| ascertain |
to learn without question; determine. |
| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| brash |
rudely self-assertive; bold; impudent. |
| cachet |
prestige. |
| dilatory |
used to cause a delay. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| etiolate |
to weaken, especially through deprivation of normal development. |
| extrude |
to force out; expel. |
| festoon |
a decorative chain or strip of ribbons, flowers, leaves, or the like, suspended at the ends and hung in a curve. |
| highbrow |
one who has or pretends to have highly sophisticated intellectual and cultural interests and tastes (often used disparagingly). |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| oblivious |
not conscious or paying attention; unknowing or unaware (usually followed by "to" or "of"). |
| parsimonious |
excessively frugal; stingy. |
| parturient |
giving birth or about to give birth; in labor. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |