| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| epigraph |
a pertinent quotation or motto, especially found at the beginning of a literary work or of a chapter. |
| euphoria |
a strong feeling of well-being or elation, sometimes unrealistic or unwarranted, and able to be induced by certain drugs. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| extort |
to extract or obtain (money or the like) by force, threats, or abuse of authority. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| heinous |
extremely wicked or despicable; atrocious. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| stochastic |
of, or arising from chance or probability. |