| abate |
to become less in amount or intensity. |
| clemency |
the inclination to be merciful or forgiving; leniency. |
| constrain |
to keep within tight restrictions; confine. |
| diminution |
the act, process, or result of decreasing or declining. |
| emulate |
to try to be the same as or better than (another person), especially by imitating. |
| ignoble |
of low or dishonorable character; contemptible. |
| impoverish |
to make poor; cause to live in poverty. |
| limbo1 |
(often capitalized) in theology, a place neither in heaven nor hell for souls neither saved nor condemned, such as those of unbaptized infants. |
| mandatory |
ordered; required; obligatory. |
| overweening |
particularly forward, vain, and self-promoting. |
| penance |
an act of punishment or self-discipline voluntarily undergone to show regret at having done something wrong. |
| persevere |
to continue steadfastly in a task or course of action or hold steadfastly to a belief or commitment, especially when met with opposition or difficulties; persist. |
| pertain |
to relate to or have to do with something. |
| transitory |
lasting for only a short time; brief. |
| viscous |
having an adhesive, gluey consistency that resists flow. |