| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| chary |
not dispensing freely. |
| daunt |
to lessen the determination of; intimidate; discourage. |
| dilatory |
used to cause a delay. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| feckless |
weak or incompetent; ineffective. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| halcyon |
tranquil; peaceful; calm. |
| immaculate |
not dirty; completely clean. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |