| boudoir |
a woman's private sitting room or bedroom. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| granulate |
to make into small particles or grains. |
| macrocosm |
a large unit or entity that represents on a large scale one of its smaller components. |
| misfeasance |
a normally lawful act performed in an unlawful way. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |
| parvenu |
a person who has suddenly acquired wealth or status, without acquiring the tastes, manners, customs, or the like of his or her new station. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| travesty |
something so grotesque or inferior as to seem a parody. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |