| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| conversant |
familiar; acquainted; practiced (usually followed by "with" or "in"). |
| descry |
to see or make out, especially something obscured or at a distance. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| homily |
any discourse offering moral advice or admonitions. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| intelligentsia |
the elite class of highly learned people within a society, or those who consider themselves part of such a class. |
| mendicant |
living on charity; begging. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| pathos |
a quality in life or art that evokes pity, sadness, or compassion. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |
| truculent |
extremely hostile or belligerent; inclined to fight. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| woebegone |
displaying or full of distress. |