| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| maunder |
to speak in an aimless or foolish way; babble. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |
| tamp |
to compress and pack tightly by repeated light taps. |