| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| 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. |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |