| demotic |
of or relating to the common people; popular. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| deracinate |
to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; isolate; exile. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| electuary |
a drug mixed with honey, syrup, or the like to form a paste to be smeared on the teeth or gums of a sick animal. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| impute |
to ascribe or attribute to a source or cause. |
| insouciant |
having no cares or anxieties; light-hearted; carefree. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| shunt |
to turn or move aside or out of the way; divert. |