| alcove |
a partly enclosed area of a room. |
| cogent |
convincing, or compelling by virtue of a strong argument or clear presentation. |
| connoisseur |
a person with the experience, expertise, and sense of appreciation to make informed judgments in a fine art or in matters of taste. |
| curtail |
to make shorter; cut off part of. |
| diffidence |
reticence; shyness. |
| forbearance |
the act or capability of refraining or holding back. |
| hedonistic |
adhering to or characterized by the principle that pleasure should be the primary aim in life. |
| inopportune |
occurring at an undesirable or unreasonable time. |
| penance |
an act of punishment or self-discipline voluntarily undergone to show regret at having done something wrong. |
| pugnacious |
ready or eager to fight; overly aggressive or quarrelsome. |
| qualm |
a feeling of guilt or doubt. |
| resurrection |
a return to life after death. |
| rivulet |
a tiny stream or brook; trickle. |
| stark |
in all respects; total; extreme. |
| temperamental |
changeable as to mood, nature, operability, or the like; unpredictable. |