| aberration |
a deviation from what is considered normal or right; irregularity. |
| avow |
to assert or affirm. |
| disencumber |
to remove burdens or hindrances from. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| stately |
dignified. |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |
| symbiosis |
a close association, usually a mutually beneficial relationship, between two dissimilar organisms. |
| tort |
in law, any civil rather than criminal harm or injury that violates the implicit duty of each citizen not to harm others, and for which one may bring a civil suit and collect compensation. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |