| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| deadeye |
an expert shooter. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| distraught |
mentally or emotionally unbalanced; crazed. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| impediment |
an obstacle or hindrance. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |