| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| cravat |
a scarf or band of cloth tied loosely about the neck. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| redoubtable |
inspiring fear; formidable. |
| salvo |
the firing of guns or other firearms simultaneously or in succession, especially as a salute. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |