| abeyance |
temporary suspension or cessation. |
| centripetal |
forced or moving inward toward a center point or axis. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| 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. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| forbear |
to keep or abstain from (an action or utterance). |
| froward |
unwilling to agree or obey; stubborn; perverse. |
| idyllic |
charmingly simple and natural, as a scene or experience; suggestive of peaceful countryside. |
| kibbutz |
an Israeli farming settlement whose ownership is shared by those who live and work there. |
| profligate |
totally given over to immoral and shameful pursuits; dissolute. |
| quondam |
having been in the past; former. |
| seminal |
of critical importance; essential. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |