| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| consternation |
surprise and alarm, leading to panic, deep disappointment, or total confusion. |
| delectation |
enjoyment; delight; pleasure. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| fungible |
interchangeable. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| guru |
in a cult or religious movement, a spiritual guide or leader, sometimes believed to be divine. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| phlegmatic |
not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |