| aplomb |
great self-confidence, composure, or poise. |
| attune |
to adjust so as to be harmonious. |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| curmudgeon |
an irritable or ill-tempered person. |
| elide |
to leave out or slur, as a syllable or letter, in pronunciation. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| stipple |
a method of painting, drawing, or engraving by applying small points, dots, or dabs to a surface. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |