| assail |
to attack with vigor or violence; assault. |
| attenuate |
to cause to be thin, rarefied, or fine. |
| austere |
having only what is needed; very simple or plain. |
| belie |
to give a false impression of. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| collateral |
property or other security put forward to guarantee repayment of a loan. |
| comity |
mutual courtesy and respectful treatment among people or nations. |
| condone |
to pardon, disregard, or overlook voluntarily or without condemning. |
| discomfit |
to upset or confuse. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| humanism |
a doctrine or mode of thought that gives highest importance to human dignity, values, potentials, and achievements. |
| otiose |
having no purpose or use; unnecessary or futile. |
| quadrant |
any of the four parts that result when an area is divided by two lines, real or imaginary, that intersect each other at right angles. |
| savor |
to give an impression; hint (usually followed by "of"). |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |