| A | B |
|---|
| abyss | bottomless hole, a vast expanse or depth |
| acrid | caustic, bitter, harsh (relates sometimes to taste and smell) |
| acuity | sharpness of perception |
| baleful | destructive, deadly |
| cataclysm | an event or situation that causes a momentous change or upheaval |
| catharsis | a purification or purging of emotions that brings about spiritual renewal |
| dogma | a system of beliefs or principles |
| edifice | a very large building |
| enumerate | to count one by one |
| grate | to cause irritation |
| inertia | resistance to motion or action |
| inordinate | exceeding reasonable limits, excessive |
| luminous | shining, full of light |
| maudlin | overly sentimental |
| novice | a beginner |
| pique | resentment, irritation |
| propensity | preference, natural inclination |
| purse | to pucker or to tighten one's lips |
| refute | to disprove, to show as erroneous |
| remuneration | the act of paying for a service, loss, or expense |
| soothsayer | a person who is able to predict the future, seer |
| supple | easily bent, elastic, pliable |
| travail | difficult labor |
| understate | to show restraint or lack of emphasis |
| vibrant | full of life |
