| abstain |
to choose not to do something. |
| aesthete |
one who is or professes to be particularly attentive to and appreciative of beauty, especially in the arts. |
| belligerent |
having a fighting character; aggressive. |
| catechism |
a summary of the principles of a religion, especially Christianity, in the form of questions and answers. |
| connive |
to join secretly in a plot; conspire. |
| diverge |
to extend or move away in different directions from a common point. |
| embellish |
to improve by, or as though by, decorations; decorate. |
| idealism |
the pursuit of or belief in noble ideals, principles, and values. |
| infectious |
able to be given to others by infection. |
| surmount |
to get over or past; overcome; conquer. |
| underscore |
to emphasize by, or as if by, drawing a line beneath. |
| vacuous |
characterized by lack of intelligence or serious intent; devoid of ideas or emotion. |
| vanguard |
the leading or foremost position or part of a movement or force; forefront. |
| virtuoso |
a person who demonstrates exceptional ability, style, or skill, especially in music. |
| wizened |
shriveled or dried up. |