| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| alfresco |
in the open air; outdoors. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| lupine2 |
fierce; greedy. |
| parlous |
full of dangers or risks; perilous. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| supine |
lying with the face upward. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |