| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| gnomic |
short and pithy, as an aphorism. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |