| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| disingenuous |
not candid or sincere. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| extempore |
without plan or preparation; impromptu or improvised. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| impromptu |
without advance plan or preparation; spontaneously. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| intersperse |
to place or scatter among other things. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| unscathed |
not hurt or harmed; completely uninjured. |