| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| bibulous |
addicted to alcohol; alcoholic. |
| debouch |
to advance out of a confined or narrow space such as a canyon into open country. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| fixation |
an obsession, especially one that interferes with normal functioning. |
| foible |
a minor flaw or weakness in personality, character, or behavior. |
| gloaming |
late evening; dusk; twilight. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| 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. |
| pedagogy |
the act, process, or profession of teaching. |
| pleonasm |
a redundant word, phrase, or expression. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |