| contrive |
to plan in a clever way; invent. |
| dirge |
a song or hymn for a funeral or memorial for the dead. |
| dote |
to have or show too much love or affection (usually followed by "on" or "upon"). |
| dub1 |
to name or call. |
| egoism |
the tendency to evaluate everything in relation to one's own interests; self-centeredness. |
| equestrian |
of or relating to horseback riding. |
| figurative |
not meant to be interpreted in a literal way; metaphorical. |
| flagrant |
exceptionally or glaringly noticeable. |
| fluctuate |
to vary or change irregularly; rise and fall. |
| gradation |
a gradual almost imperceptible change, especially from one tone or texture to another. |
| invoke |
to call out to (a god, muse, or the like) for help, support, protection, or inspiration. |
| leer |
to give a sideways or nasty look or smile suggestive of malicious or sexual thoughts. |
| opulent |
having or displaying wealth and luxury. |
| pert |
impudent or saucy. |
| venal |
capable of acting dishonestly or wrongly in return for money or the like; open to accepting bribes; corrupt. |