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Beauty. While the word pulchritude isn’t used directly, the concept of beauty in the face of darkness is a recurring theme in the series.

Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd. Klaus Baudelaire often exhibits sagacious behavior when it comes to solving mysteries.

Looking or sounding sad and dismal. The atmosphere of the series, in keeping with its title, is often lugubrious.

Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering. Count Olaf often displays an imperious attitude towards the Baudelaires.

Fond of company; sociable. There are few characters in the series that could be described as truly gregarious due to the solemn nature of the storyline.

Present, appearing, or found everywhere. The eye symbol associated with Count Olaf seems ubiquitous throughout the series.

Tearful or given to weeping; inducing tears. The situation of the Baudelaire Orphans described in 'The Wide Window' can be seen as lachrymose.

Feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress. The Baudelaire orphans' journey is filled with dolorous events.

Depravity; wickedness. Count Olaf's actions often represent moral turpitude, which the orphans strive against.

Bad-tempered; spiteful. Characters such as Count Olaf's troupe and various villains show splenetic behavior towards the Baudelaires.

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive. Characters behave in a furtive manner when hiding from the diabolical schemes of Count Olaf.

Lacking flavor or interest; vapid. Esme Squalor disdains anything considered insipid, preferring that which is 'in' instead.

Conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs. Many of the villains, especially Count Olaf, dissemble to carry out their plans against the Baudelaires.

Second to last. The term is used as the title of the twelfth book in the series: 'The Penultimate Peril'.

Wrongdoing, especially by a public official. Throughout the series, the Baudelaires encounter adults who commit various acts of malfeasance.

Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. Throughout the series, secrets and the truth are often obfuscated from the Baudelaires.

Filled with bitter criticism or malice. Encounters with Count Olaf and other antagonists are often vitriolic.

Unwilling or unable to believe something. The characters in the series often find themselves feeling incredulous in response to the unfortunate events they face.

Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind. Violet Baudelaire is particularly adroit when it comes to inventing mechanical solutions to problems.

Approval or praise. The Baudelaire orphans rarely receive the approbation they deserve for their cleverness and bravery.

Having a great deal of money; wealthy. The Baudelaire family was affluent before the parents' untimely demise.

Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered. Characters like Count Olaf and some of the guardians the orphans encounter can be quite irascible.

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. In the series, both the orphans and some of their adversaries can be quite fastidious in their plans

Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. Some of the more timid characters the Baudelaires meet during their adventures can be described as diffident.

Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily. Some characters, such as Mr. Poe, can occasionally come off as unctuous.

Formidable, especially as an opponent. Characters such as Count Olaf are considered redoubtable by the Baudelaires.

Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish. The Baudelaire orphans briefly experience opulent surroundings with some of their guardians.

Charm or enchant, sometimes in a deceptive way. Count Olaf often tries to beguile others to assist him in his nefarious plans.

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. The influence of Count Olaf is described as pernicious for the Baudelaires.

A difficult, precarious, or entrapping situation; the name of a family that becomes important in the later books of the series.

Imposingly deep and full; a voice or sound. In the audiobook versions of the series, Tim Curry's sonorous voice gives life to the narration and the dreadful atmosphere of the story.

A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen. The Baudelaires often feel trepidation when considering Count Olaf's next move.

Using or expressed in more words than are needed. Lemony Snicket's narrative style in the series is often playfully verbose.

Acting or done quickly and without thought or care. The orphans sometimes make impetuous decisions when under pressure.

Conducive to success; favorable. The Baudelaire orphans hope for auspicious circumstances, but they're often met with adversity instead.

Make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause. The series explores themes of morality where the characters often seek to palliate the dreadful situations they encounter.

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring. The Baudelaire orphans often face arduous challenges throughout the series.

Shining brightly; radiant. Although not a common word in the series, occasional moments of brightness could be described as effulgent amidst the gloom.

Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. The Baudelaires frequently find themselves in precarious situations.

Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. The Baudelaire orphans sometimes display recalcitrant behavior when resisting Count Olaf.

Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others. Characters like Esme Squalor often exhibit a supercilious demeanor.

Deceitful and untrustworthy. In the series, many characters, including Count Olaf, are described or act in a perfidious manner.

Unfortunate; having no luck. The Baudelaire orphans are often described as hapless due to their constant misfortunes.

Wicked or criminal. Count Olaf's plans and actions are often referred to as nefarious in the series.

Making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation. The series features several characters who spread scurrilous rumors.

Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way. The Baudelaire orphans encounter many uncanny situations on their journey.

Not real or genuine; fake or inferior. The series uses 'ersatz' to describe things that are substitutes for the real thing, like The Ersatz Elevator title.

More generous than is usual or necessary. Despite their unfortunate circumstances, the orphans occasionally encounter munificent individuals that offer assistance.