| accolade |
an expression or mark of approval; honor; award. |
| ascendant |
moving upward; rising. |
| autocracy |
rule by one person with absolute power; despotism. |
| contention |
a point asserted in argument or debate. |
| deferential |
respectfully submissive to the desires, opinions, or judgments of others. |
| enigmatic |
puzzling, mysterious, or inexplicable. |
| ennui |
a general feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction, especially with all aspects of life. |
| forestall |
to prevent or hinder by taking action beforehand. |
| gouge |
a cut or hole made with something sharp. |
| infidelity |
unfaithfulness, especially to marital vows; adultery. |
| insubordinate |
unwilling to respect or submit to authority; disobedient. |
| monotone |
speech with little or no change in tone. |
| respite |
a period of rest, especially from something difficult or unpleasant. |
| tenuous |
having little substance, support, or significance; flimsy; weak. |
| tribulation |
severe suffering or affliction; distress. |