| apocryphal |
of dubious authorship or authority. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| cession |
the act of formally giving up or signing over, as a territory; ceding. |
| corollary |
a readily drawn conclusion; deduction or inference. |
| diurnal |
occurring or active during, or belonging to, the daytime rather than nighttime. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| effluvium |
an outflow of usually invisible, foul-smelling vapor or gas. |
| exceptionable |
likely to be objected to; objectionable. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| oppugn |
to oppose, contradict, criticize, or call into question. |
| transpose |
to exchange the position or order of (two things). |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |