| affidavit |
a written statement that is sworn in the presence of an authorized official to be true, used as legal evidence. |
| colloquialism |
a word or phrase typically used in conversational, informal, or regional speech or writing, hence sometimes considered inappropriate in formal writing. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| inadvertent |
not planned or intended; unintentional. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| neophyte |
a beginner or novice at any activity. |
| nonplus |
to cause (someone) to be unable to think of what to say, do, or decide; perplex; bewilder. |
| occlude |
to close or obstruct (a passage or opening, one's vision, or the like). |
| periphrasis |
an indirect or roundabout way of phrasing something; circumlocution. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |