| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| atonement |
the act of making reparation for a sin, crime, error, or the like. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| contumacious |
stubbornly disobedient; insubordinate; rebellious. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| imprecation |
a curse, uttered or thought of. |
| indomitable |
too strong to be subdued or discouraged; unconquerable. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| maladroit |
not skillful; clumsy; tactless. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| plaudit |
(often plural) an enthusiastic show of approval, such as a round of applause or a very favorable review. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |