| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| disquisition |
a formal, often lengthy, oral or written discussion of a subject. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| gnomic |
short and pithy, as an aphorism. |
| heterodox |
deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. |
| impinge |
to encroach. |
| inanition |
a state of exhaustion caused by a lack of nourishment. |
| insularity |
the condition of being closed to new ideas or outside influences; narrow-mindedness. |
| irrefragable |
impossible to refute or dispute; undeniable. |
| lattice |
a flat framework made with strips of wood or other material. The strips cross each other and have open spaces in between. A lattice is often used as a screen on a porch or in a garden. |
| misanthrope |
someone who hates or distrusts humanity. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |