| A | B |
|---|
| askance | with suspicion, distrust |
| attenuate | to weaken or lessen in force, intensity, or value |
| benign | forgiving, understanding; not malignant |
| cavil | to find fault in a petty way, carp |
| charlatan | one who feigns knowledge or ability |
| decimate | to kill or destroy a large part of |
| foible | a week point, failing |
| forgo | to do without, abstain from |
| fraught | accompanied by |
| inure | to toughen, harden |
| luminous | emitting or reflecting light |
| obsequious | marked by slavish attentiveness |
| obtuse | blunt, not coming to a point |
| oscillate | to swing back and forth with a steady rhythm; to fluctuate |
| penitent | regretful for one's sins or mistakes |
| peremptory | determined, resolute |
| rebuff | to repel, drive away; a curt rejection |
| reconnoiter | to make a preliminary inspection |
| shambles | a state of confusion; mess |
| sporadic | occuring at irregular intervals |
