Acumen-keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters
the rest (http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/mwwod.pl)

Conundrum-a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun
2 a : a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b : an intricate and difficult problem

caveat-Latin, let him beware, from cavEre -- more at HEAR
1 a : a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices b : an explanation to prevent misinterpretation c : a modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something
2 : a legal warning to a judicial officer to suspend a proceeding until the opposition has a hearing

ilk-Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ilca, from a prehistoric compound whose constituents are akin respectively to Gothic is he (akin to Latin is he, that) and Old English gelIc like -- more at ITERATE, LIKE
chiefly Scottish : SAME -- used with that especially in the names of landed families

innocuous
1: producing no injury : HARMLESS
2 : not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility : INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID

Insipid
Function: adjective
Etymology: French & Late Latin; French insipide, from Late Latin insipidus, from Latin in- + sapidus savory, from sapere to taste -- more at SAGE
1 : lacking taste or savor : TASTELESS
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : DULL, FLAT
- in·si·pid·i·ty /"in-s&-'pi-d&-tE/ noun
- in·sip·id·ly /in-'si-p&d-lE/ adverb
synonyms INSIPID, VAPID, FLAT, JEJUNE, BANAL, INANE mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character. INSIPID implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest <an insipid romance with platitudes on every page>. VAPID suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit <an exciting story given a vapid treatment>. FLAT applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest <although well-regarded in its day, the novel now seems flat>. JEJUNE suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance <a jejune and gassy speech>. BANAL stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy <a banal tale of unrequited love>. INANE implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality <an inane interpretation of the play>.

Jejune
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin jejunus empty of food, hungry, meager
1 : lacking nutritive value <jejune diets>
2 : devoid of significance or interest : DULL <jejune lectures>
3 : JUVENILE, PUERILE <jejune reflections on life and art>

Puerile
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Latin; French puéril, from Latin puerilis, from puer boy, child; akin to Sanskrit putra son, child and perhaps to Greek pais boy, child -- more at FEW
1 : JUVENILE
2 : CHILDISH, SILLY <puerile remarks>

Unruly
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English unreuly, from un- + reuly disciplined, from reule rule
: not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed <an unruly crowd> <a mane of unruly hair>
- un·rul·i·ness noun
synonyms UNRULY, UNGOVERNABLE, INTRACTABLE, REFRACTORY, RECALCITRANT, WILLFUL, HEADSTRONG mean not submissive to government or control. UNRULY implies lack of discipline or incapacity for discipline and often connotes waywardness or turbulence of behavior <unruly children>. UNGOVERNABLE implies either an escape from control or guidance or a state of being unsubdued and incapable of controlling oneself or being controlled by others <ungovernable rage>. INTRACTABLE suggests stubborn resistance to guidance or control <intractable opponents of the hazardous-waste dump>. REFRACTORY stresses resistance to attempts to manage or to mold <special schools for refractory children>. RECALCITRANT suggests determined resistance to or defiance of authority <acts of sabotage by a recalcitrant populace>. WILLFUL implies an obstinate determination to have one's own way <a willful disregard for the rights of others>. HEADSTRONG suggests self-will impatient of restraint, advice, or suggestion <a headstrong young cavalry officer>.

obelisk
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French obelisque, from Latin obeliscus, from Greek obeliskos, from diminutive of obelos
1 : an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid

superfluous
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin superfluus, literally, running over, from superfluere to overflow, from super- + fluere to flow -- more at FLUID
1 a : exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : EXTRA b : not needed : UNNECESSARY
2 obsolete : marked by wastefulness : EXTRAVAGANT

faculty
Middle English faculte, from Middle French faculté, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin facultat-, facultas branch of learning or teaching, from Latin, ability, abundance, from facilis facile
1 : ABILITY, POWER: as a : innate or acquired ability to act or do b : an inherent capability, power, or function <the faculty of hearing> c : any of the powers of the mind formerly held by psychologists to form a basis for the explanation of all mental phenomena d : natural aptitude <has a faculty for saying the right things>
2 a : a branch of teaching or learning in an educational institution b archaic : something in which one is trained or qualified
3 a : the members of a profession b : the teaching and administrative staff and those members of the administration having academic rank in an educational institution c faculty plural : faculty members <many faculty were present>
4 : power, authority, or prerogative given or conferred

aptitude
Middle English, from Medieval Latin aptitudo, from Late Latin, fitness, from Latin aptus
1 a : INCLINATION, TENDENCY b : a natural ability : TALENT
2 : capacity for learning : APTNESS
3 : general suitability

serendipity
from its possession by the heroes of the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip
: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for

recusant
refusing to submit to authority

Example sentence:
Several recusant senators refused to vote along party lines.

Did you know?
In 1534, Henry VIII of England declared himself the head of the Church of England, separating it from the Roman Catholic Church, and the resultant furor led to increased attention focused on people's religious observances. A "recusant" was someone who (from about 1570-1791) refused to attend services of the Church of England, and therefore violated the laws of mandatory church attendance. The word derives from the Latin verb "recusare," meaning "reject" or "oppose." The adjective "recusant" has been in use since the early 17th century. Originally, it meant "refusing to attend the services of the Church of England," but by the century's end, both the adjective and the noun were also being used generally to suggest resistance to authority of any form.

comitia
any of several public assemblies of the people in ancient Rome for legislative, judicial, and electoral purposes

rhetoric
Etymology: Middle English rethorik, from Middle French rethorique, from Latin rhetorica, from Greek rhEtorikE, literally, art of oratory, from feminine of rhEtorikos of an orator, from rhEtOr orator, rhetorician, from eirein to say, speak -- more at WORD
1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion
2 a : skill in the effective use of speech b : a type or mode of language or speech; also : insincere or grandiloquent language
3 : verbal communication : DISCOURSE

ardor
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English ardour, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin ardor burning, heat, ardor, from aridus dry -- more at ARID
1 a : an often restless or transitory warmth of feeling <the sudden ardors of youth> b : extreme vigor or energy : INTENSITY c : ZEAL d : LOYALTY
2 : sexual excitement
synonym see PASSION

serendipity
from its possession by the heroes of the Persian fairy tale The Three Princes of Serendip
: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for


My favorite:)

randy
adjective
Etymology: probably from obsolete rand to rant
1 chiefly Scottish : having a coarse manner
2 : LUSTFUL, LECHEROUS

lechery
noun
: inordinate indulgence in sexual activity :
lecher
Middle English lechour, from Old French lecheor, from lechier to lick, live in debauchery, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German leckOn to lick -- more at LICK
: a man who engages in lechery

dissolute
adjective
Etymology: Latin dissolutus, from past participle of dissolvere to loosen, dissolve
: lacking restraint; especially : marked by indulgence in things (as drink or promiscuous sex) deemed vices <the dissolute and degrading aspects of human nature -- Wallace Fowlie>
- dis·so·lute·ly adverb
- dis·so·lute·ness noun

inordinate
from in- + ordinatus, past participle of ordinare to arrange -- more at ORDAIN
1 archaic : DISORDERLY, UNREGULATED
2 : exceeding reasonable limits : IMMODERATE
ordain
from Latin, to put in order, appoint, from ordin-, ordo order
transitive senses
1 : to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority
2 a : to establish or order by appointment, decree

profligate
Latin profligatus, from past participle of profligare to strike down, from pro- forward, down + -fligare (akin to fligere to strike); akin to Greek phlibein to squeeze
1 : completely given up to dissipation and licentiousness
2 : wildly extravagant : PRODIGAL
prodigal
Latin prodigus, from prodigere to drive away, squander, from pro-, prod- forth + agere to drive -- more at PRO-, AGENT
1 : recklessly extravagant
2 : characterized by wasteful expenditure : LAVISH
dissipation
the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated : a : DISPERSION, DIFFUSION b archaic : DISSOLUTION, DISINTEGRATION c : wasteful expenditure d : intemperate living; especially : excessive drinking
2 : an act of self-indulgence; especially : one that is not harmful : AMUSEMENT
licentious
lacking legal or moral restraints; especially : disregarding sexual restraints
2 : marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness

eclectic
from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather -- more at LEGEND
1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : HETEROGENEOUS

French, false
: IMITATION, ERSATZ <faux marble>
ersatz
adjective
Etymology: German ersatz-, from Ersatz, n., substitute
: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation <ersatz turf> <ersatz intellectuals>

Faustian
of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting Faust; especially : made or done for present gain without regard for future cost or consequences <a Faustian bargain>

lascivious
adjective
Etymology: Late Latin lasciviosus, from Latin lascivia wantonness, from lascivus wanton -- more at LUST
: LEWD, LUSTFUL
wanton
Middle English, from wan- deficient, wrong, mis- (from Old English, from wan deficient) + towen, past participle of teen to draw, train, discipline, from Old English tEon -- more at TOW
1 a archaic : hard to control : UNDISCIPLINED, UNRULY b : playfully mean or cruel : MISCHIEVOUS
2 a : LEWD, BAWDY b : causing sexual excitement :

remiss
Middle English, from Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax
1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : CARELESS
2 : showing neglect or inattention : LAX

titillation
Latin titillatus, past participle of titillare
transitive senses
1 : to excite pleasurably : arouse by stimulation
2 : TICKLE
intransitive senses : to act as a stimulant to pleasurable excitement

fiasco
French, from Italian, from fare fiasco, literally, to make a bottle
: a complete failure

trite
adjective
Inflected Form(s): trit·er; trit·est
Etymology: Latin tritus, from past participle of terere to rub, wear away -- more at THROW
: hackneyed or boring from much use : not fresh or original
TRITE, HACKNEYED, STEREOTYPED, THREADBARE mean lacking the freshness that evokes attention or interest. TRITE applies to a once effective phrase or idea spoiled from long familiarity <"you win some, you lose some" is a trite expression>. HACKNEYED stresses being worn out by overuse so as to become dull and meaningless <all of the metaphors and images in the poem are hackneyed>. STEREOTYPED implies falling invariably into the same pattern or form <views of minorities that are stereotyped and out-of-date>. THREADBARE applies to what has been used until its possibilities of interest have been totally exhausted <a mystery novel with a threadbare plot>.

escrow
Middle French escroue scroll -- more at SCROLL
1 : a deed, a bond, money, or a piece of property held in trust by a third party to be turned over to the grantee only upon fulfillment of a condition
2 : a fund or deposit designed to serve as an escrow
- in escrow : in trust as an escrow <had $1000 in escrow to pay taxes>

rapacious
adjective
Etymology: Latin rapac-, rapax, from rapere to seize -- more at RAPID
1 : excessively grasping or covetous
2 : living on prey
3 : RAVENOUS
synonym see VORACIOUS

maritime
adjective
Etymology: Latin maritimus, from mare
1 : of, relating to, or bordering on the sea <a maritime province>
2 : of or relating to navigation or commerce on the sea
3 : having the characteristics of a mariner

absolve
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ab·solved; ab·solv·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin absolvere, from ab- + solvere to loosen -- more at SOLVE
1 : to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
2 : to remit (a sin) by absolution
remit
verb
Inflected Form(s): re·mit·ted; re·mit·ting
Etymology: Middle English remitten, from Latin remittere to send back, from re- + mittere to send
transitive senses
1 a : to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b : to desist from (an activity) c : to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : RELAX
2 a : to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b : to refrain from exacting <remit a tax> c : to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the penalty> d : to give relief from (suffering)
3 : to submit or refer for consideration, judgment, decision, or action; specifically : REMAND
4 : to restore or consign to a former status or condition
5 : POSTPONE, DEFER
6 : to send (money) to a person or place especially in payment of a demand, account, or draft
intransitive senses
1 a : to abate in force or intensity : MODERATE b of a disease or abnormality : to abate symptoms for a period

lute
a stringed instrument having a large pear-shaped body, a vaulted back, a fretted fingerboard, and a head with tuning pegs which is often angled backward from the neck

abstruse
adjective
Etymology: Latin abstrusus, from past participle of abstrudere to conceal, from abs-, ab- + trudere to push -- more at THREAT
: difficult to comprehend : RECONDITE <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians>
recondite
adjective
Etymology: Latin reconditus, past participle of recondere to conceal, from re- + condere to store up, from com- + -dere to put -- more at COM-, DO
1 : hidden from sight : CONCEALED
2 : difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend : DEEP <a recondite subject>
3 : of, relating to, or dealing with something little known or obscure <recondite fact about the origin of the holiday -- Floyd Dell>

Saturnine
adjective
1 : born under or influenced astrologically by the planet Saturn
2 a : cold and steady in mood : slow to act or change b : of a gloomy or surly disposition c : having a sardonic aspect <a saturnine smile>
sardonic
adjective
Etymology: French sardonique, from Greek sardonios
: disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a sardonic comment> <his sardonic expression>
surly
adjective
Inflected Form(s): sur·li·er; -est
Etymology: alteration of Middle English sirly lordly, imperious, from sir
1 obsolete : ARROGANT, IMPERIOUS
2 : irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : CRABBED
3 : menacing or threatening in appearance <surly weather>
sullen
adjective
Etymology: Middle English solain solitary, probably from (assumed) Anglo-French solein, alteration of Old French soltain, from Late Latin solitaneus private, ultimately from Latin solus alone
1 a : gloomily or resentfully silent or repressed b : suggesting a sullen state : LOWERING
2 : dull or somber in sound or color
3 : DISMAL, GLOOMY
4 : moving sluggishly
- sul·len·ly adverb

odious
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French odieus, from Latin odiosus, from odium
: exciting or deserving hatred or repugnance <odious associates> <an odious business>

muse
verb
Inflected Form(s): mused; mus·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French muser to gape, idle, muse, from muse mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus
intransitive senses
1 : to become absorbed in thought; especially : to turn something over in the mind meditatively and often inconclusively
2 archaic : WONDER, MARVEL
transitive senses : to think or say reflectively
synonym see PONDER
- mus·er noun

endearing
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to make higher in cost, value, or estimation
2 : to cause to become beloved or admired
transitive
adjective
Etymology: Late Latin transitivus, from Latin transitus, past participle of transire
1 : characterized by having or containing a direct object <a transitive verb> <a transitive construction>
2 : being or relating to a relation with the property that if the relation holds between a first element and a second and between the second element and a third, it holds between the first and third elements <equality is a transitive relation>
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by transition

slovenly
adjective
Text: 1 negligent of or marked by lack of neatness and order especially in appearance or dress <slovenly attire>
Synonyms careless, disheveled, ill-kempt, messy, mussy, raunchy, slipshod, slobbery, ||slommacky, sloppy, sloven, uncombed, unfastidious, unkempt, unneat, untidy; compare

disheveled
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): di·shev·eled or di·shev·elled; di·shev·el·ing or di·shev·el·ling /-'she-v(&-)li[ng]/
Etymology: back-formation from disheveled
: to throw into disorder or disarray
slatternly
adjective
Text: being habitually untidy and very dirty especially in dress or appearance <a filthy, slatternly old woman>
Synonyms blowsy, dowdy, draggletailed, frowsy, slattern, sordid; compare SLOVENLY 1
Related Word careless, disordered, neglected, poky; bedraggled, disheveled, draggled, draggly, messy, mussy, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt, untidy; dirty, filthy, foul, grimy, squalid
Contrasted Words clean, fresh, neat, tidy, trim; smart; immaculate, spotless

automaton
noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -atons or au·tom·a·ta /-m&-t&, -m&-"tä/
Etymology: Latin, from Greek, neuter of automatos
1 : a mechanism that is relatively self-operating; especially : ROBOT
2 : a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions
3 : an individual who acts in a mechanical fashion

seer
noun
1 : one that sees
2 a : one that predicts events or developments b : a person credited with extraordinary moral and spiritual insight
3 : one that practices divination especially by concentrating on a glass or crystal globe

clandestine
adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French clandestin, from Latin clandestinus, from clam secretly; akin to Latin celare to hide -- more at HELL
: marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy : SURREPTITIOUS
synonym see SECRET
surreptitious
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize -- more at RAPID
1 : done, made, or acquired by stealth : CLANDESTINE
2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : STEALTHY

trepidation
noun
Etymology: Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes
1 archaic : a tremulous motion : TREMOR
2 : timorous uncertain agitation : APPREHENSION
synonym see FEAR

verbose
adjective
*1 : containing more words than necessary : wordy; also : impaired by wordiness
2 : given to wordiness

Example sentence:
The writing style in government publications is often both dry and verbose—a deadly combination.

Did you know?
There's no shortage of words to describe wordiness in English. "Diffuse," "long-winded," "prolix," "redundant," "windy," "repetitive," "loose," "rambling," "digressive," and "circumlocutory" are some that come to mind. Want to express the opposite idea? Try "succinct," "concise," "brief," "short," "summary," "terse," "precise," "compact," "lean," "tight," or "compendious." "Verbose," which falls solidly into the first camp of words, comes from Latin "verbosus," from "verbum," meaning "word." Other descendants of "verbum" include "verb," "adverb," "proverb," "verbal," "verbatim," and "verbicide" (that's the deliberate distortion of the sense of a word).

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

bamboozled
verb
*1 : to deceive by underhanded methods : dupe, hoodwink
2 : to confuse, frustrate, or throw off thoroughly or completely

Example sentence:
Tommy bamboozled his parents into believing he was too sick to go to school.

Did you know?
In 1710, Irish author Jonathan Swift wrote an article on "the continual Corruption of our English Tongue" in which he complained of "the Choice of certain Words invented by some pretty Fellows." Among the inventions Swift disliked were "bamboozle," "bubble" (a dupe), "put" (a fool), and "sham." (Perhaps he objected to the use of "sham" as a verb; he himself had used the adjective meaning "false" a couple of years previously.) What all these words appear to have in common is a connection to the underworld as jargon of criminals. Other than that, the origin of "bamboozle" remains a mystery, but the over-300-year-old word has clearly defied Swift's assertion that "All new affected Modes of Speech . . . are the first perishing Parts in any Language."

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

i must be sesquipedalian, because i happen to like this word:

sesquipedalian


adj 1: given to the overuse of long words; "sesquipedalian orators"; "this sesquipedalian way of saying one has no money" 2: (of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables; "sesquipedalian technical terms" [syn: polysyllabic] n : a very long word (a foot and a half long) [syn: sesquipedalia]

catharsis
noun
Form(s): plural ca·thar·ses /-"sEz/
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to cleanse, purge, from katharos
1 : PURGATION
2 a : purification or purgation of the emotions (as pity and fear) primarily through art b : a purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension
3 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression

tractable
adjective
*1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : docile
2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought : malleable

Example sentence:
Obedience school had turned the Millers' formerly undisciplined puppy into a tractable family pet.

Did you know?
"Obedient," "docile," and "amenable" are synonyms of "tractable," but those four words have slightly different shades of meaning. "Tractable" describes an individual whose character permits easy handling, while "docile" implies a predisposition to submit readily to authority. "Obedient" is often used to describe compliance with authority, although that compliance is not necessarily offered eagerly. "Amenable," on the other hand, is usually used when one cooperates out of a desire to be agreeable. "Tractable" dates from the early 16th century and derives from the Latin verb "tractare" ("to handle" or "to treat"). Despite the resemblance, this root did not give us the noun "tractor" or verbs such as "contract" or "attract"—those all derive from a loosely related verb, "trahere" ("to draw or drag").

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence

paroxysm
noun
Etymology: French & Medieval Latin; French paroxysme, from Medieval Latin paroxysmus, from Greek paroxysmos, from paroxynein to stimulate, from para- + oxynein to provoke, from oxys sharp -- more at OXYGEN
1 : a fit, attack, or sudden increase or recurrence of symptoms (as of a disease) : CONVULSION <a paroxysm of coughing>
2 : a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST <a paroxysm of rage>

verisimilar
adjective
Etymology: Latin verisimilis
1 : having the appearance of truth : PROBABLE
2 : depicting realism (as in art or literature)

pulchritude
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pulchritudin-, pulchritudo, from pulchr-, pulcher beautiful
: physical comeliness

malingered
intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): ma·lin·gered; ma·lin·ger·ing /-g(&-)ri[ng]/
Etymology: French malingre sickly
: to pretend incapacity (as illness) so as to avoid duty or work

plebian
noun
Etymology: Latin plebeius of the common people, from plebs common people
1 : a member of the Roman plebs
2 : one of the common people

demagogue
noun
Etymology: Greek dEmagOgos, from dEmos people (perhaps akin to Greek daiesthai to divide) + agOgos leading, from agein to lead -- more at TIDE, AGENT
1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
2 : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times

bucolic
adjective
Etymology: Latin bucolicus, from Greek boukolikos, from boukolos cowherd, from bous head of cattle + -kolos (akin to Latin colere to cultivate) -- more at COW, WHEEL
1 : of or relating to shepherds or herdsmen : PASTORAL
2 : relating to or typical of rural life

rusticated
verb
Inflected Form(s): -cat·ed; -cat·ing
intransitive senses : to go into or reside in the country : follow a rustic life
transitive senses
1 chiefly British : to suspend from school or college
2 : to build or face with usually rough-surfaced masonry blocks having beveled or rebated edges producing pronounced joints <a rusticated facade>
3 a : to compel to reside in the country b : to cause to become rustic : implant rustic mannerisms in
rebated
verb
Inflected Form(s): re·bat·ed; re·bat·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French rabattre to beat down again, from Old French, from re- + abattre to beat down, from a- (from Latin ad-) + battre to beat, from Latin battuere
transitive senses
1 : to reduce the force or activity of : DIMINISH
2 : to reduce the sharpness of : BLUNT
3 a : to make a rebate of b : to give a rebate to

sui generis
adjective
Etymology: Latin, of its own kind
: constituting a class alone : UNIQUE, PECULIAR

banal
adjective
Etymology: French, from Middle French, of compulsory feudal service, possessed in common, commonplace, from ban
: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : TRITE

platitudes
noun
Etymology: French, from plat flat, dull
1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark

mendacious
adjective
Etymology: Latin mendac-, mendax -- more at AMEND
: given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth <mendacious tales of his adventures>

castigated
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin castigatus, past participle of castigare -- more at CHASTEN
: to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism

phantasmagoria
noun
Etymology: French phantasmagorie, from phantasme phantasm (from Old French fantasme) + -agorie (perhaps from Greek agora assembly) -- more at AGORA
1 : an exhibition or display of optical effects and illusions
2 a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imagined b : a scene that constantly changes
3 : a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage

polemic
noun
Etymology: French polémique, from Middle French, from polemique controversial, from Greek polemikos warlike, hostile, from polemos war; perhaps akin to Greek pelemizein to shake, Old English ealfelo baleful
1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy -- usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.
2 : an aggressive controversialist : DISPUTANT

daunt
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French danter, alteration of donter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare -- more at TAME
: to lessen the courage of : COW, SUBDUE

guises
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wIsa manner -- more at WISE
1 : a form or style of dress : COSTUME
2 a obsolete : MANNER, FASHION b archaic : a customary way of speaking or behaving
3 a : external appearance : SEMBLANCE b : PRETEXT
pretext
noun
Etymology: Latin praetextus, from praetexere to assign as a pretext, screen, extend in front, from prae- + texere to weave -- more at TECHNICAL
: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs
semblance
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Old French sembler to be like, seem -- more at RESEMBLE
1 a : outward and often specious appearance or show : FORM <wrapped in a semblance of composure -- Harry Hervey> b : MODICUM <has been struggling to get some semblance of justice for his people -- Bayard Rustin>
2 : ASPECT, COUNTENANCE
3 a : a phantasmal form : APPARITION b : IMAGE, LIKENESS
4 : actual or apparent resemblance
modicum
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, neuter of modicus moderate, from modus measure
: a small portion : a limited quantity
apparition
noun
Etymology: Middle English apparicioun, from Late Latin apparition-, apparitio appearance, from Latin apparEre
1 a : an unusual or unexpected sight : PHENOMENON b : a ghostly figure
2 : the act of becoming visible : APPEARANCE

expiate
verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Latin expiatus, past participle of expiare to atone for, from ex- + piare to atone for, appease, from pius faithful, pious
transitive senses
1 obsolete : to put an end to
2 a : to extinguish the guilt incurred by b : to make amends for <permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours -- Francis Bacon>

purloin
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, to put away, misappropriate, from Anglo-French purloigner, from Old French porloigner to put off, delay, from por- forward + loing at a distance, from Latin longe, from longus long -- more at PURCHASE, LONG
: to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust
appropriate
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin appropriatus, past participle of appropriare, from Latin ad- + proprius own
1 : to take exclusive possession of : ANNEX <no one should appropriate a common benefit>
2 : to set apart for or assign to a particular purpose or use <appropriate money for the research program>
3 : to take or make use of without authority or right
annex
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French annexer, from Old French, from annexe joined, from Latin annexus, past participle of annectere to bind to, from ad- + nectere to bind
1 : to attach as a quality, consequence, or condition
2 archaic : to join together materially : UNITE
3 : to add to something earlier, larger, or more important
4 : to incorporate (a country or other territory) within the domain of a state
5 : to obtain or take for oneself

precatory
adjective
expressing a wish

Example sentence:
We here convey our wishes
In this precatory phrase:
May peace and joy be with you
In all the coming days!

Did you know?
Nowadays, you're most likely to see "precatory" used in legal contexts to distinguish statements that merely express a wish from those that create a legal obligation. For example, if you add a provision to your will asking someone to take care of your pet if you die, that provision is merely precatory. Outside of jurisprudence, you might see references to such things as “precatory dress codes” or “precatory stockholder proposals" -- all of which are non-binding. "Precatory” traces to Latin “precari” (“to pray”), and it has always referred to something in the nature of an entreaty or supplication. For example, a precatory hymn is one that beseeches “from sin and sorrow set us free” -- versus a laudatory hymn (that is, one giving praise).

quiescent
adjective
Etymology: Latin quiescent-, quiescens, present participle of quiescere to become quiet, rest, from quies
1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest
2 : causing no trouble or symptoms <quiescent gallstones>
synonym see LATENT
Latent
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin latent-, latens, from present participle of latEre to lie hidden; akin to Greek lanthanein to escape notice
: present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, or active <a latent infection>
- la·tent·ly adverb
synonyms LATENT, DORMANT, QUIESCENT, POTENTIAL mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. LATENT applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop <a latent desire for success>. DORMANT suggests the inactivity of something (as a feeling or power) as though sleeping <their passion had lain dormant>. QUIESCENT suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity <the disease was quiescent>. POTENTIAL applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have <a potential disaster>.

lucid
adjective
Etymology: Latin lucidus, from lucEre
1 a : suffused with light : LUMINOUS b : TRANSLUCENT
2 : having full use of one's faculties : SANE
3 : clear to the understanding : INTELLIGIBLE
suffuse
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): suf·fused; suf·fus·ing
Etymology: Latin suffusus, past participle of suffundere, literally, to pour beneath, from sub- + fundere to pour -- more at FOUND
: to spread over or through in the manner of fluid or light : FLUSH, FILL
synonym see INFUSE

diffident
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis- + fidere to trust -- more at BIDE
1 : hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
2 archaic : DISTRUSTFUL
3 : RESERVED, UNASSERTIVE

contravened
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -vened; -ven·ing
Etymology: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French contrevenir, from Late Latin contravenire, from Latin contra- + venire to come -- more at COME
1 : to go or act contrary to : VIOLATE <contravene a law>
2 : to oppose in argument : CONTRADICT <contravene a proposition>
synonym see DENY

asinine
adjective
Etymology: Latin asininus, from asinus ass
1 : marked by inexcusable failure to exercise intelligence or sound judgment <an asinine excuse>
2 : of, relating to, or resembling an ass
synonym see SIMPLE

repose
verb
Inflected Form(s): re·posed; re·pos·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French reposer, from Old French, from Late Latin repausare, from Latin re- + Late Latin pausare to stop, from Latin pausa pause
transitive senses : to lay at rest
intransitive senses
1 a : to lie at rest b : to lie dead <reposing in state> c : to remain still or concealed
2 : to take a rest
3 archaic : RELY
4 : to rest for support : LIE

palliate
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin palliatus, past participle of palliare to cloak, conceal, from Latin pallium cloak
1 : to reduce the violence of (a disease) : ABATE
2 : to cover by excuses and apologies
3 : to moderate the intensity of <trying to palliate the boredom>

raiment
noun
Etymology: Middle English rayment, short for arrayment, from arrayen to array
: CLOTHING, GARMENTS

caustic
adjective
Etymology: Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, from kaiein to burn
1 : capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE
2 : marked by incisive sarcasm
3 : relating to or being the surface or curve of a caustic

obturate
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare to harden, from ob- against + durus hard -- more at DURING
1 a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b : hardened in feelings
2 : resistant to persuasion or softening influences

Philistine
noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia
2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge

dearth
noun
Etymology: Middle English derthe, from (assumed) Old English dierth, from dEore dear
1 : scarcity that makes dear; specifically : FAMINE
2 : an inadequate supply : LACK

corrugate
verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin corrugatus, past participle of corrugare, from com- + ruga wrinkle; probably akin to Lithuanian raukas wrinkle -- more at ROUGH
transitive senses : to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves : FURROW

axiom
noun
Etymology: Latin axioma, from Greek axiOma, literally, something worthy, from axioun to think worthy, from axios worth, worthy; akin to Greek agein to weigh, drive -- more at AGENT
1 : a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
2 : a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference : POSTULATE 1
3 : an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth

maxim
noun
Etymology: Middle English maxime, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus, superlative of magnus large -- more at MUCH
1 : a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
2 : a saying of proverbial nature

sententious
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, full of meaning, from Latin sententiosus, from sententia sentence, maxim
1 a : given to or abounding in aphoristic expression b : given to or abounding in excessive moralizing
2 : terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression : PITHY, EPIGRAMMATIC

epigram
noun
Etymology: Middle English epigrame, from Latin epigrammat-, epigramma, from Greek, from epigraphein to write on, inscribe, from epi- + graphein to write -- more at CARVE
1 : a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
2 : a terse, sage, or witty and often paradoxical saying
3 : epigrammatic expression

paragon
noun
Text: an individual of unequaled excellence often serving as a model <she is a paragon of a caring physician>
Synonyms ideal, jewel, nonesuch, nonpareil, phoenix; compare

imbue
to permeate or influence as if by dyeing
2 : to tinge or dye deeply
3 : to provide with something freely or naturally : endow
First appearing in English in the mid-1500s, "imbue" derives from the Latin verb "imbuere," meaning "to dye, wet, or moisten." Like its synonym "infuse," "imbue" implies the introduction of one thing into another so as to affect it throughout. A nation can be imbued with pride, for example, or a photograph might be imbued with a sense of melancholy. In the past "imbue" has also been used synonymously with "imbrue," an obscure word meaning "to drench or stain," but etymologists do not think the two words are related. "Imbrue" has been traced back through Anglo-French and Old French to the Latin verb "bibere," meaning "to drink."

polemic

French polémique, from Middle French, from polemique controversial, from Greek polemikos warlike, hostile, from polemos war; perhaps akin to Greek pelemizein to shake, Old English ealfelo baleful
1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy -- usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.
2 : an aggressive controversialist : DISPUTANT

austere

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin austerus, from Greek austEros harsh, severe; akin to Greek hauos dry -- more at SERE
1 a : stern and cold in appearance or manner b : SOMBER, GRAVE <an austere critic>
2 : morally strict : ASCETIC
3 : markedly simple or unadorned <an austere office> <an austere style of writing>
4 : giving little or no scope for pleasure <austere diets>
5 of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging

subterfuge

Late Latin subterfugium, from Latin subterfugere to escape, evade, from subter- secretly (from subter underneath; akin to Latin sub under) + fugere to flee -- more at UP, FUGITIVE
1 : deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade
2 : a deceptive device or stratagem

stratagem

Italian stratagemma, from Latin strategema, from Greek stratEgEma, from stratEgein to be a general, maneuver, from stratEgos general, from stratos camp, army (akin to Latin stratus, past participle, spread out) + agein to lead -- more at STRATUM, AGENT
1 a : an artifice or trick in war for deceiving and outwitting the enemy b : a cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end
2 : skill in ruses or trickery

placate
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): pla·cat·ed; pla·cat·ing
Etymology: Latin placatus, past participle of placare -- more at PLEASE
: to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
mollify
Middle English mollifien, from Middle French mollifier, from Late Latin mollificare, from Latin mollis soft; akin to Greek amaldynein to soften, Sanskrit mrdu soft, and probably to Greek malakos soft, amblys dull, Old English meltan to melt
transitive senses
1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : APPEASE <mollified the staff with a raise>
2 : to reduce the rigidity of : SOFTEN
3 : to reduce in intensity : ASSUAGE, TEMPER
intransitive senses, archaic : SOFTEN, RELENT

felicitous

adjective
1 : very well suited or expressed : APT <a felicitous remark>
2 : PLEASANT, DELIGHTFUL

perfidy

noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -dies
Etymology: Latin perfidia, from perfidus faithless, from per- detrimental to + fides faith -- more at PER-, FAITH
1 : the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal : TREACHERY
2 : an act or an instance of disloyalty

perfidious
adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by perfidy
synonym see FAITHLESS

caustic

adjective
Etymology: Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, from kaiein to burn
1 : capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action : CORROSIVE
2 : marked by incisive sarcasm
3 : relating to or being the surface or curve of a caustic
- caus·ti·cal·ly /-ti-k(&-)lE/ adverb
- caus·tic·i·ty /ko-'sti-s&-tE/ noun
synonyms CAUSTIC, MORDANT, ACRID, SCATHING mean stingingly incisive. CAUSTIC suggests a biting wit <caustic comments>. MORDANT suggests a wit that is used with deadly effectiveness <mordant reviews of the play>. ACRID implies bitterness and often malevolence <acrid invective>. SCATHING implies indignant attacks delivered with fierce severity <a scathing satire>.

invective

adjective
Etymology: Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere
: of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

facile

easily accomplished or attained <a facile victory> (2) : SPECIOUS, SUPERFICIAL <I am not concerned ... with offering any facile solution for so complex a problem -- T. S. Eliot> b : used or comprehended with ease c : readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth <facile tears>
2 archaic : mild or pleasing in manner or disposition
3 a : READY, FLUENT <facile prose> b : POISED, ASSURED

specious

Middle English, visually pleasing, from Latin speciosus beautiful, plausible, from species
1 obsolete : SHOWY
2 : having deceptive attraction or allure
3 : having a false look of truth or genuineness : SOPHISTIC

Sophistic

adjective
1 : of or relating to sophists , sophistry, or the ancient Sophists <sophistic rhetoric> <sophistic subtleties>
2 : plausible but fallacious

:eek3:


So....many....new....WORDS!!!!

coolly
marked by deliberate effrontery or lack of due respect or discretion

effrontery
effronsshameless
--shameless boldness:Insolence

Insolence
-insultingly contemptuous in speech or conduct
--exhibiting boldness or effrontery :Impudent

impudent
-lacking modesty
--marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others

ostensible
French, from Latin ostensus, past participle of ostendere to show, from obs-, ob- in the way + tendere to stretch -- more at OB-, THIN
1 : intended for display : open to view
2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real <the ostensible purpose for the trip>
synonym see APPARENT

effigy
Middle French effigie, from Latin effigies, from effingere to form, from ex- + fingere to shape -- more at DOUGH
: an image or representation especially of a person; especially : a crude figure representing a hated person
- in effigy : publicly in the form of an effigy <the football coach was burned in effigy>

patriciate
noun
1 : the position or dignity of a patrician
2 : a patrician class

patrician
noun
Etymology: Middle English patricion, from Middle French patricien, from Latin patricius, from patres senators, from plural of pater father -- more at FATHER
1 : a member of one of the original citizen families of ancient Rome
2 a : a person of high birth : ARISTOCRAT b : a person of breeding and cultivation

Aristocrat
noun
1 : a member of an aristocracy; especially : NOBLE
2 a : one who has the bearing and viewpoint typical of the aristocracy b : one who favors aristocracy
3 : one believed to be superior of its kind <the aristocrat of Southern

aristocracy
noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -cies
Etymology: Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French aristocratie, from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia, from aristos best + -kratia -cracy
1 : government by the best individuals or by a small privileged class
2 a : a government in which power is vested in a minority consisting of those believed to be best qualified b : a state with such a government
3 : a governing body or upper class usually made up of an hereditary nobility
4 : the aggregate of those believed to be superior

note*Aristotle thought that the minority rulers should rule the little people and not be apart of them. Alexander thought otherwise, and wanted to bring everyone together.

galvanize
transitive senses
1 a : to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically <galvanize a muscle> b : to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock <an issue that would galvanize public opinion>
2 : to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloy
intransitive senses : to react as if stimulated by an electric shock <they galvanized into action>

skulk
to move in a stealthy or furtive manner
2 *a : to hide or conceal something (as oneself) often out of cowardice or fear or with sinister intent b chiefly British : malinger

Example sentence:
During the thunderstorm, we realized that we hadn't seen our dog in a while; when we searched, we found her skulking under the bed.

Did you know?
Here's one for the word-puzzle lovers. Can you name three things that the word "skulk" has in common with all of these other words: "booth," "brink," "cog," "flit," "give," "kid," "meek," "scab," "seem," "skull," "snub," and "wing"? If you noticed that all of the terms on that list have just one syllable, then you've got the first (easy) similarity, but the next two are likely to prove a little harder to guess. Give up? All of the words listed above are of Scandinavian origin and all were first recorded in English in the 13th century. As for "skulk," its closest Scandinavian relative is Norwegian dialect "skulka," which means "to lie in wait" or "lurk."

daunt
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French danter, alteration of donter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare -- more at TAME
: to lessen the courage of : COW, SUBDUE
synonym see DISMAY
cow[b]
transitive verb
Etymology: probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish kue to subdue
: to destroy the resolve or courage of <the party that Stalin had cowed -- World Press Review>; also : to bring to a state or an action by intimidation -- used with into <like too many Asian armies, adept at cowing a population into feeding them -- Edward Lansdale>
synonym see INTIMIDATE

[b]sordid/b]
adjective
Etymology: Latin sordidus, from sordes dirt -- more at SWART
1 : marked by baseness or grossness : VILE <sordid motives>
2 a : DIRTY, FILTHY b : WRETCHED, SQUALID
3 : meanly avaricious : COVETOUS
4 : of a dull or muddy color

[b]avaricious
adjective
: greedy of gain : excessively acquisitive especially in seeking to hoard riches

prurient
prurient-, pruriens, present participle of prurire to itch, crave; akin to Latin pruna glowing coal, Sanskrit plosati he singes, and probably to Latin pruina hoarfrost -- more at FREEZE
: marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire; especially : marked by, arousing, or appealing to unusual sexual desire

profligate
adjective
Etymology: Latin profligatus, from past participle of profligare to strike down, from pro- forward, down + -fligare (akin to fligere to strike); akin to Greek phlibein to squeeze
1 : completely given up to dissipation and licentiousness
2 : wildly extravagant : PRODIGAL

imbue
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): im·bued; im·bu·ing
Etymology: Latin imbuere
1 : to permeate or influence as if by dyeing <the spirit that imbues the new constitution>
2 : to tinge or dye deeply


licentious
adjective
Etymology: Latin licentiosus, from licentia
1 : lacking legal or moral restraints; especially : disregarding sexual restraints
2 : marked by disregard for strict rules of correctness

dissipate
verb
Inflected Form(s): -pat·ed; -pat·ing
Etymology: Latin dissipatus, past participle of dissipare, dissupare, from dis- + supare to throw
transitive senses
1 a : to break up and drive off (as a crowd) b : to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish <one's sympathy is eventually dissipated -- Andrew Feinberg> c : to lose (as heat or electricity) irrecoverably
2 : to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly <lifelong tendency to dissipate his gifts in travel and pleasure -- Edmund Morris> <his fortune is dissipated in imprudent political adventures -- John Butt>
intransitive senses
1 : to break up and scatter or vanish
2 : to be extravagant or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure; especially : to drink to excess
synonym see SCATTER

dictum
noun
Inflected Form(s): plural dic·ta /-t&/; also dictums
Etymology: Latin, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere
1 : a noteworthy statement: as a : a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion b : an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
2 : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case

umbrage[]/b]
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin umbraticum, neuter of umbraticus of shade, from umbratus, past participle of umbrare to shade, from umbra shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian unksme shadow
1 : SHADE, SHADOW
2 : shady branches : FOLIAGE
3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : HINT b : a reason for doubt : SUSPICION
4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult <took umbrage at the speaker's remarks>

[b]vulgar
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin umbraticum, neuter of umbraticus of shade, from umbratus, past participle of umbrare to shade, from umbra shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian unksme shadow
1 : SHADE, SHADOW
2 : shady branches : FOLIAGE
3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : HINT b : a reason for doubt : SUSPICION
4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult <took umbrage at the speaker's remarks>

derogatory
adjective
1 : detracting from the character or standing of something -- often used with to, of, or from
2 : expressive of a low opinion : DISPARAGING <derogatory remarks>

candor
noun
Etymology: French & Latin; French candeur, from Latin candor, from candEre -- more at CANDID
1 a : WHITENESS, BRILLIANCE b obsolete : unstained purity
2 : freedom from prejudice or malice : FAIRNESS
3 archaic : KINDLINESS
4 : unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : FORTHRIGHTNESS <the candor with which he acknowledged a weakness in his own case -- Aldous Huxley>

confound
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French confondre, from Latin confundere to pour together, confuse, from com- + fundere to pour -- more at FOUND
1 a archaic : to bring to ruin : DESTROY b : BAFFLE, FRUSTRATE <conferences... are not for accomplishment but to confound knavish tricks -- J. K. Galbraith>
2 obsolete : CONSUME, WASTE
3 a : to put to shame : DISCOMFIT <a performance that confounded the critics> b : REFUTE <sought to confound his arguments>
4 : DAMN
5 : to throw (a person) into confusion or perplexity
6 a : to fail to discern differences between : mix up b : to increase the confusion of

prevaricate
Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari to act in collusion, literally, to straddle, from prae- + varicare to straddle, from varus bowlegged
: to deviate from the truth : EQUIVOCATE

pleonism
noun
Etymology: Late Latin pleonasmus, from Greek pleonasmos, from pleonazein to be excessive, from pleiOn, pleOn more -- more at PLUS
1 : the use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense (as in the man he said) : REDUNDANCY
2 : an instance or example of pleonasm

effeminate
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin effeminatus, from past participle of effeminare to make effeminate, from ex- + femina woman -- more at FEMININE
1 : having feminine qualities untypical of a man : not manly in appearance or manner
2 : marked by an unbecoming delicacy or overrefinement <effeminate art> <an effeminate civilization>

solicitude
noun
1 a : the state of being solicitous : ANXIETY b : attentive care and protectiveness; also : an attitude of solicitous concern or attention
2 : a cause of care or concern -- usually used in plural

solicituos
adjective
Etymology: Latin sollicitus
1 : manifesting or expressing solicitude <a solicitous inquiry about his health>
2 : full of concern or fears : APPREHENSIVE <solicitous about the future>
3 : meticulously careful <solicitous in matters of dress>
4 : full of desire : EAGER

dastard
noun
Etymology: Middle English
1 : COWARD
2 : a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly

forestall
transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from forstall act of waylaying, from Old English foresteall, from fore- + steall position, stall
1 : to prevent the normal trading in by buying or diverting goods or by persuading persons to raise prices
2 archaic : INTERCEPT
3 obsolete : OBSTRUCT, BESET
4 : to exclude, hinder, or prevent by prior occupation or measures
5 : to get ahead of : ANTICIPATE
synonym see PREVENT

beset
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -set; -set·ting
Etymology: Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set
1 : to set or stud with or as if with ornaments
2 : TROUBLE, HARASS <inflation besets the economy>
3 a : to set upon : ASSAIL <the settlers were beset by savages> b : to hem in : SURROUND

ruse
noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French, from ruser to dodge, deceive
: a wily subterfuge

wheedle
to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
2 : to gain or get by coaxing or flattering
3 : to use soft words or flattery

Example sentence:
Steve hates shopping, but his wife wheedled him into going to the mall.

Did you know?
"Wheedle" has been a part of the English lexicon since the mid-17th century, though no one is quite sure how the word made its way into English. (It has been suggested that the term may have derived from an Old English word that meant "to beg," but this is far from certain.) Once established in the language, however, "wheedle" became a favorite of some of the language's most illustrious writers. "Wheedle" and related forms appear in the writings of Wordsworth, Dickens, Kipling, Dryden, Swift, Scott, Tennyson, and Pope, among others.

promulgate
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -gat·ed; -gat·ing
Etymology: Latin promulgatus, past participle of promulgare, from pro- forward + -mulgare (probably akin to mulgEre to milk, extract) -- more at EMULSION
1 : to make known by open declaration : PROCLAIM
2 a : to make known or public the terms of (a proposed law) b : to put (a law) into action or force
synonym see DECLARE

belies
transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -lied; -ly·ing
1 a : to give a false impression of b : to present an appearance not in agreement with
2 a : to show (something) to be false or wrong b : to run counter to : CONTRADICT
3 : DISGUISE 3

erudite
adjective
Etymology: Middle English erudit, from Latin eruditus, from past participle of erudire to instruct, from e- + rudis rude, ignorant
: possessing or displaying erudition : LEARNED <an erudite scholar>
- er·u·dite·ly adverb

erudition
noun
: extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books : profound, recondite, or bookish learning

anagoge
noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ges or -gies
Etymology: Late Latin anagoge, from Late Greek anagOgE, from Greek, reference, from anagein to refer, from ana- + agein to lead -- more at AGENT
: interpretation of a word, passage, or text (as of Scripture or poetry) that finds beyond the literal, allegorical, and