| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| constrict |
to pull or squeeze in; make smaller or more narrow; tighten. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| corollary |
a readily drawn conclusion; deduction or inference. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| devolve |
of a duty or the like, to be passed on to someone else. |
| doyen |
the senior or highest-ranking male member of a group. |
| emote |
to express or simulate feelings, especially in an exaggerated or theatrical manner. |
| equipoise |
a state of balance or equal weight, importance, or the like; equilibrium. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| scabrous |
characterized by a rough or scaly surface, as the leaf of a plant. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |
| stative |
in grammar, of or designating a category of verbs that express state or condition. |