| contortion |
a straining or twisting by the intellect; mental gymnastics. |
| decorum |
properness of behavior, manner, appearance, or the like; dignity; propriety. |
| homogeneous |
having all parts of the same or a similar type. |
| mainstay |
the main support of something. |
| offhand |
done without thinking or preparing ahead of time. |
| pernicious |
having a very harmful or fatal effect; injurious, deadly, or destructive. |
| polemic |
an emphatic statement of a controversial viewpoint, usually criticizing or refuting an existing position. |
| predecessor |
a person who holds a position or job before another person. |
| refractory |
obstinately disobedient; difficult to control, as a child or animal. |
| sheaf |
a bound bundle of cut grain. |
| simultaneously |
at the very same time. |
| sporadic |
occurring irregularly or in a thinly scattered manner in time or space. |
| stalwart |
steady and loyal; reliable. |
| suffice |
to meet the needs, goals, or the like of; be adequate for. |
| vie |
to compete with another for victory, superiority, or the like (usually followed by "for"). |