| contention |
a point asserted in argument or debate. |
| dysfunctional |
of a relationship, family, or social group, not working normally or in a way beneficial to all. |
| efficacy |
the ability to produce desired results; effectiveness. |
| eloquence |
skill or ability to use language that impresses or persuades. |
| ferment |
a state of upset or fast change. |
| inane |
devoid of meaning or substance; nonsensical. |
| infelicity |
the quality or condition of being inappropriate, or unfortunate in the given circumstances. |
| inimical |
having or tending to have a bad effect; harmful or adverse. |
| parry |
to deflect or knock aside (a blow or stroke), as with one's weapon in fencing. |
| peevish |
irritable or easily annoyed; ill-tempered. |
| pejorative |
acting or tending to create a negative impression; disparaging; demeaning. |
| ribald |
characterized by or using rude, coarse, or vulgar language or humor. |
| schism |
a division into factions with opposing beliefs, especially in a Christian church. |
| vacuous |
characterized by lack of intelligence or serious intent; devoid of ideas or emotion. |
| volatile |
rapidly changeable, especially tending to become violent. |