| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| barrage |
a great number of things coming one after another very quickly. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| engender |
to create or give rise to. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| guttural |
articulated in the back of the mouth; velar. |
| imprimatur |
any official permission or sanction. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| indulgent |
gratifying, or being inclined to gratify or yield to others' wishes, especially rather than enforcing discipline or strictness. |
| interdict |
to deter or impede by the steady use of firepower. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |