| A | B |
|---|
| depredate | v. to lay waste : PLUNDER, RAVAGE |
| punctilious | adj. marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions synonyms see CAREFUL |
| aphorism | n. a concise statement of a principle 2 : a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : ADAGE |
| surly | adj. Bad-tempered and unfriendly. |
| purloin | v. To steal |
| odium | n. : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance 2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt : DETESTATION 3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : OPPROBRIUM |
| officious | adj. volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor needed : MEDDLESOME |
| surreptitious | adj. done, made, or acquired by stealth : CLANDESTINE |
| circumspect | adj. careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : PRUDENT <diplomacy required a circumspect response> synonyms see CAUTIOUS |
| invective | n. an abusive expression or speech 2 : insulting or abusive language : VITUPERATION |
| pine | v. to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable <they still pined for their lost wealth> synonyms see LONG |
| obtuse | adj. lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect : INSENSITIVE, STUPID b : difficult to comprehend : not clear or precise in thought or expression synonyms see DULL |
| remonstrate | v. to present and urge reasons in opposition : EXPOSTULATE usually used with with transitive verb : to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition |
| platitude | n. : a banal, trite, or stale remark |
| supplicate | v. to ask humbly and earnestly of 2 : to ask for earnestly and humbly synonyms see BEG |
