| assumption |
something that is supposed or believed without questioning. For example, if you ask someone whether she is allowed to watch TV during dinner, you have made an assumption that there is a TV in her house. Assumptions are ideas people have that are not based on proven facts. An assumption can be correct or incorrect. |
| definitive |
most reliable, complete, or authoritative. |
| distortion |
the act of distorting or condition of being distorted. |
| forfeit |
something demanded or given up as a penalty for not acting as required by law, contract, or rules. |
| hierarchical |
organized by rank or level. |
| immigrate |
to come to live permanently in a country where one was not born. |
| legislate |
to create a law or laws. |
| lurid |
sensational; shocking or dramatic. |
| odyssey |
an extended, wandering journey of adventure or quest. |
| paramount |
most important; chief; highest. |
| patent |
a government grant that gives someone the right to make, use, or sell an invention. A patent is given for a certain number of years. |
| quagmire |
an unpleasant situation that is difficult to escape. |
| renowned |
known and praised by many; famous. |
| shortcoming |
a fault or weakness in character, behavior, or ability. |
| tempo |
the speed at which a musical piece is to be played. |