| acclivity |
a rising slope. |
| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| arrant |
complete; unmitigated; downright. |
| belabor |
to continue excessive efforts on or excessive discussion of. |
| berate |
to reproach or scold severely. |
| credulous |
disposed to believe, especially on scanty evidence; gullible. |
| laureate |
one honored for achievement in a particular field or by a particular award, especially in the arts or sciences. |
| lorgnette |
eyeglasses, such as opera glasses, that have a short handle by which one holds them in position. |
| maunder |
to speak in an aimless or foolish way; babble. |
| mélange |
a mixture, usually of very dissimilar elements. |
| meretricious |
appealing or attracting in a cheap, showy, or shallow way. |
| naturalism |
in literature, a method of depicting life that reflects a philosophy of determinism. |
| pliant |
easily flexed; supple. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| schadenfreude |
(often capitalized) pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. |