| aggrandize |
to make, or cause to appear, grander in wealth, stature, power, or influence; exalt. |
| allusion |
an indirect reference to or mention of something. |
| coercive |
using threats, intimidation, or force to persuade or pressure someone to do something. |
| crony |
a close friend or ally (often used pejoratively). |
| diminution |
the act, process, or result of decreasing or declining. |
| equanimity |
the quality of remaining calm, serene, or unruffled, especially under stress; composure. |
| evocative |
tending or able to call forth images, memories, feelings, and the like. |
| exodus |
the leaving of large numbers of people. |
| insubstantial |
lacking firmness or solidity; slight. |
| motif |
a distinct formal unit such as a design, theme, or musical phrase that may repeat in, dominate, characterize, or be a prominent feature of an aesthetic or decorative work. |
| obtuse |
not keen or quick to notice, feel, or comprehend; dull or insensitive. |
| provincial |
limited in outlook; narrow-minded. |
| schism |
a division into factions with opposing beliefs, especially in a Christian church. |
| severance |
the act, process, or result of breaking off or separating. |
| shard |
a piece of a broken object, especially a fragment of pottery or glass. |