| attrition |
a gradual erosion of strength or morale. |
| avocation |
a secondary occupation, usually one pursued for recreation; hobby. |
| convulsion |
a violent, involuntary contraction of the muscles. |
| dehumanize |
to deprive of individuality, spirit, or other human qualities; render routine or mechanical. |
| depersonalize |
to cause to lose individual identity or characteristics. |
| discontinuity |
lack of coherence or logical sequence. |
| dogmatic |
asserting beliefs and opinions as though they were proven facts. |
| elaboration |
the act or an instance of adding explanatory material or detail, or the material or detail so added. |
| exemplar |
one worthy to be imitated or studied; model. |
| parable |
a very short story told to teach a moral or religious lesson. |
| penitent |
feeling or showing sorrow or regret for having done wrong. |
| pessimism |
the belief that events will turn out badly; tendency to expect the worst. |
| redolent |
suggesting or recalling (usually followed by "of"). |
| tenure |
the period of holding or possessing something. |
| vagrant |
one who lacks a permanent home and wanders from place to place; nomad; tramp. |