| adage |
an old familiar saying that shows the wisdom of a group of people; proverb. |
| backfire |
to have results that are the opposite of what one wanted. |
| delineate |
to describe or portray in precise or vivid detail. |
| expedient |
suitable or advantageous for the purpose or in the circumstances. |
| felon1 |
a person who has committed a serious crime, such as murder, rape, or burglary, as opposed to a misdemeanor. |
| grandeur |
the quality of being majestic or splendid. |
| inglorious |
bringing shame or disgrace; shameful; dishonorable. |
| inimical |
having or tending to have a bad effect; harmful or adverse. |
| leaven |
to produce fermentation in (dough or batter), consequently causing the dough or batter to rise in the process of baking. |
| pejorative |
acting or tending to create a negative impression; disparaging; demeaning. |
| penurious |
extremely needy or poor; poverty-stricken. |
| placate |
to calm down and make less angry, especially by appeasement; conciliate; pacify. |
| replenish |
to make complete or full again; refill. |
| skepticism |
distrust or disbelief, or a general tendency to doubt and question. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |