| A | B |
|---|
| ameliorate | (v) to improve, make better, correct a flaw or shortcoming |
| interloper | (n) one who moves in where he or she is not wanted or has no right to be; an intruder |
| aplomb | (n) poise, assurance, great self- confidence; perpendicularity |
| bombastic | (adj) pompous or overblown in language; full of high sounding words intended to conceal lack of ideas |
| exhort | (v) to urge strongly, advise earnestly |
| intrinsic | (adj) belonging to someone or something by its very nature, essential, inherent; originating in a bodily organ or part |
| inveigh | (v) to make a violent attack in words, express strong disapproval |
| nominal | (adj) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously |
| peculate | (v) to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use |
| sangfroid | (n) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances |
| vitriolic | (adj) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid) |
| abominate | (v) to have an intense dislike or hatred for |
| wheedle | (v) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end |
| tenuous | (adj) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported |
| amorphous | (adj) shapeless, without definite form; of no particular type of character; without organization, unity, or cohesion |
| contraband | (n) illegal traffic, smuggled goods; (adj) illegal, prohibited |
| erudite | (adj) scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic |
| propensity | (n) a natural inclination or predilection toward |
| resilient | (adj) able to return to an original shape or form; able to recover quickly |
| insular | (adj) relating to, characteristic of, or situated on an island; narrow or isolated in outlook or experience |
| scurrilous | (adj) coarsely abusive, vulgar or low (especially in language), foul- mouthed |
