| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| cynosure |
a thing or person that is the center of attention and admiration. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| élan |
enthusiasm or vigor. |
| ensconce |
to position (oneself) firmly or comfortably. |
| gamut |
the whole extent or range of anything. |
| modular |
designed with standardized units that may be arranged or connected in a variety of ways. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| opiate |
something that induces relaxation, calm, or stupor. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| recondite |
involving profound concepts and complexities; not easily understood. |
| solecism |
a gross violation of convention in grammar, etiquette, or the like; impropriety. |
| unabashed |
not feeling or showing embarrassment, uneasiness, or shame. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |