| controversial |
causing arguments. |
| custody |
the legal right to take care of and control someone or something. |
| decline |
to refuse to do, in a polite way. |
| estate |
a piece of land with a large house on it. |
| executive |
a person who has a managing or directing role in a business or government. |
| graceless |
inappropriate or socially awkward. |
| hardheaded |
not easily moved, manipulated, or duped; shrewd; pragmatic. |
| heartland |
a central land area, especially one considered to be economically, politically, or militarily vital to a nation or region. |
| judicial |
having to do with judges, law courts, or their activities. |
| moderate |
not too much or too little; within limits. |
| passive |
receiving an action without acting in return, or not responding to something that might affect one. |
| practitioner |
a person working in a trade, occupation, or profession. |
| ratio |
a relation or comparison between numbers or things based on amount or degree. |
| rebuke |
to give a sharp reprimand to; criticize. |
| tantalize |
to tease or torment with the sight or prospect of something desirable but unattainable. |