| ambidextrous |
able to use both the left and right hands with equal skill. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| innocuous |
not capable of causing damage; harmless. |
| jubilate |
to feel joyful; rejoice; exult. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| magnum opus |
a great work of art, literature, or music, especially a particular person's masterpiece. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| stative |
in grammar, of or designating a category of verbs that express state or condition. |