| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| antediluvian |
hopelessly old-fashioned; primitive; outdated. |
| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| coeval |
coinciding in time of origin or existence; contemporary. |
| 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. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| gullible |
believing almost anything; easily tricked. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| pelf |
money or wealth, usually regarded with disapproval or contempt. |
| preferment |
the act of promoting or being promoted to a higher position or office. |
| trabeated |
using horizontal beams or lintels as supports instead of arches. |