| allegory |
in art or literature, the use of concrete characters, events, or things, to represent abstract qualities or ideas, often to make a point about good and evil. |
| assimilate |
to adapt and conform. |
| benevolent |
desiring to do good for others; generous. |
| canvass |
to conduct a survey of; poll. |
| castigation |
the act of rebuking, severely criticizing, or punishing, especially in a public forum. |
| circuitous |
having or taking a long and winding course or procedure; roundabout; indirect. |
| circumscribe |
to keep within bounds; confine; restrict. |
| colloquial |
characteristic of or suited to informal or familiar conversation or to writing that is imitative of conversational tone. |
| dub1 |
to name or call. |
| grassroots |
originating with or operating among the common people. |
| interlude |
a pause, space, or event that intervenes; interval. |
| pejorative |
acting or tending to create a negative impression; disparaging; demeaning. |
| recession1 |
a period of reduced or declining economic activity. |
| ribald |
characterized by or using rude, coarse, or vulgar language or humor. |
| speculative |
of, pertaining to, or based on conjecture or theorizing. |