| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| cognizant |
aware; informed (usually followed by "of"). |
| deterge |
to cleanse, wash, or wipe off. |
| disabuse |
to free (a person) from misconception or deception; set straight. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| encomium |
a formal expression of praise. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| gambit |
a tactic or maneuver designed to gain an advantage, especially one that involves some sacrifice on one's part. |
| hypocrisy |
the practice or an instance of stating or pretending to hold beliefs or principles that one does not actually live by; insincerity. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| kismet |
destiny, fortune, or fate. |
| lanugo |
fine, soft hair, especially that with which a human fetus or newborn is covered. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |