| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| idiosyncrasy |
a characteristic of temperament, habit, or physical structure particular to a given individual or group; peculiarity. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| jejune |
lacking interest or liveliness; dull. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| malingerer |
one who pretends to be ill or injured, especially in order to avoid work or duty. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| reprise |
repetition of a musical phrase or theme in an identical or slightly altered way. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| stately |
dignified. |