| bulwark |
a wall or wall-like structure, often made of earth and used for defense; rampart. |
| connoisseur |
a person with the experience, expertise, and sense of appreciation to make informed judgments in a fine art or in matters of taste. |
| dysfunctional |
of a relationship, family, or social group, not working normally or in a way beneficial to all. |
| efficacy |
the ability to produce desired results; effectiveness. |
| forbearance |
the act or capability of refraining or holding back. |
| ineffectual |
incapable of acting effectively. |
| intercede |
to act as a mediator in a dispute or disagreement. |
| magnitude |
size or extent. |
| overweening |
particularly forward, vain, and self-promoting. |
| pedantry |
the act or practice, or an instance, of flaunting one's learnedness or of being overly insistent on scholarly formalities or details. |
| problematic |
presenting difficulties or causing doubt; questionable. |
| pundit |
an authoritative, or purportedly authoritative, commentator or critic. |
| restitution |
the payment of money in order to compensate for damage, loss, or injury. |
| rhapsody |
a musical composition having an irregular form suggesting improvisation. |
| whimsical |
characterized by or resulting from a sudden desire or fancy. |