| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| 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. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| flummox |
(informal) to confuse or puzzle. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| refulgent |
shining brilliantly; radiant. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |
| splenetic |
ill-tempered or spiteful. |