| abrade |
to rub away by friction; erode. |
| bigot |
one who is prejudiced against and intolerant of any group or belief that is not his or her own, especially religious, racial, or ethnic. |
| chauvinist |
one who has a biased belief in the superiority of one's own sex over the other. |
| disconcert |
to upset the calm or self-assurance of; ruffle. |
| empirical |
based on or verifiable by experience or experiment, rather than on or by theory. |
| exemplify |
to serve as an illustration of. |
| expendable |
considered able to be replaced, given up, or sacrificed. |
| histrionic |
done in a theatrical, emotional, or affected manner; overly dramatic. |
| interpose |
to insert (a comment, question, criticism, or the like) in the course of a conversation or speech. |
| meditative |
disposed to, marked by, or indicating contemplation or reflection; deeply thoughtful. |
| ponderous |
heavily labored and dull. |
| refractory |
obstinately disobedient; difficult to control, as a child or animal. |
| rudiment |
(often plural) something in an initial, imperfect, or undeveloped form. |
| suborn |
to induce (someone) to commit a crime or other corrupt deed. |
| virtuoso |
a person who demonstrates exceptional ability, style, or skill, especially in music. |