| broach |
to suggest or mention for the first time; bring up. |
| captious |
inclined to petty criticism; faultfinding. |
| conservationist |
a person who promotes and encourages preservation, especially of natural resources. |
| crux |
an essential, basic, crucial, or pivotal point. |
| dialectical |
of or using logical analysis or argument that reveals and resolves opposing ideas or contradictions. |
| expatriate |
one who has gone into exile from or renounced allegiance to his or her native land. |
| fitful |
occurring at irregular intervals. |
| grievous |
causing emotional or physical suffering; painful. |
| philanthropist |
one who engages in charitable activities. |
| prescriptive |
that prescribes; setting down rules. |
| presumptuous |
excessively bold or forward. |
| rabid |
extreme in opinion or action; fanatical. |
| refractory |
obstinately disobedient; difficult to control, as a child or animal. |
| retard |
to cause (growth, development, or the like) to be slow or incomplete; stunt. |
| stoical |
showing little or no emotion in reaction to painful or pleasant experiences. |