| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| caste |
the status conferred by the class to which one belongs. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| indemnity |
insurance against damage, loss, or liability. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |