| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| cognoscente |
someone who has exceptional knowledge in a given area, especially of fashion, literature, or the fine arts; connoisseur. |
| dearth |
a shortage or scarcity of something; lack. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| forswear |
to give up or renounce, often with an oath or pledge. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| purvey |
to supply or provide (especially food, drink, or other provisions). |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |