| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| assuage |
to make less severe or more bearable; alleviate. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| banal |
lacking originality or liveliness; disappointingly ordinary; commonplace; trite. |
| blithe |
indifferent or casual; unconcerned. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| consummate |
of the highest order or degree. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| hirsute |
covered with hair or stiff hairs; hairy or shaggy. |
| 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. |
| recessional |
a piece of music that accompanies the exit of participants in a program or religious ceremony. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |
| shibboleth |
a slogan, phrase, or belief that characterizes or is held devotedly by a group. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| veneration |
a feeling of great respect; awe; reverence. |