| acumen |
superior insight; quickness and shrewdness of judgment, especially in practical matters. |
| allude |
to mention (usually followed by "to"). |
| brusque |
impolitely abrupt in speech or actions; curt. |
| coda |
a passage that brings a musical composition to a conclusion. |
| demure |
quiet, shy, modest, or reserved in manner. |
| despot |
a ruler who has complete power and authority. |
| exigency |
a condition of urgency. |
| generalize |
to come to a broad idea or rule about something after considering particular facts. |
| ideology |
the body of beliefs, symbols, and political and social aims that characterizes a particular group or institution. |
| insufferable |
incapable of being tolerated or endured; unbearable. |
| malediction |
the expression of a wish that evil or harm come to someone; curse. |
| sophomoric |
displaying intellectual pretentiousness or proud confidence about one's knowledge when actually poorly informed or immature. |
| undermine |
to gradually, secretly, or imperceptibly weaken and destroy. |
| veneer |
a superficial outward appearance or show. |
| veritable |
true; authentic; real. |