| accretion |
the process of gradual increase or growth, especially by additions from the outside. |
| banal |
lacking originality or liveliness; disappointingly ordinary; commonplace; trite. |
| blandishment |
(often plural) flattering or coaxing remarks or stratagems intended to persuade. |
| coddle |
to simmer in water that is almost at the boiling point. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| demulcent |
an oily or sticky substance used especially to soothe irritation in mucous membranes. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| erratic |
not expected or predicted; not regular. |
| facetious |
not serious; humorous or frivolous. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| liminal |
of or at the threshold of a physiological or psychological response or change of state. |
| mahatma |
(sometimes capitalized) in Buddhism and theosophy, any of a class of persons revered for their wisdom and love of humanity. |
| regicide |
the murderer of a king. |
| stickler |
one who must observe or conform to something (usually followed by "for"). |