(BAN-ter), noun
Good-natured teasing or light, playful remarks.
badinage (bad-ih-NAHZH). Light-hearted banter, not meant to be taken seriously.
“If you don’t care for me, you can move out now. I’m frankly not up to BADINAGE.” —Harlan Ellison, American author
chaff (CHAF). Good-natured teasing or ridicule.
It seemed easy at first, but keeping up the CHAFF throughout the party turned out to be quite a chore.
facetiousness (fuh-SEE-shuss-ness). Conversation that lacks serious intent and is concerned with something nonessential and amusing.
I could see by the amount of liquor flowing that the party would be characterized by awkward dancing and FACETIOUSNESS.
persiflage (PUR-suh-flahzh). A light, flippant, or frivolous style of writing or speaking; banter.
The room was filled with the sounds of the string quartet and the guests’ PERSIFLAGE.
pleasantry (PLEZ-uhn-tree). The quality of being pleasant or playful in conversation; courteous social remark.
He now faced an enemy on the battlefield who was once his good neighbor with whom he had exchanged many PLEASANTRIES.
raillery (RAY-luh-ree). Good-natured teasing.
“RAILLERY,” said Montesquieu, is “a way of speaking in favor of one’s wit at the expense of one’s better nature.”
repartee (rep-er-TEE). Conversation characterized by witty banter.
It was amusing to watch the girls practice their REPARTEE, hoping not to be embarrassed on their first dates.
churlishness (CHUR-lish-ness). A mean, boorish, or rude outlook; lack of civility or graciousness.
Neil was surprised by Susan’s CHURLISHNESS when discussing a mutual friend.
disputatious (diss-pyoo-TAY-shuss). Inclined to dispute; fond of arguing; contentious.
Laura brought her DISPUTATIOUS brother with her to the movie, so we were prepared for an unpleasant evening.
(BAY-thoss), noun
A sudden change in mood from the solemn and serious to a more light-hearted, relaxed, and humorous outlook. Also, insincere pathos.
effervescent (ef-ur-VESS-ent). Bubbly; upbeat; cheerful; possessing a positive attitude and joyful personality.
After getting the acceptance letter from Cornell, Sabrina was EFFERVESCENT and celebrated with a trip to Neiman Marcus.
bonhomie (bon-uh-MEE). A good-natured, genial manner.
Even though he has no family pedigree, Walker is accepted into our group because of his contagious BONHOMIE.
prattle (PRAT-l). To babble; to talk nonstop without regard as to whether what you are saying makes sense or is of any interest to the listener.
“Infancy conforms to nobody: all conform to it, so that one babe commonly makes four or five out of the adults who PRATTLE and play to it.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
dyslogistic (diss-luh-JISS-tik). Showing disapproval or censure.
We gave Elizabeth DYSLOGISTIC glances when she told us she had decided to stop shopping at Cartier.
equable (ECK-wuh-bull). Unvarying, steady, and free from extremes.
“He spake of love, such love as spirits feel / In worlds whose course is EQUABLE and pure.” —William Wordsworth, British Romantic poet
(bee-HAYV), verb
To manage or conduct oneself, especially in a proper or correct way; to act or react.
inveterate (in-VET-er-it). Never changing; persisting by habit.
“Take all the garden spills, / INVETERATE, / prodigal spender / just as summer goes.” —Hilda Doolittle, American poet and memoirist
demeanor (dih-MEE-ner). Outward conduct; deportment.
In an effort to teach behavior, primary schools graded students on their DEMEANOR.
habitude (HAB-uh-tyood). Customary behavior or customary procedure.
Alistair’s HABITUDE is for the servants to awake him just prior to noon.
portance (PORT-ens). Conduct; carriage, bearing; demeanor.
My grandmother grew up in a more civilized period, or so she claimed, and appreciated the value of proper PORTANCE.
praxis (PRAK-sis). Established practice; custom.
At one time, killing and stuffing specimens was the PRAXIS for many branches of biology.
propriety (pro-PRY-uh-tee). Behaving in a way that conforms to the manners and morals of polite society.
“PROPRIETY is the least of all laws, and the most observed.” —François de La Rochefoucauld, French author
acquit (uh-KWIT). To behave in accordance with a person’s position or obligations.
It had been years since the actors had worked together on stage, but they both ACQUITTED themselves like professionals.
comport (kum-PORT). To conduct oneself; to behave in a particular way.
Roger always embarrasses us because he seems to think his family name frees him to COMPORT himself foolishly.
discharge (diss-CHARJ). To perform, execute, or fulfill a duty or function.
The soldier took his position seriously and always DISCHARGED his duties to the best of his ability.
dysfunctional (diss-FUNK-shun-uhl). Characterized by abnormal functioning, or poor interpersonal behavior within a group.
Charlie always blames his rotten behavior on being the product of a DYSFUNCTIONAL family.
(bee-LEEF), noun
A state of mind in which confidence is placed in a person or thing; a conviction that certain things are true; faith.
existential (eggs-ih-STEN-shul). Pertaining to ideas, beliefs, and philosophies that support the concept of free will and the freedom of the individual.
“No phallic hero, no matter what he does to himself or to another to prove his courage, ever matches the solitary, EXISTENTIAL courage of the woman who gives birth.” —Andrea Dworkin, American radical feminist and author
implausible (im-PLAWZ-ih-bull). Difficult to believe; highly unlikely to be true.
“At first glance, most famous fairy tales seem so IMPLAUSIBLE and irrelevant to contemporary life that their survival is hard to understand.” —Alison Lurie, American novelist and academic
monistic (moh-NIS-tik). Characterized by the idea that everything—including philosophy, religion, and mysticism—can be reduced to a single substance or explained by a single principle.
Of course we believe the world is MONISTIC. Wealth is the source of everything in the universe.
orthodox (OR-thuh-docks). Mainstream; conventional; adhering to the strictest interpretation of a law or religion.
ORTHODOX medicine has long ignored the obvious effect diet and nutrition have on health and illness.
staunch (stonch). Firm in resolution or belief; fixed.
Mr. West, a STAUNCH conservative, believed that government waste was the main problem requiring attention in Washington.
syncretistic (sin-krih-TIH-stik). Pertaining to a set of beliefs obtained by combining elements of multiple cultures, religions, societies, or schools of thought.
Pauline’s SYNCRETISTIC worldview comes from the fact that her family has traveled extensively across the globe.
teleological (tee-lee-uh-LOJ-ih-kuhl). Concerning the belief that things exist for a purpose.
The fact that we have unsurpassable wealth and taste, while others who are less important endure hardship, is surely proof that we live in a TELEOLOGICAL universe.
agnostic (ag-NOS-tik). A person who believes it is impossible to know the essential nature of things and whether or not an ultimate cause (as God) exists.
Frank, who had been raised in a deeply religious home, knew that it would hurt his parents if they discovered he was an AGNOSTIC.
determinism (dih-TUR-muh-niz-um). The belief that a person’s course of action is not free but predetermined by external circumstances.
A true disciple of DETERMINISM, Jerry felt he should not be held accountable for having married three women—since, as he argued, each of the relationships had been “meant to be.”
ethos (EE-thos). The core principles or beliefs of a religion, culture, or community.
Even the eating of cheese violates the ETHOS of the vegan culture.
humanism (HEW-muh-niz-um). The philosophy or belief that the highest ideals of human existence can be fulfilled without regard to religion or supernatural intervention.
“The four characteristics of HUMANISM are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.” —E.M. Forster, English novelist
hypothesis (hy-POTH-uh-sis). A principle derived from limited evidence, seen as sensible based on an analysis of available data, but not proven to the point where it is an accepted theory, rule, or law.
“In order to shake a HYPOTHESIS, it is sometimes not necessary to do anything more than push it as far as it will go.” —Denis Diderot, French philosopher
iconoclast (eye-KAHN-uh-clast). An individual who is contrarian in thought, rebellious in spirit, and oppositional, and who applies himself to battling established institutions, existing governments, religious doctrine, and popular notions and beliefs.
The late George Carlin saw the role of the comic in society as one of ICONOCLAST.
ideologue (EYE-dee-uh-log). A person who rigidly adheres to an ideology with a closed mind regarding other points of view.
“An IDEOLOGUE may be defined as a mad intellectual.” —Clifton Fadiman, American critic
martyrdom (MAR-ter-dum). The condition of having suffered death as a martyr; a person who has died or been killed rather than give up his faith or principles.
Many say that John Brown’s MARTYRDOM served his cause more effectively than anything he did at Harpers Ferry.
mores (MORE-ayz). The accepted norms of social behavior for the time and society in which one lives.
Grant learned the hard way that MORES vary from country to country when he made the faux pas of trying to shake the hand of the Thai businessman.
nihilism (NIE-uh-liz-im). The belief that life is meaningless.
A profound NIHILISM seems to have fallen over the poet during the last six months she spent in London; her letters to her mother indicate a severe depression.
pragmatism (PRAG-muh-tiz-um). The belief that one’s actions should be guided primarily based on knowledge or opinion of what is likely to work best in a given situation; the imperative to always do what is practical and effective.
Our families have succeeded in amassing great wealth over many generations because we are all, at heart, practitioners of PRAGMATISM.
predestination (pree-dess-tih-NAY-shun). The belief that we do not have free will and that our lives and destinies are preordained and beyond our control.
The problem with PREDESTINATION is that whatever happens, you can say that it was meant to be, and no one can prove you wrong.
solipsism (SAHL-ip-sihz-uhm). The notion that one’s own experiences and thoughts are the only source of true knowledge; the theory that only the self exists; a complete absorption in oneself.
The professor’s egotistical and self-centered philosophy promoted the advantages of SOLIPSISM, as opposed to interest in the concerns of other people.
tabula rasa (TAB-yuh-luh RAW-suh). Something that is pristine and new without any preconceptions or existing features. Literally, a clean slate; in psychological terms, the mind before it takes on any impressions from society or experience.
Teaching kindergarten is rewarding, for each child’s mind is in many ways a TABULA RASA.
Taoism (DOW-is-um). A system of philosophy identified with the sage Lao Tzu, and embodied most notably in his work Tao Te Ching, which holds that life lived simply and in accordance with natural laws and events is most in keeping with the Tao, or way, that underlies all existence.
Scholars may debate the fine points of a rational understanding of TAOISM, but a true practitioner probably expresses it best when she gracefully and thankfully accepts a proffered cup of tea.
tenet (TEN-it). A central doctrine; a core belief; a rule or principle one lives by.
“Christian writers from the third century on pointed out the deleterious effect of Platonism on Christian belief—even while adopting many of its fundamental TENETS.” —Harold Attridge, Dean of Yale University Divinity School
weltschmerz (VELT-shmertz). A lingering sorrow that some believe is a given in life.
When we snubbed Margaret for buying so many fashion knockoffs, her WELTSCHMERZ lasted until we forgave her.
zealot (ZEL-it). A rabid follower; a true believer; a fanatical advocate.
“What a noble aim is that of the ZEALOT who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster!” —Denis Diderot, French philosopher
zeitgeist (ZYT-gyst). The prevailing viewpoints, attitudes, and beliefs of a given generation or period in history.
In the twenty-first century, “going green” is very much at the forefront of the nation’s ZEITGEIST, as people have been made aware of the importance of being good stewards of our planet’s natural resources.
apostasy (uh-POSS-tuh-see). The act of abandoning, ignoring, or openly flouting an accepted principle or belief.
“It was his idea of grand APOSTASY to drive to the reform synagogue on the high holidays and park his pink-eye nag among the luxurious, whirl-wired touring cars of the rich.” —Saul Bellow, American author
dubiety (doo-BY-ih-tee). The state of doubt; doubtfulness; uncertainty.
The financial reports were inconsistent and confusing, and caused rampant DUBIETY within both chambers of Congress.
(BEST), adjective
Having the highest quality, standing, or excellence; most suitable, desirable, or advantageous; superior to all others.
efflorescent (ef-luh-RESS-ehnt). Describes something that has reached the final stage of its development or is at the peak of perfection.
Thomas is convinced that the Bugatti Veyron Fbg represents the EFFLORESCENT automobile.
empyreal (em-PEER-ee-uhl). Elevated and sublime; or, of the sky.
The beautiful three-carat sapphire her fiancé gave her shone with an EMPYREAL, almost celestial, light.
maximal (MAK-suh-mull). The highest or greatest possible; at the upper limit.
Once it reached its MAXIMAL height, the test plane could be returned to base for examination.
nonpareil (non-pah-RELL). Without equal or peer.
We could tell Jeanette was a typical parvenu when she attempted to convince us that Bennington Posh Couture golf bags are NONPAREIL.
optimum (OP-tih-mum). The most favorable degree, point, or condition; the best result for given conditions.
George knew his fish and arrived at the best spot on the lake at the OPTIMUM moment.
paramount (PAIR-uh-mount). Supreme; superior; excellent.
It is of PARAMOUNT importance that we complete this project on time.
peerless (PEER-luss). Without peer; above others with regard to ability or quality; beyond compare.
Mrs. Reilly’s PEERLESS skills as a mediator soon earned her a special position of respect on the school board.
quintessential (kwin-tuh-SEN-shul). The most perfect or typical example of its category or kind.
“Craving that old sweet oneness yet dreading engulfment, wishing to be our mother’s and yet be our own, we stormily swing from mood to mood, advancing and retreating—the QUINTESSENTIAL model of two-mindedness.” —Judith Viorst, American author and psychoanalyst
rarefied (RAIR-uh-fyed). Lofty; exalted; of high class or caliber.
Most copywriters don’t operate in the RAREFIED environment in which Clayton makes his millions.
superlative (soo-PURR-luh-tiv). The quality of something’s being the best in its class or quality.
Our family’s show horses are SUPERLATIVE in every way.
apotheosis (ah-paw-thee-OH-sis). The culmination or highest point.
Winning the Silver Gutter Award at his local bowling alley was the APOTHEOSIS of Wendell’s less-than-stellar sports legacy.
epitome (ee-PIT-uh-mee). The highest or supreme example.
Many people consider The Mary Tyler Moore Show to be the EPITOME of a 1970s situation comedy.
exemplar (ig-ZEM-plar). A role model; a shining example of a desired state, status, or behavior.
“The system—the American one, at least—is a vast and noble experiment. It has been polestar and EXEMPLAR for other nations.” —Phyllis McGinley, American poet
ne plus ultra (nay plooce OOL-truh). The highest possible embodiment (of something).
Many consider Oedipus Rex the drama’s NE PLUS ULTRA.
paragon (PAIR-uh-gone). The very best example of something; a peerless model or pattern or perfection. Also, a perfect diamond or large pearl that is perfectly round.
“What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god—the beauty of the world, the PARAGON of animals!” —William Shakespeare, English dramatist
primacy (PRY-muh-see). First in order, rank, importance, etc.
Physics is thought, by physicists, to hold PRIMACY over other sciences.
zenith (ZEE-nith). The highest point or climax of a thing or event; the point or apex.
“This dead of midnight is the noon of thought, / And Wisdom mounts her ZENITH with the stars.” —Anna Laetitia Barbauld, English poet and children’s author
nadir (NAY-dur). The lowest possible point; the bottom; a state of despair.
Everyone quietly prayed that the market had reached its NADIR and would bounce back quickly and completely.
(BLA-thur), verb
To talk nonsense in an inane manner and at great length; to gabble or talk ridiculously.
garrulous (GAR-uh-lus). Excessively talkative; using too many words.
Drunks are often described as GARRULOUS, since they tend to latch onto the nearest person and start babbling incoherently.
loquacious (loh-KWAY-shuss). Tending to talk a great deal; prone to nervous chatter.
It was difficult to tell whether Julia’s LOQUACIOUS behavior was caused by nervousness or whether she always spoke incessantly.
balderdash (BALL-der-dash). Senseless or nonsense talking or writing; a ridiculous, senseless, or worthless idea or suggestion.
How embarrassing to have your favorite English teacher call your essay BALDERDASH.
bombast (BOM-bast). Speech or writing full of long and pretentious words, usually meant to impress others; haughty, overblown, or pompous language.
The senatorial candidate did not instill confidence in voters, for his announcement speech seemed little more than BOMBAST.
grandiloquence (gran-DIH-luh-kwence). A pompous or lofty manner of speech; language that is full of long, pretentious words. Also, an attitude of haughtiness.
Politicians in love with their own GRANDILOQUENCE may not always be good at solving problems and keeping campaign promises.
bluster (BLUSS-ter). To speak loudly, arrogantly, and boisterously; to behave in a bullying way; to blow in loud gusts, as in the wind.
Senators filibuster while bullies BLUSTER, and both verbal strategies yield little action.
confabulate (kuhn-FAB-yuh-layt). To chat or discuss something informally; to indulge in engaging, extravagant storytelling. Also, to invent and believe stories to fill mental gaps due to memory loss or dementia.
The two drivers stopped the flow of traffic east and west in order to CONFABULATE about who had caused the accident.
fulminate (FULL-mih-nayt). To criticize or denounce loudly, dramatically, and forcefully. Also, to detonate an explosion.
Edmond FULMINATED against the bill on the floor of the Senate, but he knew he did not have the votes to defeat it.
pontificate (pon-TIFF-ih-kayt). To speak in a dogmatic or pompous manner; to officiate when celebrating Mass, or making a church decree.
Can I assume the senator now intends to PONTIFICATE on the many virtues of our current trade policy?
edification (eh-dih-fuh-KAY-shun). Instruction or enlightenment, often involving moral or spiritual teachings.
The evangelical preacher’s EDIFICATION of church members and others in the community was known to all.
eloquence (EH-luh-kwents). The ability to speak forcefully, expressively, and persuasively; convincing and pleasant language.
The professor’s ELOQUENCE made her very popular among students and ultimately led to her being granted tenure.
repartee (rep-er-TEE). Conversation characterized by witty banter.
It was amusing to watch the girls practice their REPARTEE, hoping not to be embarrassed on their first dates.
taciturn (TASS-ih-turn). Quiet, of few words; regularly uncommunicative or reserved in manner and speech; avoiding conversation.
Kenny was concerned that Emily’s father’s TACITURN nature indicated he disapproved of their dating.
(BO-nah fyed), adjective
Authentic, actual, or genuine. Not deceptive; indisputably legitimate.
unimpeachable (un-ihm-PEE-chuh-bull). Above reproach; impossible to discredit or slander.
Jason is not a great manager, but his technical credentials are UNIMPEACHABLE.
veritable (VER-ih-tuh-bull). Authentic; true; undeniably legitimate or actual.
The cardboard boxes contained a VERITABLE treasure trove of Civil War artifacts, probably worth tens of thousands of dollars.
exemplar (ig-ZEM-plar). A role model; a shining example of a desired state, status, or behavior.
“The system—the American one, at least—is a vast and noble experiment. It has been polestar and EXEMPLAR for other nations.” —Phyllis McGinley, American poet
rectitude (REHK-tih-tood). Moral virtue; rightness.
“The mind that’s conscious of its RECTITUDE, / Laughs at the lies of rumor.” —Ovid, Roman poet
veracity (ver-ASS-ih-tee). The characteristic or habit of being truthful and conforming to accepted standards of behavior.
“The world is upheld by the VERACITY of good men: they make the earth wholesome.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, essayist, and transcendentalist
vindicate (VIN-dih-kayt). To clear from criticism, censure, suspicion, etc.; to justify or defend.
“Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived. Truth is the child of time; ere long she shall appear to VINDICATE thee.” —Immanuel Kant, German philosopher.
clandestine (klan-DESS-tin). Pertaining to activities that are secret, covert, and perhaps not fully authorized or sanctioned.
“CLANDESTINE steps upon imagined stairs / Climb through the night, because his cuckoos call.” —Wallace Stevens, American poet
fallacious (fuh-LAY-shuss). Based on one or more false assumptions.
Since my online subscriber list is double opt-in, accusing me of being a spammer is a wholly FALLACIOUS assumption.
faux (FOH). Fake; phony; artificial.
She wore a cheap secondhand dress and a FAUX pearl necklace made out of white beads.
inveigle (in-VAY-gull). To convince or persuade someone through trickery, dishonesty, or flattery.
Craig INVEIGLED the dean to allow him to graduate even though he failed to meet the foreign language requirement of the university.
traduce (truh-DOOCE). To speak maliciously of; slander.
We have snubbed Katrina permanently because she has, at one time or another, TRADUCED each one of us in the society pages.
usurper (yoo-SIR-per). A person who seizes a position of power through illegal means, force, or deception.
“A USURPER in the guise of a benefactor is the enemy that we are now to encounter and overcome.” —William Leggett, American poet and fiction writer
(BODE-ler-ize), verb
To remove parts of a work of literature considered objectionable, indecent, or offensive.
pedantic (pih-DAN-tik). Lacking in imagination; intellectually showy or overblown; making an ostentatious display of knowledge.
Professor Anthony’s PEDANTIC manner was thought entertaining by some students and condescending by others.
balderdash (BALL-der-dash). Senseless or nonsense talking or writing; a ridiculous, senseless, or worthless idea or suggestion.
How embarrassing to have your favorite English teacher call your essay BALDERDASH!
circumlocution (sir-kum-low-KYOO-shun). Evasiveness in speech or writing; the use of excess language to avoid saying something directly or truthfully; overblown and tedious writing or speech.
The use of CIRCUMLOCUTION can lengthen term papers and help students meet a predetermined word count or page requirement, but it can also often lead to lower grades.
synopsis (sih-NOP-sis). A condensed version of a text; an outline or summary of principal points.
The small paperback books that contain a SYNOPSIS of books high school students are supposed to read should never take the place of reading the assigned book.
ameliorate (uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt). To improve or upgrade; to make better or put right.
The ambassador’s midnight visit was the first step taken to AMELIORATE the poor relations between the two countries, and may actually have averted war.
amend (uh-MEND). To modify or update; to remove or correct faults; improve.
Representative Smith’s expertise surfaced when she was asked to AMEND the appropriations bill in various ways amenable to both parties.
expurgate (EK-spur-gayt). To purge sexually inappropriate, objectionable, or otherwise undesirable material prior to presentation.
For her parents’ benefit, Marina EXPURGATED stories related to the weekend she spent slumming in Greenwich Village.
pander (PAN-der). To indulge someone’s weaknesses or questionable wishes or tastes; to appeal to the worst in someone. To serve as a pimp.
The director refused to PANDER to the wishes of some of his greedy advisers, and he left the film PG so children could see it.
proscribe (pro-SKRIBE). To forbid or prohibit.
State law PROSCRIBES the keeping of wild animals as house pets.
aggrandize (uh-GRAN-dyz). To increase the size, scope, power, wealth, status, or influence of someone or something; to exaggerate, put on a false front, and make something look greater and grander than it really is.
Phil tries to AGGRANDIZE his reputation by stating that he belongs to the yacht club, but everybody just thinks this elaboration makes him pathetic.
augment (awg-MENT). To make greater in size, amount, strength, etc.
The contributions collected for the library addition were AUGMENTED by a large anonymous donation.
embellish (ihm-BEH-lish). To ornament and beautify; to improve in appearance by adornment; to exaggerate or add false details to facts.
Jim EMBELLISHED his tale of almost catching an elusive catfish until it began to resemble Ahab’s quest for the white whale.
quintessence (kwin-TESS-ehns). The pure, concentrated embodiment of something. In medieval philosophy, the fifth element after earth, air, fire, and water.
The announcer commented that those who competed in the triathlon were the QUINTESSENCE of speed, strength, and endurance.
(BRAYV), adjective
The characteristic of fearlessness in meeting danger or difficulty; having courage.
audacious (aw-DAY-shuss). Extremely bold; reckless; daring; adventurous; defiant in the face of convention.
His AUDACIOUS behavior at the family reunion shocked even his brothers and sisters.
dauntless (DAWNT-liss). Fearless, intrepid, and bold.
“For Thought has a pair of DAUNTLESS wings.” —Robert Frost, American poet
intrepid (in-TREP-id). Resolutely brave.
The INTREPID climber made her way down the icy mountain alone.
valorous (VAL-er-uss). Characterized by fearlessness and bravery, especially in battle.
My uncle’s office was filled with citations commemorating his many VALOROUS acts in World War II.
bravado (bruh-VAW-doe). Real or pretended display or courage; an open display of boldness.
The mayor’s swaggering attitude of BRAVADO was of little help when the town was finally attacked.
sangfroid (san-FWAH). The attitude or state of possessing a cool head and steadfast composure in the face of danger, adversity, or stressful situations.
The car crash shook him, but within seconds he recovered his SANGFROID and went to check on his driver.
pavid (PAV-id). Timid and fearful.
Charlie’s cat must have been abused as a kitten, because it sleeps with one PAVID eye open.
pusillanimous (pyoo-suh-LAN-ih-muss). Being mild or timid by nature; a shrinking violet; a person who seeks to avoid conflict, challenge, and danger.
L. Frank Baum’s most PUSILLANIMOUS fictional creation is the Cowardly Lion of Oz.
recreant (REHK-ree-ant). Craven; cowardly; crying for mercy.
Victory seemed likely because we were facing a reputedly RECREANT foe.
tremulous (TREHM-yuh-luss). Timid and fearful.
With TREMULOUS mien, Anthony asked Gwendolyn if she would consent to a joining of their families.
trepidation (trep-ih-DAY-shun). A state of fear or agitation.
At first, I approached the task of writing this book with some TREPIDATION.
(BURR-jin), verb
To sprout, to grow; to blossom and flourish.
efflorescent (ef-luh-RESS-ehnt). Describes something that has reached the final stage of its development or is at the peak of perfection.
Thomas is convinced that the Bugati Veyron Fbg represents the EFFLORESCENT automobile.
fervent (FUR-vuhnt). Showing great enthusiasm and intensity of spirit.
Packing up the family’s castoffs for myriad charities each December places Contessa in a FERVENT state.
germinal (JUHR-mih-nuhl). Related to the earliest stage of development.
Roland’s foray into art-buying is in its GERMINAL phase.
apotheosis (ah-paw-thee-OH-siss). The culmination or highest point.
Winning the Silver Gutter Award at his local bowling alley was the APOTHEOSIS of Wendell’s less-than-stellar sports legacy.
concupiscence (kon-KYOO-pih-sehns). Unbridled lust in the extreme—horniness.
“You’re talking to a young vampire, a fountain of CONCUPISCENCE.” —Mario Acevedo, American fantasy author
foment (foe-MENT). To rouse or incite.
“If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to FOMENT a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” —Abigail Adams, second First Lady of the United States
metastasize (meh-TASS-tih-syz). To spread harmfully from an original source, as with cancer cells.
Byron’s ugly nature quickly METASTASIZED in our group, as he spread lies and gossip among more and more of our social contacts.
entropy (EN-troh-pee). The tendency of any system to run down and revert to total chaos.
“Just as the constant increase of ENTROPY is the basic law of the universe, so it is the basic law of life to be ever more highly structured and to struggle against ENTROPY.” —Václav Havel, Czech playwright, writer, and politician