| adamant |
unlikely to change in response to any request or argument; firmly decided or fixed; unyielding. |
| apotheosis |
a perfect or ideal example; epitome. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| omnibus |
concerning or including a large collection of things. |
| penumbra |
an indefinite, borderline area. |
| sotto voce |
in a low voice or undertone, so as not to be overheard; softly (often used as a musical direction). |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |