| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| apprehensive |
feeling fearful about future events. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| effrontery |
shameless impudence; insolence. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| impermeable |
not permitting passage or penetration. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| recrudesce |
to become active again or break out anew, as a disease or harmful condition. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| welter |
to roll about or wallow, as in mud or the open sea. |