| belie |
to give a false impression of. |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| effete |
marked by excessive refinement or delicateness of taste. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| maladroit |
not skillful; clumsy; tactless. |
| prerogative |
an exclusive right or privilege derived from one's office, position, age, citizenship, birth, or the like. |
| quiescence |
a state of inaction, rest, or stillness; dormancy. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| syntax |
the word order or pattern of word order in a sentence. |