| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| convoluted |
complex; intricate. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| discountenance |
to embarrass or disconcert. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| luminary |
a famous, important, or inspirational person. |
| malapropism |
the humorous or ridiculous misuse of a word, especially by using a word that sounds similar to the correct word, but whose meaning is inappropriate. |
| paroxysm |
a sudden strong outburst of feelings or actions. |
| stately |
dignified. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |