| dysfunctional |
of a relationship, family, or social group, not working normally or in a way beneficial to all. |
| fluency |
the ability to speak or write smoothly and easily in another language. |
| garish |
marked by excessive or tasteless color or decoration; gaudy; flashy. |
| gnarl |
to knot or twist. |
| indefatigable |
persisting tirelessly; untiring. |
| jingoism |
aggressive nationalism and patriotism, especially as directed against foreign countries. |
| pastoral |
of or relating to the country or country life; rural. |
| provisional |
adopted on a temporary or tentative basis until something permanent is established; conditional. |
| rostrum |
a raised platform or dais for public speaking. |
| simile |
a figure of speech in which two different things are compared by using the words "like" or "as." "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" is an example of a simile. |
| singe |
to burn slightly on the surface, end, or edge. |
| splice |
to join (two pieces of film, tape, or similar things) at the ends. |
| stark |
in all respects; total; extreme. |
| untimely |
not occurring at a convenient or appropriate time; poorly timed. |
| vogue |
a popular fashion or style. |