| abrade |
to rub away by friction; erode. |
| attrition |
a gradual erosion of strength or morale. |
| bifurcation |
the act or result of dividing into two branches, or the state of being so divided. |
| certitude |
the state, condition, or feeling of freedom from uncertainty or doubt. |
| complaisance |
willingness to please. |
| contagion |
the spreading of a disease by contact or close association. |
| counterpoint |
a method of composing or arranging music in which diverse but harmonious melodies are played at the same time. |
| decadence |
a decline into immorality; loss of moral values. |
| epigram |
a short, pithy, often paradoxical sentence. |
| evenhanded |
fair and impartial in the treatment of others; equitable. |
| fodder |
feed for farm animals, such as stalks of corn cut and mixed with hay. |
| frugality |
prudent or sparing use of resources, especially money. |
| intolerance |
inability or unwillingness to accept the existence or validity of opinions, beliefs, customs, and practices different from one's own. |
| plummet |
to fall sharply down, especially at high speed; plunge. |
| rhetoric |
the art, ability, or study of using language effectively in speech or writing, especially to influence or persuade one's audience. |