| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| belie |
to give a false impression of. |
| canny |
difficult to fool or take advantage of; shrewd; wary; clever. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| picayune |
having little value or significance; small; paltry. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |
| revetment |
a facing of stone, masonry, or the like to support or protect a wall, embankment, or mound of earth. |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |