| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| aggregate |
a sum, combination, or composite of separable elements. |
| aleatory |
pertaining to or depending on luck, chance, or contingency. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| dissemble |
to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |