| asceticism |
self-discipline and self-denial as a means of spiritual improvement. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| descry |
to see or make out, especially something obscured or at a distance. |
| 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. |
| dissimulate |
to hide one's true feelings, intentions, or the like by pretense or hypocrisy. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| incredulous |
not able to believe something. |
| lachrymose |
weeping, tending to weep readily, or being on the point of tears; tearful. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| peroration |
the concluding part of a speech in which there is a summing up of the principal points. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |