| A | B |
|---|
| cynical | bitterly mocking |
| tyranny | absolute power…esp. when used unjustly or cruelly |
| falter | waver in confidence;hesitate;fail |
| apathy | lack of interest or emotion |
| obstinate | stubbornly inflexible |
| shrewd | astute; clever |
| perpetually | continually |
| impromptu | not rehearsed; spur of the moment |
| crucial | critical; of supreme importance |
| controversies | disputes |
| emboldened | encouraged; made brave |
| capitulated | gave up all resistance |
| lurking | exist concealed or unexpected |
| conciliatory | showing good-will; peace-making |
| impending | about to take place |
| unanimously | in complete agreement |
| solemnly | seriously; deeply earnest |
| contemptuously | scornfully |
| pension | a sum of money paid as a retirement benefit |
| simultaneously | happening at the same time |
