| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| dawdle |
to waste time; be slow. |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |