| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| caparison |
decorative trappings to cover a horse's saddle or harness. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| conduction |
the transmission or transfer, as of heat, electrical charges, or nervous impulses, through a medium. |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| eidetic |
pertaining to or designating the ability to recall images in almost perfect detail. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| oligarchy |
a government or state in which only a relatively few people or members of a family have real power. |
| sanguine |
having an optimistic temperament or outlook. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |