| absolve |
to free from consequences, blame, or guilt. |
| appease |
to cause to become calmer by meeting demands. |
| backwater |
any place that is seen as primitive, unchanging, or stagnant. |
| counterpoint |
a method of composing or arranging music in which diverse but harmonious melodies are played at the same time. |
| disquiet |
lack of mental calm or peace; anxiety; uneasiness. |
| invoke |
to call out to (a god, muse, or the like) for help, support, protection, or inspiration. |
| pittance |
a contemptibly small portion, amount, or payment. |
| posterity |
all generations to come. |
| receptive |
open and willing to accommodate new thoughts and ideas. |
| retribution |
repayment for one's actions, especially punishment for evil. |
| trite |
ineffective or stale because of frequent repetition; commonplace; hackneyed. |
| unseemly |
not in accord with accepted social standards; improper; indecorous. |
| waif |
a child without a home or friends. |
| witticism |
a clever, often perceptive joke, insult, or saying. |
| wizened |
shriveled or dried up. |