| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| benign |
causing little or no harm. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| contretemps |
an embarrassing or unfortunate happening; mishap; mischance. |
| denigrate |
to deny the worth of; sneer at; belittle. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| fealty |
faithfulness or loyalty. |
| flout |
to show scorn or contempt for, especially by openly or deliberately disobeying. |
| hagiography |
an admiring and uncritical biography of anyone. |
| insinuate |
to suggest (something derogatory) subtly and indirectly. |
| modus operandi |
a method of accomplishing something; way of working. |
| neologism |
a new word, phrase, or usage. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| pusillanimous |
shamefully timid; cowardly. |
| sanguine |
having an optimistic temperament or outlook. |