| canvass |
to conduct a survey of; poll. |
| circuitous |
having or taking a long and winding course or procedure; roundabout; indirect. |
| depersonalize |
to cause to lose individual identity or characteristics. |
| disparage |
to depreciate or belittle, especially in speech. |
| figurative |
not meant to be interpreted in a literal way; metaphorical. |
| languor |
lack of strength or energy; weakness or listlessness. |
| necessitate |
to make unavoidable; require. |
| notation |
a system of signs used to stand for numbers, words, or musical notes. |
| ossify |
to become inflexible or rigid, as in thought or behavior. |
| pivotal |
critically important or crucial; on which something is contingent. |
| preposterous |
totally unlikely, unbelievable, or senseless; absurd. |
| ricochet |
to bounce or skip off a surface at an angle; rebound. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |
| verdant |
green. |
| wean |
to cause to be free of a habit, activity, or the like, often by means of a distraction or substitute. |