A

aspersion/sprZHn/
Noun: An attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something: "I don't think anyone is casting aspersions on you".

adherent/adhi()rnt/
Noun: Someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas. Adjective: Sticking fast to an object or surface

actuary

( k ch - r ) n. pl. actuaries A statistician who computes insurance risks and premiums.

amorphousAdjective/mrfs/
1. Without a clearly defined shape or form. 2. Vague; ill-organized; unclassifiable.

assuming/soomiNG/
Conjunction: Used for the purpose of argument to indicate a premise on which a statement can be based: "assuming that the treaty is ratified, what is its relevance?". Adjective: Arrogant or presumptuous

audit/dit/
Noun: An official inspection of an individual's or organization's accounts, typically by an independent body. Verb: Conduct an official financial examination of (an individual's or organization's accounts).

abateVerb/bt/
1. (of something perceived as hostile or negative) Become less intense or widespread. 2. Cause to become smaller or less intense.

auditor/ditr/Noun
1. A person who conducts an audit. 2. A listener.

aficionadosplural of aficionado

Noun: A person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.
B

barter/brtr/
Verb: Exchange (goods or services) for other goods or services without using money: "he often bartered a meal for drawings". Noun: The action or system of exchanging goods or services without using money.

ballast/balst/
Noun: Heavy material, such as gravel, placed low in a vessel to improve its stability. Verb: Give stability to (a ship) by putting a heavy substance in its bilge: "the vessel has been ballasted to give the necessary floating stability". be that as it may (formal)
something that you say which means although you accept a piece of information as a fact, it does not make you think differently about the subject that you are discussing He certainly was under pressure at the time. Be that as it may, he was still wrong to react in the way that he did.

baneNoun/bn/
1. A cause of great distress or annoyance. 2. Something, typically poison, that causes death.

boon/boon/
Noun: A thing that is helpful or beneficial. Adjective: (of a companion or friend) Close; intimate; favorite.

bowl over:
overturn: cause to overturn from an upright or normal position; "The cat knocked over the flower vase"; "the clumsy customer turned over the vase"; "he tumped over his beer".

bewilder/biwildr/
Verb: Cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused: "she seemed frightened andbewildered"; "a bewildering array of desserts".

besot:
make dull or stupid or muddle with drunkenness or infatuation.

beckonVerb/bekn/
1. Make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow. 2. Attract the attention of and summon (someone) in this way: "he beckoned Duncan to follow".

banter/bantr/
Noun: The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. Verb: Talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way: "the men bantered with the waitresses"; "a bantering tone".

blunder/blndr/
Noun: A stupid or careless mistake. Verb: Make such a mistake; act or speak clumsily: "I blundered on in my explanation"; "blundering actors".

ballot boxNoun
1. A sealed box into which voters put completed ballots. 2. Democratic principles and methods: "the remedy was the ballot box and not the court"
C Cogent -convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling
To "call a spade a spade" is to speak honestly and directly about a topic, specifically topics that others may avoid speaking about due to their sensitivity or embarrassing nature.

cartel/krtel/Noun
1. An association of manufacturers or suppliers that maintains prices at a high level and restricts competition. 2. A coalition or cooperative arrangement between political parties to promote a mutual interest.

chiefly/CHfl/Adverb
1. Above all; mainly. 2. For the most part; mostly

cladpast participle, past tense of clad

Adjective: Clothed: "clad in T-shirts and shorts". Verb: Provide or encase with a covering or coating.

conceited/knstid/
Adjective: Excessively proud of oneself; vain.

crass/kras/
Adjective: Lacking sensitivity or due consideration: "crass assumptions that men make about women".

cohabitation:
the act of living together and having a sexual relationship (especially without being married).

carouselNoun/karsel/
1. A merry-go-round. 2. A rotating machine or device, in particular a conveyor system at an airport from which arriving passengers collect their luggage.

capstone/kapstn/
Noun: A stone fixed on top of something, typically a wall

chelator:
(chelation) (medicine) the process of removing a heavy metal from the bloodstream by means of a chelate as in treating lead or mercury poisoning.

covetous/kvits/
Adjective: Having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else.

cesspoolNoun/sespool/
1. An underground container for the temporary storage of liquid waste and sewage. 2. A disgusting or corrupt place.

convivialAdjective/knvivl/
1. (of an atmosphere or event) Friendly, lively, and enjoyable. 2. (of a person) Cheerful and friendly; jovial.

condoneVerb/kndn/
1. Accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue. 2. Approve or sanction (something), esp. with reluctance.

carte blanche/krt blNSH/

Noun: Complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best.

conferVerb/knfr/
1. Grant or bestow (a title, degree, benefit, or right). 2. Have discussions; exchange opinions.

conundrumNoun/knndrm/
1. A confusing and difficult problem or question. 2. A question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle.

chauvinismNoun/SHvnizm/
1. Exaggerated or aggressive patriotism. 2. Excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one's own cause, group, or gender.

clergyman/klrjmn/
Noun: A male priest or minister of a Christian church
D

dallianceNoun/dalns/
1. A casual romantic or sexual relationship. 2. Brief or casual involvement with something: "Berkeley was my last dalliance with the education system".

disbursement:
expense: amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures). dissonance [dsnns], dissonancy
n 1. a discordant combination of sounds 2. lack of agreement or consistency 3. (Music, other) Music a. a sensation commonly associated with all intervals of the second and seventh, all diminished and augmented intervals, and all chords based on these intervals Compare consonance [3] b. an interval or chord of this kind

dowdiercomparative of dowdy
Adjective: (of a person, typically a woman, or their clothes) Unfashionable and without style in appearance.

dubiousAdjective/d(y)oobs/
1. Hesitating or doubting. 2. Not to be relied upon; suspect.

evinceVerb/ivins/
1. Reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling). 2. Be evidence of; indicate: "man's inhumanity to man as evinced in the use of torture".

entrenchedpast participle, past tense of entrench (Verb)

1. Establish (an attitude, habit, or belief) so firmly that change is very difficult or unlikely. 2. Establish (a person or authority) in a position of great strength or security. exhortation
( g zr-t sh n, k sr-) n. 1. The act or an instance of exhorting. 2. A speech or discourse that encourages, incites, or earnestly advises.

enchilada/enCHld/
Noun: A rolled tortilla with a filling typically of meat and served with a chili sauce.

erudite/er(y)dt/
Adjective: Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

encumbered:
loaded to excess or impeded by a heavy load; "a summer resort...encumbered with great clapboard-and-stucco hotels"- A.J.Liebling; "a hiker encumbered with a heavy backpack"; "an encumbered estate".

euphemism/yoofmizm/
Noun: A mild or indirect word or expression for one too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing: "downsizing as a euphemism for layoffs".

encroachVerb/enkrCH/
1. Intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right). 2. Advance gradually and in a way that causes damage

fortification/frtfikSHn/Noun
1. A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack. 2. The action of fortifying or process of being fortified.

freewheelingpresent participle of freewheel (Verb)

1. Ride a bicycle with the pedals at rest, esp. downhill: "he had come freewheelingdown the road". 2. Act without concern for rules, conventions, or the consequences of one's actions: "thefreewheeling drug scene of the sixties".

fodder/fdr/
Noun: Food, esp. dried hay or feed, for cattle and other livestock.

foreboding/frbdiNG/
Noun: Fearful apprehension; a feeling that something bad will happen. Adjective: Implying or seeming to imply that something bad is going to happen.

frenetic/frnetik/
Adjective: Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way: "a frenetic pace of activity".

furore:
fad: an interest followed with exaggerated zeal; "he always follows the latest fads"; "it was all the rage that season"

faustian:
pertaining to or resembling or befitting Faust or Faustus especially in insatiably striving for worldly knowledge and power even at the price of spiritual values; "a Faustian pact with the Devil".

fazedpast participle, past tense of faze

Verb: Disturb or disconcert (someone): "she was not fazed by his show of anger".

fender bender
Noun: A minor collision between motor vehicles.

footholdNoun/foothld/
1. A place where a person's foot can be lodged to support them securely, esp. while climbing. 2. A secure position from which further progress may be made.

fascist:
relating to or characteristic of fascism; "fascist propaganda".
G

goo/goo/Noun
1. A sticky or slimy substance. 2. Sickly sentiment.

gaffesplural of gaffe
Noun: An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder: "an unforgivable social gaffe".

gerrymanderingpresent participle of gerrymander (Verb)

1. Manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class. 2. Achieve (a result) by such manipulation: "a total freedom to gerrymander the results they want".

genus/jns/
Noun: A grouping of organisms having common characteristics distinct from those of other such groupings. The genus is a principal taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family, and is denoted by a capitalized Latin name, e.g., Leo

grouseplural of grouse
Noun: A game bird (Lagopus, Tetrao, and other genera) with a plump body and feathered legs. The grouse family (Tetraonidae, or Phasianidae) also includes ptarmigans, capercaillies, and prairie chickens. Verb: Complain pettily; grumble.
H

harriedpast participle, past tense of harry (Verb)

1. Persistently carry out attacks on. 2. Persistently harass.

harbor/hrbr/
Noun: A place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, esp. one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures. Verb: Keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, esp. secretly.

hallmark/hlmrk/
Distinctive trait

hackneyed/haknd/
Adjective: (of a phrase or idea) Lacking significance through having been overused

heavy laden:
care-laden: burdened by cares; "all ye that labor and are heavy-laden"-Matt.11:28

hark back:
go back to something earlier; "This harks back to a previous remark of his"

hemline/hemln/
Noun: The level of the lower edge of a garment such as a skirt, dress, or coat.

hearsayNoun/hi()rs/
1. Information received from other people that cannot be adequately substantiated; rumor. 2. The report of another person's words by a witness, usually disallowed as evidence in a court of law.
I Impute

1. Represent (something, esp. something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute: "the crimes imputed to Richard". 2. Assign (a value) to something by inference from the value of the products or processes to which it contributes.

impassioned/impaSHnd/
Adjective: Filled with or showing great emotion.

ironclad
adj \-klad\

Definition of IRONCLAD

1 : sheathed in iron armor used especially of naval vessels 2 : so firm or secure as to be unbreakable: asa : BINDING <an ironclad oath>b : having no obvious weakness <an ironclad case against the defendant>

inure/in(y)oor/Verb
1. Accustom (someone) to something, esp. something unpleasant. 2. Come into operation; take effect: "a release given to one of two joint contractors inures to the benefit of both".

ineptitude:
awkwardness: unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training.

ire/()r/
Noun: Anger.

insurmountable/insrmountbl/
Adjective: Too great to be overcome: "an insurmountable problem".

inasmuchAdverb/inzmCH/
1. To the extent that; insofar as. 2. Considering that; since (used to specify the respect in which a statement is true)

impermanence:
the property of not existing for indefinitely long durations.

immolate/imlt/
Verb: Kill or offer as a sacrifice, esp. by burning.

insouciance/insoosns/
Noun: Casual lack of concern; indifference.
J

jump ship
1. Lit. to leave one's job on a ship and fail to be aboard it when it sails; [for a sailor] to go AWOL. One of the deckhands jumped ship at the last port. 2. Fig. to leave any post or position; to quit or resign, especially when there is difficulty with the job. None of the editors liked the new policies, so they all jumped ship as soon as other jobs opened up.

jiltedpast participle, past tense of jilt

Verb: Suddenly reject or abandon (a lover).
K

kinks3rd person singular present, plural of kink

Noun: A sharp twist or curve in something that is otherwise straight. Verb: Form or cause to form a sharp twist or curve.
L Lucre Noun: Money, esp. when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way.

lynch/linCH/

Verb: (of a mob) Kill (someone), esp. by hanging, for an alleged offense with or without a legal trial.

lip service:
hypocrisy: an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction.

legalese/lglz/
Noun: The formal and technical language of legal documents.

lull/ll/
Verb: Calm or send to sleep, typically with soothing sounds or movements: "the rhythm of the boat lulled her to sleep". Noun: A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity.

lightning rodNoun
1. A metal rod or wire fixed to an exposed part of a building or other tall structure to divert lightning harmlessly into the ground. 2. A person or thing that attracts a lot of criticism, esp. in order to divert attention from other issues or another person.

ludicrous/loodkrs/
Adjective: So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing.
M

malaise/mlz/
Noun: A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

mire/m()r/
Noun: A stretch of swampy or boggy ground. Verb: Cause to be stuck in mud.

memorabiliaplural of memorabilia
Noun: Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest: "World Series memorabilia".

magnum opus/magnm ps/

Noun: An important work of art, music, or literature, esp. the most important achievement of an artist or writer. mileage, milage [mald]
n 1. (Mathematics & Measurements / Units) a distance expressed in miles 2. (Engineering / Automotive Engineering) the total number of miles that a motor vehicle has travelled

3. (Business / Commerce) allowance for travelling expenses, esp as a fixed rate per mile 4. (Engineering / Automotive Engineering) the number of miles a motor vehicle will travel on one gallon of fuel 5. Informal use, benefit, or service provided by something this scheme has a lot of mileage left 6. Informal grounds, substance, or weight some mileage in the objectors' arguments

mavensplural of maven
Noun: An expert or connoisseur: "fashion mavens".

moot/moot/
Adjective: Subject to debate, dispute, or uncertainty, and typically not admitting of a final decision. Verb: Raise (a question or topic) for discussion; suggest (an idea or possibility).

moresplural of mores
Noun: The essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community: "an offense against social mores".

multifariousAdjective/mlt()fe()rs/
1. Many and of various types. 2. Having many varied parts or aspects.

merrymaking/mermkiNG/
Noun: The process of enjoying oneself with others.

madrasa/mdras/
Noun: A college for Islamic instruction.

mongerCombining form
1. Denoting a dealer or trader in a specified commodity: "fishmonger". 2. A person who promotes a specified activity, situation, or feeling, esp. one that is undesirable or discreditable: "rumormonger"; "warmonger".
N

naysayer:
someone with an aggressively negative attitude.

noduleNoun/njool/
1. A small swelling or aggregation of cells in the body, esp. an abnormal one.

2. A swelling on a root of a leguminous plant, containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

niche/niCH/
Verb: Place or position (something) in a niche: "these elements were niched within the shadowy reaches"; "decorated with niched statues". Noun: A shallow recess, esp. one in a wall to display a statue or other ornament: "each niche holding a shepherdess in Dresden china".

neophobia:
a morbid fear of novelty

noveltyNoun/nvlt/
1. The quality of being new, original, or unusual. 2. A new or unfamiliar thing or experience.
O

outmoded/outmdid/
Adjective: Old-fashioned.

orthodoxAdjective/rTHdks/
1. (of a person or their views, esp. religious or political ones) Conforming to what is accepted as right or true: "orthodox Hindus". 2. (of a person) Not independent-minded; unoriginal: "a relatively orthodox artist".

obsolescence:
the process of becoming obsolete; falling into disuse or becoming out of date; "a policy of planned obsolescence".

onerousAdjective/nrs/
1. (of a task, duty, or responsibility) Involving a burdensome amount of effort and difficulty. 2. Involving heavy obligations.
P Premeditate
to meditate, consider, or plan beforehand: to premeditate amurder.

prototypical:
archetypal: representing or constituting an original type after which other similar things are patterned; "archetypal patterns"; "she was the prototypal student activist".

proverbialAdjective/prvrbl/
1. (of a word or phrase) Referred to in a proverb or idiom. 2. Well known, esp. so as to be stereotypical.

populace/ppyls/
Noun: The people living in a particular country or area.

promiscuous/prmiskyoos/Adjective
1. (of a person) Having many sexual relationships, esp. transient ones. 2. (of sexual behavior or a society) Characterized by such relationships.

profanity/prfant/Noun
1. Blasphemous or obscene language. 2. A swear word; an oath.

pinupNoun/pinp/
1. A poster showing a famous person or sex symbol, designed to be displayed on a wall. 2. A person shown in such a poster.

pristine/pristn/Adjective
1. In its original condition; unspoiled. 2. Clean and fresh as if new; spotless.

palpate/palpt/
Verb: Examine (a part of the body) by touch, esp. for medical purposes.

plunk/plNGk/
Verb: Play a keyboard or plucked stringed instrument. Noun: The sound made by abruptly plucking a string of a stringed instrument.

plunk down:
plank: set (something or oneself) down with or as if with a noise; "He planked the money on the table"; "He planked himself into the sofa".

perennial/prenl/
Noun: A perennial plant. Adjective: Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring.

plebeian/plibn/
Noun: (in ancient Rome) A commoner. Adjective: Of or belonging to the commoners of ancient Rome.

peripheral/prifrl/
Noun: A peripheral device.

Adjective: Of, relating to, or situated on the edge or periphery of something.

prerogativeNoun/prirgtiv/
1. A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class. 2. A faculty or property distinguishing a person or class.

pursuant/prsoont/
Adverb: In accordance with (a law or a legal document). Adjective: Following; going in pursuit: "the pursuant lady".

promulgateVerb/prmlgt/
1. Promote or make widely known (an idea or cause). 2. Put (a law or decree) into effect by official proclamation.

panderingpresent participle of pander

Verb: Gratify or indulge (an immoral or distasteful desire, need, or habit or a person with such a desire, etc.).

plod/pld/
Verb: Walk slowly with heavy steps. Noun: A slow, heavy walk: "he settled down to a steady plod".

pecuniary/pikyooner/
Adjective: Of, relating to, or consisting of money.

proffer/prfr/
Verb: Hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer. Noun: An offer or proposal. preposterous/pripst()rs/ Adjective: Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.

pique/pk/
Noun: A feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one's pride. Verb: Stimulate (interest or curiosity).

pareVerb/pe()r/
1. Trim (something) by cutting away its outer edges. 2. Cut off the outer skin of (something).

quasi-Combining form
1. Seemingly; apparently but not really: "quasi-American"; "quasi-scientific". 2. Being partly or almost: "quasicrystalline".

quandaryNoun/kwnd()r/
1. Perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation: "Jim is in a quandary". 2. A difficult situation; a practical dilemma.
R

ratchetingpresent participle of ratchet (Verb)

1. Operate by means of a ratchet. 2. Cause something to rise (or fall) as a step in what is perceived as a steady and irreversible process: "the Bank of Japan ratcheted up interest rates again".

reciprocal/risiprkl/
Adjective: Given, felt, or done in return: "a reciprocal comment or gesture". Noun: A mathematical expression or function so related to another that their product is one; the quantity obtained by dividing the number one by a given quantity.

rein/rn/
Noun: A long, narrow strap attached at one end to a horse's bit, typically used in pairs to control a horse in riding or driving. Verb: Cause (a horse) to stop or slow down by pulling on its reins.

rote/rt/
Noun: Mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned: "a poem learned by rote".

relegatedpast participle, past tense of relegate

Verb: Consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position.

retrofit/retrfit/
Verb: Add (a component or accessory) to something that did not have it when manufactured. Noun: An act of adding a component or accessory to something that did not have it when manufactured

retoolVerb/rtool/

1. Equip (a factory) with tools. 2. Adapt or alter (someone or something) to make them more useful or suitable.

recourseNoun/rkrs/
1. A source of help in a difficult situation: "surgery may be the only recourse". 2. The use of someone or something as a source of help in a difficult situation: "all three countries had recourse to the loans".
S

subvert/sbvrt/
Verb: Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution).

squalor/skwlr/
Noun: A state of being extremely dirty

scandinavia/skandnv/
1. A peninsula in northwestern Europe, occupied by Norway and Sweden. 2. A cultural region consisting of the countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and sometimes also of Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands.

starkAdjective/strk/
1. Severe or bare in appearance or outline: "a stark silhouette against the sky". 2. Unpleasantly or sharply clear; impossible to avoid: "his position on civil rights is in starkcontrast to that of his liberal opponent".

smolder/smldr/
Verb: Burn slowly with smoke but no flame. Noun: Smoke coming from a fire that is burning slowly without a flame

sartorial/srtrl/
Adjective: Of or relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress: "sartorial elegance".

senescent:
aging: growing old.

scantily:
in a sparse or scanty way; "a barely furnished room".

silver bulletNoun
1. A bullet made of silver, used in fiction as a supposedly magical method of killing werewolves. 2. A simple and seemingly magical solution to a complicated problem.

snappyAdjective/snap/
1. Irritable and inclined to speak sharply; snappish. 2. Clever: "snappy slogans".

shibboleth/SHibliTH/
Noun: A custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a class or group of people.

slack jawed:
With the mouth in an open position and the jaw hanging loosely, especially as indicating bewilderment or astonishment; Unsophisticated or unthinking; dimwitted in appearance; Overly talkative; indiscreet.

shrapnel/SHrapnl/
Noun: Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion.

siphon/sfn/
Verb: Draw off or convey (liquid) by means of a siphon. Noun: A pipe or tube used to convey liquid upward from a container and then down to a lower level by gravity, the liquid being made to enter the pipe by atmospheric pressure.

synergy/sinrj/
Noun: The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects: "the synergy between artist and record company"

suss out:
check: examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition; "check the brakes"; "Check out the engine".

shackle/SHakl/
Noun: A pair of fetters connected together by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together. Verb: Chain with shackles.

solicitedpast participle, past tense of solicit (Verb)

1. Ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone. 2. Ask (someone) for something: "he solicited the critic's opinion".

stopgap/stpgap/
Noun: A temporary way of dealing with a problem or satisfying a need: "transplants are only a stopgap until more sophisticated alternatives can work".

sleazyAdjective/slz/
1. (of a person or situation) Sordid, corrupt, or immoral. 2. (of a place) Squalid and seedy scuzzy
(sk z ) adj. scuzzier, scuzziest Slang 1. Dirty; grimy: scuzzy floors. 2. Disreputable; sleazy: "ran a scuzzy operation" (Myra MacPherson)

subvert/sbvrt/
Verb: Undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution).

subversive/sbvrsiv/
Adjective: Seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution. Noun: A person with such aims.
T

theocracy/THkrs/
Noun: A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

traduce/trd(y)oos/
Verb: Speak badly of or tell lies about (someone) so as to damage their reputation. tantra
(t n tr , t n -) n. Any of a comparatively recent class of Hindu or Buddhist religious literature written in Sanskrit and concerned with powerful ritual acts of body, speech, and mind.

throesplural of throes
Noun: Intense or violent pain and struggle, esp. accompanying birth, death, or great change: "he convulsed in his death throes".

tetheringpresent participle of tether

Verb: Tie (an animal) with a rope or chain so as to restrict its movement: "the horse is tethered to a post".

terse/trs/
Adjective: Sparing in the use of words; abrupt: "a terse statement".

trot out:
bring out and show for inspection and admiration; "His novel trots out a rich heiress"; "always able to trot out some new excuse".

tenuousAdjective/tenyoos/
1. Very weak or slight: "the tenuous link between interest rates and investment". 2. Very slender or fine; insubstantial: "a tenuous cloud".

tirade/trd/
Noun: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation: "a tirade of abuse".

twitchyAdjective/twiCH/
1. Nervous; anxious. 2. Given to twitching: "a mouse with a twitchy nose".
U

unfetteredpast participle, past tense of unfetter

Verb: Release from restraint or inhibition: "his imagination is unfettered by the laws of logic".

unremitting/nrimitiNG/
Adjective: Never relaxing or slackening; incessant.

upend

( p- nd ) v. upended, upending, upends v.tr. 1. To stand, set, or turn on one end: upend an oblong box. 2. To invalidate, destroy, or change completely; overthrow: upended a popular legend. 3. To win victory over; defeat. v.intr. To be upended.

unrequited/nrikwtid/
Adjective: (of a feeling, esp. love) Not returned or rewarded.
V

visceraplural of viscera
Noun: The internal organs in the main cavities of the body, esp. those in the abdomen, e.g., the intestines.

visceral/vis()rl/Adjective

1. Of or relating to the viscera. 2. Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect: "the voters' visceral fear of change".

verbatim/vrbtm/
Adverb: In exactly the same words as were used originally: "recite the passage verbatim"; "verbatim quotes"

vainglorious:
big: feeling self-importance; "too big for his britches"; "had a swelled head"; "he was swelled with pride".

veracityNoun/vrast/
1. Conformity to facts; accuracy: "the veracity of the story". 2. Habitual truthfulness: "his veracity and character".
W

weedyAdjective/wd/
1. Containing or covered with many weeds: "a weedy path". 2. Of the nature of or resembling a weed.

wager:
bet: stake on the outcome of an issue; "I bet $100 on that new horse"; "She played all her money on the dark horse".

wilful:
willful: done by design; "the insult was intentional"; "willful disobedience"

willy-nillyAdverb/wil nil/
1. Whether one likes it or not: "he would be forced to collaborate willy-nilly". 2. Without direction or planning; haphazardly.

xenophobic:
suffering from xenophobia; having abnormal fear or hatred of the strange or foreign.
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