| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| crass |
lacking in sensitivity or refinement; crude. |
| deposition |
a sworn statement, usually in writing, for use as testimony by an absent witness in a court of law. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| imbroglio |
a difficult, confused, or complicated situation, often involving a misunderstanding, disagreement, or quarrel. |
| insipid |
having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |