating | Making one feel very happy, animated and alive. Used to describe the feeling of reading. Dahl uses it to convey the genuine pleasure of books. |
| chokey | A small, dark punishment cupboard at Crunchem Hall — invented by Dahl. Not a real word; it suggests choking or being choked. Dahl often invented words to make unpleasant things sound even more unpleasant. |
| retribution | Punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved. Matilda seeks retribution against Trunchbull. "Matilda was determined to get even." |
| phenomenon | A remarkable person or thing; something extraordinary and difficult to explain. Matilda is described as a phenomenon — beyond normal explanation. |
Dahl uses language in a very deliberate way. He often uses very formal, complex vocabulary in descriptions of Matilda — reflecting her intelligence. When describing Mr and Mrs Wormwood, he uses blunter, more dismissive language. This contrast between Matilda’s world and her family’s world is built into the language itself.
Dahl also loves contrast — placing Latinate, formal words alongside very simple, direct ones for comic and dramatic effect. He uses exaggeration throughout: characters are never just unpleasant, they are revolting; never just large, they are enormous.