| abysmal |
of vast extent; unmeasurable; extreme. |
| antebellum |
in or of the period prior to a war, especially the American Civil War. |
| austerity |
a tightened or stringent economy, as when there are high taxes, frozen wages, and shortages of consumer goods. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| decedent |
in law, one who has died. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| pneumatic |
of, using, or concerning air or other gases. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| remonstrate |
to say in opposition, protest, or objection. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| stentorian |
extremely loud and powerful. |