| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| obscurantism |
a deliberate lack of clarity or directness of expression, as in certain styles of art or literature. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |