| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| garrulous |
given to talking excessively. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| intransigence |
refusal to alter one's ideas or position in response to the wishes of others. |
| lenitive |
mitigating pain, discomfort, or distress; soothing. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| ostentation |
a showy display to impress others. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| reconnaissance |
the act or process of examining an area, especially to gain militarily useful information. |
| requite |
to retaliate for; strike back on account of. |