| A | B |
|---|
| nepotism | favoritism shown to family or friends by those in power, especially in business or hiring practices |
| begrudge | to resent another's success; to envy |
| mandarin | an influential person; a member of an elite group |
| glutinous | gluey; sticky |
| enmity | deep-seated hostility, often mutual |
| declaim | to speak in a dramatic, impassioned, or blustering manner |
| imbue | to inspire or influence; to saturate |
| gaff | a pole with a large hook on one end |
| quaff | to drink in large quantities; to gulp |
| bibliophile | a lover of books |
| obtrude | to force oneself into a situation |
| licentious | lewd; immoral (often has a sexual connotation) |
| paucity | a lack; a scarcity; insufficiency |
| fatalistic | believing that all events in life are inevitable and determined by fate |
| pensive | dreamily thoughtful; reflective; meditative |
| lackadaisical | uninterested; listless |
| epigram | a witty saying expressing a single thought or observation; quip |
| amalgamate | to combine |
| beleaguer | to besiege by encircling (as with an army); to surround |
| felonious | pertaining to or constituting a major crime |
| ostentatious | marked by a conspicuous, showy or pretentious display |
| edifice | a large, elaborate structure; an imposing building |
| egalitarian | promoting equal rights for all people |
| chauvinist | one having a fanatical devotion with contempt for other beliefs |
| elude | to escape notice; to get away from |
| fallow | inactive; unproductive |
| blight | anything that destroys, prevents growth, or causes devaluation |
| denizen | an occupant; an inhabitant |
| fealty | obligated loyalty or faithfulness |
| entice | to attract by offering reward or pleasure |
| gratify | to please |
| efface | to obliterate |
| entity | anything having existence, either physical or mystical |
| bandy | to exchange words; to discuss casually |
| advocate | to recommend; to speak in favor of |
| obtrude | to force oneself into a situation |
