| bathos |
a sudden descent from an exalted style or esteemed state to the commonplace. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| canard |
a deliberately false story or rumor, usually defamatory to someone. |
| coir |
the fiber made from coconut husks, used for matting, rope, or the like. |
| condign |
well-deserved or fitting, especially of punishment or reprimand. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| determinism |
the belief or teaching that every effect, including human thoughts and actions, is completely and predictably brought about by preceding causes and that, therefore, free will does not exist. |
| expatiate |
to discuss something at great length; describe in great detail. |
| foment |
to encourage the development of; instigate or foster. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| glean |
to gather or discover (facts, information, or the like) a little at a time. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| obviate |
to prevent or eliminate in advance; render unnecessary or irrelevant. |
| raffish |
carelessly unconventional or disreputable, sometimes appealingly so. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |