| abut |
to adjoin or press against; be next to; border on. |
| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| 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. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| facsimile |
an exact copy or duplicate of something printed or of a picture. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| gossamer |
delicately fine, gauzelike, or filmy. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |