| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| derision |
mockery or ridicule. |
| expiation |
the act or the means of making amends, as for a sin or crime. |
| goad |
something that spurs a person to action; stimulus. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| indistinct |
not clearly perceived or perceiving. |
| nonfeasance |
in law, failure to perform a required duty, as by a public official. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| peripatetic |
walking or traveling around; going from place to place; itinerant. |
| relict |
a plant, animal, or geological feature that has survived in a considerably changed environment. |
| sagacious |
possessing or characterized by good judgment and common sense; wise. |
| stately |
dignified. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |